Pussy Hat #5

Here is a crochet version of the pussy hat, you can think of this as a formula that you can adjust to your yarn thickness, hook size and head size.

This pattern will be worked from the bottom up so you can try it on and make it fit to your head.

Using Bulky yarn and 5.5 mm hook, chain 66 and join to the beginning to make a circle, we are going to crochet this in the round. (Wrap the foundation chain around your head and make sure it fits exactly. If not, add or subtract the number of chains necessary)

Row 1: Switch to a 5 mm hook (It might not be necessary to use the bigger hook for the foundation chain, so if you only feel like using one hook, it will probably be fine.) Chain 3, then double crochet in each of the chain loops around the ring. Join the first row with a slip stitch.

Row 2: Now here comes the tricky part. Chain 3, now you are going to double crochet around each of the posts of row one. So double crochet in the front around the first post, then double crochet in the back around the second post, then double crochet on the front around the 3rd post, and so on and so forth until the end of the row. Join with a slip stitch.

Here is a video that demonstrates the idea, skip to 3:20 to see the technique:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVuCMIegdvI 

Now put the hat on your head and decide if it's too tight or too loose. If it's not just right, rip it apart and start all over.

Row 3: Chain 3, double crochet the top of each stitch

Row 4: Chain 3, repeat row 2.

Row 5: Now you can decide if you want to single crochet, double crochet, or half double crochet. (I did half double crochet in my first hat, but I feel like it was a waste of yarn and will do double crochet the next time.) Chain 3, double crochet in the top of each stitch, join row with a slip stitch.

Try hat on again.

Row 6: Repeat row 5

Repeat row 5 until the hat is 4.25 or so, inches tall. At this point you should add in some decreases so that the ears are not ridiculously huge.

Let's assume you are doing double crochet. Double crochet 6, decrease, repeat until end of row.
Here is a video showing how to decrease a double crochet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWCY81hDGdY

How to decrease a half double crochet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M8jsExwjIk

Next row, Ch3, dc to end and join with slip stitch.

Next row, Ch3, dc 5, decrease, repeat until end, join with slip stitch.

Now you are just going to keep adding rows until the piece is 7 - 7.5 inches tall, then turn it inside out and stitch up the top with yarn and a darning needle. Or close it however you want. You might want to stitch it loosely, then try it on to see what it looks like. That way you can pull it apart, and add a third decrease row in there somewhere if you want even smaller ears (the smaller the cuter).

Let me know if you have any questions.

Good Luck Rachel!! I want pics!!