How to Crochet the Melt The Ice Hat: Complete Guide

The melt the ice hat crochet pattern turns a simple hook and a skein of red yarn into a wearable symbol of solidarity. Sarah Sward adapted the original knitting design for crocheters and released the pattern through Payhip, making the melt the ice hat accessible to the millions of crafters who prefer a hook to needles. All proceeds support immigrant aid organizations in the Twin Cities.

This guide walks you through every step of crocheting the melt the ice hat — from choosing the right hook to braiding the tassel. If you have never crocheted a hat before, start here.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather everything before you begin so you can crochet without stopping to hunt for supplies. The melt the ice hat crochet pattern uses basic stitches and minimal equipment.

Yarn Selection for Crochet

Crochet fabric is thicker and less stretchy than knitted fabric. Choosing the right yarn weight matters more for crochet because gauge differences are harder to correct after the fact.

The official crochet pattern by Sarah Sward supports three yarn weights: fingering, DK, and worsted. For your first melt the ice hat, worsted weight is the most forgiving choice.

Picking the Perfect Red Yarn for Crochet

Crochet stitches absorb dye differently than knit stitches. A yarn that looks vivid in stockinette may appear slightly muted in single crochet because the stitch structure creates more shadow. Choose a yarn labeled "Cherry Red," "Scarlet," or "Christmas Red" — these tend to read as a true, saturated red in crochet fabric.

Hold your skein under natural daylight before purchasing. Fluorescent store lighting shifts reds toward orange, and you will not notice until you get home.

Budget-Friendly Picks

• Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red — $3–4 per skein, 364 yards, machine washable. One skein gives you the entire hat plus a generous tassel.
• Caron Simply Soft in Harvest Red — softer hand feel than Super Saver, less splitting on the hook, excellent for gift hats.

Mid-Range and Premium Options

• Cascade 220 in Christmas Red (#8895) — 100% Peruvian Highland wool, 220 yards, gorgeous stitch definition. Hand wash recommended.
• Malabrigo Rios in Ravelry Red — superwash merino, 210 yards, hand-dyed depth that makes each hat unique. Available at shops like Halcyon Yarn as part of curated melt the ice hat kits.

Hooks

You need two hook sizes for the melt the ice hat crochet pattern:

1. 4.5mm hook — for the ribbed brim (the slightly smaller hook creates tighter, stretchier ribbing)
2. 5mm (H) hook — for the hat body and crown shaping

Ergonomic vs. Standard Hooks

If you plan to crochet the entire hat in one or two sittings, an ergonomic hook with a cushioned grip reduces hand fatigue. Standard aluminum hooks work fine for shorter sessions.

Hook Material Differences

• Aluminum — smooth, fast stitching, best for acrylic and cotton
• Bamboo — slight grip on yarn, good for slippery fibers like silk blends
• Ergonomic resin — larger handle reduces wrist strain during extended sessions

Notions Checklist

• Stitch marker (locking style works best for crochet — you will move it every round)
• Tapestry needle with a blunt tip
• Measuring tape
• Row counter or tally counter (essential for tracking decrease rounds)
• Small sharp scissors

Understanding Gauge — Why Crocheters Cannot Skip This

Gauge measures how many stitches and rows fit in a set area of your crochet fabric. Because crochet stitches are taller and denser than knit stitches, being even half a stitch off per inch changes the finished circumference by more than an inch.

How to Crochet a Gauge Swatch

1. Chain 20 using your 5mm hook and worsted weight yarn
2. Work in single crochet for at least 4 inches (approximately 18–20 rows)
3. Fasten off and lay flat without stretching
4. Measure a 4-inch square in the center — count stitches across and rows down

Why Crochet Gauge Differs from Knitting Gauge

A single crochet stitch is roughly twice the height of a knit stitch. This means fewer rows per inch in crochet, and your hat body will be shorter for the same number of rounds. The melt the ice hat crochet pattern accounts for this by adjusting the body round count.

The BLO Factor

If you plan to use back loop only (BLO) stitches for the body — which creates a subtle ribbed texture — swatch in BLO as well. BLO fabric is slightly wider and more stretchy than standard single crochet.

Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions

The melt the ice hat is worked in the round from the brim up. The ribbed brim is crocheted as a flat strip and then joined, after which the body and crown are worked in continuous rounds.

Step 1: Crochet the Ribbed Brim

The brim uses single crochet in back loop only (sc BLO) to create a stretchy, knit-look ribbing. This is crocheted as a flat strip first, then joined into a ring.

1. Using your 4.5mm hook, chain 12 (this determines the brim height — approximately 2 inches)
2. Starting in the 2nd chain from hook, sc in each chain across — 11 sc
3. Chain 1, turn
4. Sc BLO across — 11 sc
5. Repeat steps 3–4 until the strip fits snugly around your head (approximately 72–76 rows for a 22-inch circumference)

Joining the Brim

1. Fold the strip so the first and last rows meet
2. Slip stitch through both layers across all 11 stitches to join into a tube
3. Chain 1, do not turn

Testing the Fit Before Joining

Wrap the strip around your head before joining. It should fit snugly but comfortably — the BLO fabric stretches about 10% when worn. If it feels loose, remove a few rows. A loose brim means a hat that slides over your eyes.

