I want to share a new twist on an old hat pattern of mine. My original ribbed hat pattern features a hat band that alternates between front post double crochet (FPDC) and back post double crochet (BPDC).

For this new hat band, basically you want to follow my original crochet pattern for the ribbed hat but stop at about 7 inches in length while working the half double crochet (HDC) rounds. Depending on the yarn, I find that I crochet about 18-19 rounds of HDC to reach 7 inches. Then it’s time to work all FPDC for 5 rounds. The final length of this crocheted FPDC beanie is about 8 inches.

Here is a closeup of the FPDC hat band. It does tighten up the hat and makes a nice finished brim.

One last comment about the brown hat. I tried a new idea so I didn’t have to do a Ch-2 and join with a slip stitch at the end of each round. You don’t have to use this method but it does help the hat look as it doesn’t have the noticeable joining seam on each round. Here is what I did.
At round 3, I worked a SC into the next HDC stitch to start the round. Then I just crocheted using HDC stitches to round 18 all without joining or the Ch-2 which leaves a seam. On round 18, I did a sc and slip stitch to join the last rounds together. Then Ch-2 and worked FPDC for 5 rounds for the hat brim with the typical joining.

Here is one other hat style idea to share. Same pattern but I added 3 rounds of another yarn color for a stripe at round 15. Then I worked rounds 18-19 in the main color before starting the all FPDC band.

Anyway just some new ideas on an old pattern that helps mix things up while crocheting hats for charity. These hats are destined for Warmth for Warriors where some solider or Veteran will hopefully enjoy my new crocheted hat styles.