Crochet Shell Stitch Beanie with Ear Padding (Free Pattern + Video Tutorial)

If you’re looking for a cozy, warm, fall-inspired beanie with extra comfort around the ears, this Crochet Shell Stitch Beanie with Ear Padding is the perfect project. Made using medium-weight ombre yarn, this hat has a beautiful textured shell pattern and a snug ribbed band.

Materials

4-ply medium weight acrylic yarn (Ombre – Loops & Threads)
4.5 mm crochet hook
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Written Pattern (Based 100% on the video instructions)

🌟 Ribbing (Ear Padding Band)

Make a slip knot. Chain 20 + chain 2 (total 22). This creates the ribbing height for an adult size.

Row 1: Skip 3 chains from hook. Make 1 DC in the 4th chain. Continue making DC stitches across the foundation chain. (This forms Row 1 of the ribbing.)

Row 2: Ch 2, turn. Ignore the chain-2. Work 1 DC in the back loop only of each stitch across. Mark the first DC.

Row 3 onwards: Repeat Row 2 until the ribbing reaches approx. 18–19 inches when stretched (fits head size 22–23 inches).

Slip stitch the first and last rows together to form a loop.

🌟 Single Crochet Base Round

Work 2 SC into each row end around the ribbing — 2 SC in chain-2 space, 2 SC in each DC row end. Join with a slip stitch.

🌟 Shell Stitch Pattern

Row 1 (First Shell Row):

SC in first stitch
Skip 1
Make 5 DC (shell) in next stitch
Skip 1
SC in next stitch
Repeat around

Join with slip stitch.

Row 2 (Alternate Row):

Ch 3 = first DC
On top of the SC → work 5 DC (shell)
Skip 2
SC in middle DC of previous shell
Repeat around

Row 3 and onward:

Slip stitch into the middle DC of the shell. Repeat Row 1 and Row 2 alternately until you complete **10 rows** or reach **7 inches height**.

🌟 Decrease Rows (Shaping the Crown)

Row 11:

Ch 3 (counts as DC)
Invisible DC decrease over next 2 stitches
1 DC in next stitch
Invisible DC decrease
Repeat around

Row 12:

Repeat Row 11.

Row 13 (Optional but recommended):

Repeat same decrease pattern to reduce the crown opening.

Row 14 (Final Crown Row – Half Double Crochet):

Use HDC and HDC invisible decreases all the way around to tighten the opening at the top.

🌟 Closing the Top

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tapestry needle and weave in/out around last row. Pull tight to close the hole. Secure with knots and weave in tail.

🌟 Pom-Pom

Wrap yarn around fingers 30–40 times. Tie center, cut loops, brush lightly, trim into round shape. Attach to top of beanie and secure the ends.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Watch on YOUTUBE

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