What is the best yarn for a crochet newborn hat pattern?

Choose soft, washable worsted weight (#4) yarns that are gentle on delicate skin. Cotton blends and baby-friendly acrylics both work well.

Can I add a pom pom or other embellishment?

Yes. Add a yarn or faux-fur pom, applique, or simple embellishment. Ensure everything is securely attached and safe for babies.

Free Crochet Newborn Hat Pattern — Quick and Easy Baby Beanie

Q: Can I use a different yarn weight for this crochet newborn hat pattern?

Yes. Using a lighter or heavier yarn will change the size. If you substitute yarn, adjust your hook size and check gauge to match the measurements.

Q: How do I make this crochet newborn hat pattern larger or smaller?

Modify the crown increase rounds or add/remove body rounds to adjust height. Use the size chart to match head circumference for each baby size.

Q: How long does it take to make this crochet newborn hat pattern?

Most makers finish the hat in under two hours. Smaller sizes, like preemie and newborn, work up the fastest.

Looking for a fast and beginner-friendly project? This free crochet newborn hat pattern is the perfect place to start! Worked from the top down with simple double crochet stitches and a stretchy ribbed brim, this hat is soft, cozy, and quick to make.

Whether you’re a brand-new crocheter or just need a last-minute baby gift, you’ll love how easily this pattern comes together. With four sizes included—from preemie to 12 months—you can whip up a handmade hat for any little one in your life. Scroll down for the full free pattern.

Four colorful crochet newborn baby hats in turquoise, green, pink, and yellow displayed together with text overlay reading “Quick & Easy Newborn Baby Hat – Free Crochet Pattern.” Beginner-friendly crochet newborn hat pattern for preemie to 12 months.

This is a quick and easy baby hat pattern

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind. You’ll use only basic stitches and a few simple repeats, which makes it easy to follow even if this is your first hat.

The crown is worked in rounds, then you’ll continue straight down the body of the hat before finishing with a ribbed brim made from front and back post stitches.

The result is a soft, stretchy, and comfortable beanie that keeps little heads warm. Because it works up so quickly, you can make one in a single evening—perfect for baby showers, charity projects, or stocking up on gifts.

Five crochet newborn hats in pink, yellow, orange, green, and turquoise stacked beside colorful yarn balls. Free crochet newborn hat pattern available in 4 baby sizes.

Free crochet newborn hat pattern information

Skill level

Beginner – This baby hat pattern uses basic double crochet stitches and post stitches, making it perfect for newer crocheters.

Materials needed

Crochet hook (I-9 / 5.5 mm) – adjust size as needed to match gauge
Worsted weight yarn (#4) – soft, baby-friendly yarns work best
Yarn needle – for weaving in ends securely
Stitch markers – to help track your rounds
Tape measure – to check head circumference

Size chart

Use this chart to choose the right size based on head circumference.

Size	Crown	Circumference	Height
Preemie	3.25″	12–13″	4″
0–3 Months	4.25″	13–14″	5″
3–6 Months	5″	14–15″	5.75″
6–12 Months	5.5″	15–17″	6″

Gauge

15 stitches and 9 rounds = 4 inches

✅ Too many stitches? Try a larger hook
✅ Too few stitches? Try a smaller hook

Three crochet newborn hats in green, yellow, and turquoise with a smaller pink hat stacked on top. Beginner-friendly crochet newborn hat pattern worked in the round.

Crochet abbreviations

dc = double crochet
FPdc = front post double crochet
BPdc = back post double crochet
ch / chs = chain / chains
st / sts = stitch / stitches
sl st = slip stitch

Pattern notes

Pattern begins with a magic circle
The starting chain does not count as a stitch
Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch
Hat is worked in the round from the top down
Adjust height by adding or removing rounds
The pattern is written in US terms

How to make post stitches

Post stitches create the stretchy, structured ribbed brim of this newborn hat:

FPdc (front post double crochet): Yarn over, insert your hook from front to back around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and complete a double crochet
BPdc (back post double crochet): Yarn over, insert your hook from back to front around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and complete a double crochet

Four crochet newborn hats in pink, yellow, green, and turquoise stacked neatly. Easy and free crochet newborn hat pattern with sizes from preemie to 12 months.

Easy crochet newborn hat pattern instructions

Preemie size

0-3 months size

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Rounds 5–10: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 11: Ch 2, *FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)

3-6 months size

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Rounds 6-12: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 13: Ch 2, *FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)

6-12 months size

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Rounds 7-13: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 14: Ch 2, *FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)

Green crochet newborn hat in progress with a 5.5 mm crochet hook still attached. Easy step-by-step crochet newborn hat pattern for beginners.

Finishing

Fasten off and use a yarn needle to weave in the ends.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different yarn weight for this crochet newborn hat pattern?
Yes! Just keep in mind that using a lighter or heavier yarn will change the size. If you use a different yarn weight, be sure to adjust your hook size and check your gauge.

How do I make this crochet newborn hat pattern larger or smaller?
To change the size, add or remove increase rounds at the crown or adjust the number of body rounds before working the brim. You can also use the size chart to measure and match head circumference.

What’s the best yarn for a crochet newborn hat or baby beanie?
Soft, washable yarns are best for babies. Look for a smooth worsted weight (#4) yarn that’s gentle on delicate skin. Cotton blends and baby-friendly acrylics are both good options.

Can I add a pom pom or embellishment?
Absolutely! A yarn pom pom, faux fur pom, or even a little applique (like a flower or heart) can add a cute finishing touch. Just make sure embellishments are securely attached and safe for babies.

How long does it take to make this crochet newborn hat pattern?
Most crocheters can finish this hat in under 2 hours. Preemie and newborn sizes work up even faster, making them great for quick projects.

Four crochet newborn hats in turquoise, green, pink, and yellow displayed together. Beginner-friendly free crochet newborn hat pattern worked with simple stitches.

More free crochet baby hat patterns

Looking for more free crochet baby hat patterns? These adorable and easy designs are perfect for newborn gifts, baby showers, and charity projects. From classic beanies to cute animal hats, you’ll find beginner-friendly patterns sized for little ones from preemie to toddler. Start your baby hat crochet projects today and create something soft, cozy, and handmade with love!