Classic Crochet Elf Hat Pattern

Make a festive statement with this classic crochet elf hat. The long red-and-white striped point, green ribbed brim, and fluffy pom pom give it a traditional Christmas look that’s perfect for holiday photos, parties, costumes, or handmade gifts.

Quick answer

This beginner crochet elf hat is worked from the pointed tip down in joined rounds using worsted weight (#4) yarn and an H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook. Gradual double crochet increases create the long stocking-hat shape, and FPdc/BPdc stitches form the green ribbed brim. The pattern includes six sizes from 0–3 months through adult, with an optional yarn pom pom at the tip.

Classic crochet elf hat pattern details

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

Skill level

Beginner. This classic crochet elf hat pattern uses double crochet stitches, simple increases, joined rounds, color changes, and front and back post double crochet stitches for the ribbed brim.

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

Materials needed

H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook
Worsted weight yarn (#4) in white, red, and green
Yarn needle
Scissors
Tape measure
Pom pom maker (optional)

Classic elf hat sizes

This classic crochet elf hat pattern includes six sizes from 0–3 months through adult.

Size	Head Circumference
0–3 months	13–14 inches
3–6 months	14–15 inches
6–12 months	15–17 inches
Toddler	18–19 inches
Child	19–20 inches
Adult	20–23 inches

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

Gauge

16 dc stitches and 10 dc rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) using the H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook.

If you have too many stitches, try a larger hook.
If you have too few stitches, try a smaller hook.

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

Crochet abbreviations

dc = double crochet stitch
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.

Ribbed brim 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.

Classic crochet elf hat pattern instructions

Rounds 1–27 are the same for all six sizes. Start with white yarn and alternate between white and red every three rounds. Continue the three-round stripe sequence as you work the instructions for your chosen size, until you are instructed to switch to green for the brim.

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 month elf hat

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)