Slip Stitch Ribbing Alternative

The official pattern by Sarah Sward offers a slip stitch BLO ribbing option that creates an even stretchier brim. If your yarn is non-stretchy (like cotton or cotton-acrylic blends), the slip stitch version adapts better. However, slip stitch BLO is tighter to work — beginners should stick with sc BLO.

Step 2: Pick Up Stitches Around the Brim

With the brim joined into a ring, you now pick up stitches along the long edge to start the hat body.

1. Switch to your 5mm hook
2. Work single crochet evenly along the edge of the brim strip — aim for approximately 72 stitches (one sc per row of the brim)
3. Place a locking stitch marker in the first stitch of the round

Getting an Even Pickup

Each row of the brim creates one "ridge" along the edge. Insert your hook under both loops of each ridge and sc — this gives a clean, even join between the brim and body.

Step 3: Crochet the Hat Body

Work the body in continuous rounds of single crochet. Do not join rounds; do not chain at the start of rounds. Move your stitch marker up at the start of each round to track your progress.

All body rounds: Sc in each stitch around (72 stitches)

Continue until the body measures approximately 5.5–6 inches from the top of the brim.

Single Crochet vs. Half Double Crochet Body

The official pattern uses single crochet for the body. If you want a softer, drapier hat that works up faster, you can substitute half double crochet — but adjust your body length accordingly since hdc rows are taller.

Why Body Length Matters for the Point

The melt the ice hat gets its distinctive pointed silhouette from the ratio between body length and crown taper. A body that is too short produces a rounded top like a standard beanie. Aim for at least 5.5 inches of body before starting crown decreases.

Step 4: Crown Decreases

Crown shaping is where the melt the ice hat transforms from a tube into the signature pointed cap. You will decrease gradually to create a long, spiraling taper.

Setting Up Decrease Sections

Divide your stitches into 4 equal sections by placing markers:

• Marker 1: Beginning of round (stitch 1)
• Marker 2: After stitch 18
• Marker 3: After stitch 36
• Marker 4: After stitch 54

Working the Decrease Rounds

Decrease round pattern: Sc to 2 stitches before marker, sc2tog — repeat at each marker (4 decreases per round).

Alternate between a decrease round and a plain sc round:

Decrease Round 1: *Sc 16, sc2tog* — repeat (68 stitches remain)
Plain Round 2: Sc around
Decrease Round 3: *Sc 15, sc2tog* — repeat (64 stitches remain)
Plain Round 4: Sc around
Decrease Round 5: *Sc 14, sc2tog* — repeat (60 stitches remain)
... continue this pattern ...

Continue until 8 stitches remain.

Understanding sc2tog (Single Crochet Two Together)

The sc2tog decrease is your primary tool for shaping the crown:

1. Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook)
2. Insert hook into the following stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
3. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops (1 stitch decreased)

Invisible Decrease Alternative

For a neater finish, use the invisible decrease method: insert your hook through the front loop only of the next two stitches (picking up 2 front loops), then yarn over and pull through both, yarn over and pull through remaining loops. This creates a flatter, less visible decrease line.

Making the Point Sharper

For a more dramatic point that echoes the traditional Norwegian nisselue silhouette, switch to decreasing every round (no plain rounds) when you reach 24 stitches. This accelerates the taper and creates a tighter spiral at the tip.

Don't want to calculate your own decrease schedule? Our Crown Decrease Calculator generates a complete round-by-round plan for any stitch count, any number of sections, and both knitting and crochet decrease methods.

Step 5: Close the Top

When 8 stitches remain:

1. Cut the yarn leaving a 10-inch tail
2. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle
3. Weave through the front loop of each remaining stitch around the opening
4. Pull tight to cinch the hole closed
5. Push the needle through to the inside and weave in the end securely

Making and Attaching the Braided Tassel

The braided tassel is the finishing touch that makes the melt the ice hat instantly recognizable. Without it, you have a red pointed beanie. With it, you have a symbol.

How to Make the Braid

1. Cut 6–8 strands of matching red yarn, each 18–24 inches long
2. Fold all strands in half to find the center point
3. Pull the folded loop through the closed top of the hat from inside to outside using a crochet hook
4. Pass all yarn ends through the loop and pull snug — this anchors the braid to the crown
5. Separate the strands into 3 equal groups
6. Braid tightly for 3–5 inches
7. Wrap a short piece of yarn tightly around the braid end and tie off
8. Trim the fringe below the wrap to 1–1.5 inches

Tassel Length Guide

Twisted Cord Alternative

Instead of a flat braid, you can make a twisted cord: hold all strands together, twist tightly in one direction until the cord kinks when relaxed, then fold in half and let it twist back on itself. This creates a rounder, more rope-like tassel.

