Cozy Days Daisy Cardigan: Free Beginner Pattern Part
Soft yarn bunches around your fingers while you work the first few rows of this floral-inspired garment. This project creates a relaxed, slightly oversized fit that feels like wearing a warm hug on a crisp morning. It suits beginners who feel comfortable with basic stitches and want to move toward garment making. You will find that the construction relies on simple panels, making the process straightforward and manageable. Throughout this guide, we focus on the specific chain and double crochet combinations required to form the iconic daisy motifs that give this piece its signature texture and charm.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
This classic crochet beanie uses a simple repeat of double crochet stitches worked in the round to create a dense, warm fabric perfect for winter weather. The project relies on basic increases to shape the crown, followed by even rounds to build height, making it an ideal choice for makers who want a clean, professional finish without complex lace or cable work. Because it uses a worsted weight yarn, the hat works up in a single evening, providing instant gratification and a reliable gift for friends or family. The ribbed brim adds a professional touch that ensures the hat stays securely on your head while maintaining its shape over repeated wear.
I finished this hat in one night while watching a movie. The pattern is very easy to follow and the sizing is spot on for a standard adult fit.
— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Approximate Time: 3 to 5 hours
- Construction: Worked in joined rounds, starting from the crown and increasing outward before working even rows down to the brim.
- Finished Dimensions: Fits an average adult head, 21 to 23 inches in circumference, with a depth of 8.5 inches.
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) acrylic or wool blend, approximately 200 yards.
- Hook Size: 5.0 mm (US H-8) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch marker to track the start of rounds, and a measuring tape.
- Safe yarn substitutions: You may use cotton yarn, but note that it is heavier and has less stretch than wool or acrylic, which may require sizing up your hook to 5.5 mm to maintain comfort.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch = chain
- st = stitch
- sl st = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet
- dc2tog = double crochet two stitches together (decrease)
- FPdc = front post double crochet (yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
- BPdc = back post double crochet (yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around the post of the stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Crown
- Rnd 1: Magic ring, ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), 11 dc in ring, sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join. (12 sts)
- Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. (24 sts)
- Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (36 sts)
- Rnd 4: Ch 3, 1 dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in each of next 2 sts; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (48 sts)
- Rnd 5: Ch 3, 1 dc in next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
Body
- Rnds 6–15: Ch 3, dc in each st around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
Brim
- Rnd 16: Ch 2, *FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (60 sts)
- Rnds 17–18: Repeat Rnd 16. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water with mild detergent.
- Lay the hat flat on a towel to air dry to prevent the fibers from stretching out of shape.
- If the brim loses its elasticity, lightly steam it using a garment steamer and reshape it with your hands while warm.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Consistent tension is vital in the body rounds; if your stitches feel loose, drop down to a 4.5 mm hook to ensure the fabric remains dense and wind-resistant.
- Always place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round so you do not accidentally lose track of your join point.
- Weave your ends back and forth through the back loops of the stitches three times in different directions to ensure they do not pull out after laundering.
- To adjust the size, add or subtract stitches in multiples of 12 during the increase rounds; changing the diameter will require roughly 10% more or less yarn per size increment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a chunky weight yarn instead of worsted?
Using a bulkier yarn will significantly increase the size of the hat and change the stitch count. If you use chunky yarn, you should reduce the number of increase rounds to ensure the crown fits correctly.
Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, this pattern uses only basic double crochet stitches and simple post stitches for the brim, making it an excellent project for someone who has mastered the foundation chain and single crochet.
How do I adjust the depth of the hat?
You can easily adjust the height by working fewer or more rounds in the body section before beginning the brim. Simply try on the piece as you work to reach your desired length.
May I sell the hats I make from this pattern?
You are welcome to sell finished items made from this design, provided you credit the pattern designer in your listing. Do not distribute or sell the written pattern itself.
Finishing these floral panels gives you a lightweight layer that works beautifully over simple t-shirts or long-sleeved base layers. You might consider using a variegated cotton blend to make the daisy centers pop or working the entire body in a solid cream color for a classic look. Please share a photo of your progress on social media so others can see your color choices. You can also visit our main archives for more free patterns to fill your afternoon with quiet, creative making.
