Sunburst Circle Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Sunburst Circle Hat is a cheerful, beginner-friendly crochet beanie that starts as a flat rainbow circle and transforms into a cozy winter hat. It's perfect for anyone who has just learned single crochet and wants a project that looks impressive without complicated stitches. The concentric rings of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet create a bright sunburst effect that feels warm and whimsical on a gray winter day. Worked in smooth single crochet, the fabric is soft, dense, and stretchy, with a rolled red brim and a fluffy violet pom on top that make it feel like a hug for your head.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic or wool blend, 7 colors, 30 yd each: A (red), B (orange), C (yellow), D (green), E (blue), F (indigo), G (violet). Small amount of any color for the pom.
• Hook: 5.5 mm (US I/9)
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, pom-pom maker or cardboard (about 3 inches)
• Finished size: Circumference 20 inches, height 8.5 inches including rolled edge; fits an average adult head

Abbreviations

• MR: magic ring — an adjustable loop you crochet into to start a circle
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase — work 2 single crochet into the same stitch
• dec: decrease — single crochet 2 stitches together into one
• sts: stitches
• rnd(s): round(s)
• [ ] x6: repeat the instructions in brackets 6 times

Gauge

14 stitches and 16 rounds = 4 inches in single crochet. Crochet a small swatch in the round and measure it; if you have more stitches than 14 in 4 inches, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round — the hat is worked in continuous rounds, so the beginning can drift without one.
• Change colors on the last stitch of the previous round by pulling the new color through the final yarn-over, so the color bands stay crisp.
• Keep your tension even, especially on the decrease rounds, so the shaping stays smooth and the hat doesn't pucker.
• Don't fasten off each color until you've woven the tail in a few stitches; short 30-yard lengths can loosen if left dangling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The hat is worked in continuous rounds from crown to brim. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round.

Crown (Color A, Red)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts)
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts)
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts)
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts)
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] x6 (54 sts)
Rnd 10: [8 sc, inc] x6 (60 sts)
Rnd 11: [9 sc, inc] x6 (66 sts)
Rnd 12: [10 sc, inc] x6 (72 sts)

Color Bands (72 sts each)

Rnds 13-14: Change to B (orange). sc in each st around (72 sts)
Rnds 15-16: Change to C (yellow). sc in each st around (72 sts)
Rnds 17-18: Change to D (green). sc in each st around (72 sts)
Rnds 19-20: Change to E (blue). sc in each st around (72 sts)
Rnds 21-22: Change to F (indigo). sc in each st around (72 sts)
Rnds 23-24: Change to G (violet). sc in each st around (72 sts)

Shape the Beanie (Color G, Violet)

Rnd 25: [10 sc, dec] x6 (66 sts)
Rnd 26: sc in each st around (66 sts)
Rnd 27: [9 sc, dec] x6 (60 sts)
Rnd 28: sc in each st around (60 sts)
Rnd 29: [8 sc, dec] x6 (54 sts)
Rnd 30: sc in each st around (54 sts)
Rnd 31: [7 sc, dec] x6 (48 sts)
Rnd 32: sc in each st around (48 sts)
Rnd 33: [6 sc, dec] x6 (42 sts)
Rnd 34: sc in each st around (42 sts)
Rnd 35: [5 sc, dec] x6 (36 sts)
Rnd 36: sc in each st around (36 sts)
Rnd 37: [4 sc, dec] x6 (30 sts)
Rnd 38: sc in each st around (30 sts)
Rnd 39: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24 sts)
Rnd 40: sc in each st around (24 sts)
Rnd 41: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts)
Rnd 42: sc in each st around (18 sts)
Rnd 43: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts)
Rnd 44: sc in each st around (12 sts)
Rnd 45: dec x6 (6 sts)
Fasten off, weave the tail through the remaining 6 stitches, and pull tight.

Rolled Edge (Color A, Red)

With A, join yarn at the bottom edge.
Rnd 1: sc evenly around the bottom edge (72 sts)
Rnds 2-3: sc in each st around (72 sts)
Fasten off. Roll the edge outward.

Pom-Pom

Make a pom-pom with G (or mixed colors) approximately 3 inches in diameter. Sew securely to the top center of the hat.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the inside of the hat, running each tail through a few stitches to secure it. Sew the pom-pom firmly to the top center, passing the thread through the pom several times so it won't wobble. Lightly steam or wet-block the hat over a bowl or balloon to smooth the crown and even out the color bands; let it dry completely before wearing. Roll the red edge outward one last time.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the rainbow for two or three of your favorite colors, or work the bands in a self-striping yarn for a surprise effect.
• Make a matching pom in a contrasting color, or skip the pom for a simpler everyday beanie.
• For a slouchier fit, add 2-4 extra plain rounds in G before starting the decrease rounds.