Ready to crochet your own cozy hoodie? These free patterns have everything you need to make a stylish, comfortable hoodie in any size, complete with easy-to-follow video tutorials.
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Are you looking to make your own cozy, stylish hooded hoodie but aren’t sure where to start?
I’ll share my free crochet hood patterns, including step-by-step video tutorials that guide you through each stitch and technique. These patterns are crafted to be simple, versatile, and perfect for all sizes.
We’ll guide you through each step—from choosing the right yarn to shaping the perfect hood.
Why Crochet a Hoodie?
A hooded garment or aka hoodie is a must-have in any wardrobe—especially if you love handmade pieces for those chilly days and extra warmth and coziness.
When you crochet your own hoodie, you are free to make it in any way you like! Customize the fit, pick your favorite colors, and even add special details to make it uniquely yours.
With the right pattern, you’ll be able to create a hoodie that fits comfortably and gives you the coverage you need.
If you’ve been wondering things like, “How do I crochet a hood for a hoodie?” or “What’s the best way to make a crochet hoodie fit perfectly? this guide has you covered!
Here, we’ll walk you through everything from picking the right yarn and hook size to adding shaping and putting together a hood that looks and feels just right.
Crocheting a hoodie might seem challenging, but with a few helpful tips, you’ll be surprised how easy and fun it can be.
How to make a crochet hoodie fit well
Making a crochet hoodie that fits well involves a few key steps, from choosing the right materials to customizing the fit. Here’s a quick guide to help:
1. Choose the Right Yarn and Hook Size:
The yarn weight and crochet hook size can impact the hoodie’s fit and drape. For a relaxed fit, choose a lightweight yarn and a slightly larger hook size than recommended for the yarn. This creates a looser, more flexible fabric that will drape well on the body.
2. Measure Accurately:
Take your measurements before you start. Measure your body length and width, the circumference of your head, and take note of your sleeve length and overall desired hoodie length. Use your measurements to help guide the pattern adjustments for your size.
3. Adjust the Pattern for Fit:
Most patterns provide sizes, but you may want to make small adjustments to fit your body better. For example, if you want a more relaxed or oversized fit, add a few extra stitches in the body sections.
If you prefer a closer fit, consider reducing stitches slightly in key areas like the waist or sleeve cuffs.
Alternatively, replace the size of your hook for a looser or tighter finish.
4. Use Shaping Techniques:
To create a hoodie that conforms better to your shape, use shaping techniques like increases and decreases. Adding decreases to the back of the hood, for instance, can help create a more rounded look (explained more below).
5. Check as You Go
Try the hoodie on as you work, especially after finishing the main body or sleeves. This allows you to make adjustments before completing sections, so you end up with a fit that’s just right for you.
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Hooded Crochet Video Playlist
Playlist
If this sounds like something you would like to try out, scroll down for the step-by-step free written pattern or you can also watch the video tutorial on my YouTube channel.
No Pointy Hood
If you want that beautifully curved shape at the top of the hood, there’s an easy method to get the hood section just right.
First start by working the length of the hood by measuring the back of the head up to where the crown meets. Feel free to use any stitch or the same stitch used for the body panel.
For an oversized hood, continue adding 2 – 4 more rows. For a soft, drapey effect, try using a larger hook than the yarn label suggests to create a looser, more open stitch. This is a great option that’ll give you a lighter-flowing fabric
Once the length is achieved, the trick to creating that rounded top is by creating a decreased split at the top center of the hood.
This means you’ll reduce the stitch count gradually in the middle section, which helps the fabric curve inward and gives it that snug, rounded shape.
Unless you prefer a very pointy hood, then the decrease will not be necessary. Just work up the total length needed for the hood portion and seam the top across to close up the side of the hood.
Once you’ve completed the decrease, on the wrong side bring the top hood piece together and stitch them closed.
This will bring the shape together and ensure the hood sits comfortably around the back of your head.
After that, the hood should have that perfect, curved look you’re aiming for. Finish off with another row of edging to complete the entire look.
I am using the Rainbow 8/4 Cotton yarn by Hobbii together with a 5.00 mm crochet hook which is a much larger recommended hook size. This stitch is called the Suzette Stitch made for the Suzette Cardigan pattern.
Learn more here: How to add a Crochet a Hood without the Pointy Tip at the Back
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Crochet Hood (Free) Patterns made for all sizes
The Perfect Everyday Fall Crochet Cardigan with Pockets | Free Crochet Pattern & Video Tutorial 📺
Learn how to crochet the perfect everyday fall cardigan with pockets! This free crochet pattern includes a step-by-step video tutorial, making it easy to create a cozy, stylish layer for autumn. Great for all skill levels
How to Crochet an Easy & Cozy Hooded Cowl + Free Pattern
Looking to cozy up in style this winter? This easy and trendy crochet cowl hood pattern will become the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe. It’s the ideal blend of a hood’s snug embrace and the chic drape of a cowl.
