Double Crochet Beanie

I decided it was time to post a pattern. The pattern I decided on is for a super easy double crocheted hat. I use this beanie as a basis for a lot of my animal hats. The pattern should make a hat to fit a two year old. This is my first pattern so if there is any confusion please comment.

Gauge: 4 Dc =11/2"
Hook Size: H/8-5.00mm
Medium Worsted Yarn #4

Abbreviations:
Ch-Chain
Slst-Slip Stitch
Dc-Double Crochet
Rnd-Round
St-Stitch
*Repeat pattern until end of round*

To start hat:
-Chain 5, Slst in 1st chain to join. (will form a ring) Ch 3

Rnd 1
-11 Dc in center of ring, Slst in top of 3rd Ch to join. Ch 3 and turn

This is the very top of the hat. The next few rounds will be widening the hat.

Rnd 2
-2 Dc in next St from Ch. *Repeat until end of the rnd.* 1 Dc in last st. Slst in top of 3rd Ch to join. Ch 3 (24St, 2 1/2")

Rnd 3
-*1 Dc in next St next to Ch, 2 Dc in next St, 1 Dc in next St.* 1 Dc in last St. Slst in top of 3rd Ch to join. Ch 3 (34 St, 3 1/2")

Rnd 4
-Repeat last rnd. (50 st, 5")

Rnd 5
-*1 Dc in next 5 St from Ch, 2 Dc in next St, 1 Dc in next 5 St.* 1 Dc in last St. Slst in top of 3rd Ch to join. Ch 3 (58 st, 5 3/4")

At this point the beanie will resemble a plate. Don't worry the next rounds it will start to work its way down.

Rnd 6

-1 Dc in St next to Ch. 1 Dc in each remaining St until end of rnd. Slst in top of 3rd Ch to join. Ch 3

By doing just 1 Dc in each stitch the hat should no longer get bigger. It should just go straight down.

Rnd 7-12

-Repeat last rnd to finish hat.

To finish hat:

-At the end of rnd 12 slst to 3rd Ch. Pull yarn through until there is a loop about 4" long. Cut yarn at top of loop and pull yarn still connected to the skein out of loop. Take the loose end attached to the hat and tie a knot in it as close to the hat as possible. Then take the yarn and weave it back through the hat.

Finished hat

As I said before this is the base for my animal beanies. These hats are cute alone or things can be added to them.

My black bear and dog.

-Nicole