This Stitched Calot Crown Hat is a stunning combination of crochet and embroidery, blending vintage elegance with timeless design. Its simple crown shape is enhanced by decorative back stitching, which creates an eye-catching spiral pattern that radiates from the center to the brim. Designed to pair contrasting textures and colors, this hat offers a sophisticated accessory for formal occasions or as a unique statement piece.
This updated version retains the charm of the original design while modernizing it for contemporary materials and techniques. By pairing size 10 crochet thread for the crown with worsted weight yarn for the band and detailing, this pattern achieves a beautiful balance of delicacy and structure. The double-stranded crochet thread ensures a sturdy yet lightweight crown, while the worsted-weight band provides comfort and durability. The decorative back stitching further elevates the piece, adding a dynamic and elegant finishing touch.
Perfect for both experienced crocheters and adventurous beginners, this hat is as enjoyable to create as it is to wear. Whether you choose bold contrasting colors or subtle complementary tones, the design’s versatility allows you to express your personal style. This project offers a blend of practicality and artistry, making it a delightful addition to any wardrobe or a thoughtful handmade gift.
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 This combination ensures you have both a historical reference and a modern interpretation to guide you in your crafting journey.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.
Stitched Calot Crown Hat Crochet Pattern
Materials
- Original Yarn:
- J. & P. Coats Knit-Cro-Sheen, 2 balls of any color (Size 10 crochet thread).
- Chadwick’s Red Heart Knitting Worsted, 1 ball of a contrasting color (modern equivalent: worsted weight yarn #4).
- Modern Equivalent:
- Use Size 10 crochet thread for the main color (MC) and worsted weight yarn for the contrasting color (CC).
- Approximately 200 yards of crochet thread and 100 yards of worsted weight yarn.
- Hook: Steel Crochet Hook No. 5 (1.90 mm).
- Gauge: 6½ sc = 1 inch; 9 rounds = 1 inch.
Instructions
Crown
- Foundation Ring:
- With a double strand of Knit-Cro-Sheen (MC), ch 4. Join with a sl st to form a ring.
- Round 1:
- Work 5 sc into the ring. Do not join rounds.
- Round 2:
- Sc in the next sc, 2 sc in the next sc (increase).
- Repeat from * around.
- Rounds 3–5:
- Sc in each sc around.
- Round 6:
- Work 2 sc in each sc around (increase in every stitch).
- Round 7:
- Sc in each sc around, increasing as necessary to keep work flat.
- Repeat Round 7 until the piece measures 3½ inches in diameter, measuring across the center at the base of the crown point.
- Next Round:
- Sc in each of the next 9 sc, then work the next 2 sc together as 1 sc (decrease).
- Repeat from * around.
- Repeat the previous round 3 more times.
- Final Round:
- Sc in each sc around. Fasten off.
Band
- Attach Contrasting Color (CC):
- Join worsted weight yarn and work sc evenly around without decreasing for 6 rounds.
- Fasten off.
Decorative Stitching
- Mark Sections:
- Divide the first round of the contrasting color into 12 equal parts and mark each section with pins.
- Back Stitch Rows:
- Using a tapestry needle and contrasting yarn (CC), work a row of back stitches from each pin mark all the way to the top of the crown.
- For each row, always move 1 stitch to the left to create a decorative spiral effect (refer to illustration in original pattern).
- Repeat for all 12 sections, creating 12 rows of back stitching. Fasten off securely.
Finishing
- Block the hat lightly by shaping it over a rounded surface (like a bowl) and allowing it to air dry.
- Stiffen with millinery sizing if a firmer shape is desired.
This Stitched Calot Hat is an elegant vintage design that pairs crochet and decorative embroidery techniques to create a timeless accessory.
