Learn how to crochet the Chunky Haylee Beanie, which is an easy half double crochet beanie worked in cozy chunky yarn that works up quickly!
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Find the free crochet pattern instructions below, or purchase a printer-friendly, ad-free PDF on Ravelry by clicking here.
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November 2025 Update: I made these adorable chunky newborn beanies back in February of 2015 in what was called Deborah Norville’s Serenity Chunky Yarn, but has now been renamed Premier Yarns Serenity Chunky Yarn. To this day, it is still my favorite chunky weight #5 yarn, but I have not used it in years with it not being carried in craft stores, which is where I shopped for all of my yarns prior to opening my own yarn shop, Yarn Crafts & Coffee. They also appeared over on my EyeLoveKnots blog where they lived for 10 years before moving over to this Cre8tion Crochet blog.
Fast forward to May of 2024, I planned to use some Lion Brand Hue + Me to update the pattern, but no matter what hook size I used and how I adjusted the crochet pattern, I just was not happy with the beanie and the Hue + Me paired together so the update went on the back burner.
The 30 Days of Crochet Hats in November Event motivated me to revisit it again, and this time, I decided to go with a tried and true favorite – holding two strands of a worsted weight yarn together to create a chunky weight strand, and I love this because worsted weight is so easy to find so there are lots of options whereas a good chunky weight yarn can be hard to find. The other fun thing is if you hold two different colored strands together, you get a really cool marled effect!
In this update, I am renaming these “Valentine Inspired Chunky Newborn Beanies” to Chunky Haylee Beanies to better fit into the Haylee series, and have added 6 more sizes to range from Newborn through Adult Large. I will leave up the instructions for working the cute shell edging for the Newborn size, but not for the other sizes until I can come back to it to work out and update the length sizing.
Easy Half Double Crochet Patterns:
Haylee is one of my easy, beginner friendly series that features simple half double crochet stitches, though I don’t recommend starting with a project that is worked in the round as a beginner – try it after you are comfortable working back and forth in rows using the half double crochet stitch pattern.
Find accessory crochet patterns here on Cre8tion Crochet, and home decor and accessory crochet patterns over on my sister blog – EyeLoveKnots.
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What Supplies Do I Need to Crochet a Chunky Half Double Crochet Beanie?
- 40 (76, 86, 113, 132, 167, 215) Yards of Chunky Weight #5 Yarn
- L11/8mm Crochet Hook
- Tapestry Needle
- Soft Tape Measure – Gauge is Essential
Lion Brand Wool Ease is comprised of 80% Acrylic and 20% Wool, and comes in a skein that is 197 yards, or 85 grams.
Premier Yarns Serenity Chunky is comprised of 100% Acrylic, and comes in a skein that is 109 yards, or 100 grams.
Yardage by Size:
- Newborn: 40 Yards or 17 Grams
- 3 – 6 Months: 76 Yards or 33 Grams
- 6 – 12 Months: 86 Yards or 37 Grams
- Toddler: 113 Yards or 49 Grams
- Child: 132 Yards or 57 Grams
- Adult Small: 167 Yards or 72 Grams
- Adult Large: 188 Yards or 81 Grams for 8 1/2″ Length; 215 Yards or 93 Grams for 9 1/2″ Length
Material Notes:
As a cold weather beanie, animal fibers are better for keeping warm against the wind, and while alpaca works great, my go-to is always a 100% superwash merino wool or a wool and acrylic blend, like Lion Brand Hue + Me. Acrylic yarns, like Lion Brand’s Mandala Impressions, do also work. Normally, I would stress that they’re good for cool, but not windy, weather as the wind tends to go right through, but a chunky weight yarn does provide better coverage, even in a 100% acrylic. If you don’t have a chunky weight yarn, or like me, you are having trouble finding one you like, you can hold 2 strands together of a Worsted Weight #4 Yarn, like Lion Brand Wool Ease and Berroco Vintage.
My original beanies were worked in Premier Yarns Serenity Chunky Yarn in the Berry Burst and Pristine colorways. In the remake, I held 2 strands together of Lion Brand Wool Ease.
I love my ergonomic clay hooks from SiennasBowtique and BronzeShepherdStudio! They both have so many fun designs – I have several from each shop because they’re so darn cute and nice to hold onto! We also have lots of beautiful, handcrafted crochet hooks in our Yarn Crafts and Coffee Yarn Shop as well!
Time Spent:
I worked up the Newborn size in less than 30 minutes.
Measurements:
The Newborn Size has a crown of 3 5/8″ in diameter (or as low as 3 1/2”), a circumference of nearly 11 3/8″ to fit a head size of 13″ – 14″, and is 5 1/8″ in length (or as low as 5″).
The 3-6 Month Size has a crown of 4 1/4″ in diameter (or as low as 4 1/8”), a circumference of nearly 13 3/8″ to fit a head size of 14″ – 16″, and is 5 3/8″ in length (or as low as 5 1/4″).
The 6-12 Month Size has a crown of 5 3/8″ in diameter (or as low as 5 1/8”), a circumference of nearly 16 7/8″ to fit a head size of 17″ – 19″, and is 5 1/2″ in length (or as high as 5 3/4″).
The Toddler Size has a crown of 5 3/8″ in diameter, a circumference of nearly 16 7/8″ to fit a head size of 18″ – 20″, and is 6 5/8″ in length (or as low as 6 1/2″).
The Child Size Size has a crown of 6″ in diameter, a circumference of nearly 18 7/8″ to fit a head size of 20″ – 22″, and is 6 7/8″ in length (or as high as 7″).
The Teen/Adult Small Size has a crown of 6″ in diameter, a circumference of nearly 18 7/8″ to fit a head size of 20″ – 22″, and is 8 3/8″ in length (or as high as 8 1/2″)
The Adult Large Size has a crown of 6 1/2″ in diameter (or as low as 6 3/8”), a circumference of nearly 20 3/8″ to fit a head size of 22″ – 23″, and is either 8 5/8″ or 9 5/8″ in length (or as low as 8 1/2″ and 9 1/2″).
If you are concerned with the size (or want to make a different size), take your tape measure out and measure around your head just above your eyebrows. The distance around is the circumference. You will need to use this equation to figure out what size diameter you will need: Your Circumference – 3” / 3.14 (pi) = crown diameter. 3” is the amount of stretch for acrylic, wool, and similar.
Gauge – Measured in Pattern & Taken After Round 3:
- From 8 to 24 HDC = 3 5/8″
- From 9 to 27 HDC = 4″
- From 10 to 30 HDC = 4 1/4″
Gauge it very important for beanies. If you do not meet gauge, and continue making your beanie, the finished size will either be too small or too big so make sure to check it at the end of Round 3. If you’re measuring smaller than the given measurements, go up a crochet hook size and rework the sample. If you’re measuring larger than the given measurements, go down a crochet hook size and rework the sample. Take gauge again, and see where you are.
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- HDC – Half Double Crochet (Photo Tutorial | Video Tutorial)
- SC – Single Crochet (Photo Tutorial)
Pattern Notes:
Beginning chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
Slip stitch join to the first stitch of each round.
I work my crown and body differently than most to help keep my seam straight, and that is that the first stitch from the first set of increases is done in the first stitch of the round, which will appear just to left of the beginning chain, then the round will be worked as normal, and the final stitch of the round will be the second stitch of the first set of increases, and it will be worked into the same stitch as the first, and appear just to the right of the beginning chain. The photo above shows where the first and last stitch are worked, and I have a photo tutorial of this technique in my How to Keep a Straight Seam post. You can work in your preferred increase method as long as we end up with the same stitches at the end of the round.
In the final round, you may choose to join with an invisible join for a clean, polished look – here is a photo tutorial.
Only some rounds have a final round of single crochet, and that is to get to the finished length we need. If you’re working a size that does not instruct to single crochet, but you want to, go ahead and add it – it will add 3/8”. On the flip side, if you’re working a size that does end on a single crochet round, but you don’t want to work in it, you can omit it for less length or work a round of half double crochet in it’s place for a little bit more length.
Mix up the color scheme to fit different seasons and/or holidays, or embellish with appliques or buttons.
Chunky Half Double Crochet Beanie Pattern
Basic Newborn Beanie Pattern:
Chain 4. Join to form a ring. Chain 1. 8 HDC into the ring. Join. (8 HDC)
R2: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first stitch, 2 HDC in each of the next 7 HDCs, and 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (16 HDC)
R3: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 2 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into the next stitch) 7x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (24 HDC)
Checkpoint: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 3 5/8”, or as low as 3 1/2”.
R4 – 6: Chain 1, and turn. HDC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join. (24 HDC)
R7: Chain 1, and turn. SC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join. (24 SC)
Checkpoint: Before fastening off, stop and measure the height of the beanie. It should measure 5 1/8” tall (or as low as 5”). If needed, omit the last round to make it shorter, or switch the last round for another round of HDC to make it taller.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Shell Edge Newborn Beanie Pattern:
Chain 4. Join to form a ring. Chain 1. 8 HDC into the ring. Join. (8 HDC)
R2: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first stitch, 2 HDC in each of the next 7 HDCs, and 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (16 HDC)
R3: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 2 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into the next stitch) 7x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (24 HDC)
Checkpoint: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 3 5/8”, or as low as 3 1/2”.
R4 – 5: Chain 1, and turn. HDC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join. (24 HDC)
R6: Chain 1, and turn. SC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join. (24 SC)
R7: Chain 1, and turn. SC into the 1st stitch, skip 2 stitches, 5 DC in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, (SC in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, 5 DC in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches) around. Join to the 1st SC. (6 Shells)
Checkpoint: Before fastening off, stop and measure the height of the beanie. It should measure 5 1/8” tall (or as low as 5”). If needed, omit Round 6 to make it shorter, or switch Round 6 to HDC to make it taller.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
3 – 6 Months Beanie Pattern:
Chain 5. Join to form a ring. Chain 1. 10 HDC into the ring. Join. (10 HDC)
R2: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first stitch, 2 HDC in each of the next 9 HDCs, and 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (20 HDC)
R3: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 2 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into the next stitch) 9x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (30 HDC)
Checkpoint: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 4 1/4”, or as low as 4 1/8”.