The Coziest, Fluffiest Crochet Hoodie Sweatshirt | Free Pattern + Video
Make your own coziest, fluffiest hoodie sweater with our free pattern and step-by-step video tutorial! Perfect for all skill levels, this cozy hoodie is a stylish, warm addition to any wardrobe.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What is the Best Yarn for A Crochet Hoodie?
People often wonder which yarn will create the coziest, most comfortable hoodie. Generally, wool or wool-blend yarn is preferred for warmth, while cotton and acrylic are great for lighter, more breathable options.
The yarn’s weight also matters. Many hoodies use worsted or bulky-weight yarn for added warmth and quicker stitching. But at the end of the day, any yarn will work depending on your thickness and warmth preference.
2. How Much Yarn Do I Need to Make a Hoodie?
The amount of yarn depends on the hoodie’s size, stitch density, and yarn weight. A full-size adult hoodie may require anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 yards of yarn, while children’s sizes require less.
It’s best to buy an extra skein or two to be safe, especially if using yarn with dye lots. Alternatively, use this free yarn calculator to calculate the amount of yarn you actually need.
3. How Do I Make Sure My Hoodie Will Fit?
Ensuring a good fit is essential, so people often ask how to measure and size correctly. Most hoodie patterns offer general guidelines for small, medium, and large sizes, but taking your own measurements and adjusting stitch counts to match these measurements helps guarantee a better fit.
Most importantly, make a gauge swatch before starting any new project. Here is a tutorial and gauge calculator on how to correctly make your own Gauge Swatch.
4. How Long Does it Take to Crochet a Hoodie?
The time it takes varies based on experience level, complexity of the pattern, and time dedicated each day. For a beginner-friendly pattern like this, it might take several hours to a few days. More intricate patterns or larger sizes can take a few weeks or even longer.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy crochet project, try making this crochet hooded cowl. This pattern is free and comes with a step-by-step video tutorial, so it’s great for all skill levels. Plus, it’s available in all sizes, so you can create one for yourself, friends, or family.
This crochet cowl pattern is not only warm and cozy but also a stylish accessory that adds a nice layer of coverage. With simple stitches and clear instructions, you’ll have a cozy hood ready to wear in no time.
5. What Basic Stitches are Commonly Used in Crochet Hoodies?
Basic Crochet stitches include simple stitches like the single crochet stitches (Sc Sts) half double crochet (Hdc Sts), and double crochet (Dc Sts). Simple crochet stitches are best.
Crochet hoodie sweaters may also use ribbing techniques like front post and back post double crochet for cuffs, hem, and hood edges.
6. How Do I Crochet a Hood That Fits Properly?
Creating crochet hoods that fit well is one of the biggest questions. Many patterns will provide instructions for shaping the hood, often by decreasing stitches as you reach the crown to form a rounded shape.
Measuring as you go and trying on the piece can also help. Here is a full tutorial on how to crochet a hoodie hood without the pointy tip.
7. Can I Add Pockets to My Crochet Hoodie?
Yes! Many people love adding pockets, either as front pouches or side pockets. Some patterns include pocket instructions, while others allow you to attach pockets separately once the body is complete. This cozy sweatshirt hoodie comes with a free crochet pattern and a tutorial on how to add hidden pockets.
8. What skill level do I need to make a crochet hoodie?
To make a crochet hoodie, you’ll generally need to be at an advanced beginner or intermediate skill level. If you’re comfortable with basic stitches and can follow a simple pattern, you should be able to tackle most hoodie patterns.
Some parts, like shaping the hood or seaming the pieces together, may require a bit more skill, but with patience (and a video tutorial), it’s definitely doable.
If you’re new to crochet, you might want to start with a smaller project like adding a hood to an existing sweater! But otherwise, a hoodie is a great way to level up your crochet skills!
9. What Size Hook Should I Use?
The hook size will depend on the yarn type and weight you choose. Most hoodie patterns use a 4.0 mm hook to 6.5 mm crochet hook for worsted or bulky yarn, but you should always check the pattern instructions and your yarn label for recommendations.
Just remember that a larger hook size than the recommended size will give you bigger, drapier, gappier finished project and a smaller hook size than the recommended size will give you a tighter, stiffer, smaller finish, so do keep this in mind.
10. How Do I Care for My Crochet Hoodie?
People often ask how to wash and care for their finished hoodie. Yarn type plays a big role here. Some yarns are machine washable, while others may require hand washing and laying flat to dry.
If you’re not sure how to wash your crochet item, hand washing in cold to lukewarm water is always the safest option. Some people would even suggest using a small amount of hair conditioner to make thicker fibers feel softer.
After washing, lay the item flat to air dry rather than using a hot dryer, which can damage the fibers and affect the shape.
Be sure to always check the care instructions written on the yarn label.
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Happy hooking,
Shaz 🧶
