Childrens crochet hat pattern

This childrens crochet hat pattern is a beginner-friendly beanie worked from the top down in the round using worsted weight yarn. Designed to fit a child head circumference of 19–20 inches (48–51 cm), it features a cozy ribbed brim and a pom pom for a warm, classic winter hat.

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.

How the hat is constructed

The hat is worked from the top down in joined rounds. You’ll increase to shape the crown, then work even rounds for the body. The ribbed brim is added directly to the bottom edge using back loop only stitches, and the hat is finished with a pom pom on top.

Pattern details

Here’s a quick overview of the materials, sizing, gauge, and pattern notes before you begin.

Skill level

Beginner — Uses basic double crochet and single crochet stitches with simple top-down construction.

Materials needed

• Crochet hook — I-9 (5.5 mm)
• Worsted weight yarn (#4)
• Yarn needle — to weave in ends
• Scissors — to fasten off your yarn
• Stitch markers — to help keep track of stitches
• Large pom pom maker — 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)

Need help with sizing? Check out my crochet hat sizing guide to measure head circumference, use negative ease, and adjust crown diameter and hat height for the best fit.

Gauge

Crochet the first 4 rounds of the hat. Your swatch should measure about 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

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 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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📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa