Pillbox Hat with Strap – FREE Crochet Pattern

Pillbox Hat with Strap Ai Augmented Image
Pillbox Hat with Strap Ai Augmented Image
Pillbox Hat with Strap Ai Augmented Image

This Pillbox Hat with Strap is a timeless and stylish crochet project that combines practicality with elegant design. The classic pillbox shape is enhanced by decorative flowers and a ribbon accent, creating a versatile accessory suitable for formal events or everyday wear. The addition of a back strap ensures a secure and comfortable fit, making this hat both functional and fashionable.

The hat’s crown is crocheted in a spiral pattern, reinforced with millinery wire for durability and structure. Delicate flowers made from worsted weight yarn adorn the edges, adding a charming touch. The grosgrain ribbon weaves through the flowers, providing a pop of color and texture, and ties into a bow for a decorative finish. This thoughtful detail elevates the design, making it perfect for special occasions or as a unique handmade gift.

With its straightforward construction and customizable features, this project is ideal for crocheters looking to create a statement piece. Whether styled with vintage-inspired outfits or modern attire, this Pillbox Hat with Strap is sure to become a cherished accessory in any wardrobe.

About the Images

To help bring this design to life, we’ve included an AI-generated image of the finished pattern alongside the original vintage illustration. The original image highlights the charm and craftsmanship of the vintage design, while the AI rendering provides a detailed and colorized view of how the completed sweater will look. This combination ensures you have both a historical reference and a modern interpretation to guide you in your crafting journey.


This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Easy to Make Hats, Scarves and Accessories by The Spool Cotton Company Book No. 192 (1943). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are © Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2025. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.


Pillbox Hat with Strap Original Pattern Photo
Pillbox Hat with Strap Original Pattern Photo

Pillbox Hat with Strap

Materials:

  • Worsted weight (#4) yarn, 1 ball of any color (originally called for CLARK’S O.N.T. Cotton Rug Yarn)
  • Bone crochet hook, Size 5
  • 20 inches of millinery wire
  • 1 yard of grosgrain ribbon (or other ribbon of your choice), ½ inch wide

Gauge:

  • Ensure a snug fit with consistent tension; no specific gauge is provided due to simple sizing adjustments with strap fitting.

Hat Instructions

  1. Crown:
  • Foundation Ring: Ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
  • Rnd 1: 8 sc in ring. Do not join rnds; work in a continuous spiral.
  • Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (16 sc).
  • Rnd 3: Sc in each sc around (no increases).
  • Rnd 4: 2 sc in each sc around (32 sc).
  • Rnd 5: Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc. Repeat from * around (48 sc).
  • Rnds 6-7: Sc in each sc around. At the end of Rnd 7, join with sl st.
  1. Wire Reinforcement:
  • Overlap the edges of the millinery wire by 1 inch and secure by wrapping tightly with yarn. Tie the ends securely to prevent unraveling.
  • Hold the wire at the top of the last rnd. Work Rnd 8 over the wire, making sc in each sc around to conceal the wire.
  • Work 7 more rnds of 48 sc to build the hat’s height.
  1. Finishing the Crown:
  • After completing the last rnd, sl st in the next 2 sts to smooth the edge. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Flower Embellishments (Make 12):

  1. Foundation Ring: Ch 6, join with sl st to form a ring.
  2. Flower Petals: Ch 3, work 1½ dc in the ring. Join with sl st to complete the petal. Fasten off.
  • Repeat this for 12 flowers and sew them evenly around the sides of the hat, alternating placement at the top and bottom edges.

Ribbon Accent:

  • Run grosgrain or other ribbon through the center of each flower, wrapping around the hat.
  • Tie the ribbon ends into a bow at the front of the hat for a decorative finish.

Back Strap:

  1. Foundation Strap: With 2 strands of yarn held together, ch 12 inches.
  2. Try the hat on and adjust the strap length to fit snugly around the back of your head.
  3. Sew the ends of the strap securely in place on each side of the hat.

Finishing:

  • Ensure all embellishments, ribbon, and the strap are securely attached.
  • Adjust fit as needed before blocking lightly for a polished look.

Enjoy your stylish and timeless Pillbox Hat with Strap!