The bucket hat is a fashion staple that has made a major comeback, and a handmade version is the perfect way to add a personal touch to your style. The “Sunburst Bloom” Granny Square Bucket Hat is a perfect project for any crocheter, featuring a classic granny square motif that is both iconic and versatile. This detailed tutorial will guide you through creating a sturdy, stylish, and fun bucket hat that is a fantastic way to use up your scrap yarn and express your unique style.
This project is an excellent choice for a beginner looking to create a beautiful, practical garment or for an experienced crocheter wanting a fast and fun project. The hat is made from individual granny squares that are then joined together, which makes it a great project for on-the-go crocheting.
Why Crochet the Sunburst Bloom Bucket Hat?
- Iconic & Versatile: The granny square is a classic motif that never goes out of style, and the finished hat is a perfect accessory for any casual outfit.
- Great for Scrap Yarn: This project is a fantastic way to use up small amounts of leftover yarn from other projects.
- Skill Building: You’ll master the art of crocheting granny squares and learn how to join them to create a three-dimensional shape.
- Customizable: Easily change the size, colors, and number of squares to create a hat that is a perfect fit for you.
- Unique & Fun: A handmade bucket hat is a statement piece that is both fashionable and personal.
1. Planning Your Hat: Size & Materials
- Sizing: The pattern is designed for a versatile one-size-fits-most adult head (approx. 22-23 inches / 56-58 cm). You can easily adjust the size by changing your hook size or the number of granny squares.
- Yarn Choice: Choose a yarn that is durable and holds its shape well.
- Fiber: A sturdy, medium-weight yarn like Worsted Weight (#4) in Acrylic or Cotton is a great choice.
- Color: You can use a single color for a minimalist look or use multiple colors for a vibrant, patchwork effect.
- Quantity: You will need approximately 150-200 yards (137-183 meters) of yarn in total. The exact amount will depend on the size of your squares and the number you need.
2. Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: Your chosen quantity of Worsted Weight (#4) yarn.
- Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm (G-6 US) or a size that gives you a dense but flexible fabric with your yarn.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends and seaming.
- Stitch Markers (Optional): To mark corners.
3. Essential Crochet Stitches & Techniques
- Slip Knot
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining and neatening.
- Double Crochet (dc)
- Granny Cluster: A group of 3 dc stitches worked into the same space.
- Working in the Round: The granny squares are worked in rounds.
- Joining Squares: The process of seaming the squares together.
4. Let’s Crochet the Sunburst Bloom Bucket Hat!
The hat is made from a series of individual granny squares that are joined together to form the crown and the sides.
Part 1: The Granny Squares
You will need a total of 6 granny squares for the sides and 1 square for the top.
- Start with a Magic Ring (or Ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring).
- Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Work 2 dc into the ring. Ch 2, work 3 dc into the ring. Repeat from * to * two more times. Ch 2, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 3.
- [4 groups of 3 dc]
- Round 2: Sl st into the next two stitches and into the first ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), work 2 dc into the same ch-2 space. Ch 2, work a Granny Cluster (3 dc) into the next ch-2 space. Repeat from * to * two more times. Ch 2, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 3.
- Round 3: Sl st into the next two stitches and into the first ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), work 2 dc into the same ch-2 space. Ch 1, work a Granny Cluster into the next space. Ch 2, work a Granny Cluster into the next corner space. Repeat from * to * two more times. Ch 1, work a Granny Cluster into the last space, Ch 2, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning Ch 3.
- Repeat Round 3 until your squares are approximately 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) wide.
- Make sure all your squares are the same size!
- Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Part 2: Joining the Squares
- Lay Out: Lay out your squares. You will have one square for the top and a rectangle of 6 squares for the sides.
- Seam: Use the whip stitch or a slip stitch join to seam the squares together. Seam the 6 squares in a line to form the sides of the hat. Seam the single square to the top of the rectangle of 6 squares to form the crown.
- Seam the Sides: Seam the two ends of the rectangle together to form a tube.
Part 3: The Brim
- Join Yarn: Rejoin your yarn to the bottom edge of the hat.
- Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Work a round of half double crochets (hdc) evenly around the entire bottom edge. Join with a sl st to the first hdc.
- This creates a solid base for the brim.
- Round 2 (Increase Round): Ch 2. Work 2 hdc in the first stitch, then work 1 hdc in each of the next 4 stitches. Work 2 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st.
- This increase will help the brim to flare out.
- Round 3-6: Ch 2. Hdc in each hdc around. Join with a sl st.
- Continue working rounds of hdc until the brim reaches your desired length.
- Final Touches: Work a round of slip stitches around the very edge for a clean, finished look. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Enjoy your beautiful, handmade “Sunburst Bloom” Granny Square Bucket Hat. It’s a labor of love that is a perfect addition to your warm-weather wardrobe!
Video tutorial:
