by Pineapple lace crochet is a beautiful and classic technique that creates a stunning, openwork fabric resembling the scales of a pineapple. When applied to a summer hat, it results in an elegant and breezy accessory perfect for sunny days. Creating a crocheted pineapple lace hat is a rewarding project for an intermediate crocheter. Here’s a detailed tutorial on how to make a beautiful pineapple lace summer hat for women.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: A lightweight yarn is best for a summer hat.
- Fingering weight (sock yarn) or DK (double-knitting) weight cotton, cotton blend, or bamboo yarn is ideal for breathability and drape.
- Choose a color that complements your summer wardrobe.
- Crochet Hook: The size of the hook will depend on your yarn’s weight and your tension.
- A 3.0mm to 4.0mm (US size D-3 to G-6) hook is a good starting point. Check the yarn label for a recommendation.
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Stitch Marker: To keep track of the beginning of the round.
Gauge
While not strictly necessary, checking your gauge can help ensure the hat fits as expected. A good gauge for this hat would be approximately 5-6 double crochet stitches per inch.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- ch-sp: chain space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- beg: beginning
- rep: repeat
- […]: work instructions inside brackets as a group
- (…): work instructions inside parentheses as a group
Pattern Instructions
This pattern is worked from the top down, starting with the crown and then forming the brim. The pineapple lace motif will be created in the main body of the hat.
Part 1: The Crown
The crown is worked in continuous rounds to create a solid base for the pineapple lace. The size of your crown will determine the overall fit of the hat.
Round 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 11 dc into the ring. Sl st to the top of the beg ch 3 to join. (12 dc)
Round 2: Ch 3, dc in the same st. 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the top of the beg ch 3. (24 dc)
Round 3: Ch 3, dc in the same st. dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the top of the beg ch 3. (36 dc)
Round 4: Ch 3, dc in the same st. dc in the next 2 sts, 2 dc in the next st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the top of the beg ch 3. (48 dc)
Round 5: Ch 3, dc in the same st. dc in the next 3 sts, 2 dc in the next st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the top of the beg ch 3. (60 dc)
Continue increasing in this manner until the crown measures approximately 6-7 inches in diameter for an average adult head. A general rule of thumb is to add one more single crochet stitch between the increases each round. For example, Round 6 would be dc in the next 4 sts, 2 dc in the next st.
The number of stitches at the end of your crown should be a multiple of 12 for the pineapple lace pattern to work correctly.
Part 2: The Body (Pineapple Lace Section)
This is where the magic happens! The pineapple lace is worked in repeating sections.
Setup Round: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (This round creates a nice base for the lace and helps define the transition from the solid crown.)
Pineapple Repeat Section (This section is a 2-round repeat that forms the pineapple shape):
Round 1 (Foundation for the first pineapple):
- Ch 5 (counts as 1 tr, ch 1).
- Skip 3 sts, tr in the next st, ch 1. Rep from * to * around.
- Sl st to the 4th ch of the beg ch 5 to join. (This creates a series of tr stitches separated by chain spaces.)
Round 2 (Creating the fan shape):
- Sl st into the first ch-1 sp. Ch 1, sc in the same ch-1 sp.
- Ch 3, dc in the next ch-1 sp. Ch 3, sc in the next ch-1 sp.
- Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (This round forms the “fans” that will become the base of the pineapples.)
Round 3 (Beginning the pineapple cluster):
- Sl st into the first ch-3 sp. Ch 1, sc in the same ch-3 sp.
- In the next ch-3 sp, work [2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc]. (This is the start of the “pineapple” cluster.)
- Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the first sc to join.
Round 4 (Building the pineapple):
- Sl st into the first ch-3 sp. Ch 1, sc in the same ch-3 sp.
- In the next ch-3 sp, work [2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc].
- Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the first sc to join.
Repeat Rounds 3 and 4 until your hat is the desired length before the brim. The number of repeats will depend on your yarn and desired look. Generally, 3-4 repeats of the pineapple pattern will be sufficient.
Note on adjusting the pattern: The basic pineapple lace is made with chains and dc stitches. You can increase or decrease the number of chains or stitches to make the pineapple larger or smaller. A larger pineapple would use 5-6 dc stitches in the cluster, with 5-6 chains in between.
Part 3: The Brim
The brim is typically worked in a solid stitch pattern to provide structure and a clean finish.
Round 1: Sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join.
Round 2: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to the top of the beg ch 3.
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join.
Round 4: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to the top of the beg ch 3.
Continue alternating sc and dc rounds until your brim is the desired width. Two to three rounds of each stitch will create a simple, elegant brim.
Optional Brim Variation: To make a ruffled or wavy brim, increase the number of stitches in each round. For example, in the dc rounds, work 2 dc in every 3rd or 4th stitch.
Finishing
- Fasten off the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches.
- Use your tapestry needle to carefully weave in all loose ends. Make sure they are secure so your hat doesn’t unravel.
- Block your hat to help the stitches lie flat and the pineapple lace pattern to open up beautifully.
- Gently wet the hat or spritz it with water.
- Lay it flat or place it over a bowl or balloon to shape the crown.
- Gently stretch the lace sections to open the holes.
- Allow the hat to dry completely before wearing.
Tips for Success
- Read the Pattern Carefully: Before you begin, read through the entire pattern to understand the construction.
- Use a Stitch Marker: This is crucial for keeping track of the beginning of your rounds, especially in the solid crown section.
- Count Your Stitches: Pineapple lace is a detailed pattern. Counting your stitches and chain spaces in each round is essential to ensure the pattern aligns correctly.
- Practice the Pineapple Stitch: If you are new to this technique, practice a small swatch of the pineapple lace before starting the hat.
- Take Breaks: Crochet is a repetitive motion. Take breaks to prevent hand and wrist strain.
Enjoy your elegant and breezy pineapple lace hat! This project is a beautiful way to showcase your crochet skills and create a timeless accessory for your summer wardrobe.
