These plush, yarn-based treats bring a festive touch to your home decor without the mess of flour or sugar. Each donut features a soft, rounded shape that mimics a real baked good, complete with embroidered sprinkles and a textured icing top. They are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, making them ideal stash-busting projects for using up leftover bits of red, white, and green yarn. You will learn how to work in continuous rounds and master the increase and decrease stitches necessary to form the donut ring. This project provides a calming rhythm perfect for winding down after a busy afternoon of holiday preparations.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This crochet ribbed beanie offers a classic, fitted silhouette that relies on simple half double crochet stitches worked in the back loops. The construction uses a flat rectangle worked in rows, which is then seamed to form a tube, making it an excellent choice for crocheters who find circular counting cumbersome. Because the fabric is worked sideways, the ribbing effect is achieved naturally through the stitch placement rather than complex post stitches. It works up quickly with worsted weight yarn, providing a dense, warm fabric perfect for cold weather gifts. The repeat is easy to memorize, allowing you to settle into a meditative rhythm during your crafting sessions.

I finished this hat in one evening and the fit is perfect because I could customize the length for a slouchy look. It is now my go-to gift for friends.

— Sarah, intermediate crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 3 to 5 hours
Construction: Flat rectangle seamed into a tube, gathered at the top
Finished Dimensions: Fits average adult head circumference of 21–23 inches; height is approximately 9 inches

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight #4, wool or acrylic blend, approximately 200 yards. Solid colors show off the texture best.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm / H-8
Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving ends, locking stitch marker for marking the start of rows, scissors.
Safe Yarn Substitutions: Cotton blends will result in a heavier, less stretchy hat. Pure wool offers the best warmth and elasticity. If you choose a lighter weight yarn, you will need to add more starting chains to reach the desired height.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
BLO = back loop only (insert hook under the back loop of the stitch only)
sl st = slip stitch
st/sts = stitch/stitches
hdc-blo = yarn over, insert hook into back loop of next stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, draw through all three loops on hook.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

The hat is worked in rows from the bottom up. The number of stitches in each row will remain consistent throughout the project.

Hat Body

Row 1: Ch 46. Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 2, turn. (44 sts)
Row 2: Hdc-blo in each st across. Ch 2, turn. (44 sts)
Repeat: Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures 20 inches wide when slightly stretched. This usually takes between 60 and 70 rows depending on your personal tension.

Assembly and Finishing

Seaming: Fold the rectangle in half so that the short ends meet. Slip stitch the two edges together by working through both the back loop of the final row and the starting chain edge. Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail.
Gathering: Thread your tapestry needle with the long tail. Weave the yarn in and out along one of the open edges of the tube. Pull the tail tight to close the opening completely. Secure with a knot on the inside.
Weaving Ends: Turn the hat right side out. Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely into the fabric to prevent unraveling.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash in cool water using a gentle wool-safe detergent.
Lay the item flat on a towel to air dry, reshaping it while damp to ensure it retains its size.
Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric as this can stretch the stitches and distort the ribbing pattern.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintaining consistent tension is the most important factor in this pattern. If your tension is too loose, the ribbing will appear gapped; if it is too tight, the hat will lack the necessary stretch to fit comfortably over a head. Always count your stitches at the end of every row to ensure you have not accidentally increased or decreased, which would cause the edges to become uneven. To make the hat larger or smaller, simply adjust the number of starting chains, keeping in mind that each change of 2 chains adds roughly one inch to the height. Weave in your ends by traveling through the stitches in multiple directions rather than just once to ensure they stay hidden through repeated wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a chunky weight yarn for this pattern?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the starting chain length to achieve the same height. Using a larger hook to match the chunky yarn will also make the hat work up much faster.

How do I make the hat slouchier?

To create a slouchy fit, add 10 to 15 extra chains to your initial foundation row. This will increase the height of the hat so it extends further past the crown of your head.

Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?

This is an ideal project for beginners because it uses only one basic stitch, the half double crochet, and requires no complex shaping or counting of circular rounds.

Can I sell the hats I make from this design?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern, provided you credit the design. Please do not redistribute the pattern text itself.

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Your finished set of holiday treats will look lovely hanging from the tree or tucked into a bowl on your coffee table. Try using a fuzzy eyelash yarn for the frosting to add extra dimension and a realistic sugary look. Seeing your handmade creations brings me joy, so please share a photo of your ornaments on your favorite social media site. You can find more free patterns for holiday decorations and handmade gifts by browsing the archive on my blog whenever you have time for your next quiet afternoon session.