Ellray Jakes is a series of children's books written by Sally Warner. The books follow the adventures of a young African-American boy named Ellray Jakes, who tackles everyday challenges as a fourth grader. The series is popular among young readers, especially those in the age group of 7-10 years old. Ellray Jakes is known for his mischievous and energetic personality. The books showcase his determination, creativity, and problem-solving skills as he navigates through various situations at school and in his neighborhood. Each book focuses on a different theme, such as friendship, teamwork, and standing up for what is right.

Ribbed Wonder: An Easy Crochet Hat

Behold: The Ribbed Wonder. Get ready because this easy crochet hat pattern is about to change your crochet life. It just might be your next go-to crochet hat pattern!

Here’s what I love about this easy crochet hat. It’s easy. I know. I said that already. But I’m saying it again because it’s hard to believe that something this adorable, useful and warm could be so easy to make!

It’s a great project for beginners but a more experienced crocheter will love it too.

You need to know how to chain, slip stitch and how to make a half double crochet. The rest is just stitch placement and simple seaming. PRESTO! Your next favorite free crochet pattern. It is the perfect first project for a crochet beginner!

But first.. step into my crochet confessional. Because I have things to tell you.

First up, let’s talk about the whole concept of a hat made out of a crochet rib stitch pattern. There is basically two methods for crocheting ribbing: using post stitches or working in the back loop to create a knit-look ribbing. You’ll find other crochet rib hats out there but I’m hoping this might be your new favorite!

The ribbed wonder uses a half double crochet (instead of the more common double crochet stitch or single crochet rib). I like the looks of half double worked in a rib stitch pattern.

It’s the perfect combination of closely worked stitches for warmth while taking advantage of the bulky weight yarn for a quick project.

My seaming method is the easiest one out there and cinching the top together is a breeze. This is the perfect beginner project!

Second, what does “working in the back loop mean”. If you’ve read my Parts of a Stitch post you know that if you’ve just crocheted a stitch, the top of the stitch makes a “V’ and the back loop is the back of the “V” shape.

When you are working in the round, this is so easy to spot. You work in the back loop and as you go, the front loop pops out. BUT when you are working back and forth in row and CONTINUING to work in the back loop, this looks a little different.

What you need to remember is that working in the back loop REALLY means to identify the top of the stitch and THEN work in the top loop that is FURTHEREST from you as the work is facing you. When you turn your work, the current back loop is really the front loop from the row before. Does that make sense?

I’ve been crocheting for decades. And I SERIOUSLY did NOT grasp this concept until recently. Maybe some of you are not “getting” this either and hopefully this bit of explanation has helped.

In this article

Crochet Ribbing Stitch

For this easy crochet hat, you start with a foundation chain and then you will be making half double crochet stitches into the back loop on every row. The back loop is the loop furtherest from you. So when you work into the loop, you are sort of pushing a rib towards you and working ever so slightly behind where you’d normally work.

If you are working this hat and it does not seem to be forming ridges like the photos, re-think where you are putting your hook and make sure you are working into the correct spot.

Each book focuses on a different theme, such as friendship, teamwork, and standing up for what is right. The character of Ellray Jakes is relatable to young readers as he faces common issues that many children experience, such as bullies, sibling rivalry, and feelings of insecurity. Through his adventures, Ellray learns valuable life lessons and shows readers the importance of resilience, empathy, and self-acceptance.

Best Yarn for Chunky Beanies

I absolutely love this crochet hat in one of my favorite yarns: Lion Brand Color Made Easy. It is a chunky yarn that works up quickly. Perfect for fast, cozy projects!

Color Made Easy is a chunky weight 5 on S plied acrylic yarn. It’s a joy to work with. However if you can’t find it, you might want to try a different chunky weight yarn that works up similarly.

Here are some other ideas:

This is the same crochet hat worked in Lion Brand’s Hue + Me. Hue + Me is a lovely chunky wool blend made in the style and vision of Two of Wands creator Alexi Tavel. It works up warm and cozy and the neutral color tones in this line all go together perfectly. I’m using Color #134 Spicy and it’s a lovely rust color.

Hue + Me can be found in local yarn stores and a skein easily makes one crochet hat! My husband wants me to hurry up already with this post so he can put on this cozy rusty colored number. So let’s move on with a crochet hat perfect for me!

If you’re looking for a yarn with a similar hand feel as Color Made Easy, you might want to try Scheepjes Chunky Monkey.

Technically Chunky Monkey is an Aran Weight yarn which would put it in a different yarn category. However, it crochets up perfectly with the same size hook. I chose color #1302 Air Force Blue which will look amazing with my winter coat!

I would say Chunky Monkey yarn is slightly less thick and has a little more body than Color Made Easy. But if you’re looking for a similar look and feel, this is my favorite. I used every bit of a whole skein for this yarn with about 2-3 feet of yarn left over.

No one likes to run out of yarn at the end, so if you’re concerned about running out, you might want to pick up an extra skein. Alternatively you could start with one less chain and that would probably work too.

Can I just say one more time, how much I love that even a beginner crocheter can use basic crochet stitches to make a new hat for the holiday season, her next hiking trip, or just walking the dog!

Let’s dive in and crochet a hat!

The writing style of Sally Warner engages young readers by using age-appropriate language and a fast-paced narrative. The books are filled with humor, making them enjoyable for children of all backgrounds. Additionally, the illustrations by Brian Biggs add visual appeal and help bring the story to life. Overall, the Ellray Jakes series is a delightful and relatable collection of books that captivates young readers. Through the character of Ellray Jakes, children can learn important lessons about friendship, empathy, and facing challenges with determination. Whether they are a fan of the series or discovering it for the first time, readers will enjoy joining Ellray on his exciting adventures..

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