Snowy Walk Ombre Hat
The Snowy Walk Ombre Hat is a colorwork crochet hat perfect for advanced beginners. Since it’s worked in white and a contrasting color, this winter hat looks like snow is softly falling. Keep reading to learn more about this design, and to find the free pattern.
Inspiration
Most days I like to channel my inner Gilmore Girl. It doesn’t quite matter who it is — Lorelai, Rory, or Emily, but I start my days off guzzling several cups of coffee is true Gilmore fashion. Even though I’m the best at channeling Rory — snuggling up with a book, tucked away in a different world… when it comes to snow, I channel Lorelai. She’s famous for smelling the first snowflakes to flutter down each season, and taking a walk in the first snowfall regardless of the time of day.
Although, I don’t wake up in the middle of the night to walk through falling snow. But, as soon as the sun peeks out, I bundle up and head out for a walk in the new winter wonderland. This tradition of walking during the first snowfall of the season inspires the Snowy Walk Ombre Hat. I wanted to create a color work hat that looked as close to falling snow as possible.
Design
The Snowy Walk Ombre Hat is a tapestry crochet pattern. What is tapestry crochet? It is working two or more colors in one row, changing the colors frequently, and carrying the non-working yarn. No floats hanging out in the back. This beanie is worked in two parts. First, the band is crocheted in short rows, and sewn together. Second, the body of the hat is crocheted onto the band, and worked in the round.
This pattern uses a few different methods to make this hat.
- Center Single Crochet Stitch
- This stitch gives the beanie a knit-like look, and keeps the colors in their place.
- No Cut Join Method
- This is a way to join the round without creating a noticeable seam in the back.
- Changing Colors in Crochet
- Knowing at what step to change colors is key to getting those crisp color changes.
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Yarn + Substitutes
The Snowy Walk Ombre Hat uses a worsted weight (category 4) yarn — Loops & Threads Impeccable. Since this hat is beginner friendly, I wanted to use a beginner friendly yarn weight. The Loops & Threads Impeccable got the job done. Although, it’s not my favorite acrylic, worsted weight yarn.
You can substitute this yarn for any other worsted weight. Personally, I’d make it in Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek from Hobby Lobby, or Lion Brand Heartland. Whichever you choose, pick up two different colors to create the color work design. Whenever you change yarn in a crochet pattern, be sure to check your gauge!
Finished Sizes + Fit
This Snowy Walk Ombre Hat is designed for two sizes — Adult Medium, and Child. It is not designed to be a slouchy hat, but there will be a little room in the top of the hat. You can find both written patterns here in the blog post. If you’d like to upgrade to the premium PDF pattern which includes the color work charts, and photo tutorials, you can purchase the PDF pattern in either my Etsy Shop, or Ravelry Shop.
- Adult Size Final Measurements (fits a 21″ head)
- Band — 19″ long and 1.75″ wide
- Height without a pom pom — 8″
- Width — 10″
- Child Size Final Measurements (fits a 18″ head)
- Band — 17″ long and 1.75″ wide
- Height without a pom pom — 7″
- Width — 9″
PATTERN
Buy an ad-free, printable PDF in either my Etsy or Ravelry Shop.
Materials
- Yarn – Loops & Threads Impeccable, worsted weight #4 yarn (100% acrylic, 277 yds/253 m per 4.5 oz/127.5 g skein)
- Crochet Hooks – J/10 (6.00mm) & K/10.5 (6.50mm)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring Tape
Skill Level
Level 2 – Advanced Beginner
Notes
This pattern uses tapestry crochet techniques.
Carry the non-working yarn underneath the working yarn while crocheting the color work. When you change colors, pull the Contrasting Color (CC) forwards, and the Main Color (MC) backwards. This will prevent the yarn from tangling during the frequent color changes.
While working the body of the hat, crochet the CSC loosely. Crocheting too tight will cause the fabric to be stiff and small. If you crochet tight, I suggest going up a hook size.
Check your gauge BEFORE starting this pattern! If your gauge is stiff, the hat will be stiff.
