If you’ve been curious about 10,000 Crocheted Hats by Emma Varnam and want to know exactly what’s inside before adding it to your library, this in-depth book review has you covered. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know from how this clever flip-page instruction book works to the patterns included, skill level, crochet terminology, extra features, and where it shines (and where it falls short) so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your crochet bookshelf.
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Thanks to GMC Publications for providing me with a review copy of the book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I do not guarantee a positive review of any product reviewed on my site. All opinions shared here are my own.
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About the Author
Emma Varnam is a UK-based crochet designer and author with a number of popular crochet books under her belt, including Crocheted Houseplants, Crocheted Succulents, Cute Crocheted Wild Animals, Cute Crocheted Woodland Creatures and, Vintage Granny Squares (click on the links to view my reviews of those titles). Find more from Emma Varnam on her award-winning knitting and crochet blog Emmavarnam.co.uk.
Patterns Included in 10,000 Crocheted Hats
Emma’s new book works a little differently than your standard pattern collection. It contains 23 different basic crocheted hat designs, each split into three elements: the crown (top of the hat), the body (the center portion), and the brim. By mixing and matching these components, you can create over 10,000 unique hat patterns, hence the title.
This clever flip-page instruction book has its pages divided into three physical sections to make swapping components easier and so you can see what your hat may look like so you can flip between photographs of different hat brims, crowns and bodies so that you can create your own unique design combinations. I highly recommend reading the “How to Use This Book” section on page 8 before you dive in to save yourself some confusion.
The book is spiral bound which makes this fun flip-page resource able to lay flat on a table so that you can more easily keep track of where you are in the book.
The hats use a variety of techniques from fair isle, classic granny, cables and more. There is even a floral motif square hat. I had a lot of fun coming up with different hat combinations, flipping back and forth to find one I loved.
Hat Sizing
All of the patterns are for slouchy beanie-style hats, which means they’re designed to be longer for that slouchy look. The author notes you can fold the brim to create a double-thick edge. The hats come in the following adult sizes: Small (18.5” circumference), Medium (21”), and Large (22”) head circumferences.
Patterns are written for DK weight yarn, but unfortunately, there’s no gauge or tension information beyond the statement, “All hats are designed on a standard DK Crochet tension.” That’s vague at best and, for most crocheters, meaningless. Without proper gauge info, you can’t guarantee your hat will fit. You could work to the hat lengths listed on page 8 and hope for the best, but this missing detail will likely frustrate many makers.
This book could have been the ultimate crocheted hat resource by including extra features like fit guidance, troubleshooting tips, or advice on customizing the length — but none of that was provided.
More About the Patterns in 10,000 Crocheted Hats
The patterns themselves were mostly clear and easy to follow once I got used to where each section ended and the next began. That said, I did find myself flipping to the abbreviations section on page 78 a few times — especially when I came across “Raised Treble Front (RTRF),” which in UK terms is essentially a front post double crochet in US terminology. This isn’t a term I had come across in UK terms previously and wish the abbreviations have been included up front.
Crochet Terminology
The book is written in UK terminology and includes a basic UK-to-US conversion chart on page 78. The chart covers only the most common stitches, so terms like “Raised Treble Front” aren’t explained there. Instead, you’ll need to dig through the Crochet Techniques section to figure them out.
Skill Level
There’s no skill level listed. In my experience, most of the base hat patterns would be considered easy to intermediate. However, without the fit guidance that newer crocheters might need, I’d rate the book overall as intermediate-level. If you’re okay with just making a hat and figuring out later who it will fit, you may find the patterns themselves accessible. I would not recommend this book to beginners or those unfamiliar with making hats and figuring out fit issues.
Supports Included for Makers
Most of the support content appears in the back of the book, starting on page 57. Many techniques (though not all) include illustrations. Instructions are generally clear but brief. It would have been helpful if the abbreviation section came before the stitch demonstrations – especially for those more familiar with US terms.
The “Finishing Touches” section covers the whip stitch, slip stitch seam, single crochet (UK double crochet) seam, weaving in ends, making pom poms, and a short note on blocking. Page 77 lists the names of each yarn color used in the book.
Supplies Needed
- DK weight yarn (Stylecraft Special DK was used in the samples)
- Pom pom maker (this pom pom maker set is my favorite for adult hats)
- Stitch marker or scrap yarn
- 3.5 mm – 4.0 mm hook size (I recommend these ergonomic crochet hooks)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Measuring tape or ruler
Where to Buy 10,000 Crocheted Hats
This book is available for sale on Amazon or Bookshop.org.
Overall
10,000 Crocheted Hats by Emma Varnam is a fun and unique concept for a crochet book and would be great for an experienced crocheter looking to experiment with crocheted hats using different stitches and textures. While I was disappointed in the lack of fit-related resources, this could be a great addition to your library if you love making hats and are happy to figure out fit adjustments on your own.
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You provided an excellent review of pros and cons. I’m a fan of the author but will not buy this book due to omitttance of gauge.
I’m so glad that you found it helpful! Thanks for reading 🙂