Fluffy Crochet Braid Hats

I crocheted these adorable hats for my boys for our Christmas picture last year:

They were SO fun and easy. Each one took me about an hour, and my cost was about $3 altogether for yarn. Can't beat that! So here's the simple tutorial.






Materials:

• 2 different colored skeins of fluffy yarn
• size J crochet hook

Main Hat Steps:

1. Single crochet in one color about halfway down the length of a baby beanie. If you've never made one before, this link should help a ton (and don't worry - super easy!). If you do use the video, just don't do the stripes like she does.
2. Do a shell stitch in the same color 3 or 4 rows down (depending on the size of the head). Once again, if you've never done a shell stitch, here's an easy link for you.
3. Do 1 to 2 more rows in the shell stitch, but with the opposite color.
4. Finish with 3 or 4 more single crocheted rows in your original color.

Braid Steps:

1. Cut 9 looong strands of your original color of yarn (times 2 braids is actually 18 strands for one hat).
2. Tie all 9 ends together in a square knot, leaving a little extra yarn for a fringe.
3. Then divide the nine strands into 3 groups of 3 strands and braid all the way down.
4.  Tie another square knot at the end, this time tying the end of the braid to the side of the hat.
5. Repeat for the other side.  

Voila!! Comment if you have any questions. Thanks!

Kristi