Gatsby Garden Cloche Hat Free Pattern – A 1920s-Inspired Crochet Bloom
The Gatsby Garden Cloche: A 1920s-Inspired Crochet Bloom
Step back in time with this modern crochet take on the iconic 1920s cloche, featuring a lush textured band of crochet flowers and a softly draped brim. This pattern is perfect for adding a touch of vintage glamour to any modern wardrobe. Whether you're heading to a garden party, a vintage market, or simply want to elevate your everyday style, this hat is a stunning statement piece that combines the elegance of the Jazz Age with the comfort of handmade craftsmanship.
The Gatsby Garden Cloche is designed with a smooth, dense texture from double crochet stitches, creating a sleek and close-fitting silhouette. The sage green flower band adds a three-dimensional, romantic touch that contrasts beautifully with the dusty rose main color. Best of all, this pattern is beginner-friendly, with clear instructions and a step-by-step approach that will guide you through every stitch.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crochet experience:
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in two colors:
- Main Color (MC): Dusty Rose – approximately 200-250 yards
- Contrast Color (CC): Sage Green – approximately 100-150 yards
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Other Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing the flower band, scissors, and a tape measure (optional but helpful for checking gauge and fit).
Gauge: 16 dc x 9 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in dc stitch. It's always a good idea to make a small swatch first to ensure your tension matches the pattern. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked in continuous spirals for the crown, then joined rounds for the band and brim. The flower band is crocheted separately and sewn on, giving you the flexibility to position it exactly where you like. Let's dive into the details!
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- tr = treble crochet
- rnd = round
- MC = Main Color (Dusty Rose)
- CC = Contrast Color (Sage Green)
Pattern Notes
- The hat is worked in continuous spirals for the crown, then joined rounds for the band and brim.
- The flower band is crocheted separately and sewn on, or you can crochet it directly onto the hat if you prefer.
- Finished size fits average adult head circumference (21-23 inches / 53-58 cm).
Crown
Let's start with the crown of the hat. This section creates the rounded top that will sit comfortably on your head.
Rnd 1: With MC, make a magic ring, ch 2 (counts as dc), 11 dc into ring, sl st to top of ch-2 to join. (12 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. (24 dc)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st* repeat around, sl st to join. (36 dc)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts* repeat around, sl st to join. (48 dc)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts* repeat around, sl st to join. (60 dc)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 4 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts* repeat around, sl st to join. (72 dc)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 5 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts* repeat around, sl st to join. (84 dc)
Rnd 8-15: Ch 2, dc in each st around, sl st to join. (84 dc each rnd) – This creates the depth of the hat. Try it on; it should cover the crown and come down to just above the ears. If you need a deeper hat, add an extra round or two here.
Brim
Now we'll add the gently flared brim that curves around the face, giving the cloche its signature silhouette.
Rnd 16: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 6 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 6 sts* repeat around, sl st to join. (96 dc)
Rnd 17: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 7 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts* repeat around, sl st to join. (108 dc)
Rnd 18: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. Fasten off MC. This final round of single crochet gives the brim a neat, finished edge.
Flower Band (worked in CC)
The flower band is the star of this pattern. It's made of a series of small crochet flowers connected as you go, creating a continuous strip of three-dimensional rosettes.
First Flower:
- Make a magic ring, ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc into ring, sl st to top of ch-3 to join. (12 dc)
- Rnd 2: Ch 1, *sc in next st, ch 3, skip 1 st* repeat from * to * around, sl st to first sc. (6 ch-3 loops)
- Rnd 3: In each ch-3 loop: (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) – this forms a petal. Sl st between petals. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Subsequent Flowers:
- Work the same as the first flower, but on Rnd 3, when you reach the 4th petal, instead of working (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) completely, work (sc, hdc, 2 dc, ch 1, sl st to the corresponding petal of the previous flower, ch 1, dc, hdc, sc) to join the flowers together. Continue around to complete the flower.
- Repeat this process until the band is long enough to wrap around the hat just above the brim (about 20-21 inches / 51-53 cm).
Finishing
Now it's time to bring all the pieces together and add those final touches.
- Sew the flower band onto the hat, positioning it about 1 inch above the brim edge. Use the long tail from the first flower to secure it neatly. Weave in all ends with your yarn needle.
- Optionally, add a few extra small flowers to the side of the hat for a more dramatic, romantic look. Simply make a few individual flowers using the same pattern and sew them on.
Care Instructions
To keep your Gatsby Garden Cloche looking its best, hand wash it in cold water with a gentle detergent. Lay it flat to dry, reshaping it gently if needed. Avoid wringing or twisting the hat, as this can distort the stitches.
And there you have it – a beautiful, vintage-inspired cloche hat that's as unique as you are. Whether you're new to crochet or a seasoned maker, this pattern is a delightful project that results in a wearable piece of art. Happy crocheting!
