Calder Cross Winter Hat: Free Crochet Pattern

Quick Snapshot

• Skill Level: Intermediate (post stitches, crossed stitches)
• Time: 5 hours
• Yarn: Worsted weight in charcoal, navy, or forest green

The Calder Cross is named for the criss-crossing post stitch cables that run up this winter hat. The result is a dense, warm fabric with dramatic texture.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn: Charcoal, Navy, or Forest Green (200 yds)
• Size H/5.0mm crochet hook
• Faux fur pom pom (optional, for crown)
• Yarn needle, scissors

Step-by-Step

The Brim

1. Ribbing: Ch 10. Sc in 2nd ch and across. (9 sts)
2. Work in BLO ribbing (ch 1, turn, sc in BLO across) until piece wraps around head comfortably (approx 20–22 inches).
3. Join short ends to form a band. Do not fasten off.

The Body

4. Round 1: Ch 1. Work sc evenly around the brim edge (approx 66 sts—multiple of 6). Join.
5. Set up pattern: The Calder Cross is a 6-stitch repeat worked over 4 rounds:
   • Round A: Skip 2 sts, FPdc around next 2 sts, working in front of those, FPdc around the 2 skipped sts, FPdc around next 2 sts. Repeat.
   • Round B: FPdc around each post stitch from previous round.
   • Rounds C–D: Repeat A–B.
6. Work the 4-round repeat until hat measures 7 inches from brim.

Crown Decreases

7. Decrease round 1: Cross 2 sts (as in Round A) but work FPdc2tog at the cross point, work remaining sts normally.
8. Decrease round 2: FPdc2tog every other pair.
9. Continue decreasing until 8 sts remain. Fasten off, cinch closed.

Finishing

10. Attach a faux fur pom pom to the crown for a polished finish.
11. Weave in all ends. Block the hat on a balloon or head form to open up the cable texture.

This hat is intentionally unisex. In charcoal, it’s a sharp men’s accessory. In forest green with a fur pom, it reads more feminine. Both look fantastic.

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