Crochet Elf Hat Pattern – Cabled Stocking Cap! Free!
The free crochet elf hat pattern I’m sharing today is so cute, and fun. It’s a cozy sleep cap pattern (or stocking cap, or elf hat pattern – whatever you want to call it) that features fun cables running from bottom to top in the design.
Crochet Cabled Stocking Cap Pattern
The pattern includes all sizes Newborn through Teen/Adult.
Featuring worsted (4) weight yarn, this is an adorable winter crochet project great for any age.
Don’t crochet? Don’t worry! You’ll find the knit version of this pattern here.
Cabled Sleep Cap Crochet Pattern
Please Pay with a Share!
1. Head over to Ravelry, add this pattern to your favorites and queue the pattern listing. This is a great way to help designers connect with new customers, and we always super appreciate you taking that extra moment!
You’ll find the Ravelry listing here.
2. Share this blog post with your crafty friends. Please use the handy social sharing buttons at the bottom of this post so your crafty friends can take advantage of this free pattern too.
3. Scroll down to view the pattern.
Not a Fan of Ads?
No worries! Help support this blog and get an ad-free PDF copy of this pattern for just $2.99!
Get this crochet elf hat pattern on Ravelry here.
Get this crochet elf hat pattern on Etsy here.
Average Head Circumference Size Chart
13-14″ (33-35.5cm)
14-15″ (35.5-38cm)
14-17″ (35.5-43cm)
16-19″ (40.5-48cm)
18-20″ (45.75-50.75cm)
19-20.5″ (48.25-52cm)
20.5-22.5″ (52-57cm)
Materials
- Yarn: Approximately 120 yards of worsted (4) yarn (30 of color 1 and 90 of color 2) for smaller sizes, and approx. 415 yards (65 of color 1 and 350 of color 2) for larger sizes. (I used Yarn Bee – Ashley)
- Crochet Hook: Size 5.5 mm (I/9) OR whatever size is needed to obtain gauge
- Yarn or Tapestry Needle
Gauge
8 sts and 7 rows = 2 inches (5 centimeters) in Half Double Crochet
***It is important to check your gauge!***
Abbreviations
- DC: Double Crochet
- FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
- BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet
- HDC: Half Double Crochet
- FPTR: Front Post Triple Crochet: Triple Crochet around the front post of the indicated stitch
- HDC2tog: Half Double Crochet the next two sts together
- **: Repeat the section in between the two stars as specified
- Cable Sequence: Skip the next 4 sts, FPTR around the 5th stitch, FPTR around the 6th stitch, DC into the 3rd and 4th sts respectively behind the FPTR sts you just made, then FPTR around the 1st stitch, FPTR around the 2nd stitch
- Tutorial blog for six stitch cable: https://melodys-makings.com/six-stitch-crochet-cable-in-the-round/
Newborn Pattern
Loosely chain 48 using color 1 yarn
Join in the round by slip stitching first and last sts together
Round 1: CH2, Double crochet each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts not including CH2)
Rounds 2-4: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, BPDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Drop and cut color 1 and pick up color 2
Round 5: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 6: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Rounds 7&8: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Rounds 6-8 until your project measures approx. 4” (10cm) in length from the starting edge. End after repeat of Round 8.
Round 9: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 10: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 11: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 12: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, Cable Sequence, HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 13: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 14: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 15: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 5 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 16: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 17: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 4 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 18: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 19: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 3 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 20: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 21: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 22: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 23: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 24: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 25: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 26: CH2, *FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 27: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 5 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 28: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 29: CH2, *FPDC each of next 4 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 30: CH2, *FPDC2tog, FPDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Rounds 31&32: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Round 33: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Rounds 34&35: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Round 36: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Rounds 37&38: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Round 39: CH2, *HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (3 total sts)
Continue to SC2tog until the hole at the top of your hat is closed. Cut yarn with an approx. 7 inch yarn tail. Use your yarn or tapestry needle to secure the top hole, and secure and weave in all ends.
For Pom-Pom: Wrap Color 1 around 4 fingers approx. 70 times. Remove from fingers. Use separate piece of yarn to tie in the middle (make sure to leave 5-7 inch tails. Cut all loops on both sides of the tie. Trim pom to desired length. Using yarn needle, attach pom to the end of the hat with the piece of yarn that you used to tie the center.
See this blog post for help on making a pom pom:
https://melodys-makings.com/how-to-make-a-pom-pom/
Baby 0-3 Months Pattern
Loosely chain 54 using color 1 yarn
Join in the round by slip stitching first and last sts together
Round 1: CH2, Double crochet each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts not including CH2)
Rounds 2-4: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, BPDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Drop and cut color 1 and pick up color 2
Round 5: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Round 6: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Rounds 7&8: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Rounds 6-8 until your project measures approx. 4” (10cm) in length from the starting edge. End after repeat of Round 8.
Round 9: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 10: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (51 total sts)
Round 11: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (51 total sts)
Round 12: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 2 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 13: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 14: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 15: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 16: CH2, * FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 17: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 18: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 19: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 5 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 20: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 21: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 4 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 22: CH2, * FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 23: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 3 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 24: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 25: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 26: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 27: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 28: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 29: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 30: CH2, *FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 31: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 5 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 32: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 33: CH2, *FPDC each of next 4 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 34: CH2, *FPDC2tog, FPDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Rounds 35&36: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Round 37: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Rounds 38&39: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Round 40: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Rounds 41&42: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Round 43: CH2, *HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (3 total sts)
Continue to SC2tog until the hole at the top of your hat is closed. Cut yarn with an approx. 7 inch yarn tail. Use your yarn or tapestry needle to secure the top hole, and secure and weave in all ends.
