The hat crown ALWAYS ripples

Hi, everyone. I’ve been crocheting for about 4 years. I love making hats for the whole family, and I also really enjoy making them as gifts, as well as amigurumi in all kinds of variations. Now I’ve ordered some great baby yarn and want to make a cute summer hat for a newborn, but no matter what kind of hat I try to make—and no matter which pattern I use, whether it’s my own design or I’m following a pattern—the crown ALWAYS ripples. Even with the absolute standard version: 1st round—2 stitches in every stitch; 2nd round—2 stitches in every 2nd stitch; 3rd round—2 stitches in every 3rd stitch, and so on... I have no idea why this always happens or what I can do about it. Do you have any ideas and/or tips? I find it really, really annoying... 😣 Thanks in advance!

Have you tried using a different hook size? Sometimes that helps.

Like I said, this unfortunately happens to me with every hat. It doesn’t matter how thick or thin the yarn is, or what needle size I use. Right now I’m using baby yarn with needle sizes 2–3.5. I started with a size 3. Anything smaller feels too thin to me, and it takes forever to finish the projects… but now I’d have to unravel the rounds just to try a different needle size… 

Sometimes, unfortunately, you end up sitting there forever—handwork doesn’t always go by a whizz, so you need to be patient. And, sadly, unraveling and trying again is just part of the process. 

Maybe try starting a hat from the brim. Use a thicker hook to make the foundation chain so it doesn’t pull tight, or start with foundation stitches, then crochet upward. That might be easier. 

That’s a pretty good idea. I’ve always done that when knitting, but never when crocheting. I might give that a try. Thanks.

Have you ever tried turning it after every round?

I always start my hats from the top—either using the method above or by crocheting one or two rounds without increases.

How many stitches do you start with? And are you using single crochet, half double crochet, or double crochet?

Ultimately, it depends on the pattern. When I crochet without a pattern, I usually start with a magic ring and 11 half-double crochets. Once the crown is finished, I sometimes switch to double crochets, relief double crochets, or other stitch patterns...

For half double crochets, I’d start with 9 stitches.
My rule of thumb is: single crochets 5–6, half double crochets 8–9, double crochets 11–12.
Just as a guideline… But of course, it also depends on how tightly you crochet.

Okay. Thanks. I’ll give it a try! 👍