About This Bucket Hat for Winners Pattern
This pattern teaches you to crochet a raffia bucket hat with a firm brim using rigilene boning for structure. You will follow clear step-by-step rounds from the bottom through the crown and brim. It is designed for beginner crocheters and includes tips for working with raffia yarn and finishing for a neat result.
The pattern uses Ispie or Fibranatura raffia and a 3 mm hook in the example, and includes a size M reference (56-57 cm). Full guidance is provided to adapt the hat to other head sizes.
Why You'll Love This Bucket Hat for Winners Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it makes a polished, wearable hat from inexpensive raffia yarn. I enjoy how the instructions walk you through shaping the bottom, crown and brim with clear rounds so the result always fits well. The use of rigilene boning gives the brim professional structure, which makes the finished hat feel high quality. Crocheting this hat is relaxing and quick, and I find it rewarding to customize colors and trims for friends and gifts.
Switch Things Up
I love experimenting with colors in this hat; try combining two contrasting raffia shades for a striped brim for a bold look.
I often change the size by using a thicker or thinner yarn and adjusting the hook size — a bulkier yarn creates a chunky oversized hat while thinner raffia makes a delicate mini hat.
If you want a softer brim edge, skip crocheting directly into the rigilene and instead crochet a decorative trim over the edge for a gentle finish.
I like to add a cotton lining for extra comfort and to hide any internal joins; you can sew in a circular fabric lining after finishing the brim.
Try embellishments like a simple crocheted flower, a ribbon band, or metal eyelets for ventilation and style — these personalize the hat instantly.
To make a packable hat, use a lighter-weight boning or a removable wire insert so the brim can be removed for folding and travel.
I sometimes switch to natural, undyed raffia for a classic, earthy look and add a colorful trim for contrast.
For a child's version, scale down the rounds and use brighter colors or small appliques to make it playful and fun.
I also experiment with adding a small brim facing in fabric to increase structure without additional boning for a more subtle finish.
Want a sun hat variant? Increase the brim rounds for a wider shade and consider lining the brim for added UV protection.
For a dressier version, use metallic or sparkly raffia trims or sew on a decorative band and a brooch for an elevated finish.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Not straightening raffia before starting; always straighten or steam the raffia yarn first so it crochets smoothly and does not twist.
✗ Leaving large gaps when crocheting single crochet in raffia; pull the working thread up to the level of the hook when making SC to avoid holes in the fabric.
✗ Joining new skeins without a secure overlap; overlap the old and new threads by about 5 mm and secure with PVA glue, then wrap tightly after drying for a seamless join.
✗ Forgetting to measure the head and calculate the bottom diameter; measure HS (head size) and use the formula (HS - 4 cm) / 3.14 to calculate the correct bottom diameter to match your intended size.
✗ Not using a marker at the start of rounds; place a marker in the first loop of row 2 and move it to the first loop of each subsequent row to keep track of round starts and increases.