For Pom-Pom: Wrap Color 1 around 4 fingers approx. 70 times. Remove from fingers. Use separate piece of yarn to tie in the middle (make sure to leave 5-7 inch tails. Cut all loops on both sides of the tie. Trim pom to desired length. Using yarn needle, attach pom to the end of the hat with the piece of yarn that you used to tie the center.
See this blog post for help on making a pom pom:
https://melodys-makings.com/how-to-make-a-pom-pom/
Baby 3-6 Months Pattern
Loosely chain 60 using color 1 yarn
Join in the round by slip stitching first and last sts together
Round 1: CH2, Double crochet each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (60 total sts not including CH2)
Rounds 2-4: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, BPDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (60 total sts)
Drop and cut color 1 and pick up color 2
Round 5: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (60 total sts)
Round 6: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (60 total sts)
Rounds 7&8: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Rounds 6-8 until your project measures approx. 4.5” (11.5cm) in length from the starting edge. End after repeat of Round 8.
Round 9: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 10: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (57 total sts)
Round 11: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (57 total sts)
Round 12: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 3 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Round 13: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Round 14: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (51 total sts)
Round 15: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (51 total sts)
Round 16: CH2, * FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 17: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 18: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC2tog, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 19: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 20: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 21: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 22: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 23: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 5 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 24: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 25: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 4 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 26: CH2, * FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 27: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 3 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 28: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 29: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 30: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 31: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 32: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 33: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 34: CH2, *FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 35: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 5 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 36: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 37: CH2, *FPDC each of next 4 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 38: CH2, *FPDC2tog, FPDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Rounds 39&40: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Round 41: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Rounds 42&43: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Round 44: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Rounds 45&46: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Round 47: CH2, *HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (3 total sts)
Continue to SC2tog until the hole at the top of your hat is closed. Cut yarn with an approx. 7 inch yarn tail. Use your yarn or tapestry needle to secure the top hole, and secure and weave in all ends.
For Pom-Pom: Wrap Color 1 around 4 fingers approx. 70 times. Remove from fingers. Use separate piece of yarn to tie in the middle (make sure to leave 5-7 inch tails. Cut all loops on both sides of the tie. Trim pom to desired length. Using yarn needle, attach pom to the end of the hat with the piece of yarn that you used to tie the center.
See this blog post for help on making a pom pom:
https://melodys-makings.com/how-to-make-a-pom-pom/
Baby 6-12 Months Pattern
Loosely chain 66 using color 1 yarn
Join in the round by slip stitching first and last sts together
Round 1: CH2, Double crochet each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (66 total sts not including CH2)
Rounds 2-4: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, BPDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (66 total sts)
Drop and cut color 1 and pick up color 2
Round 5: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (66 total sts)
Round 6: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (66 total sts)
Rounds 7&8: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Rounds 6-8 until your project measures approx. 4.5” (11.5cm) in length from the starting edge. End after repeat of Round 8.
Round 9: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 10: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (63 total sts)
Round 11: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 4 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (63 total sts)
Round 12: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 4 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (60 total sts)
Round 13: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 4 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (60 total sts)
Round 14: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (57 total sts)
Round 15: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 3 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (57 total sts)
Round 16: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Round 17: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Round 18: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (51 total sts)
Round 19: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (51 total sts)
Round 20: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 21: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 22: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 23: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 24: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, Cable Sequence, HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 25: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 26: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 27: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 5 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 28: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 29: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 4 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 30: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 31: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 3 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 32: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 33: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 34: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 35: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 36: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 37: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 38: CH2, *FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 39: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 5 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 40: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 41: CH2, *FPDC each of next 4 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 42: CH2, *FPDC2tog, FPDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Rounds 43&44: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Round 45: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Rounds 46&47: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Round 48: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Rounds 49&50: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Round 51: CH2, *HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (3 total sts)
Continue to SC2tog until the hole at the top of your hat is closed. Cut yarn with an approx. 7 inch yarn tail. Use your yarn or tapestry needle to secure the top hole, and secure and weave in all ends.
For Pom-Pom: Wrap Color 1 around 4 fingers approx. 70 times. Remove from fingers. Use separate piece of yarn to tie in the middle (make sure to leave 5-7 inch tails. Cut all loops on both sides of the tie. Trim pom to desired length. Using yarn needle, attach pom to the end of the hat with the piece of yarn that you used to tie the center.
See this blog post for help on making a pom pom:
https://melodys-makings.com/how-to-make-a-pom-pom/
Toddler 1-3 Year Pattern
Loosely chain 72 using color 1 yarn
Join in the round by slip stitching first and last sts together
Round 1: CH2, Double crochet each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (72 total sts not including CH2)
Rounds 2-4: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, BPDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (72 total sts)
Drop and cut color 1 and pick up color 2
Round 5: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (72 total sts)
Round 6: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (72 total sts)
Rounds 7&8: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Rounds 6-8 until your project measures approx. 5” (12.75cm) in length from the starting edge. End after repeat of Round 8.
