Crochet elf hat pattern for beginners (baby-adult)

Get ready to make the cutest holiday accessory with this free crochet elf hat pattern! Available in 6 sizes for the whole family, from the littlest elves to adults, this long stocking hat is perfect for spreading holiday cheer.

Crochet Elf Hat Pattern Information

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

Skill Level

Beginner. This free pattern uses basic stitches and very simple increases in rounds.

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

Materials Needed

Crochet Hook Size: H-8 5 mm crochet hook or hook needed to get the correct gauge.
Yarn: Worsted weight yarn #4. I used Red Heart Super Saver in white, paddy green, and cherry red yarn.
Yarn needle/tapestry needle: Use this to weave in your ends.
Scissors: Use scissors to fasten off your yarn.
Stitch markers: Use these to help keep track of your stitches.
Tape measure: Use a measuring tape to find your head circumference.
Pom pom maker: Use this to make a yarn pom pom for the hat.

Finished Sizes

This elf beanie pattern is made for the whole family, with sizes ranging from newborn size (0-3 months) to adult.

Size	Crown	Head Circumference
0-3 Months	4.25″	13-14″
3-6 Months	5″	14-15″
6-12 Months	5.5″	15-17″
Toddler	6″	18-19″
Child	6.5″	19-20″
Adult	7″	20-23″

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

Gauge

16 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches

Please make a gauge swatch before you begin. If you have more than 16 stitches in 4 inches, try using a larger crochet hook. If you have less stitches, try using a smaller size.

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

Crochet abbreviations

dc = double crochet stitch
sc = single crochet stitch
flo = front loop only
sc2tog = single crochet decrease
ch/chs = chain/chains
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sl st = slip stitch
rnd/rnds = round/rounds

Pattern Notes

The pattern is written in US terms.
Rounds 1-27 are the same for all sizes.
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 a stitch.
The stitch count is listed at the end of each round.
The rounds of FPdc and BPdc stitches create the ribbed brim.
The hat is worked in dc rounds from the top of the hat down.

Special Stitches

Post stitches are made by working around the post (vertical part) of the stitch instead of into the top loops.

Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc): Make a double crochet by inserting your hook from front to back around the post of the stitch.

Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc): Make a double crochet by inserting your hook from back to front around the post of the stitch.

Festive Crochet Elf Hat Pattern Instructions

Rounds 1-27 are the same for all sizes.

Start with white yarn. Change colors (white and red) every three rounds.

Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 6 dc, join (6 stitches)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next stitch*, join (9 stitches)

Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (9 stitches)

Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (12 stitches)

Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (12 stitches)

Rnd 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 3 sts*, join (15 stitches)

Rnd 7: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (15 stitches)

Rnd 8: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 4 sts*, join (18 stitches)

Rnd 9: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (18 stitches)

Rnd 10: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 5 sts*, join (21 stitches)

Rnd 11: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (21 stitches)

Rnd 12: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 6 sts*, join (24 stitches)

Rnd 13: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (24 stitches)

Rnd 14: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 7 sts*, join (27 stitches)

Rnd 15: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (27 stitches)

Rnd 16: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 8 sts*, join (30 stitches)

Rnd 17: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (30 stitches)

Rnd 18: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 9 sts*, join (33 stitches)

Rnd 19: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (33 stitches)

Rnd 20: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (36 stitches)
Rnd 21: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (36 stitches)

Rnd 22: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (39 stitches)

Rnd 23: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (39 stitches)

Rnd 24: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (42 stitches)

Rnd 25: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (42 stitches)

Rnd 26: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 13 sts*, join (45 stitches)

Rnd 27: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (45 stitches)

0-3 Months/Newborn Baby Crochet Elf Hat Pattern

Rnd 28: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 14 sts*, join (48 stitches)

Rnds 29-33: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (48 stitches)

Switch to green yarn for the brim of the hat.

Rnd 34: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 35: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 36: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (48 stitches)

3-6 Months Crochet Elf Hat Pattern

Rnd 28: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 14 sts*, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 29: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 30: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 15 sts*, join (51 stitches)

Rnds 31-36: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (51 stitches)

Switch to green yarn for the brim of the hat.

