The Bouclé Hat is a beautiful and versatile accessory that combines vintage charm with timeless elegance. Its textured crown, flared brim, and decorative details create a striking silhouette, perfect for both casual and formal occasions. The structured brim, reinforced with millinery wire, adds sophistication and durability, while the optional twisted cords and metallic trim offer opportunities for creative personalization.
Originally crafted in the mid-20th century, this design reflects the era’s appreciation for intricate handcrafting and attention to detail. The bouclé texture of the yarn adds depth and interest to the simple yet refined shape, while the decorative elements elevate the design to something truly special. The careful balance of function and style makes this hat a classic piece that remains relevant in modern fashion.
This updated pattern provides clear instructions and simplifies the original design, making it accessible to today’s crocheters. Whether you follow the traditional look or add your own creative touches, the Bouclé Hat is a rewarding project that showcases the artistry of crochet while offering a chic and practical accessory for your wardrobe.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Hats by Beehive Knitted and Crocheted (1950’s era). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are ©Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2024. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
What Does Bouclé Mean?
Bouclé is a term derived from the French word bouclé, which means “curled” or “looped.” It has a few different meanings depending on the context:
- Textiles and Fashion:
- In fabric, bouclé refers to a type of material with a looped or curly surface texture. It is commonly used to describe fabrics like bouclé, which is a textured yarn or fabric that has small loops and a slightly rough feel. This material is often associated with classic fashion pieces like Chanel-style jackets.
- The term can also describe the characteristic curly or looped finish of a specific type of wool or synthetic fabric.
- Hair Styling:
- In hair, Bouclé may refer to a curled or wavy hairstyle, emphasizing a natural, looped texture.
You can read more about Bouclé fabric in our Bouclé fabric guide.
Key Details
- Type: Crocheted hat with a wide, structured brim and decorative twisted cords and trim.
- Size: Head size 22 inches.
- Gauge: 7 single crochets (sc) and 8 rows = 1 inch.
- Features: Textured crown, flared brim with millinery wire reinforcement, decorative trim with metallic thread, and twisted cords tied at the back.
Materials
- Yarn: 3 oz of bouclé-style DK weight yarn.
- Hook: Steel crochet hook, US No. 2 (2.25 mm).
- Trimmings:
- 31 inches of heavy millinery wire.
- ½ yard of grosgrain ribbon (1 inch wide).
- 1 spool of metallic thread.
- Optional: Twisted cords for decorative bows.
- Other Tools: Scissors, tapestry needle for finishing.
Pattern
Crown
- Foundation: Chain 4, join with a slip stitch (sl st) to form a ring.
- Round 1: Work 8 single crochets (sc) into the ring. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Round 2: Work 2 sc into each sc (16 sc total).
- Round 3: Work 1 sc into each sc.
- Round 4: (Work 1 sc into the first sc, 2 sc into the next sc); repeat from * to end of round (32 sc total).
- Continue working in this pattern, alternating even rounds (1 sc in each stitch) with increase rounds as follows:
- Round 7: (1 sc in the first sc, 2 sc in the next sc); repeat around (48 sc total).
- Round 10: (1 sc in each of the next 2 sc, 2 sc in the next sc); repeat around (72 sc total).
- Repeat even rounds for three rows between each increase round until the diameter of the circle measures 6½ inches. The edge should measure 1 inch less than the desired head size.
- Continue in sc without increasing until the hat measures 6 inches from the center to the outer edge. Break yarn and weave in ends.
Brim
- Foundation Row: With the right side facing, join yarn 16 stitches to the right of the marked center front of the crown.
- Work the following rows:
- Row 1: (1 sc in the first stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch); repeat 16 times, then work 1 sc in the last stitch (49 stitches total). Turn.
- Row 2: Work 1 sc in each stitch to the last stitch, 2 sc in the last stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 5 crown stitches. Turn.
- Rows 3–8: Repeat Row 2.
- Row 9: Repeat Row 2, increasing every 12th stitch.
- Continue working in this manner until the brim at the center front is 2 inches deep.
Wire Reinforcement
- Overlap the ends of the wire by 2 inches to create a circle measuring 29 inches. Sew securely.
- Lay the wire along the final row of the brim. Work 1 round of sc over the wire, ensuring it is fully encased. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Trim
- Decorative Chain: Chain 10 inches.
- Row 1: Work 4 double crochets (dc) into the 4th chain from the hook. Work 4 dc into each remaining chain. Chain 2, turn.
- Row 2: (Work 2 dc in the first stitch, 1 dc in the next stitch); repeat to the end of the row. Fasten off.
- Row 3: Join metallic thread. (Work 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, chain 3, slip stitch into the 3rd chain from the hook to create a picot, skip the next stitch); repeat to the end of the row. Fasten off.
- Twisted Cords: Cut six lengths of yarn, each 40 inches long. Twist tightly, fold in half, and twist again in the opposite direction. Knot the loose ends to secure. Create two cords.
Assembly
- Sew the grosgrain ribbon to the lower inside edge of the crown to create a neat finish.
- Attach the decorative trim to the front of the crown, sewing lightly in place.
- Sew the twisted cords under the trim on each side, tying them into small bows at the back.
The Bouclé Hat is a charming and versatile design that pairs vintage style with modern functionality. Its textured crown and structured brim provide timeless elegance, while the decorative trim and optional cords allow for creative customization. Whether worn casually or as a statement piece, this hat is a delightful addition to any wardrobe.