Round 9: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 10: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC2tog, HDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (69 total sts)
Round 11: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (69 total sts)
Round 12: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 5 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC2tog, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (66 total sts)
Round 13: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (66 total sts)
Round 14: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (63 total sts)
Round 15: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 4 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (63 total sts)
Round 16: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 4 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (60 total sts)
Round 17: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 4 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (60 total sts)
Round 18: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (57 total sts)
Round 19: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (57 total sts)
Round 20: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Round 21: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 3 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Round 22: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (51 total sts)
Round 23: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (51 total sts)
Round 24: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 2 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 25: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 26: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 27: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 28: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 29: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 30: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 31: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 5 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 32: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 33: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 4 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 34: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 35: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 3 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 36: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 37: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 38: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 39: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 40: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 41: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 42: CH2, *FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 43: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 5 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 44: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 45: CH2, *FPDC each of next 4 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 46: CH2, *FPDC2tog, FPDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Rounds 47&48: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Round 49: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
(9 total sts)
Rounds 50&51: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Round 52: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Rounds 53&54: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Round 55: CH2, *HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (3 total sts)
Continue to SC2tog until the hole at the top of your hat is closed. Cut yarn with an approx. 7 inch yarn tail. Use your yarn or tapestry needle to secure the top hole, and secure and weave in all ends.
For Pom-Pom: Wrap Color 1 around 4 fingers approx. 70 times. Remove from fingers. Use separate piece of yarn to tie in the middle (make sure to leave 5-7 inch tails. Cut all loops on both sides of the tie. Trim pom to desired length. Using yarn needle, attach pom to the end of the hat with the piece of yarn that you used to tie the center.
See this blog post for help on making a pom pom:
https://melodys-makings.com/how-to-make-a-pom-pom/
Child 3-10 Year Pattern
Loosely chain 78 using color 1 yarn
Join in the round by slip stitching first and last sts together
Round 1: CH2, Double crochet each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (78 total sts not including CH2)
Rounds 2-4: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, BPDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (78 total sts)
Drop and cut color 1 and pick up color 2
Round 5: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (78 total sts)
Round 6: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (78 total sts)
Rounds 7&8: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Rounds 6-8 until your project measures approx. 5” (12.75cm) in length from the starting edge. End after repeat of Round 8.
Round 9: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 10: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC2tog, HDC each of the next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into the first stitch (75 total sts)
Round 11: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 6 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into the first stitch (75 total sts)
Round 12: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 6 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC2tog, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into the first stitch (72 total sts)
Round 13: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 6 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into the first stitch (72 total sts)
Round 14: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC2tog, HDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (69 total sts)
Round 15: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 5 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (69 total sts)
Round 16: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC2tog, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (66 total sts)
Round 17: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (66 total sts)
Round 18: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (63 total sts)
Round 19: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 4 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (63 total sts)
Round 20: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 4 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (60 total sts)
Round 21: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 4 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (60 total sts)
Round 22: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (57 total sts)
Round 23: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (57 total sts)
Round 24: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 3 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Round 25: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Round 26: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (51 total sts)
Round 27: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (51 total sts)
Round 28: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 29: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 30: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC2tog, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 31: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 32: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 33: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 34: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 35: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 5 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 36: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 37: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 4 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 38: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 39: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 3 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 40: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 41: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 42: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 43: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 44: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 45: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 46: CH2, *FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 47: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 5 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 48: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 49: CH2, *FPDC each of next 4 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 50: CH2, *FPDC2tog, FPDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Rounds 51&52: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Round 53: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Rounds 54&55: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Round 56: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Rounds 57&58: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Round 59: CH2, *HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (3 total sts)
Continue to SC2tog until the hole at the top of your hat is closed. Cut yarn with an approx. 7 inch yarn tail. Use your yarn or tapestry needle to secure the top hole, and secure and weave in all ends.
For Pom-Pom: Wrap Color 1 around 4 fingers approx. 70 times. Remove from fingers. Use separate piece of yarn to tie in the middle (make sure to leave 5-7 inch tails. Cut all loops on both sides of the tie. Trim pom to desired length. Using yarn needle, attach pom to the end of the hat with the piece of yarn that you used to tie the center.
See this blog post for help on making a pom pom:
https://melodys-makings.com/how-to-make-a-pom-pom/
Teen/Adult Pattern
Loosely chain 84 using color 1 yarn
Join in the round by slip stitching first and last sts together
Round 1: CH2, Double crochet each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (84 total sts not including CH2)
Rounds 2-4: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, BPDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (84 total sts)
Drop and cut color 1 and pick up color 2
Round 5: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 8 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (84 total sts)
Round 6: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 8 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (84 total sts)
Rounds 7&8: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 8 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Rounds 6-8 until your project measures approx. 5.5” (14cm) in length from the starting edge. End after repeat of Round 8.
