Crochet Fan Stitch Beanie – Beginner Friendly & Free
Have you ever wanted to make your own winter hat but thought it was too difficult? The Free Crochet Fan Stitch Beanie Pattern is perfect for people who want something easy, stylish, and fun to create. Even if you have never crocheted a hat before, this pattern is simple to follow, making it the right choice for both beginners and anyone looking for a quick, satisfying project. The fan stitch gives the beanie a unique and interesting texture, so you will enjoy the process and feel proud of what you make.
What Makes This Beanie Special
One of the best features of this pattern is its beautiful details. The fan stitch adds a playful and pretty design, while the ribbed edge helps your beanie stay snug and comfortable on your head. You can use a single color for a classic look, or try two different colors to make your beanie stand out. The pattern uses basic crochet stitches, like single crochet, double crochet, and some post stitches, so it is easy to learn as you go. With just a few small changes, you can use this same pattern to make matching scarves, cute headbands, or cozy wrist warmers-making it a really versatile design.
Possible Challenges and Simple Solutions
Some people find it tricky to keep the starting chain untwisted; take your time and check before you join it. If the fan stitches feel tight or uneven, loosen your tension a little for smoother stitches. If you notice you have lost count or made an error, use your stitch marker and count your stitches at the end of each round. Slight mistakes can often be fixed by undoing just one round, so do not worry.
Finishing and Size Tips
To get the perfect size, start with 78 chains for an average adult beanie, and add or subtract groups of 13 for different sizes. As you finish your last rounds, follow the decrease instructions to close up the top of the hat neatly. Add a yarn pom-pom on top if you like for extra style.
Ribbed Fan Stitch Beanie Crochet Pattern
Materials List
- Yarn: Icyan "Gong Kayan" (100g ≈ 300m), or similar #2 fine/light DK yarn
- Amount: Approx. 100g (one skein, or as needed for bigger sizes)
- Hook: 3.0 mm (US D-3)
- Notions: Stitch marker, yarn needle, scissors, optional: Pom-pom maker
Skill Level
Intermediate
(Works best if you are familiar with working in the round, post stitches, and basic decreasing.)
Key Abbreviations (US Terminology)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| fpdc | front post double crochet |
| bpdc | back post double crochet |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| dec | single crochet decrease (sc2tog or sc3tog) |
Special Note:
"Long DC" or "fan stitch": An elongated double crochet, pulled up to create a loose fan shape (see instructions).
Special Notes
- Pattern is written in US crochet terms.
- Finished beanie: ~9" wide (circumference ~18"), 8" tall (customizable).
- Adjust width by starting chain: Use any multiple of 13.
- Best effect with two colors (optional for color changes).
- Highlighted "long double crochets/fan stitch" for textured sections.
Pattern
Step 1: Foundation Chain
- Make a slip knot and ch 78. (Or any multiple of 13 for desired width.)
- You can make the beanie bigger or smaller by increasing or decreasing the starting chain, just keep it a multiple of 13 for the stitch pattern.
- Join to work in the round: Carefully make sure not to twist the chain, then sl st to the first ch to form a ring.
Simplified: You are making a long chain and joining it into a big loop-the base for your beanie.
Step 2: Beanie Ribbing
- Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch), dc in same ch as join, then dc in each ch around.
- Join with a sl st to the first dc (not to the ch-3).
Simplified: Work one double crochet into each chain, all the way around. Join carefully to keep a smooth edge.
Step 3: Post Stitch Ribbing
- Ch 3 (does not count as stitch).
- Alternate fpdc and bpdc around:
- fpdc into the next st, bpdc into the next, repeat (fpdc, bpdc) around.
- Join with a sl st to the first fpdc.
Beginner Tip:
Front and back post stitches create ribbing for a stretchy, snug brim.
- Repeat the post stitch row once more: Ch 3, fpdc into fpdc, bpdc into bpdc all the way around. Join as before.
Simplified: For two ribbed rows, always do front-post on front-post, back-post on back-post. It makes the bottom edge stretchy.
