This vintage single crochet calot hat pattern from the 1940’s combines simple techniques with timeless charm. Designed to be crafted using size 10 crochet thread, it features a smooth crown and decorative ridges, making it both elegant and classic. Whether you’re recreating it with the original materials or substituting lightweight yarn, this pattern ensures a beautifully draped and delicate finish.
The calot is constructed entirely with single crochet stitches, starting from the crown and working seamlessly to the brim. Decorative slip stitch ridges are added to divide the crown into symmetrical sections, enhancing its unique style. A cord detail at the center adds the final touch, completing this sophisticated vintage design.
This 1940’s calot hat is perfect for those looking to create an accessory that blends historical authenticity with a minimalist aesthetic. Whether paired with formal attire or worn as a statement piece, it captures the elegance of a bygone era.
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 This combination ensures you have both a historical reference and a modern interpretation to guide you in your crafting journey.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.
1940’s Single Crochet Calot Hat Pattern
MATERIALS:
- Size 10 crochet thread (the pattern originally used J. & P. Coats Knit-Cro-Sheen): 1 ball of white or ecru, or 2 balls of any color.
- An alternative to using 2 strands of #10 crochet thread is a lightweight #1 yarn. This substitution provides a similar thickness to the doubled thread while still maintaining the delicate texture and drape that the pattern calls for. When using lightweight #1 yarn, be sure to check your gauge (13 stitches and 11 rounds equal 2 inches) and adjust your hook size if necessary to achieve the correct fit.
- Steel Crochet Hook No. 1 (or a hook size appropriate to achieve the same gauge).
GAUGE: 13 stitches make 2 inches; 11 rounds make 2 inches.
Note: Use double thread throughout.
INSTRUCTIONS
Crown (Top of Hat):
- Starting at the top: Chain (ch) 2.
- 1st round (rnd): Work 7 single crochets (sc) in the 2nd ch from the hook. Do not join rounds.
- 2nd round: Work 2 sc in each stitch around (14 sts).
- 3rd round: Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * around (21 sts).
- 4th round: Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * around (28 sts).
- Continue increasing:
Work as established, increasing 7 stitches evenly on each round until the piece measures 6 inches in diameter. - Sides of the Hat:
- Work straight (no increases) in single crochet until the piece measures 5½ inches from the top.
- Edge Finishing:
- Work slip stitches (sl st) in each stitch around the lower edge to maintain the desired head size. Fasten off.
Ridges (Decorative Lines):
- Divide the lower edge into 7 equal parts using pins as markers.
- With 3 strands of thread held together, work a row of slip stitches from one pin mark to the center of the crown to form a ridge. Fasten off.
- Repeat from * for each marked section (7 ridges in total).
Cord for Crown:
- With 3 strands of thread held together, make a chain 5 inches long.
- Tie one end of the chain into a knot.
- Sew the knotted end securely to the center of the crown.
Enjoy your elegant Single Crochet Calot! Let me know if you have any questions or need additional help.
