Lichen Stripe C2C Pet Beanie Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This Lichen Stripe C2C Pet Beanie is a quick, satisfying project for anyone who wants to crochet something useful for a big dog. It's made from one simple corner-to-corner rectangle, folded and seamed into a rounded cap with two little ear holes, so there's no complicated shaping to worry about. The moss, lichen, and light lichen stripes give it a soft, sun-warmed Mediterranean look, like stones and herbs on a summer hillside. It's cozy but lightweight, and it fits large breeds such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers comfortably.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic, approx. 150 yd total — Color A (moss green) 80 yd, Color B (lichen green) 50 yd, Color C (light lichen) 20 yd
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional), measuring tape
• Finished size: Approx. 14" (35.5 cm) circumference, 7" (18 cm) height, to fit large dogs (e.g., Labrador, Golden Retriever)

Abbreviations

• ch — chain
• dc — double crochet
• sc — single crochet
• sl st — slip stitch
• sp — space
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• block — one C2C unit: ch 1, 3 dc worked into a ch-1 space

Gauge

4 C2C blocks = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern. Work a small swatch of blocks and measure across 4 blocks; if your blocks are larger, go down a hook size, and if smaller, go up.

Tips Before You Start

• Count your blocks at the end of every row — the rectangle only works if the block count matches the pattern exactly.
• Change colors on the last stitch of the row before the new color begins, so the stripes stay crisp.
• Keep your ch-1 spaces loose enough to work into easily; tight spaces make C2C slow and stiff.
• Try the cap on your dog (or measure) before seaming the final section so the ear holes sit in the right place.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rectangle (Color A)

Row 1: Ch 4, dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, dc in same ch (1 block).

Row 2: Ch 4, dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, dc in same ch, sl st to ch-1 sp of previous block, ch 1, 3 dc in same sp (2 blocks).

Row 3: Ch 4, dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, dc in same ch, [sl st to next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in same sp] twice (3 blocks).

Rows 4-5: Continue increasing 1 block per row (5 blocks).

Rows 6-10: Work even in C2C (5 blocks per row). Change to B after Row 7.

Row 11: Increase 1 block (6 blocks).

Rows 12-15: Work even (6 blocks). Change to C after Row 13.

Row 16: Increase 1 block (7 blocks).

Rows 17-20: Work even (7 blocks). Change to A after Row 18.

Row 21: Decrease 1 block (6 blocks).

Rows 22-25: Work even (6 blocks). Change to B after Row 23.

Row 26: Decrease 1 block (5 blocks).

Rows 27-30: Work even (5 blocks). Change to C after Row 28.

Row 31: Decrease 1 block (4 blocks).

Rows 32-35: Work even (4 blocks). Change to A after Row 33.

Row 36: Decrease 1 block (3 blocks).

Rows 37-40: Work even (3 blocks). Change to B after Row 38.

Row 41: Decrease 1 block (2 blocks).

Rows 42-45: Work even (2 blocks). Change to C after Row 43.

Row 46: Decrease 1 block (1 block).

Row 47: Decrease 1 block (0 blocks). Fasten off.

Ear Holes (make 2)

Ear Hole 1: With A, join yarn at 3rd block from top edge on one side of rectangle. Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 6, skip 2 blocks, sc in next block. Fasten off.

Ear Hole 2: Repeat on opposite side for second ear hole.

Assembly

Seam: Fold rectangle in half with right sides together, matching short edges. Whipstitch or sl st seam from bottom edge up to 2" from top (leaving opening for ear holes). Fasten off. Turn right side out.

Edging (Color B)

Rnd 1: Join B at bottom edge. Sc evenly around bottom edge, join with sl st to first sc.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with sl st. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the wrong side with your tapestry needle, taking care not to pull the stripes tight. Fold the rectangle as described and seam the short edges with a whipstitch or slip stitch, stopping 2" (5 cm) from the top so the ear holes stay open. Turn right side out and gently shape the cap. Block lightly by misting with water and patting into shape, then let it dry flat — do not stretch the ear holes.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the three greens for any three-color palette you love; keep the same yardage split for a balanced stripe.
• Add a third sc round in Color A for a slightly deeper, more durable bottom edge.
• For a smaller dog, work fewer even rows in the middle section while keeping the increase and decrease sequence the same.