These stacked fabric circles create a whimsical, layered silhouette that catches the eye on a mantle or holiday shelf. Each tree uses a series of simple fabric circles gathered at the center, resulting in a plush, textured structure that feels soft to the touch. This project suits beginners who want to practice basic joining techniques while clearing out their scrap yarn bins. You will learn how to create uniform shapes and stack them securely to form a tapered peak. The process provides a quick way to decorate your home or craft small, heartfelt gifts for friends before the holiday rush.

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This classic crochet beanie works up quickly using a rhythmic, repetitive stitch pattern that makes it a perfect project for relaxing after a long day. Because the design relies on a simple half double crochet construction, it maintains a consistent, thick fabric that provides excellent warmth during colder months. The adjustable sizing makes it a reliable choice for gifts, as you can easily customize the fit by adding or removing foundation chains. If you have a single skein of worsted weight yarn, you already have enough materials to finish this hat in a single sitting.

I managed to finish this hat in one evening while watching a movie. The instructions were very easy to follow and the size fits perfectly.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 2 to 3 hours
Construction: Worked flat as a rectangular panel, then seamed at the side and gathered at the top
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: Adult medium, approximately 20 inches in circumference and 9 inches in height

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), wool or acrylic blend, approximately 180 yards.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm (H-8).
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, scissors, and a measuring tape.
Safe yarn substitutions: You may use cotton blends, though the finished hat will have less stretch than wool or acrylic. A heavier weight yarn will result in a larger, stiffer hat, while a lighter weight yarn will require increasing your foundation chain to maintain the target circumference.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
st/sts = stitch/stitches
BLO = back loop only (insert hook under the back loop of the stitch instead of both loops to create a ribbed texture)
sl st = slip stitch

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Main Hat Panel

Row 1: Ch 45. Hdc in the third ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (43 sts)
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in BLO of each st across. Turn. (43 sts)
Rows 3-60: Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 20 inches when stretched slightly. Ensure you end on an even row to keep the ribbed pattern consistent.

Assembly and Finishing

Fold the rectangle in half, matching the short ends together.
Using your tapestry needle and a long tail of yarn, seam the two short ends together using a whip stitch or mattress stitch.
Once seamed, weave your yarn through the top edge of the tube, stitching every other row.
Pull the yarn tail tight to close the top of the hat securely, creating a gathered effect.
Secure the yarn with a tight knot on the inside and weave in all remaining loose ends.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash the finished hat in cool water using a mild wool-safe detergent.
Lay the item flat on a clean towel to air dry, reshaping it while damp to ensure it retains the original dimensions.
Avoid using a tumble dryer or harsh bleaches, as these can felt the fibers or damage the stitch definition.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension throughout the panel to ensure the ribbing looks uniform. If you notice your edges are wavy, try relaxing your grip on the yarn or switching to a slightly smaller hook.
Use a stitch marker at the start of every row to track your progress and ensure you do not accidentally drop stitches at the end of the row, which is the most common cause of a misshapen rectangle.
Weave your yarn tails in at least three different directions through the dense ribbed fabric to prevent them from coming loose during regular use.
If you want a larger or smaller hat, adjust the number of starting chains. Adding 5 chains will increase the circumference by approximately one inch, but be aware this will also require more yardage to complete the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

Yes, but you will need to adjust your starting chain and the total number of rows. If you use a thicker yarn, start with fewer chains; if using a thinner yarn, increase your chain count.

Is this project suitable for someone who has never crocheted before?

Yes, because it uses only basic chains and half double crochet stitches, this is an ideal project for practicing uniform stitch height and tension control.

Can I sell the hats I make from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items created from this pattern. Please credit the original design and use your own photographs to represent your work.

Why does my rectangle look slanted?

Slanting often occurs if the stitch count changes row by row. Always count your stitches at the end of each row to ensure you have 43 stitches before turning to the next row.

Pin for later!

Seeing these stacked layers come together is satisfying, especially once you add a small star or bead at the very top. Try using velvet ribbon or metallic thread between the layers to add a bit of sparkle to your holiday decor. You can easily scale these up or down by changing the diameter of your initial circles. Share a photo of your finished creation on social media so others can see your work. Feel free to browse through my blog for more seasonal projects to fill your home.