Buffalo plaid crochet hat pattern for beginners

Introducing my buffalo plaid crochet hat pattern, a must-have for your winter wardrobe! This stylish and cozy hat features a classic buffalo plaid design, a comfortable ribbed brim, and a playful pom pom on top.

Perfect for all ages, this pattern includes sizes for toddlers, kids, and adults, making it a great project for the whole family. Let’s get started and make some awesome hats together! The free crochet pattern is below.

Lovable loops free Buffalo Plaid Crochet Hat Pattern

Buffalo plaid crochet hat pattern details

Designed with both beginners and experienced crocheters in mind, this pattern is easy to follow and fun to make. The buffalo plaid design is achieved through simple color changes, making it an excellent way to practice your crochet skills.

Skill level

Beginner — This easy crochet hat pattern uses basic half double crochet stitches, simple increases, and minimal shaping, making it a great first hat project.

Materials needed

I-9 5.5 mm crochet hook — for the hat
H-8 5 mm crochet hook — for the ribbed brim
Yarn — worsted weight yarn #4 in white, gray, and black
Yarn needle — Use this to weave in your ends
Scissors — Use scissors to fasten off your yarn
Stitch markers — These help keep track of your stitches
Extra large pom pom maker — For making a pom pom for your hat

Finished size

This crochet hat pattern includes three sizes.

Toddler — 18–19 inches (46–48 cm) head circumference, 6.75 inches (17 cm) tall
Child — 19–20 inches (48–51 cm) head circumference, 7 inches (18 cm) tall
Adult — 20–23 inches (51–58 cm) head circumference, 7.75 inches (20 cm) tall

Need help with crochet hat sizing?

Getting the right fit is one of the most important parts of making a crochet hat.

If you’re unsure about head circumference, negative ease, crown diameter, or hat height, I’ve created a complete Crochet hat sizing guide that walks you through everything step by step.You’ll learn:
• How to measure head circumference correctly
• How much negative ease to use
• How to calculate crown diameter
• Standard baby, child, and adult size charts
• How to adjust any crochet hat pattern for a better fit

Gauge

8 stitches and 6 rows = 2 inches (5 cm)

Crochet abbreviations

sc = single crochet stitch
hdc = half double crochet stitch
blo= back loop only
ch/chs = chain/chains
st/sts = stitch/stitches
rnd/rnds = round/rounds
rem = remaining

Pattern notes

The brim is worked in flat in rows and then joined in the round.
The hat is worked in the round from the bottom up.
Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch made in that round.
Repeat instructions between the asterisks (*) for the rest of the round.
The chain at the beginning of each round does not count as your first stitch.
The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Buffalo plaid crochet hat pattern instructions

This buffalo plaid crochet hat pattern is made from the bottom up, starting with the ribbed brim. First, you’ll crochet the brim in rows, then join it in the round to form the base of the hat.

From there, you’ll work the beanie upward in rounds, then finish by decreasing at the top to shape the crown.

Brim instructions

Use an H-8 5 mm crochet hook.

Row 1: Ch 9, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each rem ch, turn (8 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc blo in each st, turn (8 stitches)

Toddler size: repeat row 2 for 72 rows
Child size: repeat row 2 for 80 rows
Adult size: repeat row 2 for 88 rows

Join in the round and begin the hat pattern.

Hat Instructions

Rnds 1-3: Ch 2, *in white hdc in 4 sts, in gray hdc in 4 sts*, join (T: 72, C: 80, A: 88)
Rnds 4-6: Ch 2, *in gray hdc in 4 sts, in black hdc in 4 sts*, join (T: 72, C: 80, A: 88)
Rnds 7-9: Ch 2, *in white hdc in 4 sts, in gray hdc in 4 sts*, join (T: 72, C: 80, A: 88)
Rnds 10-12: Ch 2, *in gray hdc in 4 sts, in black hdc in 4 sts*, join (T: 72, C: 80, A: 88)
Rnds 13-15: Ch 2, *in white hdc in 4 sts, in gray hdc in 4 sts*, join (T: 72, C: 80, A: 88)

Toddler size

Use white for the rest of the rounds.

Rnd 16: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (72 stitches)
Rnd 17: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (36 stitches)
Rnd 18: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (36 stitches)
Rnd 19: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (18 stitches)
Rnd 20: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (18 stitches)
Rnd 21: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (9 stitches)

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail and sew the top of your hat closed.

Child size

Rnd 16: Ch 2, *in gray hdc in 4 sts, in black hdc in 4 sts*, join (80 stitches)

Use white for the rest of the rounds.

Rnd 17: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (80 stitches)
Rnd 18: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (40 stitches)
Rnd 19: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (40 stitches)
Rnd 20: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (20 stitches)
Rnd 21: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (20 stitches)
Rnd 22: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (10 stitches)

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail and sew the top of your hat closed.

Adult size

Rnds 16-18: Ch 2, *in gray hdc in 4 sts, in black hdc in 4 sts*, join (88 stitches)

Use white for the rest of the rounds.

Rnd 19: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (88 stitches)
Rnd 20: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 21: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 22: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 23: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 24: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (11 stitches)

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail and sew the top of your hat closed.

Adding a pom pom

Wind the yarn around both arches.
Cut the yarn along the middle gap.
Tie with a piece of scrap yarn.
Open the arches and remove the pom pom.
Trim any loose ends.

Attach the pom pom to the top of your beanie.

Finishing

Weave in all of your ends.

More free crochet hat patterns

Looking for more crochet hat ideas? Browse my full collection of free crochet hat patterns for babies, kids, and adults. You’ll find everything from classic crochet beanies and cozy winter hats to playful animal hats and seasonal designs — all written with clear instructions and helpful sizing details.