Rnd 37: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (51 stitches)

Rnd 38: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (51 stitches)

Rnd 39: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (51 stitches)

6-12 Months Crochet Elf Hat Pattern

Rnd 28: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 14 sts*, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 29: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 30: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 15 sts*, join (51 stitches)

Rnd 31: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (51 stitches)

Rnd 32: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 16 sts*, join (54 stitches)

Rnd 33: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (54 stitches)

Rnd 34: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 17 sts*, join (57 stitches)

Rnds 35-40: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (57 stitches)

Switch to green yarn for the brim of the hat.

Rnd 41: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (57 stitches)

Rnd 42: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (57 stitches)

Rnd 43: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (57 stitches)

Toddler Crochet Elf Hat Pattern

Rnd 28: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 14 sts*, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 29: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 30: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 15 sts*, join (51 stitches)

Rnd 31: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (51 stitches)

Rnd 32: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 16 sts*, join (54 stitches)

Rnd 33: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (54 stitches)

Rnd 34: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 17 sts*, join (57 stitches)

Rnd 35: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (57 stitches)

Rnd 36: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 18 sts*, join (60 stitches)

Rnd 37: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)

Rnd 38: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 19 sts*, join (63 stitches)

Rnds 39-44: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (63 stitches)

Switch to green yarn for the brim of the hat.

Rnd 45: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (63 stitches)

Rnd 46: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (63 stitches)

Rnd 47: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (63 stitches)

Rnd 48: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (63 stitches)

Child Crochet Elf Hat Pattern

Rnd 28: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 14 sts*, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 29: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 30: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 15 sts*, join (51 stitches)

Rnd 31: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (51 stitches)

Rnd 32: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 16 sts*, join (54 stitches)

Rnd 33: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (54 stitches)

Rnd 34: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 17 sts*, join (57 stitches)

Rnd 35: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (57 stitches)

Rnd 36: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 18 sts*, join (60 stitches)

Rnd 37: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)

Rnd 38: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 19 sts*, join (63 stitches)

Rnd 39: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (63 stitches)

Rnd 40: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 20 sts*, join (66 stitches)

Rnds 41-47: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (66 stitches)

Switch to green yarn for the brim of the hat.

Rnd 48: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (66 stitches)

Rnd 49: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (66 stitches)

Rnd 50: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (66 stitches)

Rnd 51: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (66 stitches)

Adult Crochet Elf Hat Pattern

Rnd 28: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 14 sts*, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 29: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (48 stitches)

Rnd 30: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 15 sts*, join (51 stitches)

Rnd 31: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (51 stitches)

Rnd 32: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 16 sts*, join (54 stitches)

Rnd 33: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (54 stitches)

Rnd 34: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 17 sts*, join (57 stitches)

Rnd 35: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (57 stitches)

Rnd 36: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 18 sts*, join (60 stitches)

Rnd 37: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)

Rnd 38: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 19 sts*, join (63 stitches)

Rnd 39: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (63 stitches)

Rnd 40: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 20 sts*, join (66 stitches)

Rnd 41: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (66 stitches)

Rnd 42: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 21 sts*, join (69 stitches)

Rnds 43-50: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (69 stitches)

Switch to green yarn for the hat brim.

Rnd 51: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (69 stitches)

Rnd 52: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (69 stitches)

Rnd 53: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (69 stitches)

Rnd 54: Ch 2, *FPdc, BPdc*, join (69 stitches)

Add a Pom Pom to the Festive Hat

Follow these instructions for making a pom pom for your hat.

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.

Tie the pom pom to the tip of the classic elf hat.

Finishing the Crochet Elf Hat Pattern

Fasten off and then weave in your ends.

Free and easy classic crochet elf hat pattern in 6 sizes, featuring a striped design for kids, babies, and adults. Quick and simple to make!

Printable PDF Version

View this cute crochet elf hat pattern in my Etsy shop: Elf Hat Crochet Pattern

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