Stars and Stripes Toddler Beanie

Materials:

• Worsted weight cotton yarn in red, white, and blue (approx. 150 yards total)
• Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge:

12 stitches and 15 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet.

Abbreviations:

• ch = chain
• hdc = half double crochet
• st = stitch
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet

Instructions:

Base of the Hat:

1. With red yarn, ch 60 (or adjust for desired size).
2. Join to the first ch with a sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain.
3. Round 1: Ch 2, hdc in each ch around. Join with sl st to the top of the ch 2 (60 hdc).
4. Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, then *hdc in next st, sc in the next*, repeat from * to * around, join (90 stitches).
5. Round 3: Change to white yarn. Ch 2, hdc in each st around (90 hdc). Join.
6. Round 4: Switch back to red. Repeat Round 2 (90 stitches).
7. Round 5: Repeat Round 3 using blue yarn (90 hdc).

Creating Stripes and Stars:

1. Continue alternating between red, white, and blue yarn, following the established pattern through Round 12, adjusting lengths as desired.
2. To make stars, create 5-star clusters using white yarn every 3rd round:
   1. Ch 4, sl st in the first ch to form a ring.
   2. Ch 2, hdc 3 times in the ring, then ch 1 and sl st back to the ring for each point.
3. Attach completed stars evenly around the circumference after Round 12.

Finishing Up:

1. Work in hdc for 3 more rounds to complete the hat.
2. Fasten off and weave in all ends using the tapestry needle.

Enjoy your festive creation!