Hat Crown Decrease Calculator

How to use

1. Enter the stitch count you finished the hat body on — the same number you cast on if the body is straight, or take it from the Hat Size calculator.
2. Enter how many decrease sections you want. Eight is the usual choice and gives an even, unfussy crown; six looks more faceted, twelve more rounded.
3. Choose the crown shape: Rounded works a plain round between each decrease round for a softer dome, Pointed decreases every round for a quicker, more tapered top.
4. Follow the rounds in order. Each line like [K6, K2tog] × 8 means work that bracket around the whole round; the count on the right is how many stitches remain.
5. When the last round leaves a small number of stitches, cut the yarn, thread it through them and pull tight to close the top.

Good to know

• If your stitch count is not a whole multiple of your section count, the calculator adds a short setup round that decreases the few extra stitches evenly first — after that every round is uniform, which keeps the crown looking regular.
• More sections means a flatter, rounder crown with a smaller hole to close; fewer sections gives a more sharply pointed top. Eight is a safe default for an adult hat.
• A rounded crown (a plain round between decreases) uses more rows and sits taller, so allow for that in your body length. A pointed crown is shorter and quicker but tapers more abruptly.
• This works the same for crochet — read “K2tog” as your preferred decrease (e.g. sc2tog) and “knit one round” as a plain round of your stitch.

FAQ

How many stitches should I decrease the crown over?

Decrease down to about the number of sections you chose — the calculator closes to that count, then you thread the yarn through the last few stitches and cinch. Eight remaining stitches from eight sections is typical.

What does [K6, K2tog] × 8 mean?

Work the bracket — knit 6, then knit 2 together — eight times around the round. That removes eight stitches, one per section, and the number on the right confirms how many you have left.

Should I pick a rounded or pointed crown?

A rounded crown adds a plain round between decreases for a softer dome; a pointed crown decreases every round and tapers faster. Rounded suits most beanies; pointed suits close-fitting or gnome-style hats.

Why did it add a setup round?

Because your body stitch count is not an exact multiple of your section count. The setup round decreases just the leftover stitches evenly so the count becomes a clean multiple, and every round after it stays uniform.

Where do I get the body stitch count?

It is the number of stitches on your needle when the body is finished. For a straight-sided hat that is your cast-on count; the Hat Size calculator works it out from your gauge and head measurement.