🎥 Video Tutorial: Crowned with Kindness
- Renee Rivera
- Sep 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 7
As a designer and maker, my goal has always been to create meaningful designs that spread joy, comfort, and connection. Whether it’s through gifting handmade items or teaching techniques passed down from my mom, grandma, aunts, and other generous people in my life, I’m always looking for ways to carry that spirit forward.
👉 Follow along with the free video tutorial or grab the paid PDF pattern to guide you stitch by stitch — both options are below.
✨ Why I Designed Crowned with Kindness
This design began with an incredibly touching gift. My friend Liz’s elderly mom, who could no longer crochet or knit, had been following my work online. One day, she asked Liz, “Do you think Renée would like this yarn?” When Liz shared that with me, it brought tears to my eyes. Of course, I said, “Absolutely!”
When the yarn arrived, I knew I wanted to create something joyful and comforting. With winter coming, a beanie felt perfect—cozy, portable, and giftable.
Of course, I didn’t want just any beanie. Since I love beads, I experimented first with round beads (which didn’t feel right), then it hit me—smiley-face beads! 🥳
After testing bead sizes and placements (including a few overly-beaded prototypes 😆), I found the right balance, simplified the stitches, added sizing, and finalized the design.
🧶 Materials I Used in the Tutorial
Yarn: Premier Serenity and Bloom yarns, Bulky (#5, Chunky).
Hook: 8 mm (US-L)
Smiley-face Beads: 10 mm x 6 mm; 2 mm diameter horizontal hole, 9 beads
Tools: 2 locking stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure
Blocking Materials: Whatever you prefer for blocking hats (head/hat form, mat, etc.)
Optional: Tape Measure for measuring the wearer’s head
💡 Customization Ideas
The beanie is customizable and can be made in bulky, DK, or worsted weight yarn—check out the Customization section in the pattern for more details.
Try different yarn weights (Bulky, DK, Worsted, etc.), and fibers for seasonal versions (wool for warmth and bamboo for cooling).
Use glow-in-the-dark smiley beads for a playful twist.
Play with bead colors to match moods, holidays, sporting events, or personal styles.
Add sequins or other embellishments.
Adjust the number of beads for a minimalist or more embellished version.
🎥 Watch the Free Tutorial
🖨️ Want the Printable Digital Pattern?
PDF Pattern Includes:
Video tutorial and timestamps
Size customization options
Clear project photos
Pattern support
Printable gift tags featuring original artwork
👉🏼 Find it on: Ravelry
💜 Final Thoughts
When I designed the Crowned with Kindness hat, I made a personal promise: every hat I made would be gifted to someone who could use a little extra kindness. I’ve been making and donating these beanies ever since, and the reactions I’ve received have filled my heart.
I plan to keep gifting Crowned with Kindness hats for as long as I’m able. If this project brings even a small moment of comfort or joy to someone, then I’m grateful.
Thank you for being here. I hope this pattern brings a little extra kindness into your life, too. Comment below your ideas for this hat. Will you make it for an event? What customizations would you add? —Renée 🤗 💕
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