Hi all!
This post includes everything you need to know about the Raffia Bucket Hat, a timeless summer staple featuring a striking texture and gently sloping brim, made entirely out of paper!
This pattern is available as an independent PDF (Ravelry, Etsy, and other links included below) and is an original design from my new book Summer Crochet: 19 Delicate Designs with Simple Lace and Timeless Silhouettes, released in spring 2025. This book includes 19 size-inclusive, warm-weather garment and accessory patterns using a variety of techniques and construction methods to ensure there is something of value for every skill level. Each garment pattern is written with an inclusive size range from XS to 5XL and each size has been thoroughly tested, thoroughly tech edited, and fully charted! We had hundreds of crochet pattern testers for this book to make sure that each size fits its intended wearer in a way that makes them feel beautiful.
You can buy this book with confidence, knowing that each pattern was written for you and your unique body measurements.
Some Quick Links Before You Begin:
- Find the PDF version on Ravelry, Etsy, and my website.
- Add your finished project and view other completed projects on Ravelry here!
- Use the pattern hashtag #RaffiaBucketHat on Instagram to show off your makes! Be sure to check out the book hashtag, #SummerCrochetBook, too!
- Shop Hobbii Rafaella yarn here!
- Be sure to scroll down to see other great yarn substitutes and yarns used during testing!
- For any questions about this pattern, please email knitsnknotswpg@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you asap!
Where Can I Find the Physical Book?
(Both physical and e-book versions are available!)
- Shop Summer Crochet on Amazon (US) here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Barnes And Noble here.
- Shop Summer Crochet at Chapters (CA) here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Amazon (CA) here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Amazon (UK) here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Indie Bound here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Blackwell’s here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Books-A-Million here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Books Inc. here.
- Shop even more platforms here.
Order my first book – Modern Crochet Sweaters: 20 Chic Designs for Everyday Wear – here!
If you want to be notified of all new pattern releases (and get exclusive discounts on all new paid patterns), sign up below!
This post contains affiliate links. This means, should you make a purchase, I will receive a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. View my Privacy + Disclosures Policy here.
About
The intention behind this hat was to design a timeless summer staple with a striking texture that could be paired with any warm-weather outfit—and this raffia bucket hat delivers on all counts. The gently sloping brim is sleek and refined, providing breathable lightweight protection from the sun.
Although this unique fiber is made completely out of paper, you’ll find that it’s quite durable and retains its shape nicely, even after being folded or stuffed in a bag for long periods of time. This unique fiber—when combined with a few simple stitches—creates the quintessential beach accessory.
This pattern is both written and charted.
Materials
Yarn: Bulky—Hobbii Rafaella in colorway “Dusty Rose (10)”
- 100% paper raffia
- 147 yds (134 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) roll
- Find this yarn on hobbii.com.
Yardage Required: 1 roll (for both sizes) or approximately 125 (135) yds (114 [123] m)
Yarn Substitution: Scroll down for an extensive list of yarn substitutes and yarns used during pattern testing.
Hook: Size U.S. J/10 (6 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, 8 locking stitch markers (1 being distinct from the others to use for BOR marker)
Yarn Substitution
Hobbii Rafaella has the following properties:
- 100% paper raffia
- 147 yds (134 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) roll
Substitute Hobbii Rafaella with any similar bulky-weight (category #5) raffia yarn that matches gauge. There is a variety of raffia yarns on the market to choose from that will work great for this project. If you choose to use a non-raffia yarn, you may want to try holding two strands of worsted-weight yarn together to produce the same sturdy, stiff fabric, making sure to match the gauge information listed below. If choosing a non-raffia yarn, stick to cotton yarns, particularly those that feel “stiff,” to lend some structure to your finished hat. Note that worsted weight is often referred to as “aran” in the U.K. or “10-ply” in Australia.
Paper yarn or paper ribbon can also be found at a lot of craft stores and department stores; not always marketed as “yarn”!
Appropriate Yarn Substitutes:
This list below includes some yarns I added myself in addition to the yarns used and recommended by testers. I tried to link them whenever possible.
* Reminder that you will need a total of 125 (135) yds [114 (123) m] of your chosen yarn.
- Fibra Natura Raffia (100% Paper Raffia)
- King Cole Raffia (100% Cellulose Rayon)
- Kremke Soul Wool Papyrus 60 Khaki (100% Paper Raffia)
- Lion Brand Rewind (70% Polyester, 30% Viscose)
- Onitsuga Paper Yarn (100% Paper)
- Ra-Ra Raffia (100% Paper Raffia) (Sport weight – hold it double to match gauge)
- If you find lighter weight raffia yarns – there are plenty of sport weight or DK weight paper yarns, you can try holding them double to achieve the same gauge!
