Crochet houndstooth beanie pattern for beginners

I’m super excited to share my Classic Houndstooth Crochet Pattern Beanie with you. This beanie is so stylish and fun to make. It has a cool houndstooth design, a comfy ribbed brim, and a cute pom-pom on top.

Plus, it comes in sizes for toddlers, kids, and adults, so you can make one for everyone in the family. Whether you’re new to crochet or have been doing it for a while, you’ll love making this beanie. Let’s get started and make some awesome hats together! The free crochet pattern is below.

lovable loops free houndstooth crochet pattern beanie

Crochet houndstooth beanie pattern details

Before you get started, this section covers the key details for this easy houndstooth beanie pattern, including sizing, materials, stitch information, and construction. Take a quick look so you know exactly what to expect before diving into the instructions.

Skill level

Beginner — This easy crochet beanie pattern uses basic half double crochet stitches, simple increases, and minimal shaping, making it a great first hat project.

Materials needed

I-9 5.5 mm crochet hook — for the hat
H-8 5 mm crochet hook — for the ribbed brim
Yarn — worsted weight yarn #4
Yarn needle — Use this to weave in your ends
Scissors — Use scissors to fasten off your yarn
Stitch markers — These help keep track of your stitches
Extra large pom pom maker — For making a pom pom for your hat

Finished size

This crochet beanie pattern includes three sizes.

Toddler — 18–19 inches (46–48 cm) head circumference, 6.75 inches (17 cm) tall
Child — 19–20 inches (48–51 cm) head circumference, 7 inches (18 cm) tall
Adult — 20–23 inches (51–58 cm) head circumference, 7.75 inches (20 cm) tall

Need help with crochet hat sizing?

Getting the right fit is one of the most important parts of making a crochet hat.

If you’re unsure about head circumference, negative ease, crown diameter, or hat height, I’ve created a complete Crochet hat sizing guide that walks you through everything step by step.

You’ll learn:
• How to measure head circumference correctly
• How much negative ease to use
• How to calculate crown diameter
• Standard baby, child, and adult size charts
• How to adjust any crochet hat pattern for a better fit

Gauge

Please check your gauge and adjust your hook size as needed.

8 stitches and 7 rows = 2 inches (5 cm)

Crochet abbreviations

dc = double crochet stitch
sc = single crochet stitch
blo= back loop only
ch/chs = chain/chains
st/sts = stitch/stitches
rnd/rnds = round/rounds
rem = remaining

Pattern notes

The brim is worked in flat in rows and then joined in the round.
The hat is worked in the round from the bottom up.
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 your first stitch.
The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Houndstooth stitch pattern

To create the houndstooth pattern, use two colors of yarn. In the first round with white yarn, alternate between double crochet (dc) and single crochet (sc) stitches.

In the second round with red yarn, make a single crochet in the double crochet stitches and a double crochet in the single crochet stitches. Keep alternating colors and stitches in this way to make the pattern.

Crochet houndstooth beanie pattern instructions

This crochet houndstooth beanie is made from the bottom up, starting with the ribbed brim. First, you’ll crochet the brim in rows, then join it in the round to form the base of the hat.

From there, you’ll work the beanie upward in rounds using the houndstooth stitch pattern, then finish by decreasing at the top to shape the crown.

Brim instructions

Use an H-8 5 mm crochet hook (or hook needed to obtain gauge).

Row 1: Ch 9, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each rem ch, turn (8 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc blo in each st, turn (8 stitches)

Toddler size: repeat row 2 for 74 rows
Child size: repeat row 2 for 78 rows
Adult size: repeat row 2 for 86 rows

Join in the round and begin the beanie pattern.

Beanie instructions

Use an I-9 5.5 mm crochet hook (or hook needed to obtain gauge).
Use white yarn for round 1
Use red yarn for round 2

Rnd 1: Ch 2, *dc, sc*, join (t: 74, c: 78, a: 86)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, *sc, dc*, join (t: 74, c: 78, a: 86)

Toddler size

Rnds 3-18: Repeat rounds 1 and 2, switching between white and red yarn each round. (74 stitches)

Use white yarn for the rest of the hat.

Rnd 19: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (37 stitches)
Rnd 20: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (37 stitches)
Rnd 21: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, sc in last st, join (19 stitches)
Rnd 22: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (19 stitches)
Rnd 23: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, sc in last st, join (10 stitches)

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail and sew the top of your hat closed.

Child size

Rnds 3-20: Repeat rounds 1 and 2, switching between white and red yarn each round. (78 stitches)

Use white yarn for the rest of the hat.

Rnd 21: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (39 stitches)
Rnd 22: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (39 stitches)
Rnd 23: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, sc in last st, join (20 stitches)
Rnd 24: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (20 stitches)
Rnd 25: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (10 stitches)

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail and sew the top of your hat closed.

Adult size

Rnds 3-24: Repeat rounds 1 and 2, switching between white and red yarn each round. (86 stitches)

Use white yarn for the rest of the hat.

Rnd 25: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (43 stitches)
Rnd 26: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (43 stitches)
Rnd 27: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, sc in last st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 28: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 29: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (11 stitches)

Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail and sew the top of your hat closed.

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 beanie.

Finishing

Weave in all of your ends.

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.