Transform your winter wardrobe with this modern take on a granny square beanie! I designed this hat to challenge the traditional notion of floral granny squares - setting vibrant blooms against deep black creates an almost stained-glass effect that catches everyone's eye. What makes this design special is how the retro granny square technique merges with contemporary colorwork.
Follow along as I share every detail of creating this statement piece - from crafting the perfect flower squares to joining them seamlessly into a wearable piece of art. I've documented each step with clear photos to ensure you can recreate this unique hat with confidence. Ready to turn some heads this winter?
Pin for Later
Pin this modern granny square beanie pattern for your next cozy project!
Details About Black Beanie
Each flower square measures approximately 4.7 inches (12 cm) across, and you'll need to make 5 of these beauties - 4 for the sides and 1 for the crown. When finished, the hat measures about 7 inches (18 cm) across and 7.9 inches (20 cm) in height, with a comfortable head circumference of 29.5 inches (75 cm) that fits most adult sizes.
While I've chosen to make my flowers in bright yellow, orange, lime green, and sky blue against a black background for a striking stained-glass effect, don't feel limited to these colors! This pattern works beautifully with so many combinations. Try a monochromatic theme with different shades of blue for an elegant look, or go bold with neon colors for a fun festival vibe. You could also create a seasonal palette - think pastels for spring or warm autumn tones.
Just remember that the key to making this design pop is the contrast between your flower colors and the background. The darker background makes even soft colors stand out beautifully, creating that modern, artistic effect we're going for!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
I specifically designed this pattern using Loopara 5-ply milk cotton yarn because of its incredible stitch definition - it makes those flower motifs really pop! The yarn's matte finish gives the hat a sophisticated look while staying wonderfully soft and comfortable.
The milk cotton gets softer after each wash while keeping those flower motifs looking fresh and vibrant. Plus, it's perfect for all seasons - warm enough for winter but breathable enough for spring!
For this eye-catching version, I used Loopara milk cotton in black as the main color, with sunny yellow, coral orange, lime green, and sky blue for the flowers. The white centers provide that perfect finishing touch that makes each flower come alive. What I especially love about using milk cotton for granny squares is how it maintains crisp edges and shows off the geometric patterns beautifully.
A 4.0mm hook is perfect for this project - it creates just the right fabric density to make the hat structured enough to hold its shape while staying flexible and comfortable. The combination of this hook size and the milk cotton yarn gives us those clean, precise stitches that make granny squares look their absolute best.
Materials needed for Black Beanie
- Yarn– Loopara 5ply combed cotton (Green 01, Green 03, Red 26, Yellow 33, Orange 37, Blue 42 and Grey 58)
- Stitch marker
- Hook- 4.0mm
- Leather label
- Scissors
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- dc - double crochet
- sl - slip stitch
- hdc - half double crochet
- bo - bobble stitch
- hdc2tog - half double crochet decrease
- Magic ring
Black Beanie Layout
This is the layout diagram showing how to arrange and join the five granny squares to form the beanie. The red arrows indicate the seaming direction, ensuring proper alignment of the flower motifs. Stitch markers help maintain even spacing during assembly.
How to Crochet Black Beanie – Step by Step
Round 1: Create a magic ring. Chain 3 (counts as first dc), work 15 double crochet into ring. Join with slip stitch.
Round 2: Change color. Chain 1, work [single crochet, (3 double crochet, 3 double crochet)] 4 times around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 3: Chain 1, work (single crochet, 5 double crochet increase, single crochet, skip) 4 times around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 4: Chain 1, work (single crochet, 10 double crochet, single crochet) 4 times around. Join with slip stitch.
Round 5: Change color. Start in 6th double crochet, work (chain 3, double crochet), 4 half double crochet, half double crochet decrease, 4 half double crochet, double crochet increase, chain 2, double crochet increase. Repeat (4 half double crochet, half double crochet decrease, 4 half double crochet, double crochet increase, chain 2, double crochet increase) twice. Work 4 half double crochet, half double crochet decrease, 4 half double crochet, double crochet increase, chain 2. Join with slip stitch, chain 1.