Round 9: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 8 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 10: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts, HDC2tog, HDC each of the next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 8 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into the first stitch (81 total sts)
Round 11: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 7 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 8 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into the first stitch (81 total sts)
Round 12: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 7 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 3 sts, HDC2tog, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into the first stitch (78 total sts)
Round 13: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 7 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into the first stitch (78 total sts)
Round 14: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC2tog, HDC each of the next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into the first stitch (75 total sts)
Round 15: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 6 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into the first stitch (75 total sts)
Round 16: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 6 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC2tog, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into the first stitch (72 total sts)
Round 17: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 6 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into the first stitch (72 total sts)
Round 18: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC2tog, HDC each of the next 2 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (69 total sts)
Round 19: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (69 total sts)
Round 20: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC2tog, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (66 total sts)
Round 21: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 5 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (66 total sts)
Round 22: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (63 total sts)
Round 23: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 4 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (63 total sts)
Round 24: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 4 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (60 total sts)
Round 25: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 4 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (60 total sts)
Round 26: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (57 total sts)
Round 27: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of next 3 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (57 total sts)
Round 28: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Round 29: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (54 total sts)
Round 30: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (51 total sts)
Round 31: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (51 total sts)
Round 32: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 33: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts, Cable Sequence, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (48 total sts)
Round 34: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC2tog, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 35: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (45 total sts)
Round 36: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, Cable Sequence, HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 37: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (42 total sts)
Round 38: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of the next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 39: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 5 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (39 total sts)
Round 40: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 41: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 4 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (36 total sts)
Round 42: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 43: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of the next 3 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (33 total sts)
Round 44: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 45: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC next stitch, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (30 total sts)
Round 46: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC next stitch, FPDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 47: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of next 3 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (27 total sts)
Round 48: CH2, *Cable Sequence, HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 49: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 6 sts, HDC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (24 total sts)
Round 50: CH2, *FPDC each of next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC each of next 2 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 51: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 5 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (21 total sts)
Round 52: CH2, *FPDC each of the next 2 sts, FPDC2tog, FPDC next stitch, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 53: CH2, *FPDC each of next 4 sts, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (18 total sts)
Round 54: CH2, *FPDC2tog, FPDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Rounds 55&56: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (12 total sts)
Round 57: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC each of next 2 sts* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Rounds 58&59: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (9 total sts)
Round 60: CH2, *HDC2tog, HDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Rounds 61&62: CH2, HDC into each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch (6 total sts)
Round 63: CH2, *HDC2tog* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch (3 total sts)
Continue to SC2tog until the hole at the top of your hat is closed. Cut yarn with an approx. 7 inch yarn tail. Use your yarn or tapestry needle to secure the top hole, and secure and weave in all ends.
For Pom-Pom: Wrap Color 1 around 4 fingers approx. 70 times. Remove from fingers. Use separate piece of yarn to tie in the middle (make sure to leave 5-7 inch tails. Cut all loops on both sides of the tie. Trim pom to desired length. Using yarn needle, attach pom to the end of the hat with the piece of yarn that you used to tie the center.
See this blog post for help on making a pom pom:
https://melodys-makings.com/how-to-make-a-pom-pom/
This design, a written work and images are a copyright of
©MelodysMakings and may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
You have permission to sell finished products made from this pattern, but please leave a link to my website, www.melodys-makings.com, in your product listing specifying that I am the designer of this pattern. Thank you for supporting me as a work at home mother!
73 Comments On “Crochet Elf Hat Pattern – Cabled Stocking Cap! Free!”
Comments are closed.
I am so glad that you are tackling this hard job of self awareness. I too have suffered depression most of my life and right now I feel like I am carrying the whole world on my shoulders. I feel that it is so good to get those thoughts out in the open and let people know how you feel. It is NOT selfish to take care of yourself and look at YOU! Know that there are many going through this with you.
Thank you Pam! Yes…spending time learning about and loving on ourselves is a truly important part of life. Awareness is a big first step. Sending you love today.
You are so right. I would never speak to someone the way I speak to myself. Becoming self aware is a big step.
It is THE first step in my opinion. Give yourself a hug today….you deserve it!!!! Love to you.
I would say I’m aware of my thought but I try to go on auto pilot when I’m alone ……. my significant other works while I stay home and it’s usually just me I’m good about talking about things and feelings but when I’m by myself and I start thinking negatively I try to go into auto pilot until I’m around someone I can talk to thank you for these posts they really do help more then you might know
I know that feeling! It’s really easy to fall into the repetitive patterns when we’re alone. I’ve started trying to hold onto a loving mantra during those times…but becoming aware of the tendency to fall into auto pilot when you’re alone is the first step! Thanks for sharing 🙂
my husband is currently battling depression and anxiety. Since he is over 70, conventional medications are not recommended, and the few that are have given him bad side effects. I wish there was somewhere to go for support and help
Has he tried talking to a therapist at least? Many therapists (or life coaches) can recommend useful life skills towards combating depression too. I’m working with a coach who has done some wonderful things for me!
dear melody,
after 40+ years of counseling, i am always aware of my thoughts. unfortunately, with chronic PTSD, they sometimes overwhelm me; i have been learning new ways of managing that.
btw, 2 great books about self-compassion are:
Loving Kindness, by Sharon Salzberg
and
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, by Kristin Neff.
these have been very helpful to me.
best regards,
daisy 🙂
Oooo! Thank you for the book suggestions! I love reading and have been pouring through all this stuff 🙂
Melody: As a middle child (and the only female), I find it hard to remember when I wasn’t trying to be the hero(ine) and feeling so very low when I failed. It’s a life-long affliction that I struggle often to abate. I often find peace comes to me when I concentrate on the things and people I love and accept that I am an imperfect being in an imperfect world … this, however, is a daily search. I know there are people in my life who love me NO MATTER WHAT but I still worry that I’m a constant disappointment. It’s a vicious circle.
On a lighter note, I’ve made your (knitted) Cabled Sleep Cap twice this week and found joy in the outcome. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for this honest comment Donna! Struggling with the need to be perfect is also a daily work for me. I agree that sometimes the peace of knowing that we are all connected and imperfect is easier to find than others. Every once in a while I feel so grounded in my peaceful compassionate place. But mostly I try to remember that place while I bring awareness to my inner turmoil. So glad you enjoyed the knit version! Yay!
