The Bandbox Hat Crochet Pattern
The Bandbox Hat Crochet Pattern is a beautifully tailored vintage design that exudes timeless elegance. Featuring a structured crown and a decorative band with a unique fastening detail, this hat is a perfect blend of style and sophistication. The striking silhouette makes it a versatile accessory for formal occasions or as a statement piece to elevate everyday outfits. The Bandbox Hat reflects the charm and craftsmanship of vintage crochet while allowing modern crafters to showcase their skills and creativity.
This pattern offers a moderate level of difficulty, making it an exciting project for crocheters looking to grow their skills. The star stitch, used to create the textured band, may be new to some, but it is a rhythmic and satisfying stitch to learn. The band’s draped design and fastening detail add an element of intrigue, but they are straightforward to create with the pattern’s step-by-step instructions. While the construction requires attention to detail, especially when shaping the crown and attaching the band, these techniques can be easily mastered with a bit of patience and practice.
The Bandbox Hat is an enjoyable and rewarding project that balances technical skill with creative expression. As you crochet, you’ll find a pleasant rhythm in the repeating stitches, and assembling the components brings a sense of accomplishment. The finished hat is a stunning, wearable piece of art that will stand out in any collection. Whether you’re crafting it for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, the Bandbox Hat is a timeless accessory that highlights the beauty of vintage design and the joy of handmade craftsmanship.
Discover more timeless designs from this vintage collection by exploring Bags and Hats Crocheted with Raphael Brand Gimp No. 5 (1939), where you’ll find all the patterns from this classic booklet.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Bags and Hats Crocheted with Raphael Brand Gimp No. 5 (1939). 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.
Key Details
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Stitches Used: Slip Stitch (SL ST), Single Crochet (SC), Half Double Crochet (HDC), Star Stitch
- Finished Size: Adjustable
Materials
- Gimp: 4 tubes of “Raphael Brand Gimp” (or a modern substitute). You can read more about gimp and modern substitution suggestions here: What is Gimp?
- Optional: Contrasting color of Gimp for the band fastener.
Special Stitches
Star Stitch:
Row 1:
- Yarn over, insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, and pull through.
- Yarn over, insert the hook into the first stitch of the previous row, and pull through.
- Yarn over, skip 1 stitch, insert the hook into the next stitch, and pull through.
- Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops on the hook. Ch 1 to close the star (this forms the “eye”).
Row 2 and Onward:
- Yarn over, insert the hook into the eye of the star just made, and pull through.
- Yarn over, insert the hook into the same stitch as the last one made, and pull through.
- Yarn over, insert the hook into the next eye, and pull through.
- Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops on the hook. Ch 1 to close the star.
To Increase: Insert the hook into the loop before the eye and work as above, adding an extra stitch for even shaping.
The Bandbox Crochet Pattern
Crown
- Foundation Chain: Ch 4 and join with a slip stitch (sl st) to form a ring.
- Row 1: SC 8 times into the ring.
- Row 2: SC twice into each stitch around (16 stitches).
- Row 3: SC in the first stitch, SC twice in the next stitch, SC in the next stitch. Repeat from * around.
- Row 4: SC in each stitch, making 8 evenly spaced increases in the row.
- Rows 5–19: Work in HDC, making 8 evenly spaced increases in each row until the crown measures approximately 6½ inches in diameter (152 stitches).
- Rows 20–30: Work 1 HDC in each stitch around.
- Row 31: SL ST in the first 13 stitches, HDC in the next 80 stitches, SL ST in the next 6 stitches, HDC in the next 46 stitches, SL ST in the last 7 stitches.
- Row 32: SL ST in the first 15 stitches, HDC in the next 76 stitches, SL ST in the next 10 stitches, HDC in the next 38 stitches, SL ST in the last 13 stitches.
- Row 33: SL ST in the first 16 stitches, HDC in the next 72 stitches, SL ST in the next 15 stitches, HDC in the next 28 stitches, SL ST in the last 20 stitches.
- Row 34: SL ST in the first 20 stitches, HDC in the next 66 stitches, SL ST in the next 21 stitches, HDC in the next 18 stitches, SL ST in the last 27 stitches.
- Row 35: Work SL ST across the row, picking up the back loop only. Fasten off.
Band
- Foundation Chain: Ch 140.
- Row 1: SC in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Ch 3, turn.
- Rows 2–5: Work Row 1 of the Star Stitch, making 10 evenly spaced increases in each row.
- Rows 6–10: Continue with the Star Stitch pattern without increasing. Ch 1, turn.
- Row 11: SC in the loop before the eye of the previous row, then SC in the eye. Repeat across.
- Row 12: SC in each stitch across. Fasten off.
- Work 1 row of SC across each end of the band. Drape and sew the band to the crown as illustrated in the original design.
Band Fastener
- Foundation Chain: Ch 21.
- Rows 1–6: SC in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Ch 1, turn after each row. Fasten off.
- Tack the fastener to the band as shown in the original illustration.
The Bandbox Hat’s timeless style and intricate details make it a rewarding project for advanced crocheters. Whether made for a special occasion or everyday wear, this hat is sure to turn heads. Enjoy creating your Bandbox Hat, and share your finished work with the crochet community!