R4 – 9: Chain 1, and turn. HDC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join. (30 HDC)
R10: Chain 1, and turn. SC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join. (30 SC)
Checkpoint: Before fastening off, stop and measure the height of the beanie. It should measure 5 3/8” tall (or as low as 5 1/4”). If needed, omit the last round to make it shorter, or switch the last round for another round of HDC to make it taller.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
6 – 12 Months Beanie Pattern:
Chain 4. Join to form a ring. Chain 1. 9 HDC into the ring. Join. (9 HDC)
R2: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first stitch, 2 HDC in each of the next 8 HDCs, and 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (18 HDC)
R3: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 2 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into the next stitch) 8x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (27 HDC)
R4: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 3 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into each of the next 2 stitches) 8x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (36 HDC)
Checkpoint: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 5 3/8”, or as low as 5 1/8”.
R5 – 9: Chain 1, and turn. HDC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join. (36 HDC)
R10: Chain 1, and turn. SC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join. (36 SC)
Checkpoint: Before fastening off, stop and measure the height of the beanie. It should measure 5 1/2” tall (or as high as 5 3/4”). If needed, omit the last round to make it shorter, or switch the last round for another round of HDC to make it taller.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Toddler Beanie Pattern:
Chain 4. Join to form a ring. Chain 1. 9 HDC into the ring. Join. (9 HDC)
R2: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first stitch, 2 HDC in each of the next 8 HDCs, and 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (18 HDC)
R3: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 2 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into the next stitch) 8x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (27 HDC)
R4: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 3 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into each of the next 2 stitches) 8x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (36 HDC)
Checkpoint: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 5 3/8”.
R5 – 12: Chain 1, and turn. HDC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join.
Checkpoint: Before fastening off, stop and measure the height of the beanie. It should measure 6 5/8” tall (or as low as 6 1/2”). If needed, omit the last round or switch it to SC to make it shorter, or add another round of HDC to make it taller.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Child Beanie Pattern:
Chain 4. Join to form a ring. Chain 1. 8 HDC into the ring. Join. (8 HDC)
R2: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first stitch, 2 HDC in each of the next 7 HDCs, and 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (16 HDC)
R3: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 2 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into the next stitch) 7x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (24 HDC)
Checkpoint #1: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 3 5/8”.
R4: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 3 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into each of the next 2 stitches) 7x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (32 HDC)
R5: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 4 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into each of the next 3 stitches) 7x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (40 HDC)
Checkpoint #2: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 6″.
R6 – 13: Chain 1, and turn. HDC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join. (40 HDC)
Checkpoint #3: Before fastening off, stop and measure the height of the beanie. It should measure 6 7/8” tall (or as high as 7”). If needed, omit the last round or switch it to SC to make it shorter, or add another round of HDC to make it taller.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Adult Small Beanie Pattern:
Chain 4. Join to form a ring. Chain 1. 8 HDC into the ring. Join. (8 HDC)
R2: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first stitch, 2 HDC in each of the next 7 HDCs, and 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (16 HDC)
R3: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 2 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into the next stitch) 7x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (24 HDC)
Checkpoint: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 3 5/8”.
R4: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 3 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into each of the next 2 stitches) 7x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (32 HDC)
R5: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 4 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into each of the next 3 stitches) 7x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (40 HDC)
Checkpoint #2: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 6″.
R6 – 16: Chain 1, and turn. HDC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join. (40 HDC)
Checkpoint #3: Before fastening off, stop and measure the height of the beanie. It should measure 8 3/8” tall (or as high as 8 1/2”). If needed, omit the last round or switch it to SC to make it shorter, or add another round of HDC to make it taller.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Adult Large Beanie Pattern:
Chain 4. Join to form a ring. Chain 1. 9 HDC into the ring. Join. (9 HDC)
R2: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first stitch, 2 HDC in each of the next 8 HDCs, and 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (18 HDC)
R3: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 2 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into the next stitch) 8x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (27 HDC)
Checkpoint #1: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 4”.
R4: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 3 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into each of the next 2 stitches) 8x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (36 HDC)
R5: Chain 1, and turn. Work 1 HDC into the first 4 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into each of the next 3 stitches) 8x, 1 HDC into the last stitch. Join. (45 HDC)
Checkpoint #2: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 6 1/2″, or as low as 6 3/8”.
The Adult Large size has the biggest range for heights, and that is that it can be either 8 1/2″ tall or 9 1/2″ tall, and this varies depending on the recipient.
R6 – 16 (18): Chain 1, and turn. HDC into the 1st stitch, and each stitch around. Join. (45 HDC)
Checkpoint: Before fastening off, stop and measure the height of the beanie. It should measure 8 5/8” tall or 9 5/8” tall (or as low as 8 1/2” or 9 1/2”). If needed, omit the last round or switch it to SC to make it shorter, or add another round of HDC to make it taller.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
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