I’ve been on autopilot my whole life and more so the last few years as I have to take care of so many others. Everyone I know keeps telling me they don’t know how I deal with what I have to but I just do. It has to be done so me on back burner and everything else on auto.
I know this feeling well. When I really got sick, I found that I could no longer do everything at once. Which meant really pairing down and finding the things I absolutely couldn’t do without. Then cutting the rest. It felt weird and uncomfortable to cut myself that slack….but it was necessary and it was a really good thing in the long run. Now as I start to feel better I’m struggling with finding the balance as I add things back in….but there’s always another new corner to maneuver 🙂
What a pretty hat
I too come out of a depression
I did not like being alone, isolating myself, running away from others, I could not stand people, the noise, everything scared me. Until then, I only looked after others (I was working on finding jobs for job seekers).
I gave up everything and refocused on my family, my husband and my 3 children. Then on myself, I had fun (greed, buying books, nice things, take care of my physique, resume the sport) and then I discovered PINTEREST (my paintings are under MARIE DEFAYSSE) and I started to mug “beautiful images. I started painting, knitting, crocheting, holding my fingers full of stars)
Today I am a little less wild with people and especially I want to fight for the welfare of animals.That’s it, I hope you find a similar and pleasant way
Love this story! It’s inspiring to hear how refocusing can help you get back on track. Thanks for sharing.
This discussion is very timely. In a time of political and social unrest, we too often bury our own feelings beneath the overwhelming crap swirling around us. Time to acknowledge that we can not fix the world, turn our focus inward, and heal ourselves. If we are stronger we are better able to cope.
Love this Karen! So true – there’s a lot going on in the world…the best place to start helping is by focusing on being the most authentic person we can be and honoring ourselves first and foremost.
I’m not suffering from depression, so I’m fortunate but I appreciate that it must be very difficult for those who do. I wish understanding, kindness and encouragement for all who suffer. I have had family members who have suffered and know how debilitating it can be. God bless to all and sending wishes of comfort to all.
Thanks for bringing out this important information/topic/discussion! I have battled depression for the last 20 plus years and have dealt with children, as children, with clinical depression and biopolar disorder. I first was treated for depression when my mother passed away unexpectedly and left a situation that was difficult to deal with, my father who had been abusive to us kids for our lifetime. I finally dealt with her death and then after 20 years of dealing with my father, and the stress from that, had finally gotten off of antidepressant medications. I felt good, my life was good, I got a new college degree and a job that I loved and had become a grandma! Then life got me, my husband, during the season of our 30th wedding anniversary tried to commit suicide twice in one morning, me having found him both times, and he did it before I could get help. He went into what we later found out was psychotic coma for three and half days, and we didn’t know if he was going to come out of it, or what. He did, but with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. I found that he had the same situation back before I met him, he denied it ever happened before, his brothers gave me the information. I now live as a caregiver, to an adult man of 58 who at times is very much like an 5 yr old. He works thank God! But things he used to do at home he no longer does / can do. I am back on antidepressants and now anti-anxietals as well due to inability to sleep (he tried to kill himself during the night) and just overall anxiety. I kept going, didn’t let myself deal with my husband’s illness fully. In September I lost my job, was NOT expected, I was paying for the healthcare for my husband so we have now lost it. I got things fairly under control. I have decided that I need ME time, time to process and decide where I go from now. I now have the stress of 5 daughters (adults) who have decided that I HAVE to have a job ASAP. I see their point, but at this point I need to focus somewhere else. I have been running a small business for the last 7 years, and have decided this is where I am focusing at this point. My husband seems to be gradually getting worse, which is normal for this illness, which makes me feel unstable in all aspects of my life at this point. Your focus on depression and ways to help cope are wonderfully timely for me. THANK YOU! For opening up the conversation, and letting there be a safe place to see that you are not alone and for sharing YOUR story.
Wow Laurie! Thank you for sharing your story too. It’s truly eye opening to read some of these stories and see how depression affects both spouses so severely. Being a caretaker is just as hard as being the one struggling with depression….and doing both is a real trial. I’m truly glad you’re enjoying the series and I’m sending so many hugs and much love to you. I appreciate your comment <3
I’m right there with you, Roberta A. My husband has also been battling depression and anxiety and despite all the methods we’ve tried, nothing seems to be working. Mostly because he no longer feels himself worthy and has pretty much given up (walked out on his job almost two years ago and we’ve been living on our savings ever since). He started a new therapist last week and his medications have been cut to “as needed” so we’ll see how that works. We are 56 and just at the time that we should be starting to have some fun. As a support person myself, I feel for you. If it helps, I did find ONE support group for spouses on Facebook. If it helps, here is the name “Support group for SPOUSES OF people with bipolar, anxiety, & depression.”.
Melody: Thank you for sharing your thoughts and opening up. I’m sure your blog will benefit many (both from those who are afflicted and those who support them).
Love this suggestion Sandra! Being a support person is just as trying as being the one depressed <3
I sometimes go on autopilot and are aware of my thoughts and when due to do so I dish it out-back as given-treated by persons!
Depressed or not we do have very critical feelings about ourselves, things we would never say to other people. Why we bully ourselves is beyond me, but I am guilty of it. I did take steps to fix this injustice on myself. I was called selfish and ya know what. I didn’t care if they did. I put myself first and I say good for me. I love to help people, make them feel better in life and about themselves as a whole person. About time we all start doing this for “Me”. I hear ya on this one. Hugs and never stop giving to others and yourself. We are good people too.
