Looking for a cozy winter hat that doubles as a conversation starter? This ice cream drip beanie keeps heads warm while looking absolutely adorable. The design features layered "ice cream" stripes in mint, chocolate, and pink with dimensional dripping frosting details that really pop.
The hat uses basic single crochet and half double crochet stitches throughout. It works up from a stretchy ribbed brim to a gently tapered crown. The drip appliques are crocheted separately and sewn on, which sounds fancy but is actually very manageable once you break it down.
This beanie makes an incredible gift for kids, teens, or anyone who loves playful accessories. The construction takes about 8 to 12 hours total. If you can work in the round and change colors, you can absolutely make this hat.
Why You Will Love This Ice Cream Beanie Crochet Pattern
This project hits the sweet spot between impressive and achievable. The finished hat looks like something from a boutique, but the techniques are straightforward. You are working basic stitches in continuous rounds for most of the project. The magic happens in the colorwork and those fun dimensional drips.
The drip appliques are worked flat as separate strips. You crochet them, then whipstitch them onto the hat body. This approach means no complicated intarsia or carrying multiple colors at once. Each element is simple on its own.
The sprinkles are just embroidered straight stitches added at the end. Random placement actually works in your favor here. No precision required.
Materials You Will Need
Gather these supplies before you start. Having everything ready makes the project flow smoothly.
Yarn (Worsted Weight, #4 Medium):
Sprinkle Colors: Small amounts of embroidery floss or scrap yarn in red, yellow, blue, green, and pink
Hooks:
Notions:
Yarn Suggestions That Work Beautifully
Lion Brand Pound of Love in Fisherman, Mint, Pink Lemonade, and Coffee gives excellent stitch definition and is machine washable.
Caron Simply Soft in Soft White, Pagoda, Soft Pink, and Chocolate creates a smooth, even fabric perfect for the color change stripes.
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK held double achieves the right gauge and comes in gorgeous colors.
Avoid very fuzzy or textured yarns like chenille. Stitch definition matters for the drip appliques to sit cleanly on the surface.
Gauge
14 single crochet (sc) and 16 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) worked in single crochet in the round with a US J (6.0 mm) hook after blocking.
To make a gauge swatch: Chain 18. Work single crochet flat for 20 rows. Block lightly. Measure the center 14 stitches and center 16 rows.
Gauge matters for hat fit. If you get more stitches per inch, go up a hook size. Fewer stitches per inch means going down a hook size.
Finished Size
Adult medium: approximately 20 inches (51 cm) circumference unstretched and 10 inches (25.5 cm) tall from brim fold to crown, not including the pompom. Fits head circumference of 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm).
Abbreviations Used in This Crochet Tutorial
Let me walk you through each stitch and term. If you are newer to crochet patterns, bookmark this section.
ch = chain: Wrap yarn over hook, pull through loop on hook. This creates the foundation for most crochet projects.
sl st = slip stitch: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on hook in one motion. Used for joining and creating flat movement.
sc = single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. The most basic crochet stitch.
hdc = half double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Slightly taller than single crochet.
dc = double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops) twice. Creates a taller, more open fabric.
sc2tog = single crochet two together: A decrease stitch. Insert hook into first stitch and pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Turns 2 stitches into 1.
st(s) = stitch(es)
rnd(s) = round(s)
BLO = back loop only: Work into only the back loop of the stitch, leaving the front loop unworked. Creates a ridged, stretchy texture.
RS = right side (the pretty outside of your work)
WS = wrong side (the inside)
pm = place marker
Special Techniques Explained
Ribbing Row (For the Brim)
Working in back loop only (BLO) across each row creates a stretchy, ridged fabric. When you turn it sideways, the ridges run vertically and mimic knitted ribbing. This gives the brim that classic beanie stretch.
Joining with a Standing Single Crochet
Make a slip knot on your hook. Insert the hook into the indicated stitch, pull up a loop to working height, yarn over and pull through both loops. This creates an invisible join when starting a new color. No bulky joining chains.
Color Change Technique
When changing colors, work the last stitch of the current color until two loops remain on your hook. Then draw the new color through to complete the stitch. This makes clean, crisp color transitions.
Step by Step Instructions for the Ice Cream Beanie
Part 1: Ribbed Brim
Using Color A and the smaller hook (US I, 5.5 mm), chain 13.
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (12 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch, now and throughout brim), sc in BLO of each st across. Turn. (12 sc)
Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 20 inches (51 cm) long. This takes approximately 70 rows for adult medium size.
Fold the piece so the short ends meet. Slip stitch or whipstitch the two short ends together to form a ring. Do not cut yarn yet.
Checkpoint: Your ribbed brim ring should measure approximately 20 inches (51 cm) in circumference and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide before folding.
Part 2: Foundation Round and Hat Body
Switch to the larger hook (US J, 6.0 mm). Keep using Color A.
Foundation Round: Working along one long edge of the ribbed brim, evenly sc 70 stitches around the entire opening. Join with sl st to first sc. Do not turn. Place stitch marker in first stitch. (70 sc)
The hat body is now worked in continuous rounds. Move your stitch marker up each round to track your progress.
Mint Section (Color B)
Change to Color B.
Round 1: Sc in each st around. (70 sc)
Rounds 2 through 8: Sc in each st around. (70 sc)
Checkpoint: After 8 rounds of mint, your hat body should measure approximately 2 inches (5 cm) above the brim.
Brown Section (Color D)
Change to Color D.
Rounds 9 through 12: Sc in each st around. (70 sc)
Checkpoint: After 4 rounds of brown, your work should measure approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) above the brim.
Pink Section (Color C)
Change to Color C.
Rounds 13 through 18: Sc in each st around. (70 sc)
Checkpoint: After 6 rounds of pink, your work should measure approximately 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) above the brim.
