What happens when you make a hat from the brim up to the crown? Well, odds are you'll decrease for a few rounds, and then you'll need to "gather to close" the last round with a yarn needle. What does that mean? How do you "gather the last round" of your project? Here are two methods for gathering hat rounds!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
How to Gather Hat Crowns or Project Rounds
As Seen in this Video: (click for more info)
- US - I, 5.5mm Furls Odyssey Hook
- Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
- Stork Scissors
- Yarn/Tapestry Needle
- Super Speedy Preemie Hat Pattern (free!)
I chose not to make a left handed version of this video, because it doesn't matter which hand you use to do the sewing, the technique looks and operates the same!
You have 2 popular options for closing up hat crowns, slipper toes, or just plain gathering the last round of a pattern when you want to close up a hole:
- Cut a long tail - the bigger the hole, the longer the tail you'll need.
- Thread the tail on a yarn needle.
- Join the first and last stitch of the round if you haven't already done so.
- Insert the needle under the top 2 loops of each stitch of the last round.
Option 1: Insert from the outside of the project in, and then from the inside out, alternating on each stitch.
Option 2: Insert from the outside of the project in on each stitch. - Pull the end of the yarn to close the hole.
- Insert the needle through the hat to the inside, weave in ends.
And that's it! If you've never done it before, or weren't pleased with the results when you did, then I hope this video has helped - and that your next project that calls for "gathering the last round" is even better! Be sure to check out the Video Tutorials video for even more tips, tricks, and stitch tutorial help! Thanks for watching!
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graCe Heron says
Hello,
My name is Grace. I have attempted and met with frustration trying to subscribe to your weekly updates. When I attempt to put my e-mail address, I get oops my address is not recognized. The problem is when you type the address you only get upper case alphabet. Maybe I am doing the process wrong. I would appreciate a response if possible. Thank you in advance for your response.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Grace!
I'm sorry you're having trouble. Email addresses are not case sensitive, so that shouldn't be an issue. If you could email me at tamarakelly@mooglyblog.com with the email address you'd like to use, I should be able to add you to the list manually.
Rosalie McCreary says
Hi Tamera! I enjoyed your tutorial on gathering tops of hats that start open like yours. I usually don't use the open method for hats, BUT your gathering method will be most helpful for closing up when I crochet around Christmas ball ornaments. Thanks for sharing. You have a great gift for teaching. I like your videos.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much Rosalie! Yes, that's another great use for it - I sort of blanked on other ideas once the camera was rolling, heh.
Jean Jones says
Your video will make my hats look so much neater on the top. I've already given it a try and it works wonderfully. Thank you so much for your blog and the tutorial(s). I'm glad you include the patterns also.
Jean
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Jean!
Nancy McQuade says
Dear Tamara,
This technique worked like a charm for my Fortune's Hat. Thank you. I have even started another one. I am making hats to raise money for my local Greyhound Rescue Group. I am going to buy some Greyhound buttons to attach to the brim. Where would you suggest I buy my buttons?
Nancy McQuade
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Nancy, I'm so glad to hear it! I usually just buy my buttons at my local JoAnn Fabrics, but I fear finding greyhound buttons will be a little trickier!
Dee Thompson says
I love your videos, just have a hard time seeing what younare doing! Could you please zoom in on your project so we can see better what's going on? Thanks so much in advance!
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Dee! We try to get as close as we can while still showing everything, but I'll talk to my producer and see what we can do. In the meantime, you might want to try full screen mode to make it bigger. 🙂
Lexy says
Hi.
I know that you state this method is to be used when you are crocheting from the brim to the top of a hat... However I was wondering if this method could be used to close the top of a hat that is crocheted from the top to brim. I'm relatively new to crochet and trying to make hats and seem to be having an issue with leaving a decent sized hole in the top and was wondering if there was a way to close it. The hole isn't huge by any means but is big enough that I can stick my finger tip through it and was worried about it being a spot that cold air could get in, especially with this being a baby hat.
Any help you could offer would be amazing. Thank you very much! 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Yes! You could use the tail left when you begin crocheting to close up the top using this same method. Another thing you might want to try is the magic circle - closes up all the way! Here's a tutorial: https://www.mooglyblog.com/the-magic-circle/