Thank you for this awesome comment Cinda! I’ll be going into this topic further over the next few days….but basically, I couldn’t agree more 🙂
It’s so hard when you get in a cycle of depression then feeling anxious and more depressed about the things you think you should be doing, but can’t. I’m only recently, and I’m in my 50’s realizing that I shouldn’t feel guilty for taking care of myself.
This is SUCH a tough lesson to learn! I go through times when I feel really able to care for myself guilt free and other times when it paralyzes me a bit. Thanks for chiming in 🙂
I’m thankful you explain your trials for someone that has it all together ad people say. I put on my public facefor everyone and my alone face for me. Im Aware of my feelings but I’m not suicidal just depressed. How did you get to the point to dr to a counselor. I can’t bring myself to tell even My family that I’m like this. I’m afraid they will judge me more
To be honest, I wish I had sought help and gone on this journey sooner. It took hitting rock bottom for long periods at a time (a week or two) before I really saw it as an issue I had to face. I remember nearly having an anxiety attack before meeting my doctor for the first time. But you know what? He was a nice guy who just wanted to help. Same with my therapist! I’ll be listing a few other guides that I’ve worked with along my journey who have touched me deeply towards the end of the series 🙂
Thank you so much, Melody for talking about depression and what an happen to a person. I have suffered bouts of depression throughout the years. In 2013, I suffered from my worst. I had been divorced for 2 years, failed at selling insurance, had broken up with a new gentleman, in general, I felt like a complete and total failure.the depression set in and sent me reeling into a deep dark hole. I quit eating,slept all the time, and I didn’t want to have any contact with anyone. When I went from 130 pounds to 85 pounds is when my son said it’s time to see the doctor. After speaking with my doctor, he started me on an antidepressant. It really helped. Six months later the depression was much improved and I was gaining weight. After about a year I was finally out of the depression. I am still taking the antidepressant he started me on 5 years ago. I will be on that for probably the rest of my life. At this time, I have just celebrated my first anniversary with my former high school sweetheart. He has now become my care giver due to an illness I was diagnosed with last year this month, called Aplastic Anemia, basically my body has attacked my bone marrow and it doesn’t make my blood cells. All the normal treatments for the disease have been stopped because they were killing my kidneys. So as long as I am fighting this disease, i am fighting not to get depressed over it. What keeps my mind off everything is my crochet. My crochet keeps my mind from finding that dark cloud called depression. It is through my crochet and my lovely husband from sinking into a deep abyss. Please everyone not just for yourself but for your family and friends, if you see a change in their routines then talked to them. If you suspect it might be depression encourage them to see a doctor and get help. Depression is a dark cloud that can and will destroy a person.
So glad you have your lovely husband and crochet to help you through now <3 Inspiring story - thanks for sharing.
prayers for all who suffer from mental illness. it could be anyone.
“Are you aware of your thoughts? Or do you run mostly on autopilot?” As someone who has had their share of troubles – self induced as well as others induced or brought on by circumstances . . . I find negative thoughts visiting me often. They usually come in the form of condemnation – and I have learned that condemnation isn’t from God but from the adversary, Satan. God does correct us but His correction is clothed in love and leaves us comforted and wiser. I don’t run on autopilot unless I’m referring to The Holy Spirit as the Pilot 😉 – in that case, I try to make that my daily practice. Life isn’t easy and there will “always” be trials. I like to be prayed up and walking hand in hand with God. I CAN’T do it on my own. Much love & many hugs Melody. You are a wonderful friend.
Love this <3
I have battled depression/anxiety/chronic illness for most of my life (55years). I now realize that my mother also had severe untreated depression. She would often talk about suicide but thankfully, never tried it. I’ve thought about it, but have too much worry about the family I would leave behind to clean up and deal with it. I’ve known others who have succeeded? failed? at suicide. It leaves a hole that nothing can ever fill or soothe the guilt of the ones left behind that they didn’t see it coming. I wonder if it’s typical of other people as well as myself to have the thoughts and realize that you will never act on them, but never vocalize them because of fear of being labled? I would never tell anyone in my real life that I think of suicide and even plan it with no real intention of doing it. There are many days that are so dark inside my mind that I don’t see a way out of the deep hole of depression. But then I have to hang onto this one thought…What if tomorrow, all these situations in my life change? What if tomorrow is the day that it all improves? I want to be here for that tomorrow. So, no matter how hard and dark and lonely in the crowd today is, I won’t quit. I will stay and stand and fight another day. Even if tomorrow is just another dark, lonely day, I will hang on for one more day, 15 minutes at a time if I have to. I will not quit.thanks for letting me share. I’m praying for all of you that you don’t give in, don’t give up, stay and stand and fight one more day. For your family and yourself.
Thank you for this <3
This is such a beautiful way to bring awareness to an issue that I feel affects every person. Even those who have not felt the struggle themselves, more than likely have had loved ones or friends that have.
Becoming self aware was probably the hardest struggle of my life. It’s never ending, but it becomes second nature with time. I wish I could count the number of times I’ve paused and thought, “wow I wish I didn’t know this about myself!” ??
I have seen it mentioned a few times in the comments, alone time is the hardest on us. If anyone would like to, we could start a facebook chat together. Just a place for positivity and friendship, somewhere we can chat anytime we feel lonely or self critical ?
