Welcome to my crochet corner! Today, I’m excited to share a fun and subtly whimsical project that’s perfect for beginners: the Crochet Cactus Hat.
This adorable crochet ribbed beanie is a simple, green hat with a pop of personality, thanks to the soft pink pom pom on top that mimics a blooming cactus flower. The ribbed texture gives the hat a unique, cactus-like feel, adding just the right amount of definition—though, let’s be honest, it's missing only the spikes to complete the look! This beanie is not only cute, but also an easy crochet hat for beginners, making it a great project to try if you’re new to crocheting.
What makes this hat extra special is its versatility. You can easily customize it with different color combinations to suit your personal style. Plus, with a homemade pom pom (made with a pom pom maker), this project is even more fun and rewarding.
If you love creating ribbed designs, don’t miss my other patterns, including the crochet frog beanie and the crochet bear beanie. Both are perfect for anyone looking to expand their crochet skills and explore new ways to enhance their beanie designs.
So grab your yarn and hook, and let's get started on your new favorite crochet accessory!
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✏️ Things To Note:
- Ribbed Texture: The main feature of this hat is its ribbed design, which gives it a subtle cactus-like appearance. The ribbing adds texture and makes it a great project for beginners looking to try something beyond basic stitches.
- Customization: This crochet cactus hat is super versatile! You can experiment with different shades of green to create a more distinct cactus effect, or even try other colors for a fun, creative twist. You can also adjust the size to fit kids, teens, or adults by simply adding or subtracting rows.
- Pom Pom Placement: The pink pom pom on top is meant to mimic a cactus flower. If you want to get really creative, you can experiment with different colors or even make a few mini pom poms for a "cluster" effect. Make sure to use a pom pom maker to get a nice, fluffy finish!
🪡 Materials Needed
- Pound of Love - olive
- Pink yarn (any kind will work, I used a ball of scrap pink)
- 5.5mm hook
- Tapestry needle
- Pom pom maker
💭Abbreviations to Remember (US terms)
- Chains (ch)
- Half double crochet (hdc)
- Back loop only (blo)
🧋Variations
- Add Your Own Touches: The overall design of the crochet green beanie is minimalist, but you can add spikes or little decorative elements if you want to enhance the cactus vibe. Embellishments like small crochet flowers, leaves, or even tiny crocheted spikes would make it even more fun!
🍵Instructions for Crochet Cactus Hat
The crochet cactus hat is made in rows.
Row 1: Ch x41, turn
Row 2: In the second chain from the hook, make a hdc. Continue to make hdc for the rest of the row. (40) At the end of the row, ch x1 and turn. (The ch is a turning ch, you will be making these every row but do not work in them!)
Row 3: In blo, hdc for the entire row (40). Ch x1 and turn
Row 4-44: Repeat row 3 (40). Ch x1 and turn.
Use more or less rows depending on the size of hat you are trying to achieve.
Before fastening off the yarn you want to fold the rectangle in half and then sew it shut.
After the side of the hat has been sewn shut, take the yarn and cinch the top of the hat shut. Fasten off and weave in the end.
Once that is done, flip the hat inside out so now the sewn edges are on the inside of the hat.
How to Make a Pompom
You want to assemble your pompom maker using the instructions provided with your specific pompom maker. Then wrap the pink yarn on both the top and bottom of the pompom maker.
Once it is tightly wound, close the pompom maker and cut the yarn. Do not open the pompom maker. Tie a string down the center of the pompom like you are slicing it in half. Tie it as tight as you can.
Once you feel like your pom pom is secured, carefully take the pom pom maker off of the pom pom. Since you cut all the yarn it should be no issue. Then trim any longer yarn ends.
With your needle, secure the pompom to the top of the hat using the yarn you used to tie the pompom together.
Weave in any ends.
Thanks so much for checking out my crochet cactus hat! I hope you enjoyed making this fun, cozy accessory as much as I did. It’s the perfect way to add a little charm to your winter wardrobe while showing off your crochet skills.
