Beginner Crochet Beanie – Hercai Yarn Pattern

The colder season is perfect for crochet beanies. I made this hat using the new Nako Hercai Airwool yarn, and I believe even beginners can crochet it without any trouble.

Nako Hercai is a 100% premium acrylic yarn with a yardage of 100 g / 156 m, labeled as Airwool. Thanks to a special technology, the finished fabric is up to 50% lighter than items made from regular yarn with the same yardage. The yarn feels surprisingly pleasant to the touch, soft, fluffy, and very easy to work with. This yarn is perfect for cowls — try the Hercai cowl — but you can also use it for long scarves, wide wraps, shawls, sweaters, cardigans, or vests. It also makes a beautiful blanket or pillow cover.

We unboxed the Nako Hercai yarn in the podcast Povídání u klubíčka #116, and you can watch the recording there. An article featuring the yarns from Noezon is also available online.

VIDEO TUTORIAL PREMIERE February 7th 2026 – English Subtitles

This crochet beanie is suitable even for complete beginners. We crochet a rectangle. The length of the starting chain determines the depth of the hat, while the number of rows must match the head circumference. It’s better to make the starting chain slightly longer, as the rectangle may shrink a little when crocheting back and forth in rows. The beanie is designed with a folded brim.

As for the stitch pattern, we combine half double crochet stitches and extended slip stitches. The half double crochets are worked in the back loop only, which creates a texture that looks similar to knitting. While crocheting, I recommend using stitch markers and placing them into the turning chain stitch at the beginning of each row. I also suggest counting your stitches. This way, you’ll always know exactly when and where to make the last stitch in the row.

I hope your Hercai Beanie turns out beautifully and that you’ll enjoy wearing it. Would you like to inspire others or share your crocheting or styling experience with this beanie? You can share your photos in the Krampolinka Facebook group. On Instagram, please use the hashtag #kulichhercai so others can easily find your projects.  If you tag me in your creations made using my patterns, I can reshare them in my Instagram Stories to inspire others.

HERCAI BEANIE

Yarn: Nako Hercai
Yarn amount: 1 ball, color 28135
Hook: 8 mm
Size: 32 cm width, 41 cm length
Other: yarn needle with a large eye, decorative label, pom-pom approx. 20 cm diameter
Time needed: approx. 2 hours
Skill level: Beginner

My gauge:
20 cm = 24 HDC

Abbreviations:
CH – chain stitch
ESS – extended slip stitch (see video tutorial)
HDC – half double crochet
SL ST – slip stitch

Gauge:
20 cm = 19 double crochet stitches

Abbreviations

ch – chain stitch
esc – extended slip stitch (see video tutorial)
dc – double crochet
sl st – slip stitch

Hat Body, 8 mm hook

Row 1: Chain 40 CH. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as first HDC). Work HDC in each chain across. Turn. (41)

Row 3: Ch 1 (counts as first ESS). Place a stitch marker. Work extended slip stitches in the back loop only, starting right next to the turning chain. Count your stitches. At the end of the row, make 1 HDC into the turning chain stitch. Turn. (41)

Row 4: Ch 2 (counts as first HDC). Work HDC in the back loop only across. Count stitches. The last HDC is worked into the turning chain stitch. Turn. (41)

Rows 5–34: Repeat Rows 3 and 4. Do not fasten off.

Seaming & Finishing – 8 mm Hook

Join the two short ends together using slip stitches. Insert the hook through the front loop of one side and the back loop of the other side, joining both edges with slip stitches. Fold the brim — this creates a double layer around the ears for extra warmth. Thread the yarn tail onto a yarn needle and gather the top edge of the beanie from the wrong side. Pull tightly and secure well. Sew on a large XL pom-pom (18-20 cm) and add a decorative label.

Copyright Notice

This pattern is for personal use only. For commercial use, please contact me directly. Always include the source credit: www.krampolinka.com. The pattern is designed specifically for this yarn, hook size, and my personal tension. If you use a different yarn, hook, or tension, your final product may vary in size or shape.

Enjoy this free pattern and you can follow my latest projects, tutorials, ideas, reviews, video podcasts, tips, and tricks:

• Krampolinka YouTube videos (subtitled since 2024)
• Krampolinka Instagram
• Krampolinka FB group