Classic crochet elf hat pattern

Looking for a classic crochet elf hat pattern for the whole family? This long striped stocking hat features a traditional red-and-white design, a green ribbed brim, and a fluffy pom pom at the tip.

The pattern includes 6 sizes from 0–3 months through adult and is worked from the top down with worsted weight yarn. It’s a fun Christmas crochet project for holiday photos, parties, costumes, gifts, and matching family hats.

Why you’ll love this classic crochet elf hat pattern

• Six sizes included: Make matching elf hats for babies, kids, and adults
• Classic striped design: Red-and-white stripes create a traditional Christmas look
• Ribbed brim: Front and back post double crochet add texture and stretch
• Beginner friendly: Uses basic double crochet stitches and simple increases
• Fun pom pom finish: A fluffy pom pom completes the long stocking-hat shape

How this classic crochet elf hat is constructed

The hat begins at the pointed tip and is worked downward in joined double crochet rounds. Gradual increases create the long stocking-hat shape, while color changes every few rounds form the red-and-white stripes.

Once the hat reaches the correct size, green yarn is used for the brim. Front post and back post double crochet stitches create the stretchy ribbed edge, and a yarn pom pom is attached to 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 — or size needed to meet gauge
• Worsted weight yarn (#4) — white, red, and green
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional)
• 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	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

• 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
• 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.

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 white and red every three rounds before following the instructions for your chosen size.

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 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)

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 month elf hat

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 month elf hat

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 elf hat

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 elf hat

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 elf hat

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 the elf hat pom pom

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

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.

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

Finishing your classic crochet elf hat

Fasten off and weave in all remaining yarn ends. Attach the pom pom securely to the pointed tip and check that the ribbed brim sits evenly around the hat.

Frequently asked questions

Is this classic crochet elf hat pattern beginner friendly?
Yes. The pattern uses basic double crochet stitches, simple increases, joined rounds, and front and back post double crochet for the brim.

What sizes are included?
The pattern includes 0–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, toddler, child, and adult sizes.

What yarn should I use?
Use worsted weight #4 yarn. The sample uses white and red for the striped hat and green for the ribbed brim.

How is the ribbed brim made?
The brim is worked with alternating front post and back post double crochet stitches to create a stretchy ribbed texture.

Do I have to add a pom pom?
No. The pom pom is optional, but it gives the hat its classic stocking-hat finish.

Printable classic crochet elf hat pattern

Prefer an ad-free copy? You can purchase the classic crochet elf hat pattern PDF in my Etsy shop. It includes all six sizes and is easy to print or save for later.

Want a more playful elf hat style?

Try my crochet elf hat pattern with colorful stripes, a folded peaked brim, and optional bells or pom poms.

More free crochet hat patterns

Love making cozy hats? Explore even more free crochet hat and beanie patterns that are perfect for every season and style. From classic beanies and warm winter hats to playful designs for kids and trendy accessories for adults, you’ll find inspiration for your next project here.

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.

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