Step 4: Marking for Continuous Rounds
- Ch 1, sc in same st, place marker in this sc. You will now work in continuous rounds (spiral).
- Sc in each st around.
Simplified: Mark your round's beginning. Do not join at the end of each round-crochet around and around in a spiral, always starting from the marked single crochet.
Step 5: Fan Stitch Section (Long Double Crochets)
Pattern repeat for the fan section:
- Sc in next 2 sts.
- Skip 5 sts, in the 6th st: Make 11 long double crochets (pull up each dc tall/loose).
- Skip 5 sts, sc in next 2 sts.
- Repeat: [Skip 5, make 11 long dc (fan) in next stitch; skip 5, sc in next 2]. Continue around until round is complete.
Simplified:
This forms textured 'fans'. Each set of fans is separated by two sc sections. If you started with 78 ch, you'll finish the round with 6 fans and 6 sc pairs.
Step 6: Back Post SC Row (Setting Fans)
- Work back post single crochet (bpsc) into each long dc of the fan (go around the whole post from back to front), and regular sc into each sc between fans.
- Always move up the stitch marker to the first st of each round.
Simplified:
This row locks the shape of the fans and gives a neat, defined look to the panel.
Step 7: Plain Single Crochet Rounds
- Work 4 rounds: Sc in every stitch around (move marker up as you go).
- Beginner Tip: Each round after the fan section is just a circle of single crochets. Nothing fancy-just sc in every st for a smooth area between fans.
Step 8: Insert Sunburst Single Crochet
In the following round:
- Sc in the first 8 sts.
- Find the central (6th) long dc in the previous fan: Insert hook under both loops, pull up a loop, and complete a sc.
- Skip the next sc, then sc in next 12 sts,
Repeat this: [Sunburst sc in central long dc of fan, skip 1, sc in next 12]. - Continue all the way around. The round ends with 4 sc after the last sunburst, to reach the starting point.
Simplified:
You're pinning the center of each "fan" down for a dimensional look, with groups of sc in between.
Step 9: Single Crochet Round
- Work one round where you sc in every st around (move the stitch marker up).
Simple: Just to keep the hat even and neat.
Step 10: Repeat Body Pattern
- Repeat from the 'Fan Stitch Section' (Step 5) through 'Single Crochet Round' (Step 9) until your beanie measures about 1 inch less than desired length.
- In the example, the pattern repeat was worked four times for an 8" hat, but you can make it longer by adding repeats.
Tip:
Change color at the start of any repeat for a two-tone look.
Step 11: Shaping the Crown (Decreases)
Decrease Round 1:
- Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog (single crochet two together), repeat around.
- Move marker to first st of new round.
2:
- Sc in next 2 sts, sc3tog (single crochet three together), repeat around.
3:
- Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog, repeat around.
- When you have only a small hole at the top, cut a long tail.
Simplified:
These decrease rounds shrink the top of your beanie. Continue until too tight to continue easily, then finish off.
Step 12: Closing the Top
- Thread the yarn needle with the yarn tail.
- Weave through the tops of all remaining stitches in a zig-zag manner, then pull tight to cinch closed.
- Secure yarn with extra stitches and knots inside the beanie, then weave in ends.
Simplified:
Sew through the last stitches, pull them like a drawstring, and knot to keep the opening shut.
Step 13: (Optional) Attach Pom-pom
- Add a handmade or store-bought pom-pom on the closed top for extra style.
Conclusion
You have completed a textured fan stitch beanie with neat ribbing and a dimensional body. The pattern's modular repeat lets you customize the height, and the width is easily changed by adjusting your starting chain (just keep it a multiple of 13!). Try color changes for striking effects.
Pattern Corrections & Tips
- Fan stitch too tight? Be sure to pull up plenty of yarn for the elongated dc stitches.
- Top hole won't close? Add an extra round of sc2tog if your fabric is stiff or leave a smaller opening for a big pom-pom.
- Use stitch markers! Essential for spiral-round construction.
Expert tip: Always count stitches in the fan/skip sequence to avoid offset patterns.