Cream Upper Section (Color A)
Change to Color A.
Rounds 19 through 24: Sc in each st around. (70 sc)
Checkpoint: After Round 24, your hat body (not including brim) should measure approximately 6 inches (15 cm) tall.
Crown Shaping
Continue in Color A. This is where you gradually decrease to close the top of the hat.
Round 25: (Sc 8, sc2tog) 7 times. (63 sc)
Round 26: Sc in each st around. (63 sc)
Round 27: (Sc 7, sc2tog) 7 times. (56 sc)
Round 28: Sc in each st around. (56 sc)
Round 29: (Sc 6, sc2tog) 7 times. (49 sc)
Round 30: Sc in each st around. (49 sc)
Round 31: (Sc 5, sc2tog) 7 times. (42 sc)
Round 32: Sc in each st around. (42 sc)
Round 33: (Sc 4, sc2tog) 7 times. (35 sc)
Round 34: Sc in each st around. (35 sc)
Round 35: (Sc 3, sc2tog) 7 times. (28 sc)
Round 36: (Sc 2, sc2tog) 7 times. (21 sc)
Round 37: (Sc 1, sc2tog) 7 times. (14 sc)
Round 38: (Sc2tog) 7 times. (7 sc)
Cut yarn leaving a 10 inch (25 cm) tail. Thread tail onto yarn needle. Draw needle through the front loop of all 7 remaining stitches and pull tight to close the crown opening. Weave in tail securely on WS.
Part 3: Creating the Drip Appliques
You will make two drip strips. The pink drips sit at the top of the brown band. The chocolate drips sit at the bottom of the brown band.
Pink Drip Strip
Using Color C and the larger hook, chain 71.
Foundation Row: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. (70 sc)
Do not turn. Now work the drip edging along this same row.
Drip Row: Work slip stitches along the foundation with drip tabs at evenly spaced intervals. For each drip tab: sl st into the base stitch, ch 4 to 6 (varying lengths for visual interest), work sc in second ch from hook, sc or hdc in remaining chains, sl st back into the same base stitch.
Create approximately 10 drip tabs distributed around the strip with about 4 slip stitches between each tab. Vary the chain lengths between 4 and 6 to create natural looking drips. Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.
Chocolate Drip Strip
Using Color D, work the same as the pink drip strip above. For the chocolate drips, use slightly longer chains (5 to 7) to create a more exaggerated drip appearance. Make approximately 9 to 10 drip tabs. Fasten off leaving a long tail.
Attaching the Drip Strips
Pink Drip Strip: Position the foundation edge along the line between Round 18 (last pink round) and Round 19 (first cream round). The drip tabs should hang downward over the pink and brown sections. Pin in place. Using yarn needle and Color C, whipstitch the foundation edge to the hat body all the way around.
Chocolate Drip Strip: Position the foundation edge along the line between Round 8 (last mint round) and Round 9 (first brown round). The drip tabs hang downward over the mint section. Whipstitch in place using Color D.
Take a step back and check that the drips hang naturally. Adjust placement if needed before finishing the seaming.
Part 4: Adding the Sprinkle Embroidery
Thread your yarn needle with a short length of embroidery floss or thin scrap yarn. Work on the cream upper section of the hat (Rounds 19 through 24).
Each sprinkle is one diagonal straight stitch approximately 3 to 5 stitches wide. Place approximately 20 to 30 sprinkles distributed around the hat. Vary the angle of each stitch so they look scattered and random. Use pink, yellow, blue, green, and red.
Weave in all embroidery tails on the wrong side.
Part 5: Making the Pompom
Cut two cardboard circles approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. Cut a 1 inch (2.5 cm) circle from the center of each. Hold the two rings together.
Wrap Color A or Color E yarn through the center and around the outer ring repeatedly until the center hole is almost filled. More wraps equal a fuller pompom.
Insert scissors between the two cardboard rings and cut all loops around the outer edge. Slide a separate strand of yarn between the two rings and tie tightly around the center. Knot firmly twice. Remove cardboard rings.
Fluff and trim the pompom to approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) diameter.
Thread the tie strands onto a yarn needle. Draw through the crown of the hat to the inside. Tie the strands together on the inside and weave in ends securely.
Size Customization Tips
For a child size (18 inches circumference): Work the ribbed brim to 18 inches and pick up 62 stitches on the foundation round. Use 6 evenly spaced decrease points during crown shaping. Adjust drip strip chains to 63 stitches.
For a large adult size (22 inches circumference): Work the ribbed brim to 22 inches and pick up 78 stitches on the foundation round. Use 6 evenly spaced decrease points with 13 sc between decreases in the first decrease round. Adjust drip strip chains to 79 stitches.
Finishing and Care Instructions
Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely on the wrong side. Pay special attention to the color change points.
To block: Turn the hat wrong side out and lightly mist with water. Place on a balloon or hat form inflated to the finished head size. Pat into shape and allow to dry completely. Do not block the drip appliques aggressively since they are meant to be dimensional.
Care: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry or iron directly.
Fold the ribbed brim up approximately 1.5 to 2 inches. The brim fold is not seamed, so it can be worn folded or unfolded.
You Did It!
This ice cream drip beanie crochet pattern combines simple stitches with creative finishing details to create something truly special. The layered construction breaks down into manageable pieces. Work the brim, work the body, make the drips, attach everything, add sprinkles, and top with a pompom. Each step builds on the last.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern. I really hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoyed designing it. If you make one, I would absolutely love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or share a photo on Facebook.
If this pattern is calling your name but you are not quite ready to start today, go ahead and save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it easily later. And please drop a comment below if you make this sweet beanie. I love hearing how projects turn out and seeing your color combinations!