I’m signing my comment with my Facebook nickname so it is easier to find me if anyone is interested.
Love and care to all of you.
Self awareness is definitely a struggle to achieve and a pool that gets ever deeper once you dive in!
I’m definitely aware of my thoughts. I uses negative thoughts to try to motivate myself to do better, and live up to my expectations. Sometimes it’s really difficult, but for me even though it’s difficult I fight past it. Not sure if that exactly makes sense.?
I was diagnosed with depression when I quit smoking. I had been self medicating with nicotine and didn’t know it. That was 1994 and it’s been a bumpy road. At several times in my life I have tried to be open about the depression with coworkers and friends but not everyone was receptive. As a nurse, I thought that putting a face to the depression would start a conversation. I was amazed at how many of my colleagues were also on antidepressants!
The stigma of mental illness must be removed. It makes it harder for us to receive treatment (insurance issues anyone?) and some still see us as not quite reliable.
Trying to reconfigure that nasty little voice in my head is an ongoing battle. I try to remember to be as kind to myself as I am to others. Sometimes it actually works!!
BTW, I have family in Paonia. Small world!
Wow Mary! That is a small world 🙂 Thanks for joining in the conversation….I love what you said about being kind to yourself. So important!
First and foremost I would like to thank you for the daily posts you do on this subject as it helps me to know that I’m not alone dealing with both depression and anxiety issues. I’m both about being on autopilot and being constantly being aware of my thoughts as I grew up with the saying of if you can’t nothing nice to someone then don’t say nothing at all which is I why I think I always kept things bottled up inside instead of expressing them out right which makes it hard sometimes to both acknowledge and deal with what I’m going through and what I have been through during the course of my life so far. I also appreciate the patterns they come in handy to keep in my file for future use.
Thank you for getting this discussion going. Yes! Awareness is the most important factor. My depression did not start with me feeling “depressed.” Depression is NOT equivalent to feeling depressed. I had no idea that my problems of. . . lack of motivation, low energy, not getting enjoyment, etc. . . were all symptoms if depression. Over time, though, the depressed feelings came.
My own kids are ages 16 through 20, so postpartum isn’t what I’ve been going through these past 20 years. My postpartum depression turned into depression, and then into major depressive disorder (MDD). I fight it every day, but I’m happy to say that this past year I’ve been able to keep it in check (for the most part). Support from friends and talking through my emotions and circumstances has been key in helping me climb out of the deep dark hole I was in. To be honest, I don’t remember much of those years. I lived in a fog. My own road to recovery started with one friend. It was a miracle having her come into my life when she did. She does women’s retreats that feeds my soul and helps me to realize that I am not alone. I can share what I’m going through without fear of judgement. It also gives me the chance to help someone else who’s struggling and in similar circumstances as me. Which in turn, helps me.
It’s been a really long road to recovery, and I still fall and have to climb out again. But I’ve taken more steps forward than I have backward and that’s all anyone can ask for.
Thank you, Melody! We all have secrets we’re ashamed of, but hopefully this blog can help us all realize that we don’t need to feel that way.
Sara
Thank you for this amazing comment Sara! It’s crazy how depression even robs us of memories – Theo’s first year of life will always be a blur to me I think. I love your inspiring comment and really appreciate you joining in.
Dear Melody.
Thank you for your generosity. You have a kind heart to share so much. Your patterns are so adorable. It is fun to make them for the young ones.
Learn to say no to some things. Being everything to everyone is overwhelming. I felt selfish at first. I was told I was selfish by people (brothers and sisters) who should have known better. They were used to me saying yes. I now know I can only do so much.
I am very aware of my thoughts. I think too much sometimes. Nice to be able to focus them on people I love and not having to stretch myself so thin. Share your thoughts with our LORD. He guides our paths. I know that may sound like a platitude but it is so true.
You are being prayed for.
Thank you Yvonne! Your prayers mean a lot to me. You’re so right about the need to learn to say no sometimes. It’s important not to take on too much. Thanks for joining in the conversation.
I find it hard to look at myself in a good way it’s like fighting a war but it’s just you fighting it ?
Very true! The more practiced you get, though, the quieter your mind becomes and the more peaceful the front lines of the war are. Sending you hugs!
I’ve been on autopilot most of my life. I’m trying the same thing you’re saying here – being aware of what I’m feeling. It’s hard sometimes, but it seems to help if I just realize that I’m feeling down/depressed – I had a bout this past weekend. (Good timing on your posts!) It took a bit, but I feel myself coming out of it. Not quite there yet, but I’m trying to do things to be good to ME. I’ll get there.
Sending love and hugs! I had a rough weekend this past one too <3
At work, I keep it bottled up since I work with the public. But thankfully, at home I can carve out a safe space to let my emotions free.
Glad you have a space you can be free to experience your emotions <3
Please don’t send crochet patterns. I only knit. Thanks ?
Sorry, but I have 45k people on my newsletter list, and can’t cater to knit or crochet specifically. Feel free to use the unsubscribe button at the bottom of my emails or just delete the crochet ones 🙂
I’m aware of my thoughts most of the time. Although sometimes my thoughts are pretty awful sometimes (usually it’s my anxiety, but sometimes it’s depression), my therapist gave me some tools to help me.
I have a disassociative disorder so when I get too anxious, scared or depressed then I go on auto-pilot and start losing time. The only way I can avoid it is to try to anchor myself in the right now. Disassociating is just my mind’s way of dealing with a bad situation. Our minds are pretty amazing.
