About This Reversible Octo Mood Hat Pattern
This pattern creates a reversible octopus-inspired hat with two contrasting hat bases joined together so you can show a happy or grumpy mood. The hat is worked top-down in double crochet with a ruffled brim and embroidered face details. Youll make two identical hat bases, add eyes and a mouth, then join the brims for a fully reversible finish.
Perfect for adults, this versatile design uses simple increases and a front-loop ruffle to create a lively brim. Minimal sewing is required — only the facial embroidery is stitched on.
Why You'll Love This Reversible Octo Mood Hat Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a simple hat into a playful, reversible accessory that brightens any day. I enjoy how easy it is to customize colors and faces to match personalities or moods. The construction is clever — two hats joined together — so you get a reversible finish without complicated sewing. Making the ruffled brim using front loop stitches always gives such a fun, dimensional look that I cant resist trying new color combos. This pattern combines approachable shaping with cute embroidery, which is exactly the kind of project I love to make and share.
Switch Things Up
I love how easily this pattern adapts to different looks — swap colours to change the entire mood of the hat.
I often make one hat base in a neutral tone and the other in a bright contrast so you can change your vibe instantly.
Want a child sized hat? I reduce or remove increase rows between rounds 6-8 until the crown fits a child head.
I sometimes use a bulkier yarn and larger hook to create a chunky cozy version that is very warm and quick to make.
I also like to embroider different expressions — try winking eyes or a surprised O-shaped mouth for more personality.
I recommend adding felt eye appliques for a neater finished pupil if you prefer no embroidery; glue or stitch them on securely.
Ive tried adding a tiny pompom or braided tie to the crown for a playful accent — it changes the look completely.
For a more structured brim, block the finished hat lightly or work an extra joining row in a firmer tension.
I sometimes crochet stripes for one hat base so the two sides are quite different when reversed — it makes a fun reversible surprise.
Dont be afraid to experiment with variegated yarn for one base; the textured ruffle looks amazing with colour changes.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Skipping stitch markers when joining the brims can lead to misaligned faces; place a stitch marker at a clear reference point on each brim before joining to ensure accurate alignment.
✗ Not counting stitches after every increase row makes the brim sizing inconsistent; count your stitches at the end of each round to confirm you have the correct total and correct any mistakes immediately.
✗ Working with very loose tension will make the hat floppy and the ruffle limp; maintain medium to tight tension as instructed to keep structure and a crisp ruffle.
✗ Embroidering the eyes without checking placement can make the face look lopsided; pin or temporarily place eyes on the hat, compare both hats, then stitch when youre happy with the symmetry.
✗ Joining the crown tails carelessly can leave gaps or bulges; tie the tails from the crown together with a secure triple knot and check the inside touching before finishing the join.
