Brioche Leaf Beanie
Crochet hats are a wonderful project for makers of all levels. They are quick to complete, endlessly customizable, and the perfect accessory for adding personality to your wardrobe. This particular beanie stands out thanks to its textured design that mimics the graceful flow of leaves, creating a stylish and eye-catching piece.
What makes this hat so special is the way the raised stitches cross and shift direction, forming a natural leaf-like motif. The pattern is worked in the round, allowing the leaves to travel seamlessly around the hat. Paired with a variegated yarn, the stitches highlight the color changes beautifully, giving the finished piece depth and dimension.
This design is not only visually appealing but also practical. The ribbed brim ensures a comfortable and flexible fit, while the structured body provides both warmth and breathability. It’s the kind of accessory that looks equally good in bright, bold colors or subtle, earthy tones, making it suitable for any season.
Even though the texture looks intricate, the stitches are repetitive and become intuitive as you work through the rounds. Once you get into the rhythm of creating the traveling front post trebles, the pattern flows smoothly. With just a bit of patience and focus, you’ll have a stunning hat that looks advanced but is achievable for any confident beginner or intermediate crocheter.
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn (category 4) – 180–220 m (variegated looks stunning)
- Hook: 4.0 mm for brim, 5.0 mm for body
- Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors
Size / Gauge
- Adult medium: finished circumference ~54–56 cm, height 24–26 cm
- Gauge (in pattern): 18 dc = 10 cm using 5.0 mm hook
Abbreviations (US)
ch = chain • sl st = slip stitch • sc = single crochet • hdc = half double crochet • dc = double crochet
blo = back loop only • fpdc / fptr = front post double crochet / treble crochet
fptr2tog = 2 front post trebles together (over 2 posts, 2 rows below)
Pattern Concept
- Worked in closed rounds, always on the RS.
- Body is mostly dc blo (creates ribbing).
- “Leaf veins” are fptr stitches worked 2 rows below, traveling diagonally.
- Whenever you make an fptr, skip 1 stitch behind it to keep the stitch count.
- One motif repeat = 12 stitches × 8 rounds.
1) Ribbed Brim
- With 4.0 mm hook: ch 11.
- Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (10). Turn.
- Row 2: ch 1, sc blo across (10). Turn.
- Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 48–52 cm (slightly stretched to fit head).
- Join ends with sl st to form a band.
- Rotate to work along edge: pick up 96 sc evenly (multiple of 12). Switch to 5.0 mm hook. Join with sl st, place marker.
2) Leaf Pattern (Body)
(96 sts = 8 repeats of 12 sts)
Base Round
- Round 1: ch 2 (doesn’t count), dc blo in all 96 sts. Join.
Leaf Repeat (8 rounds)
Round 2: [dc blo 3, fptr into dc 2 rows below, skip 1 behind, dc blo 2, fptr 2 rows below 1 st to the right, skip 1, dc blo 2, fptr 2 rows below 1 st further right, skip 1, dc blo 2] ×8.
Round 3: Repeat Round 2, but move each fptr 1 st to the right.
Round 4: Same as Round 3, moving 1 st further right (veins converging).
Round 5 (Leaf Tip): dc blo 2, fptr2tog over 2 posts (2 rows below), skip 2 behind; dc blo 2, fptr 2 rows below to the right of decrease, skip 1; dc blo 3, fptr 2 rows below to the left of decrease, skip 1; dc blo 2 ×8.
Round 6: Shift each fptr 1 st to the LEFT.
Round 7: Shift fptr 1 more st to the left.
Round 8: Shift fptr 1 more st left; you’ve returned to the central axis.
→ Repeat Rounds 2–8 until piece measures ~19–20 cm from brim (usually 2 full repeats + start of 3rd).
3) Crown Shaping
Begin decreases ~5–6 cm before desired height.
Round C1: (dc blo 2, dc2tog blo); replace fptr with fpdc (shorter), still skipping 1 behind each relief st ×8.
Round C2: (dc blo 1, dc2tog blo); keep fptr only where possible.
Round C3: dc2tog blo around.
Fasten off leaving tail, thread through remaining loops, pull tight to close.
4) Finishing
- Weave in ends. Lightly steam-block to set the leaf texture (don’t flatten).
- Optional: add a fabric lining or pom-pom.
Tips
- For taller veins, work fptr into posts 3 rows below instead of 2.
- Adjust size by starting brim with 84 / 108 sts (multiple of 12).
- With DK yarn, capture 120 sts and keep the same repeat logic.