Our minds truly are amazing. Staying present is a huge element in fighting anxiety and depression. I’ve been working on this skill a lot myself lately too 🙂
Thanks sooo much for talking about depression. The more it is talked about the less “taboo” it is and people will seek help. Depression found its way to me and 2 siblings and my Father, but my parents thought it was such a stigma to go to seek help for it. As a result, my Father was an alcoholic and my brother is an alcoholic, my sister as an adult has continued to seek meds and therapy. Bravo for talking openly about depression and helping others through your difficult journey. I really appreciate you sharing your personal battle with depression on this blog.
Life can be so busy at times. I run on auto pilot a lot in my day to day. I struggle with depression every day and I’m so happy that you are sharing your experience. Crochet is my way of relaxing and doing something for me to snap me out of autopilot.
Crochet is a great form of meditation – it’s an awesome way to ground into the present moment 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
You are so brave for sharing your story. If we are sick, we go to the doctor. If we are depressed, we hide it. Thanks for being so open. Someday, the stigma will be gone.
Thank you for those kind words Krista!
I am very aware of my thoughts and how I’m feeling, but still manage to get stuck on auto pilot sometimes!
Some background on me: I’ve been battling depression since I was 16. I got professional help and recovered but seven years later at 23, I started falling apart again. I started back on meds and with therapy and it helped… But I was still thinking I could do it on my own once I recovered and felt more balanced.
Five years after at 28, I started struggling again. Despite the positive habits I’d formed in having a strong support network of family and friends and feeling more self aware… Once I fell down the rabbit hole I still couldn’t see the signs. My husband, one day after weeks of me crying every morning before work and evening when I got home, finally said aloud: maybe you need to try starting medication again.
It was a lightbulb I had literally forgotten about. Once he said it everything clicked into place. But in the midst of my sadness, frustration, and turmoil I hadn’t been able to see it myself.
It helps that my husband is in the medical field and supports me needing anti-depressants… I’m not sure everyone’s family and friends do, which makes it harder. We talked before I went to see my PCP that I may just need to stay in anti-depressents all the time.
That was 5 years ago and now at 33. I’m still taking my medication, feel balanced and whole and chose to start seeing a therapist again 8 months ago while I was pregnant with our first child and started feeling overly stressed.
I was hyper aware of my risk for postpartum depression and after 17 years of struggling I tried to take preventative steps to help myself.
My son is almost 4 months now and I have moments like everyone does, but I’m lucky I avoided any major spiral down.
Depression feels all encompassing and never ending, but it does end. It can get better. It might be something you need to stay aware of like me, but there is always hope when you keep fighting.
Thanks for this inspiring comment!
I want to say I’m aware of my thoughts, but when I was diagnosed with anxiety a few years ago, I did not feel like I was anxious. However, the medicine worked and I had a lot of physical symptoms. I can now tell when my body is starting to get anxious. So even though I don’t feel like I am, obviously my subconscious is.
It’s funny how sometimes we don’t even recognize what’s happening in our body. Just this past week I did a guided meditation and realized I was holding onto some anger….and didn’t even realize I was angry to start with! So interesting.
Thank you for addressing this issue, this is a big problem for a lot of us now days.
I was gone for a few days, so finally getting caught up with your posts. I’m definitely an autopilot girl. I try to bury those negative feelings and power thru – but you are right – every time I have kept some sort of journal or paid attention to me, I have felt better.
Glad you’re catching up! Thanks for the comment. YES! Keeping a journal helps me a lot too 🙂
I use to go on autopilot, and think it had alot to do with trauma and ptsd, therapy helped a bit, dont get me wrong my therapist was awesome, my living situation wasnt at the time, but then i did a healing and that somehow helped me become more aware of me, my body, my thoughts and how others can influence how you think or act. I am allergic to most medications, and the rest trigger my autoimunne so i go the path of alternative healthcare, and because of my body and how it functions this works. I try to catch any start to autopilot now. Being an artist helps for me.
From time to time over the years therapy was helpful. Now I am more self-aware, and use self-talk to think things through. If I get bogged down, I try to make myself do just a small bit at a time until I accomplish small goals. Crafting with yarn has been good therapy. I started doing for family or for sale. Have graduated to much charity work, and recently have done more just for me! I am excited to announce that as progress because I have long been ignoring myself. Taking better care of me is important and shows I am recovering.
Love that you’re taking better care of yourself! That’s HUGE progress. Thanks for sharing this comment 🙂
You are a strong person for writing about yourself and your problems. You are strong that you realize that you have problems and are finding ways to deal with them. I’m 65 and have been dealing with depression/anxiety all my life. I know that no one truly cares about me because I am the one that constantly has to initiate communication if I want to hear from someone/anyone. I’m tired of walking around on eggshells because of the concern that I might say/do something inappropriate and offended but no one cares if I’m offended by what is said/done. This past year I made the decision to go life alone; I’m alone anyway so what difference does it make? If depression/anxiety knocks, bad memories scoot in, or whatever my subconscious throws at me; in my mind, I look at it, move it around, decide whether there is anything to pursue there and if not throw it away. I’m finding that I am getting less negative information now. In time I hope that I can stop all the negativity floating around before it digs in. I think that we all should be more concerned with ourselves instead of the concern we give to others. We all came here on our own and we all leave on our own. We each signed a contract that states what we plan on learning on Earth. If caring for others is part of that, so be it, but we need to care for ourselves because in reality no one else will or can.