Each round will be joined with the No Cut Join Method in the 1st stitch from the round.
DO NOT TURN at the end of a round.
Gauge
12 stitches and 17 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in CSC (center single crochet).
- Hook size to measure gauge is K/10.5 (6.50mm)
- Work the gauge in the round rather than in rows.
- Gauge swatch measurements are taken before blocking.
- Always check your gauge, and adjust hook size to obtain the correct gauge BEFORE starting
- this pattern.
Finished Sizes + Fit
The finished size of this hat is for an adult (21″ in circumference), or for a child (18″ in circumference). It will fit snug, but not too tight. This hat is not designed to be slouchy, but to be a little bulky at the top.
- Adult Size Final Measurements (fits a 21″ head)
- Band — 19″ long and 1.75″ wide
- Height without a pom pom — 8″
- Width — 10″
- Child Size Final Measurements (fits a 18″ head)
- Band — 17″ long and 1.75″ wide
- Height without a pom pom — 7″
- Width — 9″
Adjusting the Size of the Hat
If you need to adjust the Width of the hat, start by adding rows onto the band. Next, for each extra row, add one (1) extra CSC (center single crochet) stitch to the first round. Ex. The band has 70 rows. Then each round will have 70 stitches total.
If you need to adjust the Height of the hat, start by adding one (1) round after Round 2 and one (1) round after Round 30 (adult size) or Round 16 (child size). Refer to your gauge to determine how many more rounds you will need for your perfect height.
Adjusting the Color Work
If you’re adding stitches to the rounds, you will need to adjust the color work. This can be done as simply or as complex as you like. The simple version would be to alternate colors (AFTER all of the color work graph is completed) until the end of the round. The complex version would be to add onto the repeat pattern of the color work rounds. Take your total number of stitches per round and divide by 4. Take that number and subtract 16. The remainder is how many stitches will be added to the Repeat [….].
The free version of the Snowy Walk Ombre Pattern includes only the written instructions, and links to photo tutorials. You can purchase the premium PDF in my Etsy or Ravelry Shop.
Stitch Abbreviations
American (US) crochet terms used throughout.
- CH – chain
- SC – single crochet
- BLO – back loop only
- CSC – center single crochet
- CSC 2tog – center single crochet 2 together
- MC – Main Color
- CC – Contrasting Color
- ST(S) – stitch(es)
Special Stitches
This pattern features a few different stitches and methods to create it. Click on each link for a photo tutorial.
- Center Single Crochet Stitch
- This stitch gives the beanie a knit-like look, and keeps the colors in their place.
- No Cut Join Method
- This is a way to join the round without creating a noticeable seam in the back.
- Changing Colors in Crochet
- Knowing at what step to change colors is key to getting those crisp color changes.
Pattern Instructions
Child Size
Crochet the band :
With a 6.00mm hook, Ch 8 in MC.
Row 1 : SC in 2nd ch from hook. SC in each ch until end of row. Ch 1. Turn. (7 sts)
Row 2 : SC BLO in each st across. Ch 1. Turn (7 sts)
Rows 3 – 56 : Repeat Row 2.
Slip stitch the short ends together to create the band. Change your hook to 6.500mm.
Crochet the body :
Round 1 : Ch 1. SC in each row of the band. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 2 : Be sure to crochet the CSC loosely. CSC in each st around. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Now the color work begins! Watch the color changes carefully.
