You will love this free crochet pattern for a chunky shells hat. The yarn is just gorgeous and oh so soft. The bright variegated colors on this hat are stunning. You will find a free version of this crochet hat pattern down below.
A Cozy Hat With Beautiful Texture
This Chunky Shells Hat has a lovely turned up brim and a flowing shell stitch design that works beautifully with variegated yarn. The colors blend and swirl as you crochet, giving your hat a unique and eye catching finish every time. If you enjoy crochet patterns that look more complex than they actually are, this one will be a joy to make.
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The bulky yarn makes the hat warm and full of body. The shell stitches give the fabric a soft drape while still offering plenty of structure. The turned up brim adds extra warmth around the ears and gives the hat a feminine, stylish look.
Yarn Choice for the Chunky Shells Hat
Variegated yarns are the focus of this design. This hat was made using Michaels Impressions Yarn, which has a soft and smooth feel. The color transitions are rich and bright, creating a beautiful flow throughout the stitch pattern.
Yarn:
Bulky 5
Michaels Impressions Yarn
Approx. 200 to 225 yards
https://www.michaels.com/product/impressions-yarn-by-loops-threads-10699695
If substituting yarns, choose something that is soft and pleasant against the skin. The hat feels luxurious when worn, so a comfortable yarn is ideal.
Designer Notes
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This crochet pattern is written in US terms.
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It is worked in the round with a join at the end of each round.
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Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round. Variegated yarn can make it difficult to see the tops of stitches.
Hook and Gauge
Hook: K (10.5) / 6.50 mm
Gauge:
4 in x 4 in = 2 shells wide by 4 shells in height
Notes:
Beg. CH 1 does not count as a stitch unless otherwise noted.
Special Stitch
Shell Stitch: 5 DC in the stitch indicated in the pattern.
Stitch Guide
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| SLP ST | Slip Stitch |
| CH | Chain |
| SC | Single Crochet |
| HDC | Half Double Crochet |
| DC | Double Crochet |
| FP HDC | Front Post Half Double Crochet |
| BP HDC | Back Post Half Double Crochet |
| FLO | Front Loop Only |
| nxt | Next |
| skp | Skip |
| join w/ | Join With |
| st | Stitch |
| * * | Repeat between the stars the number of times stated |
| x | Times (Example: Repeat 2 x means repeat two times) |
| in | Insert hook under top two loops of stitch indicated |
| beg. | Beginning |
The Brim
The brim is one of the prettiest features of this hat. Worked in a textured stitch pattern that folds up, it adds a polished, finished look. If you enjoy hats with a little extra flair, this brim will be a favorite detail.
The Free Crochet Pattern
Adult Medium to Large Size
Crown Increase Rounds
CH 3 join in ring or use Magic Circle
Round 1: CH 1, 10HDC in ring; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC. (10 HDC)
Round 2: CH 1, 2 HDC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC. (20 HDC)
Round 3: CH 1, HDC in joining/nxt st; 2 HDC in nxt st; 10x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC. (30 HDC)
Round 4: CH 1, HDC in joining/nxt st 2x; 2 HDC in nxt st; 10x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC. (40 HDC)
Round 5: CH 1, HDC in joining/nxt st 3x; 2 HDC in nxt st; 10x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC. (50 HDC) 7”
Begin Shell Stitch Section
Round 6: CH 1, don’t SC in joining st, but SC in nxt st; Skp nxt st 3x, Shell in the nxt; Skp 2 st’s, SC in nxt; Skp 2 st’s, Shell in nxt; 7x; skp last 3st’s, join w/SLP ST in beg. SC. (8 SC & 8Shells)
Round 7: SLP ST in nxt ST 3x (Note, you should be at the peak stitch of the first shell of the previous round.) CH 1, *SC in peak st; Shell in the nxt SC;*8x; join w/SLP ST in beg. SC. (8 SC & 8 Shells)
Round 8 – 13: Repeat Round 6 & 7. Note: You may add more rounds here, if you would like a taller slouchier hat. (8 SC & 8 Shells)
Brim Section
Round 14-17: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/ SLP ST in beg. SC (48 SC)
Front and Back Post Ribbing
Round 18: CH 1 & Turn; HDC in BLO in each st around; join w/SLP ST in beg. HDC (48 HDC) [You are actually crocheting in the front loop, but since you turned your work, the front loop becomes the back loop]
Round 19: CH 2 (Note: CH 1 will recede and become a mock BP HDC); FP HDC around 1st HDC; BP HDC around nxt HDC, FP HDC around nxt SC; complete sequence between * * around; join w/SLP ST in beg. 2nd CH of beg. BP HDC
Round 22-25: Repeat Round 19; End off, secure and weave in all ends.
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I hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern. I love a good shell hat and this yarn makes this one so special. Please leave me a note below if you make this hat to tell me how it goes.
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COPYRIGHT STATEMENT This crochet pattern is protected by copyright© Krissys Over The Mountain Crochet 2025. Do not sell, alter or redistribute this tutorial or it’s photos in any way or form. You the maker are responsible for the finished product.
Safety & Care: This pattern is for crafting use only. The maker is responsible for safe material choice and finished item use. For full details, visit: krissysoverthemountaincrochet.com/krissys-otm-crochet-and-crafts-safety-care-guidelines/
Designer: Kristina L Moore / business: KrissysOverTheMountainCrochetAndCrafts
https://krissysoverthemountaincrochet.com
email-krissy@krissysoverthemountaincrochet.com
October 2025