Round 6: Chain 3, work 12 double crochet, (double crochet increase, chain 3, double crochet increase). Work [13 double crochet, (double crochet increase, chain 3, double crochet increase)] 3 times. Join with slip stitch, chain 1.
Round 7: Chain 3, work 14 double crochet, (double crochet increase, chain 2, double crochet increase). Work [17 double crochet, (double crochet increase, chain 2, double crochet increase)] 3 times, 2 double crochet. Join with slip stitch.
Tips: Keep tension consistent for even flower shape. Mark beginning of rounds. Make all 5 squares the same size for proper assembly.
Crochet Black Beanie Assemble
Step 1: Place your pieces according to the picture.
Step 2: Begin attaching stitch markers as shown in the picture of S1. Following the arrows, use mattress stitch to seam: Insert hook through the center of each granny square. Match stitches one-to-one. Position squares with wrong sides facing. Pick up half stitches on each side for mattress stitch. Keep working yarn below hook at all times.
Step 3: Continue matching stitches one-to-one as you seam. End with slip stitch to secure. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Step 4: Follow the arrows to continue mattress stitch seaming. Fasten off and weave in ends. The hat body assembly is now complete.
Step 5: Work one round of single crochet around hat edge.
Step 6: Make two drawstrings. Chain any number of stitches. Working in third chain from hook, make bobble of 4 double crochets. Continue alternating chains and bobbles until desired length.
Step 7: Thread drawstrings through holes in back squares of hat.
Tips: When joining squares, work mattress stitch loosely to maintain flexibility in the hat. Match stitch-for-stitch when seaming to keep edges even and prevent puckering.
How to Join Granny Squares
Granny squares are perfect for bags, clothing, and blankets. If you're thinking of making one with those squares, I'm excited to share my comprehensive guide on 11 Ways to Join Granny Squares with you! I've detailed every method I know and love - each brings its own special touch to your finished piece. Let me help you discover which one works best for you!
How to Change Colors in a Granny Square
Are you looking for a different color palette? I totally get it—it’s why I love crochet! If you’re not crazy about our color palette, I put together two color-changing techniques that I use for all of my projects. Let me show you how to make these color transitions smooth and professional so you can bring your unique, creative vision to life.
How to Weave in Ends Crochet Granny Square
The secret for professional-looking granny squares is all about how you weave in those ends. I'm sharing 3 ways to weave in ends with you! These are techniques I've perfected over years of crocheting and use in all my projects. I'll show you exactly how I secure my ends to make sturdy, polished pieces that last. Trust me, once you master these finishing methods, your granny squares will look absolutely stunning!
Care and Cleaning Instructions
Daily Care Tips
Give your granny square beanie a gentle shake after wearing to maintain its shape. The textured flowers can collect lint, so keep a lint roller handy. If the hat starts losing structure, a light steam will help refresh those crisp flower motifs and square edges.
Washing Methods
Hand wash your beanie in lukewarm water with mild detergent - the cotton yarn loves gentle care! Never wring or twist, as this can distort your lovely granny squares. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and reshape while damp, paying special attention to the flower motifs. Let it dry flat away from direct sunlight to preserve those vibrant colors.
Storage Suggestions
Store your hat flat to maintain its shape, avoiding hanging which can stretch the granny squares. For seasonal storage, stuff lightly with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creasing. Keep in a cool, dry place in a breathable cotton bag - never plastic, as it can trap moisture and affect the yarn's texture. If stacking with other items, place it on top to protect those beautiful dimensional flowers.
What’s Next?
Just finished this modern take on a granny square beanie! Love how the colorful flowers pop against the black background. Share this pattern on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter and tag #ModernGrannySquare #CrochetBeanie - let's inspire each other with fresh takes on classic designs!
