Easy Crochet Snowman Candy Cane Holder: Free Pattern
A small white snowman with a bright orange nose keeps your peppermint candy canes secure on the tree branches throughout the holidays. This ornament feels sturdy in your hand because of the tightly worked single crochet stitches, making it a reliable project that holds its shape even when filled with sweets. Beginners will appreciate how quickly this builds up using basic rounds, while experienced makers enjoy the simple color changes for the scarf and face. You will learn to work in continuous spirals and attach tiny felt details to create a cheerful decoration that makes a thoughtful gift for neighbors or coworkers.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
This crochet ribbed beanie pattern uses the half double crochet stitch in the back loop only, which creates a flexible fabric that mimics the appearance of store-bought knit hats. You can finish this project in a single evening, making it a reliable choice for last-minute gifts. Because the hat is constructed as a flat rectangle that is seamed at the end, it is an excellent way to practice maintaining consistent tension across long rows. It requires only one skein of yarn, helping you clear your stash while producing a high-quality accessory for cold weather.
I finished this hat in about four hours and the fit is perfect for my head. The ribbing looks professional and feels very soft, and the pattern was easy to follow without any confusing abbreviations.
— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Approximate Time: 3 to 5 hours
- Construction: Worked flat in rows to create a rectangle, then seamed vertically to form a tube and cinched at the top.
- Finished Dimensions: Fits an average adult head, 20 to 22 inches in circumference, with a height of 9 inches.
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), wool or acrylic blend, approximately 200 yards.
- Hook Size: 5.5 mm (US I-9).
- Notions: Large-eye tapestry needle for seaming and weaving ends, locking stitch markers, and a measuring tape.
- Yarn Substitutions: You may use cotton yarn, though it will have less stretch than wool or acrylic. If you choose a lighter weight yarn, you will need to add more foundation chains and rows to maintain the dimensions.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch = chain
- hdc = half double crochet
- BLO = back loop only (insert hook under only the back loop of the stitch instead of both loops)
- sl st = slip stitch
- st/sts = stitch/stitches
- Special Stitch: The BLO hdc is worked by inserting your hook through the back loop only of the stitch from the previous row. This leaves the front loop exposed, creating the ridges that give the beanie its ribbed texture.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Main Hat Body
- Row 1: Ch 40. Hdc in the third ch from hook and in every ch across. Turn. (38 sts)
- Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Hdc in BLO of every st across. Turn. (38 sts)
- Rows 3-60: Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 20 inches wide when slightly stretched.
- Finishing the Body: Fasten off, leaving a 20-inch yarn tail for sewing.
Assembly and Closing
- Fold the rectangle in half so the short edges meet. Using your tapestry needle and the yarn tail, whip stitch the two short edges together to form a tube.
- Turn the piece inside out so the seam is on the inside.
- Thread the needle with a new 15-inch length of yarn. Weave the yarn in and out through the stitches along the top edge of the tube.
- Pull the yarn tight to gather the top of the hat closed. Secure it with a knot and weave in your ends.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Hand wash in cool water with a mild wool-safe detergent to preserve the fibers.
- Lay the hat flat on a towel to air dry, reshaping it while damp to ensure the ribbing remains even.
- Avoid using a tumble dryer, as heat can shrink the material and distort the stitch definition.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Maintain consistent tension by ensuring your turning chain is not pulled too tight, as this can cause the edges of your hat to curl or become uneven. Use a stitch marker on the first stitch of every row to ensure you are not accidentally dropping stitches at the ends, which is the most common reason the rectangle becomes a trapezoid. When weaving in your ends, run the needle through the base of the stitches on the inside of the hat for at least two inches to ensure the seam does not unravel with wear. If you decide to adjust the height of the hat for a slouchy fit, add more foundation chains, but remember that you will need approximately 20 extra yards of yarn for every two inches of added height.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute a different yarn weight?
Yes, but you must adjust your foundation chain length and the total number of rows. If using a thinner yarn, increase the starting chain length to achieve the desired height and add more rows to reach the 20-inch circumference.
Is this pattern suitable for someone who has never crocheted before?
This pattern is perfect for beginners because it uses only one basic stitch. If you can chain and half double crochet, you possess all the skills required to finish this project successfully.
How do I make the hat larger for a bigger head size?
To increase the circumference, simply work more rows beyond Row 60 until the piece reaches the desired width. To increase the height, start with a longer foundation chain.
Can I sell the hats I make from this pattern?
You are welcome to sell finished items created from this pattern. Please credit the original design when listing your products in online shops or at craft fairs.
These little snowmen add a personal touch to your tree and bring a smile to anyone who spots a treat tucked inside. You might swap the red scarf for a green or blue version to match your existing holiday theme, or use metallic thread for a hint of shimmer. Tag your photos with my blog name when you post them online so I can see how yours turned out. Check the sidebar for more holiday ornaments and beginner projects to keep your hooks busy during the winter months.