Round 3 : [CSC 6 MC, 1 CC, 7 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 4 : [CSC 3 MC, 1 CC, 6 MC, 1 CC, 3 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 5 : [CSC 5 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 1 CC, 3 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 6 : [CSC 1 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 1 CC, 4 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 7 : [CSC 1 CC, 4 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 8 : [CSC 2 MC, 2 CC, 2 MC, 2 CC, 2 MC, 2 CC, 2 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 9 : [CSC 1 MC, 2 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 2 CC, 3 MC, 2 CC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 10 : [CSC 2 CC, 1 MC, 2 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 3 CC, 2 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 11 : [CSC 1 MC, 3 CC, 2 MC, 3 CC, 2 MC, 3 CC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 12 : [CSC 3 CC, 1 MC, 4 CC, 2 MC, 3 CC, 1 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 13 : [CSC 1 MC, 4 CC, 1 MC, 4 CC, 1 MC, 3 CC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 14 : [CSC 7 CC, 1 MC, 5 CC, 1 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 15 : [CSC 3 MC, 1 CC, 10 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Round 16 : (continue with CC) CSC in each st in round. Join the round. Ch 1. (56 sts)
Rounds 17 – 26 : Repeat Round 16
Tie off and leave a long tail. Sew around the top of the hat (Round 26) and tightly pull together. Fasten off, and weave in the end. Weave in all other loose ends. Attach your favorite pom pom, or leave bare.
Adult Size
Create the band :
With a 6.00mm hook, Ch 8 in MC.
Row 1 : SC in 2nd ch from hook. SC in each ch until end of row. Ch 1. Turn. (7 sts)
Row 2 : SC BLO in each st across. Ch 1. Turn (7 sts)
Rows 3 – 64 : Repeat Row 2.
Slip stitch the short ends together to create the band. Change your hook to 6.500mm.
Create the body :
Round 1 : Ch 1. SC in each row of the band. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 2 : Be sure to crochet the CSC loosely. CSC in each st around. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Rounds 3-4 : Repeat Round 2.
Now the color work begins! Watch the color changes carefully.
Round 5 : [CSC 8 MC, 1 CC, 7 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 6 : [CSC 4 MC, 1 CC, 5 MC, 1 CC, 5 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 7 : [CSC 3 MC, 1 CC, 5 MC, 1 CC, 5 MC, 1 CC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 8 : [CSC 2 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 1 CC, 5 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 9 : [CSC 1 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 1 CC, 3 MC, 1 CC, 3 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 1 CC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 10 : [CSC 1 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 1 CC, 3 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 11 : [CSC 1 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC, 2 CC, 2 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 12 : [CSC 3 MC, 3 CC, 1 MC, 3 CC, 4 MC, 2 CC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 13 : [CSC 1 MC, 2 CC, 2 MC, 2 CC, 2 MC, 3 CC, 1 MC, 2 CC, 1 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 14 : [CSC 2 CC, 1 MC, 3 CC, 2 MC, 3 CC, 1 MC, 2 CC, 2 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 15 : [CSC 1 MC, 2 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC, 1 MC, 3 CC, 1 MC, 2 CC, 1 MC, 3 CC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 16 : [CSC 7 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC, 2 MC, 4 CC, 1 MC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 17 : [CSC 1 MC, 6 CC, 2 MC, 7 CC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 18 : [CSC 3 CC, 1 MC, 10 CC, 1 MC, 1 CC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 19 : [CSC 11 CC, 1 MC, 4 CC] Repeat […] 4 times. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Round 20 : (continue with CC) CSC in each st in the round. Join the round. Ch 1. (64 sts)
Rounds 21 – 30 : Repeat Round 20
Tie off and leave a long tail. Sew around the top of the hat (Round 30) and tightly pull together. Fasten off, and weave in the end. Weave in all other loose ends. Attach your favorite pom pom, or leave bare. Wear your beautiful new hat with pride!
The Best of 30 Days of Cozy
This pattern was originally published in 2019 as part of the 30 Days of Cozy hosted by Pam at Made With a Twist. Now, she’s hosting the BEST of 30 Days of Cozy from the last 4 years. I am honored the Snowy Walk Ombre Hat is making an appearance again on the 30 Days of Cozy this year.
For one day only, you can get the premium PDF copy of the Snowy Walk Ombre Hat for 50% Off retail price. Head to the Made With a Twist Blog to get the coupon code.
Then, come back here to pick which shop you’d like to purchase from.
The coupon code is valid from 12:00AM – 11:59PM CST (Oklahoma time) on Monday, October 18, 2021.
