How to Crochet a Beginner Friendly Fold-Up Beanie

This fold-up beanie is crocheted flat as a rectangle using half double crochet (HDC) in the back loop only, then seamed and gathered at the top.

The pattern is designed to work for every size, from preemie to adult, using the same method, the same hook, and one simple stitch.

 

Why This Beanie Works So Well

  • Beginner-friendly

  • No complicated shaping

  • Works beautifully with a folded brim

Instead of crocheting in the round, we make a rectangle and let the fabric’s stretch do the work.

Materials

  • 5 mm crochet hook

  • Aran or chunky yarn

  • Yarn needle

  • Scissors

Stitch & Technique

  • HDC – Half Double Crochet

  • Worked in the back loop only (BLO)

  • US crochet terms

Working in the back loop creates a ribbed fabric that stretches easily around the head.

How Sizing Works 

There are two key measurements in this beanie:

  1. Height → controlled by your starting chain

  2. Circumference → controlled by the number of rows

This pattern includes extra height before folding, so the brim can fold up neatly without stealing coverage from the crown.

Size Usable Height (before fold) Avg Head Circumference Rectangle Length to Crochet Guided Chain Count (add 2 for turning chain) Approx. Rows
Preemie 17 cm 28–30 cm 24–26 cm 24–28 24–28
Newborn 18 cm 32–34 cm 27–29 cm 26–30 27–31
0–3 months 19 cm 36–38 cm 30–32 cm 28–32 30–34
3–6 months 20 cm 40–42 cm 33–35 cm 30–34 33–37
6–12 months 21 cm 44–46 cm 37–39 cm 32–36 37–41
Toddler 22 cm 48–50 cm 41–43 cm 34–38 41–45
Child 23–24 cm 52–54 cm 45–47 cm 36–40 45–49
Teen 25–26 cm 54–56 cm 47–49 cm 38–42 47–51
Adult  28–29 cm 56–60 cm 48–52 cm 42–48 48–54

Pattern Instructions (All Sizes)

1. Chain (Height)

Chain until your work measures the usable height for your size. Add two chains for turning chain

2. Row 1

  • HDC in the 3rd chain from the hook

  • HDC across

  • Ch 2, turn

3. Rows 2+

  • HDC in the back loop only across

  • Ch 2, turn

Repeat until the rectangle reaches the target length.

4. Seam

Fold the rectangle in half with short ends together.

Slip-stitch or whip-stitch the seam. Turn the right side out.

Sew up top by sewing in a weave-in-and-out type of motion and pulling tight to close the top.

Turn up the brim and VOILA :)

Video + Photos to assist with this pattern to follow.