Gauge
For Swatch
Work the first 6 rnds of Crown, creating a small circle, as follows:
Make a magic ring (or ch 4 and sl st into first ch to create ring). See the Magic Ring photo tutorial on page 183 of the book, or in your PDF pattern.
Rnd 1: Work 6 sc into ring; do not join. [6 sc]
Rnd 2: Inc in first st (PM in first st of inc to mark BOR), *inc in next st (PM in first st of inc); rep from * to BOR (6 markers placed). [12 sc]
Remove each marker as you come to it and replace it into the indicated st.
Rnd 3: *Inc in next st (PM in first st of inc), sc to next marker; rep from * to BOR. [18 sc]
Rep Rndn 3 until you have a total of 6 rnds worked. [36 sc]
The first 6 rnds of your circle should measure approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Once you match gauge, you can continue using this swatch to crochet the rest of your hat.
Sizing
This hat comes in two sizes: adult regular and adult large. The pattern is written for the smallest size, with the larger size in parentheses, as follows: adult regular (adult large). Be sure to follow the numbers for your size only.
Finished Measurements
- Adult regular is intended for those with a head circumference of 21 to 23 inches (53–58 cm), measured at the widest point, just above the ears.
- Adult large is intended for those with a head circumference of 22 to 24 inches (56–61 cm), measured at the widest point, just above the ears.
- If you are unsure of which size to pick or if you are between sizes, size down.
- Finished hat circumference is approximately 21.75 (24) inches (55 [61] cm), measured around the “hat sides,” or around the lace panel (Measurement A).
- Brim length is approximately 3.25 inches (8 cm), measured from the end of the lace panel to the edge of the brim (Measurement B).
- Total hat length is approximately 9.25 (10) inches (23 [25] cm), measured from top of crown to last brim round (Measurement C).
Pattern Notes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Stitch Counts: Stitch counts are listed after each round. If no stitch count is given, there has been no change since the previous round.
Right Side/Wrong Side: The side that faces you as you crochet this hat is the right side.
Turning Chain: The turning chain does not count as a stitch unless otherwise indicated.
Joined Rounds/Spiral: The entirety of this hat is worked in a spiral, with the exception of the two rounds of the lace section, which are worked in joined rounds.
Construction: This hat is crocheted seamlessly from the top down in a spiral. You will begin with the crown, increasing until reaching your specified circumference, then you will work straight without any increases to form the sides of the hat while also integrating the lace panel into your stitches. Lastly, you will work increases every alternate round to create the clean, gently sloping brim. Note that the lace section is worked in joined rounds; the rest is worked in a spiral.
More Content: Scroll down to see tester photos.
Abbreviations + Terms Used
Written in U.S. Crochet Terms
- beg: beginning
- BOR: beginning of round
- ch: chain
- ch-sp: chain space
- dc: double crochet (tr in U.K. terms)
- inc: increase – work 2 single crochets into the same stitch
- In U.K. terms, this means to work 2 double crochets into the same stitch
- PM: place marker
- rep: repeat
- rnd(s): round(s)
- sc: single crochet (dc in U.K. terms)
- sk: skip
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
Special Stitches
- Shell: (dc, ch 1) 3 times in designated stitch, then dc in same stitch once more
- In U.K. terms, this means to (tr, ch 1) 3 times in designated stitch, then tr in same stitch once more
Pattern Testers
Below is a collection of photos that my pattern testers graciously allowed me to share with you! Below each photo I have linked each person’s social media account as well as listed their particular yarn choice and any notes they left regarding how well they thought it worked in the pattern. Thank you so much to all these lovely testers who helped make this pattern as clear and easy-to-follow as possible!
#SummerCrochetBook | #RaffiaBucketHat
Thanks so much for reading!
Find the pattern PDF on Ravelry, Etsy, or my website!
Shop Summer Crochet in These Places:
- Shop Summer Crochet on Amazon (US) here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Barnes And Noble here.
- Shop Summer Crochet at Chapters (CA) here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Amazon (CA) here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Amazon (UK) here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Indie Bound here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Blackwell’s here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Books-A-Million here.
- Shop Summer Crochet on Books Inc. here.
- Shop even more platforms here.
If you liked this design, you might also like the other hat pattern in the book: the Bellflower Bucket Hat (found here)—a cute bucket hat written for five sizes (make matching hats for the whole fam!) using a cute lace stitch pattern!
x
Janine
You can find my full print book, Modern Crochet Sweaters: 20 Chic Designs For Everyday Wear on the shelves of all major retailers or see purchasing options here!
You can find my full print book, Summer Crochet: 19 Delicate Designs with Simple Lace and Timeless Silhouettes on the shelves of all major retailers or see purchasing options here!
For exclusive discounts on all new patterns, join the Knits ‘N Knots newsletter list here!
You May Also Like
Leave A Comment