Free baby hat crochet pattern
Looking for a quick and easy baby hat crochet pattern that’s perfect for beginners? You’re in the right place! This sweet little hat is soft, cozy, and sized just right for babies from newborn to 12 months.
Baby hat crochet pattern details
Here’s a quick overview of the materials, sizing, gauge, and pattern notes before you begin.
Skill level
Beginner – This pattern uses basic stitches and simple round repeats, making it perfect for new crocheters.
Avoid frustration by learning the most common crochet mistakes beginners make and how to fix them.
Materials needed
- Crochet hook size I-9 (5.5 mm) – or the size needed to match the gauge
- Worsted weight yarn (#4 medium yarn) – any soft baby-friendly yarn will work
- Yarn needle – for weaving in your ends
- Scissors – to cut your yarn
- Stitch markers – optional, but helpful for keeping track of rounds and stitch count
- Pom pom maker – optional, for adding a fun yarn pom pom on top
Finished size
| Hat Size | Crown | Circumference | Height |
| 0-3 Months | 4.5 inches | 13-14 inches | 5 inches |
| 3-6 Months | 5 inches | 14-15 inches | 5.5 inches |
| 6-12 Months | 5.5 inches | 16-17 inches | 6.25 inches |
If you need help choosing the right fit, visit my crochet hat sizing guide for head circumference tips and size charts.
Gauge
15 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches
✅ Too many stitches? Use a larger hook
✅ Too few stitches? Use a smaller hook
Learn how to check crochet gauge before you begin so you can adjust your hook size if needed.
Crochet abbreviations
- dc = double crochet stitch
- ch / chs = chain / chains
- st / sts = stitch / stitches
- sl st = slip stitch
Pattern notes
- Begin with a magic circle
- The starting chain does not count as a stitch
- Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch
- Hat is worked from the top down in the round
- Adjust the length by adding or removing rounds
- The pattern is written in US crochet terms
Baby hat crochet pattern instructions
0-3 months size
Round 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join with sl st to the top of the first dc (11 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each stitch, join (22 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next stitch, repeat from * around, join (33 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 stitches, repeat from * around, join (44 stitches)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 stitches, repeat from * around, join (48 stitches)
Round 6: Ch 2, dc in each stitch around, join (48 stitches)
Rounds 7–13: Repeat round 6 (48 stitches)
3-6 months size
Round 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join with sl st to the top of the first dc (11 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each stitch, join (22 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next stitch, repeat from * around, join (33 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 stitches, repeat from * around, join (44 stitches)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 stitches, repeat from * around, join (48 stitches)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 stitches, repeat from * around, join (52 stitches)
Round 7: Ch 2, dc in each stitch around, join (52 stitches)
Rounds 8–15: Repeat round 7 (52 stitches)
6-12 months size
Round 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join with sl st to the top of the first dc (11 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each stitch, join (22 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next stitch, repeat from * around, join (33 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 stitches, repeat from * around, join (44 stitches)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 stitches, repeat from * around, join (48 stitches)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 stitches, repeat from * around, join (52 stitches)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 12 stitches, repeat from * round, join (56 stitches)
Round 8: Ch 2, dc in each stitch around, join (56 stitches)
Rounds 9–16: Repeat round 8 (56 stitches)
Adding the pom pom
Make a pom pom using your pom pom maker:
- Wind yarn evenly around both arches
- Cut the yarn along the center gap
- Tie tightly with a piece of scrap yarn
- Open the arches and remove the pom pom
- Trim any uneven ends
- Attach the pom pom to the top of the hat
Finishing the hat
You’re almost done! Just fasten off your yarn, weave in those ends, and pop that pom pom on top. Now you’ve got an adorable handmade baby hat ready to wear or gift!
Frequently asked questions
What size does this baby hat fit?
This pattern includes instructions for 0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months. See the size chart for measurements.
Can I use a different yarn?
Yes! Use any medium worsted weight (#4) yarn. Soft acrylics or cotton blends work well for baby hats.
How do I make the hat larger or smaller?
To make the hat taller, just repeat the final round before fastening off. To shorten it, stop a round or two early.
Do I have to add a pom pom?
Nope! The pom pom is totally optional. You can leave it plain or add a bow, button, or faux fur pom.
Is this pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes! It’s great for beginners and uses only basic stitches and simple rounds.
Looking for more adorable hats for little ones?
Looking for more sweet hats and baby projects to make? Browse my favorite crochet baby hat patterns, including cute and cozy designs for newborns, babies, and toddlers.
You can also visit my full collection of crochet hat patterns for more handmade hats in different sizes and styles, or explore my main crochet baby patterns page for baby blankets, hats, accessories, and gifts.
Let’s connect!
I’d love to see what you’re making! Share your finished project and follow along for more free crochet patterns and tutorials.
📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa
