When I first stumbled upon the Cluster V stitch, I was immediately intrigued by the beautiful texture it creates. As I experimented with it, I knew it would be perfect for a cozy newborn hat.
This pattern, designed by Michelle Schermann, blends simplicity with a touch of sophistication, making it a delightful project whether you’re an experienced crocheter or just starting out. Plus, working with fine yarn like DROPS Baby Merino adds a soft, snug feel—perfect for those precious little heads.
Michelle’s thoughtful design ensures that you can adjust the color and pattern to create a personalized piece. And with a classic color combination like lavender and white, the results are as sweet as they are stylish.
Materials You’ll Need
To create this newborn hat, you’ll need the following materials:
- Hook: 3mm crochet hook
- Yarn: DROPS Baby Merino
- Colors: Lavender (Color 37) and White (Color 02)
- Weight: Fine Yarn (2), 5-ply, sport/baby weight
- Amount Used: 9g of lavender and 16g of white
- Other Supplies: Tapestry needle, stitch marker (recommended), scissors
Terms and Abbreviations (US)
Before diving into the pattern, it’s helpful to understand the terms and stitches used. Here’s a quick reference:
- MR: Magic Ring
- Ch: Chain
- Ch-sp: Chain Space
- Slst: Slip Stitch
- Sc: Single Crochet
- Hdc: Half Double Crochet
- Sk: Skip
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- CV: Cluster V Stitch
How to Make a Cluster V Stitch
The Cluster V stitch creates a lovely, textured pattern perfect for this hat. Here’s how it’s done:
- Start with an Incomplete Double Crochet (dc2tog): Insert your hook into the stitch, pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook). Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops (2 loops left on the hook). Keep this incomplete dc on the hook.
- Create a Second Incomplete dc: In the same stitch, yarn over, insert your hook, and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through the first 2 loops (3 loops left on hook).
- Complete the Cluster V: Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the hook. This forms one Cluster V stitch.
Let’s Begin Crocheting!
Below, you’ll find a picture of the newborn hat using the Cluster V stitch. For the complete step-by-step pattern, follow the link below.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Pattern Highlights
Crown Shaping
- Crown Round 1: Start with a Magic Ring (MR), ch 1, and make 12 hdc into the ring. Slst to the first hdc. (12 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1, 2 hdc in each stitch around. Slst to the first hdc. (24 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 1, 2 hdc in same st, hdc in the next 2 sts, repeat to the end, slst to the first hdc. (32 sts)
- Round 4: Ch 1, 2 hdc in same st, hdc in the next 3 sts, repeat to the end, slst to the first hdc. (40 sts)
- Continue in this manner, increasing the number of single hdc between each increase until the crown reaches a width of 9-10 cm (3.5-4 inches).
Adding Texture with Cluster Vs
- Round 9: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), Cluster V in first st, sk 2 sts, repeat around, slst to the first stitch of the Cluster V. (24 Cluster Vs)
- Round 10: Slst over to the first ch-sp, and change color if desired. Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Make one Cluster V in each ch-sp from the previous round, slst to the first st of the Cluster V. (24 Cluster Vs)
- Rounds 11-17: Repeat Round 10 until the hat reaches the desired height of about 11-12.5 cm (4.45-5 inches).
Finishing the Hat
- Final Round: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), sc all the way around, and slst to the first sc (72 sts). Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Tips for Success
- Use a Stitch Marker: It’s easy to lose track of the start of your rounds, so a stitch marker will help keep your place.
- Check the Crown Width: Make sure your crown is the right size before moving on to the main body of the hat. Adjust the number of rounds if needed.
- Choosing Colors: Play with contrasting or complementary colors to create different looks. Lavender and white offer a timeless feel, but bold combinations can make the pattern pop.
A Handmade Hug for the Littlest Heads
Creating a newborn hat is such a special way to share your love for crochet. This pattern, with its soft yarn and delicate details, is sure to become a favorite gift for new parents or a cherished addition to your own family’s wardrobe. With each stitch, you’re not just crafting a hat—you’re creating a warm hug for the newest little person in your life.
