The Crocheted Pillbox Hat is a stylish and structured accessory that exemplifies the elegance of mid-century fashion. Its textured popcorn stitch and timeless pillbox shape make it both a sophisticated and versatile addition to any wardrobe. Designed with practicality in mind, this hat is lightweight, easy to craft, and fits comfortably, ensuring both style and function.
The hallmark of this design is its intricate popcorn stitch pattern, which adds a delightful texture and depth to the hat’s band. The simplicity of its circular crown contrasts beautifully with the detailed stitching, offering a balance that feels modern while honoring its vintage roots. Perfect for formal events or as a statement piece for everyday wear, this hat embodies the grace of the 1950s with a contemporary twist.
By customizing the color, yarn, or adding decorative embellishments such as a brooch or bow, you can make this timeless hat truly your own. Whether you’re recreating it as a homage to vintage fashion or adapting it to suit a more modern aesthetic, the Crocheted Pillbox Hat offers endless opportunities for personalization and creative expression.
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.lic domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
The Crocheted Pillbox Hat
Materials
- 3 ply BEEHIVE FINGERING, PATONISED, 3 ozs.
- One No. 0 Steel Crochet Hook (American Gauge)
- 25 ½ inches Millinery Wire
- ¾ yard Grosgrain Ribbon (1 inch wide)
Head Size
22 inches
Instructions
Crown (Worked with Double Wool)
- Wind 1 oz. of yarn into 2 balls, then wind these 2 balls together to create 1 ball of double yarn.
- Foundation Ring: Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
- Round 1: Work 7 single crochet into the ring.
- Round 2: Work 2 single crochet into each single crochet from the previous round. (14 stitches)
- Round 3: Work 2 single crochet in the first stitch, 1 single crochet in the next. Repeat from * to end of round. (21 stitches)
- Increasing Rounds: Continue in single crochet, increasing evenly as needed to keep the work flat and round. Ensure you do not increase directly above a previous increase. Continue until the work measures 7 ½ inches in diameter. The outer edge should measure 1 inch more than the desired head size.
- Even Round: Work 1 round evenly in single crochet.
- Slip stitch into the next stitch, fasten off, and break yarn. Press carefully with a damp cloth and warm iron.
Band (Worked with Single Wool)
- With the wrong side of the crown facing, join single yarn and proceed as follows:
- Round 1: Single crochet in the next stitch, make a popcorn stitch in the following stitch. Repeat from * to end of the round. Join to the first single crochet with a slip stitch. Turn work.
- Round 2: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch from the previous round. Join to the first stitch with a slip stitch. Turn work.
- Round 3: Popcorn stitch in the first single crochet, single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * to end of the round, ensuring popcorn stitches fall between those of the previous round. Join with a slip stitch and turn.
- Round 4: Work as Round 2.
- Repeat these 4 rounds twice, then work Rounds 1 and 2 once more. The popcorn portion should now measure approximately 2 ⅜ inches. Do not turn at the end of the last round.
Finishing the Band
- Adjust Size: Work 1 round in single crochet, skipping every 20th stitch to reduce the circumference to the desired head size.
- Work 1 even round in single crochet. Fasten off.
- Fold the last 4 rounds of single crochet inward to create a headband. Tack lightly to secure.
Assembly
- Wire the Crown: Form the millinery wire into a circle (25 ½ inches) by overlapping the ends by 2 inches. Sew securely to form the circle.
- Attach the Wire: Sew the wire to the wrong side of the crown along the last row of single crochet on the top.
- Attach the Ribbon: Cut the ribbon to the desired head size, leaving a ½ inch allowance on each end for the seam. Sew the ribbon along the third row of the crocheted headband. Tack lightly at the front and back to hold it in place.
Your Crocheted Pillbox Hat is now complete, ready to add a touch of timeless elegance to your wardrobe!
