Side-to-Side Checkerboard Crochet Hat Pattern Free: Easy Colorblock Beanie

Checkerboard beanies are an instant standout in any handmade wardrobe, and this Side-to-Side Checkerboard Crochet Hat Pattern makes two-color checkwork surprisingly simple. Instead of working in the round with complicated decreases at the crown, you crochet the entire hat as a flat side-to-side rectangle in 4-stitch by 2-row blocks—using double crochet (dc) along the main body and cuff, then stepping down to half double crochet (hdc) and single crochet (sc) over the top 8 stitches so the crown cinches closed smoothly without bulky gathers.

How Graduated Stitch Heights Shape the Crown Automatically

When you crochet a side-to-side beanie solely in double crochet, the top of the rectangle has the exact same thickness as the brim—leaving a thick puckered bunch when you cinch the crown shut. By working the top two 4-stitch squares in hdc and sc on every row, those upper blocks are shorter and thinner than the dc body squares, creating a natural wedge taper at the top of the hat.

Materials & Complete Family Size Chart

• Contrast A: 1 ball Bernat® Super Value™ in Peony Pink (53417) (98 yds for 4/6 yrs; 122 yds for 8/10 yrs).
• Contrast B: 1 ball Bernat® Super Value™ in Oatmeal (53010) (89 yds for 4/6 yrs; 112 yds for 8/10 yrs).
• Hook: Size U.S. H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook.
• Notions: Blunt yarn needle and scissors.

Because each checkerboard column is 4 stitches wide (a multiple of 8 stitches for a full A+B pair), you can easily chain an extra 8 stitches to make an Adult Small/Medium or Adult Large hat:

Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)

• Beg = Beginning
• Ch = Chain(s) (Note: Ch 2 at beg of row does not count as a stitch)
• Dc = Double crochet
• Hdc = Half double crochet
• Pat = Pattern
• Rep = Repeat
• RS = Right side
• Sc = Single crochet
• St(s) = Stitch(es)

Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions

Notes: Ch 2 at the beginning of a row does not count as a stitch. The hat is worked flat from side to side.

Part 1: Side-to-Side Checkerboard Panel

1. Foundation Chain: With Contrast A (Peony Pink), ch 33 (41).
2. Row 1 (RS – Crown to Brim): With A, work 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, and 1 sc in each of next 3 ch. With B (Oatmeal), work 1 hdc in each of next 4 ch. *With A, work 1 dc in each of next 4 ch. With B, work 1 dc in each of next 4 ch. Repeat from * to end of row. Turn. (32 [40] sts)
3. Row 2 (WS – Brim to Crown): With B, ch 2. With B, work 1 dc in each of first 4 dc. With A, work 1 dc in each of next 4 dc. *With B, work 1 dc in each of next 4 dc. With A, work 1 dc in each of next 4 dc. Repeat from * to last 8 sts. With B, work 1 hdc in each of next 4 hdc. With A, work 1 sc in each of next 4 sc. Turn.
4. Row 3 (RS – Shifted Check Row 1): With B, ch 1. Work 1 sc in each of first 4 sc. With A, work 1 hdc in each of next 4 hdc. *With B, work 1 dc in each of next 4 dc. With A, work 1 dc in each of next 4 dc. Repeat from * to end of row. Turn.
5. Row 4 (WS – Shifted Check Row 2): With A, ch 2. With A, work 1 dc in each of first 4 dc. With B, work 1 dc in each of next 4 dc. *With A, work 1 dc in each of next 4 dc. With B, work 1 dc in each of next 4 dc. Repeat from * to last 8 sts. With A, work 1 hdc in each of next 4 hdc. With B, work 1 sc in each of next 4 sc. Turn.
6. Row 5 (RS): With A, ch 1. Work 1 sc in each of first 4 sc. With B, work 1 hdc in each of next 4 hdc. *With A, work 1 dc in each of next 4 dc. With B, work 1 dc in each of next 4 dc. Repeat from * to end of row. Turn.
7. Row 6 (WS): Work as Row 2.
8. Repeat for Circumference: Repeat Rows 3 to 6 for the Check Pattern until work from the beginning measures 18 (20)” [45.5 (51) cm], ending on a 4th or 6th row of the pattern so the starting and ending checks alternate cleanly. Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail for seaming.

Part 2: Crown Cinching & Back Seam

1. Cinch the Crown: Thread the long yarn tail onto your yarn needle, weave in and out through the side edges of the single crochet (sc) rows along the top of the hat, and pull tightly to cinch the crown closed. Secure with a few stitches.
2. Sew Back Seam: Matching each 2-row checkerboard square from top to bottom, whipstitch or mattress-stitch the back seam closed. Remember to reverse the seam on the lower 2.5 inches if you want the seam hidden on the inside of the folded cuff!

Tips for Crisp Two-Color Check Squares

• Complete Every 4th Stitch with the New Color: On the 4th stitch of any block, stop when two loops remain on your hook, yarn over with the next color, and pull through to finish the stitch. That ensures the top loop of the next stitch already matches the new square.
• Snug Gently Before Switching: When carrying the non-working yarn strand across the row, give it a gentle tug every 4 stitches so no loops peek through between the pink and oatmeal blocks.