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Crochet Bucket Hat Ideas and Tutorials

Not long ago, I strung together a year’s worth of cotton yarn scraps to create what I think is the most magnificent scrap yarn crochet bucket hat ever. I actually created 4 of them – that’s what happens when you save 15 ounces of yarn scraps!

Turns out, it was a big hit, and many of you are actually searching for great crochet bucket hat patterns – so I’m sharing all of the bucket hat patterns I considered when creating my scrap crochet bucket hat – and I’ll tell you the bucket hat tutorial I ultimately chose.

Are Crochet Bucket Hats Good for Beginners?

Most crochet bucket hats require that you be able to create a magic ring and crochet in the round. This means that most hat patterns start at intermediate crochet level. This doesn’t mean a beginner can’t do it, but it will require more time and research on stitches to complete your project.

What’s so Great about Bucket Hats?

These cute little hats, shaped like a bucket with a brim, are also sometime referred to as crochet sun hats. They are typically light weight with a thick brim to keep the sun off of your face and neck. Though you could wear a bucket hat in any season, they’re the most popular in the summer time where you’ll find them being worn at lakes, beaches, camping, boating, and working in the garden.

Crochet Bucket Hat Patterns

You’ll find hundreds, possibly even thousands of crochet bucket hat patterns on the internet in all the various places you typically go to find them – it can take time to weed through all of them to find the one you want to create, and frankly, to find ones you can read because there’s no standard for writing patterns. During my time with my scrap yarn project, I researched patterns more than I needed to because I’m so indecisive, so I’m dropping them here, with notes so you can easily find the one you’re interested in.

What are the Best Crochet Bucket Hat Patterns for Women?

There are so so many options. I ultimately went with the one from ChristinaaCreates (in the first spot below) with a few tweaks for my own head and brim, but these were the others that were my favorite women’s crochet bucket hat patterns (so far)!

1. Crochet Sunshine Bucket Hat Pattern by ChristinaaCreates 
2. Adjustable Ribbed Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern by ShopDaisyAndDime 
3. Checkered Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern by JaneHShop 
4. Crochet Granny Square Bucket Hat by The Easy Design 
5. Reel Time Bucket Hat Pattern by KathysCrochetCloset 
6. Easy Bucket Hat by CandyYarnShop 

Do Men Wear Crochet Bucket Hats?

Men do wear bucket hats – all the time, actually. So I was surprised when I couldn’t find many (or actually any that I liked) specifically for men. I asked my husband if he’d wear one and he reminded me that he does wear bucket hats, not crochet ones…yet, but he does have some cotton ones that we bought at the store which are pretty essential for his bald head and love of the outdoors. However, though liminted, I did find these two that are considered unisex summer hats in my search to consider. 

1. Striped Unisex Bucket Hat by HandyLittleMe 
2. Striped Bucket Hat by marsombrero 

Kid’s Crochet Bucket Hat Tutorials

Kids of all ages look great in sun hats too. I do not currently have any children in my life to make these for but I have bookmarked them for the day. The ones I bookmarked are for younger children. Most of the adult style hats come in teenager and up so they fall into those categories.

1. Chloe Crochet Bucket Hat Pattern by PrettyDarnAdorable 
2. Animal Bucket Hat for Kids by FairyCrafter 
3. Basic Kids Bucket Hat by PunkCrochetier 

Free Crochet Bucket Hat Patterns

You’ll find free patterns and tutorials all over the internet too – check Ravelry, Pinterest or even a quick google search . My favorite free crochet bucket hat pattern can be found here.

I’m also working on my own idea that will be shared in the near future. I don’t really know what that means in terms of time, but hopefully before next season.

What Kind of Yarn is Best for Summer Hats?

You want to choose a yarn that absorbs moisture, is light and is sturdy but has a good drape and can be washed…a lot. That’s a lot to ask of a skein of yarn. Refer to the suggestions in your pattern, but soft cotton yarns are usually a good choice.

• Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn
• Caron All Day Cotton Yarn
• Paintbox Cotton Yarn

Hobby Lobby, Joann, and Michaels also have their own versions of cotton or cotton mercanized yarns to consider for your projects.

I’d avoid dishie type cotton yarns like Sugar and Creme projects because they are scratchy against the skin and a little harder to work with on more intricate stitches. I’d stick with dishcloths and  crochet potholders for that.

You could also opt for a bamboo/cotton mix or a cotton blend, just be sure you can stand it against your skin while the sun is beating down on you. Not too scratchy, not to thick, not too heavy. Read your yarn label and give it a little smoosh (I avoid buying yarn online for patterns I’m going to wear directly on my skin unless I’ve used it before and am familiar with it.)

If you’ve tried any of these patterns or have your own favorite be sure to let the community know in the comments below – and tell us what you love about it, too!