The Nobby Nob Crochet Hat Pattern
The Nobby Nob Hat is a unique and playful vintage design, characterized by its oval crown, stylish streamers, and decorative “nobs.” Perfect for crochet enthusiasts, this pattern is both fun and rewarding to make, creating a hat with character and charm.
This is a vintage crochet pattern originally published in Bags and Hats Crocheted with Raphael Brand Gimp by Fraser Manufacturing Company in 1939. The pattern has entered the public domain as the original copyright was not renewed. I’ve modernized it using today’s crafting terms and made it more reader-friendly for modern crafters. You can read more about copyright essentials here.
Key Details
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Stitch Used: Single Crochet (SC)
- Finished Size: Adjustable
Materials
- Gimp: 5 tubes of “Raphael Brand Gimp” (or a modern substitute). You can read more about gimp and modern substitution suggestions here: What is Gimp?
- Milliner’s wire for structural support (1 coil)
The Nobby Nob Crochet Hat Pattern
Crown
- Foundation Chain: Ch 9.
- Row 1: SC in the second chain from the hook and in each of the next 6 chains, 3 SC in the last chain. Working on the opposite side of the chain, SC in each of the next 7 chains, 3 SC in the last chain.
- Rows 2–5: SC in each stitch, making 2 increases on each side and 3 SC in the center stitch at each end (8 increases per row).
- Rows 6–15: SC in each stitch with 6 evenly spaced increases in each row.
- Rows 16–25: SC in each stitch with 8 evenly spaced increases in each row.
- Rows 26–28: SC in each stitch without increasing. The crown should measure 8 inches in diameter across its narrowest part.
- Row 29 (Wire Row): SC in each stitch, working over the milliner’s wire for structure. Sew the ends of the wire together securely. Fasten off.
Side of Crown
- Rows 1–9: SC in each stitch without increasing or decreasing. The side of the crown should measure approximately 1¼ inches in depth.
- Row 10 (Wire Row): Work SC in each stitch, incorporating milliner’s wire as in Row 29 of the crown.
Under Crown
- Rows 1–7: SC in each stitch, making 6 evenly spaced decreases in each row. To decrease, insert the hook into the first stitch, pull through, insert into the next stitch, pull through, yarn over, and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.
- Row 8: SC in each stitch to within 1 inch of the center back. Ch 20, turn.
- Row 9: SC in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. SC in each stitch to within 1 inch of the center back on the other side. Ch 20, turn.
- Row 10: SC in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. SC in each stitch of the previous row. Ch 1, turn.
- Rows 11 and Onward: SC in each stitch until both streamers measure ¾ inch in width. Fasten off at the center front of the hat.
Assembly
- Cross the streamers at the back of the hat and tack the ends into loops, as shown in the original illustration.
Nobs
- Foundation Chain: Ch 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
- Row 1: SC 6 times into the ring.
- Row 2: SC twice into each stitch of the previous row (12 stitches).
- Row 3 and Onward: SC in each stitch, making 1 increase in every sixth stitch until there are 20 stitches in the round. Fasten off.
- Make 8 more nobs to match.
- Tack the nobs evenly around the crown for decoration.
The Nobby Nob Hat is a delightful and whimsical project that’s sure to stand out. Its distinctive shape, decorative nobs, and playful streamers make it a one-of-a-kind accessory. Enjoy crafting this charming hat, and share your finished piece with the crochet community!
Complete your stylish set by creating the matching La Mode Bag crochet pattern, designed to perfectly complement your Nobby Nob Hat. This free vintage-inspired bag pattern offers a chic and coordinated accessory for any occasion.
