It seems like single crochet in the back loop, reversing direction each row, would create the same fabric as single crochet in the front loop one row, and single crochet in the back loop the next row in the round. It does not.

In the photo above, the left brim has some ridges, but feels thin. The brim on the right is soft and squishy.

The single crochet in the back loop switching directions is vastly superior as a hat brim and honestly for any other application where warmth and comfort is needed.

Interesting.

When I have a plethora of yarn remnants on hand, I default to making hats. I like to experiment with different stitches and construction methods, and it uses up the yarn in a useful and quick way. This round, I’m exploring the folded brim. Making a hat longer than necessary, then folding it up to double over the ears does a better job keeping ears toasty and warm than a single layer.

I constructed the hat with double crochets in concentric circles, then for the brim did single crochet in the back loop and changed direction each round. This makes for a lovely squishy accordion-like fabric.

I do wonder if I could achieve the same effect crocheting in the back loop one round and the front loop the second round, to avoid the awkward turnaround where I tend to accidentally add stitches. Hm.