If you’re looking for something a bit more elegant and a little more challenging, be sure to check out my Crochet Bead Stitch Hat. It’s the perfect project for anyone ready to take their crochet to the next level, with a beautiful texture and sophisticated design that will make any outfit shine.
Happy crocheting, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on Instagram! I can’t wait to see what you make next.
🐌Expert Tips
- Tension: Ribbing has a natural elasticity, which is key for a snug fit. Keep your tension even to ensure the beanie has the right amount of stretch. If your stitches are too tight, the hat may not stretch enough, and if they’re too loose, the hat may be too loose and lose its shape. If you find your tension too tight or uneven, consider going up one hook size for a looser feel or adjusting how tightly you hold the yarn.
🧵Pattern FAQs
When you're finished with the body of your ribbed beanie, you'll need to seam the side together. Use a whip stitch to sew, or if you want to crochet make slip stitches or single crochet stitches to join the two edges. Make sure the ribbing lines up evenly to keep the texture consistent.
Yes you can! You can even use a green tweed yarn with white specks to create a more cactus looking hat!
Yes, crochet hats can definitely be warm, especially if made with the right materials and construction. Like using acrylic yarn and using tight but stretchy stitches like half double crochet or the moss stitch.
🧶More Winter Crochet Patterns
If you tried this Crochet Cactus Hat (or any other pattern on my website), please let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I'd love to hear from you!
Crochet Cactus Hat
Materials
- Pound of Love - olive
- Pink yarn any kind will work, I used a ball of scrap pink
- 5.5 mm hook
- Tapestry needle
- Pom pom maker
Abbreviations (US terms)
- Chains - ch
- Half double crochet - hdc
- Back loop only - blo
Notes
- Ribbed Texture: The main feature of this hat is its ribbed design, which gives it a subtle cactus-like appearance. The ribbing adds texture and makes it a great project for beginners looking to try something beyond basic stitches.
- Customization: This crochet cactus hat is super versatile! You can experiment with different shades of green to create a more distinct cactus effect, or even try other colors for a fun, creative twist. You can also adjust the size to fit kids, teens, or adults by simply adding or subtracting rows.
- Pom Pom Placement: The pink pom pom on top is meant to mimic a cactus flower. If you want to get really creative, you can experiment with different colors or even make a few mini pom poms for a "cluster" effect. Make sure to use a pom pom maker to get a nice, fluffy finish!
Instructions
- The crochet cactus hat is made in rows.
- Row 1: Ch x41, turn
- Row 2: In the second chain from the hook, make a hdc. Continue to make hdc for the rest of the row. (40) At the end of the row, ch x1 and turn. (The ch is a turning ch, you will be making these every row but do not work in them!)
- Row 3: In blo, hdc for the entire row (40). Ch x1 and turn
- Row 4-44: Repeat row 3 (40). Ch x1 and turn.
- Use more or less rows depending on the size of hat you are trying to achieve.
- Before fastening off the yarn you want to fold the rectangle in half and then sew it shut.
- After the side of the hat has been sewn shut, take the yarn and cinch the top of the hat shut. Fasten off and weave in the end.
- Once that is done, flip the hat inside out so now the sewn edges are on the inside of the hat.
How to Make a Pompom
- You want to assemble your pompom maker using the instructions provided with your specific pompom maker. Then wrap the pink yarn on both the top and bottom of the pompom maker.
- Once it is tightly wound, close the pompom maker and cut the yarn. Do not open the pompom maker. Tie a string down the center of the pompom like you are slicing it in half. Tie it as tight as you can.
- Once you feel like your pom pom is secured, carefully take the pom pom maker off of the pom pom. Since you cut all the yarn it should be no issue. Then trim any longer yarn ends.
- With your needle, secure the pompom to the top of the hat using the yarn you used to tie the pompom together.
- Weave in any ends.
- Thanks so much for checking out my crochet cactus hat! I hope you enjoyed making this fun, cozy accessory as much as I did. It’s the perfect way to add a little charm to your winter wardrobe while showing off your crochet skills.
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