Crocheted Mini Leprechaun Hat

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, here's a quick crochet pattern for a leprechaun hat. Whip one up (it took me around 30 minutes) and leave it with a couple of "gold" chocolate coins on the breakfast table for your kids to find!

Materials: 
Small amount of green yarn, worsted-weight
Small amount of black and yellow crochet thread or embroidery floss

Gauge is not important, but I used an "F" (3.75 m) hook for the hat and a #1 hook for the band.

Stitches: 
hdc = half double crochet
hdc2tog = half double crochet 2 together (decrease)
sl = slip stitch
ch = chain

Hat, in green
Tips: You will be be crocheting in front loops only on row 3, and back loops only on row 6. Here is an good explanation of which is which.
R1: 6 hdc in magic circle, sl to join
R2: ch 2 (counts as hdc), 1 hdc in same stitch, 2 hdc in each of next 6 stitches (12 total). Join with sl
The flat part of the crown is complete. The next row is worked with the hdcs in front loops only. The front loops are the ones closest to you. 
R3: Ch 2 (counts as hdc). Working in front loops only, 1 hdc in each of next 11 remaining stitches (12 total). Join with sl
(note: in row 4, you are going to decrease twice. Space them however you'd like - just not right next to each other!) 
R4: Ch2 (counts as hdc). 1 hdc in each of next 2 stitches, hdc2tog, 1 hdc in next 3 stitches, hdc2tog, join with sl. (10 total)
R5: Ch2 (counts as hdc). 1 hdc in each of next 9 stitches (10 total)
Now, time for the brim. This row is worked in back loops only. The back loops are farthest away from you. 
R6: Ch2 (counts as hdc). Working in back loops only, hdc in same space. Still in back loops, 2 hdc in each stitch around. (20 total.)
Fasten off and weave in ends.

"Belt", in black
If using crochet thread, switch to a smaller hook. I used a #1.
R1: ch 20, or as many as necessary to go around hat at brim. Join with sl.
Leave a short tail, and pull through to inside of hat. Sew a couple of stitches to fasten it down if desired.

Buckle, in yellow
R1: ch 4-5, or as many as necessary to make a loop large enough to go around the belt.
Loop around the belt and sl to join.
Leave a short tail and pull through to inside of hat.

And you're done!
What fun things can you think of to do with a miniature leprechaun hat?