When people find I crochet, it’s a matter of weeks–days sometimes– before they ask if I can make one project: a crochet beard hat. Friends, family, and strangers have e-mailed, texted, even posted pictures on my Facebook wall, requesting this odd item.
Crocheted beards hold some inexplicable intrigue.
That’s why I was delighted to come across Lauren Strasser, a crochet designer who blogs about life at The Production Department. Lauren has been crocheting since she was 15, but really started cranking things up when she was 19.
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Reasons you need to make this project, this weekend:
- It’s freezing out there!
- The lumberjack look is so hot this season.
- St. Paddy’s Day leprechaun costume?
- My beard is way comfier than this beard.
I had been wanting to make a beard hat for awhile, but all the patterns I could find online weren’t quite what I was looking for. My wish list included: a big enough mouth space, ear coverage, and full chin coverage.
So I made my own and now you can too.
I loved using the foundation chain (fch) stitch in this pattern. The foundation chain lets the beard be stretchier than using a plain chain would allow. And stretch is key when you’re pulling this hat on like a face mask.
The foundation chain also makes the mustache area just a tiny bit thicker and we don’t want any wimpy mustaches around here. Here’s how to do the foundation chain (dch): Chain 2 Insert hook into 2nd chain from hook.
Yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through both loops (1 loop on hook). First fch made.
For remaining fch stitches, insert hook under the strand to the left (if crocheting right handed) of the hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over pull through two loops.
What you’ll need for the beard:
- Red Heart worsted weight yarn (about 50 yards)
- Size K crochet hook
Ready? Let’s go!
Crochet Beard Pattern
Fch 31
Row 1: Chain 1 (counts as first sc now an throughout), * dc, sc *, repeat * to * 15 more times (31 stitches).
Row 2: Chain 2 (counts as first dc now and throughout), * sc, dc *, repeat * to * 15 more times (31 stitches).
Rows 3-8: Repeat rows 1 and 2.
Row 9: ch 1 (Counts as first sc), *dc, sc* 5 times (11 stitches), fch 9, (up to 20 stitches). Skip 9 stitches. Work *sc, dc* 5 times, end with another sc. (31 stitches total)
Row 10: Repeat Row 2 (31 stitches).
Fasten off.
Optional step: Hold the beard up to your face, look in the mirror, and laugh until your sides hurt. Now sew the beard to a hat.
11/1/12 Update: After many requests, a pattern for a smaller beard for kids is included in the comments and posted here below:
Instructions for Kid’s Sized Beard
Fch 19
Row 1: Chain 1 (counts as first sc now an throughout), * dc, sc *, repeat * to * 9 more times (19 stitches).
Row 2: Chain 2 (counts as first dc now and throughout), * sc, dc *, repeat * to * 9 more times (19 stitches).
Rows 3-8: Repeat rows 1 and 2.
Row 9: ch 1 (Counts as first sc), *dc, sc* 2 times, dc. (11 stitches), fch 7, (up to 20 stitches). Skip 7 stitches. Work *sc, dc* 2 times, dc. End with another sc. (19 stitches total)
Row 10: Repeat Row 2 (19 stitches).
Fasten off.
I used this men’s free crochet hat pattern (from JJCrochet). Here the hat is inside out to show approximate placement I like. The beard goes smack dab in the middle of the hat then the front tilts up an inch or two. Just sew along the edges of the beard, not all the way to the edge of the hat. You’ll see why soon.
One more cool thing about this hat; even with the beard sewn in, it can be worn as a plain hat. just fold the hat in and off you go! (This is why you only sewed along the edge of the beard back there.)
You are now the proud owner of a beard hat! Gift it away, stay warm outside, and make up a stack for your jealous friends. If you already have too many projects in process and don’t have time for this one, you can head over to my blog and order a custom made crochet beard.
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Many thanks to Lauren for creating this fantastic pattern and allowing me to share it.
Currently, my workplace is participating in “Full Beard February” (no joke – it’s a real thing), but being a girl, I was feeling left out. After Lauren’s pattern – no more! I was so excited for this beard pattern and immediately tested it out to make myself some facial hair.
I can confirm it is the most bizarre, most wonderful thing I have crocheted for myself in a while. I tried the beard on, checked myself out in the mirror, and laughed myself silly. I guarantee it’ll be an instant hit when you crochet one.
Lauren’s favorite yarn to crochet with is Red Heart worsted weight and her least favorite chore around the house is vacuuming the stairs. The best part about her day is her lunch time where she spends her a few precious minutes crocheting or reading. During the week, she teaches 25+ preschoolers at her church and couldn’t be happier. To learn more about Lauren’s crochet work, visit her at The Production Department.
