Bright Crochet Graduation Cap Pattern to Shine at Ceremonies

In this tutorial, Patoys shows you how to crochet a clever Graduation Cap (Birrete) that serves as a gift box or candy holder. It’s a perfect way to present jewelry, treats, or even a graduation ring in a personalized, handmade way.

Introduction

The project consists of two main parts: a cylindrical base and a square lid. The cap is designed to be functional, measuring about 6 cm in diameter at the base and 4 cm in height. It features a traditional tassel and a reinforced structure to ensure it keeps its shape while holding gifts inside.

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General Information

• Materials:

  • Yarn: 100% Cotton mercerized yarn (2 mm thickness) in Black and Gold.

  • Hook: 2.5 mm crochet hook.

  • Recycled Items: A plastic yogurt lid (to reinforce the base and top).

  • Tools: Scissors, yarn needle, and a homemade starch mixture (water and cornstarch) for stiffening.

• Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate. The crochet stitches are basic, but the construction involves shaping corners and stiffening the fabric.

• Uses: Candy holder, jewelry gift box, or a graduation party favor.

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Step-by-Step Details

1. The Base (The Cup)

• Foundation: Start with a magic ring and 8 single crochets (sc). [01:09]

• Expansion: Increase in every stitch to reach 16, then 24, 32, and finally 40 stitches. [02:08]

• Shaping the Bottom: Crochet one round in the back loops only to create a sharp edge that allows the base to sit flat. [06:15]

• The Body: Work several rounds of plain sc (approx. 7 rows) to build the height of the cup. [07:21]

2. The Square Top (The Mortarboard)

• Foundation: Follow the same circular pattern as the base until you have 48 stitches. [09:47]

• Creating Corners: In the next round, use the front loops only. The tutor uses a combination of 9 plain stitches followed by a sequence of “2 dc in one, 4 treble crochets in one, 2 dc in one” to force the circle into a square shape with sharp corners. [11:47]

• The Lip: Work a few rounds of sc downwards from the center of the square to create the “plug” that fits into the base. [19:06]

3. The Tassel

• Creation: Wrap gold yarn around a small piece of cardboard (about 8 cm) approximately 10–12 times. [23:21]

• Finishing: Tie the top and middle to form the tassel shape, then sew it into the center of the square top so it hangs off the side. [26:46]

4. Reinforcement and Stiffening

• Structure: Trace and cut circular/square pieces from a plastic lid and place them inside the crochet pieces. [27:43]

• Stiffening Solution: The tutor explains how to make a “cornstarch glue” (water + cornstarch boiled until thick). Apply this mixture to the hat to make it rigid once it dries. [29:20]

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Special Features

• Dual Functionality: It’s not just an ornament; the top is removable, making it a surprise container for graduation gifts.

• Hidden Reinforcement: The use of recycled plastic lids inside the fabric ensures the cap stays perfectly flat and doesn’t sag over time.

Tutor’s Suggestions

• Flattening the Base: To make the base sit perfectly, the tutor suggests manually folding the fabric along the back-loop-only line to “train” the shape. [09:08]

• Starch Application: Compress the fabric with your fingers after applying the starch mixture to ensure it penetrates the fibers deeply for maximum rigidity. [30:52]

Conclusion

This graduation cap is a unique and thoughtful project that combines crochet with functional craft. By following the stiffening steps, you transform a soft yarn project into a sturdy, professional-looking souvenir that celebrates a major milestone.

Final Tip: If you are giving this as a gift, line the inside with a small piece of black felt. This hides the plastic reinforcement and gives the “box” a luxury feel when it’s opened.