1930’s Crochet Hat The Bandbox – FREE Vintage Crochet Pattern

The bandbox hat
The bandbox hat

The Bandbox Hat Crochet Pattern

The Bandbox Hat is a stunning vintage-inspired design featuring the textured Star Stitch and an elegant draped band for a sophisticated finish. Perfect for those who enjoy intricate crochet work, this project makes a stylish and timeless accessory.

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: Advanced
  • Stitches Used: Slip Stitch (SL ST), Single Crochet (SC), Half Double Crochet (HDC), Star Stitch
  • Finished Size: Adjustable

Materials

  • Gimp: 4 tubes of “Raphael Brand Gimp” (or a modern substitute). You can read more about gimp and modern substitution suggestions here: What is Gimp?
  • Optional: Contrasting color of Gimp for the band fastener.

Special Stitches

Star Stitch:

Row 1:

  1. Yarn over, insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, and pull through.
  2. Yarn over, insert the hook into the first stitch of the previous row, and pull through.
  3. Yarn over, skip 1 stitch, insert the hook into the next stitch, and pull through.
  4. Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops on the hook. Ch 1 to close the star (this forms the “eye”).

Row 2 and Onward:

  1. Yarn over, insert the hook into the eye of the star just made, and pull through.
  2. Yarn over, insert the hook into the same stitch as the last one made, and pull through.
  3. Yarn over, insert the hook into the next eye, and pull through.
  4. Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops on the hook. Ch 1 to close the star.

To Increase: Insert the hook into the loop before the eye and work as above, adding an extra stitch for even shaping.

The Bandbox Crochet Pattern

Crown

  1. Foundation Chain: Ch 4 and join with a slip stitch (sl st) to form a ring.
  2. Row 1: SC 8 times into the ring.
  3. Row 2: SC twice into each stitch around (16 stitches).
  4. Row 3: SC in the first stitch, SC twice in the next stitch, SC in the next stitch. Repeat from * around.
  5. Row 4: SC in each stitch, making 8 evenly spaced increases in the row.
  6. Rows 5–19: Work in HDC, making 8 evenly spaced increases in each row until the crown measures approximately 6½ inches in diameter (152 stitches).
  7. Rows 20–30: Work 1 HDC in each stitch around.
  8. Row 31: SL ST in the first 13 stitches, HDC in the next 80 stitches, SL ST in the next 6 stitches, HDC in the next 46 stitches, SL ST in the last 7 stitches.
  9. Row 32: SL ST in the first 15 stitches, HDC in the next 76 stitches, SL ST in the next 10 stitches, HDC in the next 38 stitches, SL ST in the last 13 stitches.
  10. Row 33: SL ST in the first 16 stitches, HDC in the next 72 stitches, SL ST in the next 15 stitches, HDC in the next 28 stitches, SL ST in the last 20 stitches.
  11. Row 34: SL ST in the first 20 stitches, HDC in the next 66 stitches, SL ST in the next 21 stitches, HDC in the next 18 stitches, SL ST in the last 27 stitches.
  12. Row 35: Work SL ST across the row, picking up the back loop only. Fasten off.

Band

  1. Foundation Chain: Ch 140.
  2. Row 1: SC in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Ch 3, turn.
  3. Rows 2–5: Work Row 1 of the Star Stitch, making 10 evenly spaced increases in each row.
  4. Rows 6–10: Continue with the Star Stitch pattern without increasing. Ch 1, turn.
  5. Row 11: SC in the loop before the eye of the previous row, then SC in the eye. Repeat across.
  6. Row 12: SC in each stitch across. Fasten off.
  7. Work 1 row of SC across each end of the band. Drape and sew the band to the crown as illustrated in the original design.

Band Fastener

  1. Foundation Chain: Ch 21.
  2. Rows 1–6: SC in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Ch 1, turn after each row. Fasten off.
  3. Tack the fastener to the band as shown in the original illustration.

The Bandbox Hat’s timeless style and intricate details make it a rewarding project for advanced crocheters. Whether made for a special occasion or everyday wear, this hat is sure to turn heads. Enjoy creating your Bandbox Hat, and share your finished work with the crochet community!

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