JJCrochet
January 16, 2013Ha, thank, Keeley. Glad you figured out the pattern (and I like the brown, too. More low maintenance and more natural than the highlights I had in high school. :))
JJCrochet
January 16, 2013Hi Meghan – Glad you’re enjoying the pattern! If you’re looking to make a beard for your cousin, I’d suggest sizing up a hook size or two so your beard turns out looser than the size you made for your 5 year old. Working with a bigger hook will make a bigger beard which will hopefully fit an adult. Good luck!
cindy abbey
January 18, 2013i was looking for the child size beard you said it is found in comments and i can’t find it if you could post it or send to me i’d appreciat it thanks
Holly Smith
January 26, 2013could you post the pattern for a childs again, can’t find it thank you
kim
January 28, 2013yes, me too, would like a baby size approx 1 year old
JJCrochet
January 29, 2013Hi Holly, there were so many comments on this post, the pattern for the kids beard got buried! I posted it in the body of the post so you should be able to scroll up and see the pattern copied up there. Hope that helps!
Erica
February 3, 2013I made my brother this beard for his birthday. He LOVED it! Now everyone in my family wants me to make them one.
stephanie
March 5, 2013why not give a “gift pak” of beards for a special occasion? i made this pattern in several different ‘beard colors’ and wove a piece of elastic on the end to be hooked over the ears so this very fun beard could be interchanged and worn with any favorite beanie/hat….big hit!! even my big kids liked this!
Laurie
March 10, 2013Hi – I love this beard pattern, but I’ve changed the hat – After I made this for my husband and posted it on my FB page now everyone wants one and they are willing to pay for them. I’m not sure this would be ok with you – so thought I’d better check first – please let me know – thanks so much !
JJCrochet
April 15, 2013Love the idea of a beard “gift pak”, Stefanie! Thanks for sharing.
Priscilla Mitchell
July 2, 2013Do you have a pattern for the hat? Because I don’t know how big or small to make it.
Terrie
August 19, 2013How would I make the beard longer? Like infant size but looong….
I’m looking forward to making this! 🙂
Michelle
September 9, 2013Thank you so much for this!! My boyfriend has been asking me to make a hat like this for a long time, but all of the patterns I found were child size or the beard did not cover the chin. This looks perfect and I am excited to start on it!!
Bethany
September 10, 2013If you could tell me how I could reduce the childs size to an infants size that would be awesom. My sister wants to dress her baby boy up as a lumberjack for halloween, partly because its a nice warm costum and partly because she just loves these hats/beards combos! I can do some basic crochet stiches and don’t see anyting I can’t do in your pattern, just not sure on the math when it comes to making a smaller sized.
Sofie Lachapelle
December 8, 2013Thank you, you are so nice to share and it’s very nice whit good explanation. Sorry i am french from Québec and my english is not very good
Sofie 😀
Lee Ann
December 31, 2013What a neat pattern! I love this beard! 🙂 🙂 Thank you very much for posting this pattern. I also love your blog; this is my first visit. 🙂
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Lee Ann
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Jennie
September 14, 2014I must be missing something. I attached the beard and now I can’t get the hat on. Ok
I KNOW I’m missing something. HELP!!
Katy Gagnier
October 6, 2014I came across your beard pattern, and I absolutely love it! I had a good laugh when I looked in the mirror when finished. I posted it to a few friends and on facebook. Everyone is loving it! Thanks for sharing this awesome pattern!!! 🙂
Peggy
December 4, 2014i received a request for these beards from my great nephew from Indiana. I live in New Jersey. Had no idea what he wanted. Went to google and found just the right pattern. Thank you so much for sharing your talent.
atradis
January 15, 2015I am very confused on this pattern… I’m trying to do the kid size one but I get so dumbstruck in row 9. I’m just very confused there. how does the 7 FCH continue to the beard it looks like half of it to me right now
Miranda Sainsbury
February 26, 2015Hi,
My friend wants me to make one of these for her son but he is only 4 months old and I don’t have access to check sizing all the time. Will the kids pattern fit him or will it be too big?
Thanks
Stephanie Hutton
March 10, 2015Hi, just checking. Is this pattern done using US terminology? My son has to go to school with a funny face on Friday and thought this would be perfect.
Beast regards
Stephanie
JJCrochet
March 22, 2015Hi Stephanie – Yes, the pattern is written in US crochet terms.
Steven
November 28, 2015hi,i was wondering if it were possible to extend the pattern to cover the under/bottom of the chin?it would be the first I’ve seen to do so,would be perfect for warmth down to a coat or shirt collar, and would,in my opinion look better and boost sales.i don’t crochet but my mom does and i would love to beg her to make me one of these if it could be extended….
Hollyann
December 13, 2015Can you make a YouTube video on how to crochet a beard for a beanie hat for a 5 year old boy?!?
Ann
March 10, 2018Is “Fch” the same as a foundation single crochet? Your video stops before you complete the stitch and the only other explanation I could find on the internet was the foundation single crochet. Thanks!
JJCrochet
July 6, 2018Yes, FCH is a foundation chain.
Catalina
December 13, 2019I’ve been looking for beard beanie patterns, and I’m definitely adding this to my list! Thanks for posting such a great pattern 🙂
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