Marva

Marva Hat by Emily J. Designs

What Is Being Made

The Marva Hat is an adorably cute and chic crochet hat featuring an unusual and unexpected design element: a scrunched section gathered to the side. This distinctive gathered detail can be worn positioned to the side or back of the head, creating a playful, modern silhouette. The hat is designed for women in two size options: Small-Medium (18-22 inches around) and Medium-Large (20-24 inches around), with a finished length of 10.5 inches. The adjustable nature of the gathered section allows for personalized styling and fit customization.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

The Marva Hat is worked top-down in the round, a popular construction method that allows for easy fitting and adjustment as you progress. Rounds are joined using slip stitches into the first stitch of each round. The pattern begins with a crown increase section, establishing the foundation for the hat's crown shaping. The construction methodology uses chain stitches to begin rounds, with the important notation that chain-1 stitches are counted as single crochet stitches in the rounds that follow the crown increase section. This technique is essential for maintaining proper stitch counts and ensuring even fabric development throughout the hat.

Stitches Used

The Marva Hat employs fundamental crochet stitches suitable for an intermediate-level crocheter:

• Single Crochet (sc): The primary stitch used throughout the hat, creating a dense, sturdy fabric
• Chain Stitch (ch): Used for foundation and to begin rounds
• Slip Stitch (sl): Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions

The gauge is established at 13 single crochet stitches and 17 rows equaling 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked with a J hook, making this an important measurement to achieve for proper fit.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Marva Hat requires only 1 skein of yarn, making it an efficient project. The pattern is designed using Cascade 220 Heathers, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 100% wool, with 220 yards (200 meters) per 3.5-ounce (100-gram) skein. The sample shown is crafted in Cascade 220 Heathers #9324 Misty Lilac Heather, a soft, muted purple colorway. For yarn substitutions, the pattern accommodates Cascade 220 solids, Cascade 220 Superwash, or any worsted-weight yarn of similar yardage and weight specifications.

Hook Requirements

The primary hook size is a J/10 (6mm) hook, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. For the smaller size only, a I/9 (5.5mm) hook is recommended. Hook size adjustment may be necessary depending on individual tension and desired finished measurements.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable working in the round with stitch count management and gauge considerations.