Wide featured image showing a buffalo plaid crochet beanie with a white pom pom beside bold black, pink, and aqua pattern text and playful yarn-themed accents.

Buffalo plaid crochet hat pattern

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.

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.

Avoid frustration by learning the most common crochet mistakes beginners make and how to fix them.

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

See my crochet hat sizing guide for full details and size charts.

Square graphic featuring a black, gray, and white buffalo plaid crochet hat beside large black and pink text reading Buffalo Plaid Crochet Hat Pattern.

Gauge

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

Learn how to check crochet gauge before you begin so you can adjust your hook size if needed.

Crochet abbreviations

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 with a white ribbed brim and pom pom centered on a bright pin with pastel banners and text reading Crochet Hat Pattern.

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

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

Attach the pom pom to the top of your beanie.

Finishing

Weave in all of your ends.

Lovable loops free Buffalo Plaid Crochet Hat Pattern

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.

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

Pinterest pin featuring a black, gray, and white buffalo plaid crochet hat with a fluffy white pom pom, bold pattern text, and pink, aqua, and lavender accents.