Blocking Your Crocheted Hat

Blocking evens out uneven tension, relaxes the fabric, and sets the pointed shape. Crochet fabric is stiffer than knit fabric, so blocking is especially important for a polished look.

Steam Blocking Method for Crochet

Steam blocking works better than wet blocking for most crochet hats because it relaxes the stitches without over-saturating the fabric:

1. Fill your hat with a balloon inflated to your head circumference
2. Hold a steam iron 2 inches above the fabric — never touch the iron to acrylic yarn
3. Steam evenly across the body and crown, shaping the point upward as you go
4. Let the hat cool and dry completely on the balloon

Wet Blocking Method

If using wool yarn:

1. Soak the hat in lukewarm water with a drop of wool wash for 15 minutes
2. Gently press out water between two towels — do not wring
3. Pull the hat over an inflated balloon and shape the crown point
4. Air dry completely — 12–24 hours depending on humidity

The Story Behind the Crochet Pattern

The original melt the ice hat was a knitting pattern designed by Paul Neary at Needle & Skein in Minneapolis. As demand exploded in January 2026, crocheters across social media asked for a hook-friendly version.

Sarah Sward answered that call, creating the official crochet adaptation on Ravelry. Like the original, the crochet pattern costs $5 with all proceeds going to immigrant aid organizations including STEP (St. Louis Park Emergency Program) and the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund.

The hat's design traces back to World War II Norway. Beginning in September 1941, Norwegians wore red pointed caps — called nisseluer — as silent protest against Nazi occupation. By February 1942, the occupying forces banned the hats entirely, making it a criminal offense to wear, make, or distribute a red pointed hat. The ban only amplified the hat's power as a resistance symbol.

Why Crochet Matters for the Movement

Crochet is more accessible than knitting for many beginners. The single hook is easier to manage, mistakes are simpler to fix (you only have one live loop), and the denser fabric produces a warmer hat. By creating a crochet version, the movement opened the door to millions more crafters.

8 Common Crochet Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even experienced crocheters run into issues with this pattern. These are the problems that appear most frequently in community project notes.

1. Brim too loose or too tight — Always wrap the brim strip around your head before joining. BLO fabric stretches about 10%, so aim for a snug fit off the head.
2. Miscounting body stitches — Use a locking stitch marker and count every 10 rounds. One missed or extra stitch per round compounds fast.
3. Visible seam at brim join — Slip stitch the join loosely and on the inside of the hat. Use a mattress stitch for an invisible seam if needed.
4. Spiraling stripe effect in body — This is normal in continuous rounds. It will not affect the finished look once blocked.
5. Crown decreases bunching — Ensure your sc2tog stitches are not tighter than regular sc. Loosen your grip during decreases.
6. Hat too short for a point — The body must be at least 5.5 inches before decreases. Measure from the top of the brim, not from the cast-on chain.
7. Tassel falling off — Pull the anchor loop tight and secure with a knot on the inside. The braid should not move when tugged firmly.
8. Wrong red shade — Buy yarn under natural light. Burgundy and orange-toned reds do not read as the classic melt the ice hat red under most lighting conditions.

Sizing Adjustments for Different Head Sizes

The standard 72-stitch body fits an average adult head (22 inches / 56cm). Adjust your brim strip length and pickup stitch count for other sizes.

Important: Your body stitch count must be divisible by 4 for even crown decreases across 4 sections. Round to the nearest multiple of 4.

For precise calculations based on your exact gauge and head measurement, use our Crown Decrease Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the crochet version of the melt the ice hat the same as the knit version? The silhouette is identical — red pointed beanie with braided tassel. The crochet fabric is slightly denser and warmer. Construction differs because crochet uses a sideways-worked ribbed brim joined into a ring, while knitting works the brim in the round from the start.

How long does it take to crochet the melt the ice hat? For an intermediate crocheter using worsted weight yarn, expect 4–7 hours. Crochet works up faster than knitting. Complete beginners may need 10–15 hours.

Can I use half double crochet instead of single crochet? Yes. The hat will be softer and slightly drapier. Reduce your body round count by about 30% since hdc rows are taller. Keep your stitch count divisible by 4 for crown shaping.

Where can I buy the official crochet pattern? The official crochet pattern by Sarah Sward is available on Payhip for $5. It is also listed on Ravelry (see links above in the history section). All proceeds support immigrant aid organizations.

My brim ribbing does not look like knit ribbing. Is that normal? SC BLO creates a texture that resembles knit ribbing but is not identical. It has a slightly more horizontal ridge. This is correct and expected for crochet.

What to Read Next

• How to Knit the Melt The Ice Hat — Prefer needles? The complete knitting walkthrough
• Best Yarn for Melt The Ice Hat — Detailed yarn comparison across budgets
• Crown Decrease Calculator — Generate precise decrease schedules for any stitch count
• Free Crochet Pattern — The complete crochet pillar page with additional techniques

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