Childrens crochet hat pattern
Need a warm hat you can crochet for a child without making the pattern too complicated? This childrens crochet hat pattern is a simple top-down beanie with a cozy ribbed brim and a fun pom pom on top. Using worsted weight yarn, basic stitches, and easy round-by-round shaping, it’s a great choice for a quick winter project.
Quick answer
This childrens crochet hat pattern is a beginner-friendly beanie worked from the top down in the round with double crochet stitches. It has a cozy ribbed brim and a pom pom on top, and the finished hat fits a head circumference of about 19–20 inches (48–51 cm).
Why you’ll love this pattern
- It uses basic stitches, so it feels simple and doable.
- The ribbed brim adds stretch for a cozy fit.
- The pom pom gives the hat a fun, classic look kids love.
- Worsted weight yarn helps it work up quickly.
- It is a great everyday crochet winter hat for school, play, and gift giving.
Who this pattern is best for
This pattern is best for beginners, confident beginners, and anyone who wants an easy crochet hat for kids without a lot of fancy stitches. It is also a good choice for gift makers, market prep, and crocheters who want a simple beanie they can make again in different colors.
How the hat is constructed
The hat is worked from the top down in joined rounds. You will increase to shape the crown, then crochet even rounds for the body of the hat. After that, the ribbed brim is added to the bottom edge using back loop only stitches, and the hat is finished with a pom pom on top.
Pattern details
Before you start this childrens crochet hat pattern, take a quick look through the details below. You’ll find the materials, sizing, gauge, stitch terms, and pattern notes that will help you get the best fit.
Skill level
Beginner — This pattern uses basic double crochet and single crochet stitches, simple repeats, and easy top-down construction in the round.
Materials needed
- Crochet hook — I-9 (5.5 mm)
- Yarn — Worsted weight yarn #4
- Yarn needle — Use this to weave in your ends
- Scissors — Use these to fasten off your yarn
- Stitch markers — These help keep track of your stitches
- Large pom pom maker — Use this to make the pom pom
Finished size
This hat is designed to fit a child head circumference of 19–20 inches (48–51 cm).
Finished measurements:
Crown — 6.5 inches (17 cm)
Circumference — 19–20 inches (48–51 cm)
Height — 7.25 inches (18 cm)
How to adjust the fit of this crochet hat
Need help choosing the right size? Visit my crochet hat sizing guide for head circumference tips and size charts.
Because crochet hats stretch, the finished hat is usually a little smaller than the actual head measurement for a snug fit.
- To make the hat slightly smaller, stop one increase round sooner or use a slightly smaller hook.
- To make the hat slightly larger, add one more increase round before you begin the even rounds.
- To make the hat taller, add 1–2 more even rounds before starting the brim.
- To make the hat shorter, remove 1 even round before adding the brim.
- For the best fit, measure the child’s actual head circumference when possible instead of going by age alone.
Gauge
Crochet the first four rounds of the hat. Your swatch should measure 3.75 inches (10 cm) across the middle.
Crochet abbreviations
- dc = double crochet stitch
- sc = single crochet stitch
- blo = back loop only
- ch/chs = chain/chains
- st/sts = stitch/stitches
- sl st = slip stitch
- rnd/rnds = round/rounds
Pattern notes
- The ribbed brim is added directly to the hat, then sewn closed at the end.
- Repeat instructions between the asterisks (*) for the rest of the round.
- Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch made in that round.
- The beginning chain does not count as a stitch.
- You are crocheting in the round from the top down.
- The pattern is written in US crochet terms.
Childrens crochet hat pattern instructions
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join with sl st to the top of the first dc (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (56 stitches)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 13 sts*, join (60 stitches)
Rnd 9: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)
Rnds 10–16: Repeat round 9 (60 stitches)
Do not fasten off. You will now start the ribbed brim.
Adding the ribbed brim
1st Step: Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each rem ch, (6 stitches)
2nd Step: Slip stitch in the next two stitches.
3rd Step: Turn your work clockwise
4th Step: Do not chain, sc blo in each st, (6 stitches)
5th Step: Ch 1, sc blo in each st, (6 stitches)
Repeat steps 2–5 all the way around.
Finally, use a yarn needle to sew the seam where the two ends of the brim meet.
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 hat.
Finishing
Weave in your ends.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a beginner-friendly crochet hat pattern?
Yes. This pattern uses basic stitches, simple shaping, and an easy top-down beanie style, so it is a great project for beginners.
What size child does this hat fit?
It is written for a child head circumference of about 19–20 inches (48–51 cm). That fits within common child hat sizing charts, but measuring the child’s head is always best since fit can vary a lot by age.
Can I make this hat taller or shorter?
Yes. Add more even rounds before the brim for extra height, or remove a round for a shorter beanie.
Do I have to add the pom pom?
No. You can leave the pom pom off if you want a simpler look.
What should I do if my hat feels too tight or too loose?
Check your gauge first, then compare the finished hat measurement to the child’s head circumference. Small changes to hook size or the number of increase rounds can make a big difference.
Can I use a different worsted weight yarn?
Yes. You can swap in another worsted weight yarn, but make sure your gauge matches so the fit stays close to the 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.
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Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa