Crochet newborn hat pattern (free & beginner-friendly)
Looking for a free crochet newborn hat pattern that’s quick, beginner-friendly, and easy to make? This soft baby hat is worked from the top down with simple double crochet stitches and a stretchy ribbed brim. It includes sizes from preemie through 6–12 months and makes a sweet gift for any little one.
Quick answer
This free crochet newborn hat pattern is worked from the top down in the round using basic double crochet stitches. The ribbed brim is made with post stitches for extra stretch, and the pattern includes baby sizes from preemie through 6–12 months.
Best for: Beginners
Style: Soft crochet baby hat with a ribbed brim
Includes: Multiple baby sizes, written instructions, fit details, and FAQs
Why you’ll love this pattern
- Beginner-friendly — Uses simple stitches and easy top-down construction.
- Multiple baby sizes — Includes sizes from preemie through 6–12 months.
- Soft and stretchy fit — The ribbed brim helps the hat stay comfortable and snug.
- Quick to make — A great project for baby gifts, donations, or everyday wear.
- Easy to wear and gift — This simple style works well for many babies and occasions.
How this crochet newborn hat is made
This crochet newborn hat is worked from the top down in the round, starting at the crown. After the increase rounds, you’ll crochet straight rounds for the body, then finish with a stretchy ribbed brim made with post stitches. That makes the hat simple to follow, comfortable to wear, and beginner-friendly.
Crochet newborn hat pattern details
Here’s a quick overview of everything you need before you start, including skill level, materials, sizing, gauge, and pattern notes to help your hat turn out just right.
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
Finished size and fit
This crochet newborn hat pattern includes four baby sizes:
- Preemie — fits approximately 12–13 in (30–33 cm) head circumference
- 0–3 months — fits approximately 13–14 in (33–36 cm) head circumference
- 3–6 months — fits approximately 14–15 in (36–38 cm) head circumference
- 6–12 months — fits approximately 15–17 in (38–43 cm) head circumference
Always check gauge for the best fit. For more baby sizing help, see my Crochet hat sizing guide.
Gauge
15 stitches and 9 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)
Too many stitches? Try a larger hook.
Too few stitches? Try a smaller hook.
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
Quick links
Preemie size
0–3 months size
3–6 months size
6–12 months size
Finishing
FAQs
Easy crochet newborn hat pattern instructions
Below are the step-by-step instructions for crocheting this newborn hat from the top down in the round. The pattern uses simple stitches and finishes with a stretchy ribbed brim for a comfortable fit. Choose your size and crochet along with confidence.
Preemie 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)
Rounds 4–8: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 9: Ch 2, *FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (33 sts)
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)
Finishing
Fasten off and use a yarn needle to weave in the ends.
Frequently asked questions
Is this crochet newborn hat pattern good for beginners?
Yes. This pattern is beginner-friendly and uses basic stitches with clear, repeatable rounds.
What yarn works best for a crochet newborn hat pattern?
Soft, baby-friendly worsted weight (#4) yarns work best. Choose smooth yarns that are gentle on sensitive skin.
How is this baby hat constructed?
The hat is worked in the round from the top down, then finished with a ribbed brim using post stitches.
Can I adjust the size of this crochet newborn hat pattern?
Yes. You can add or remove body rounds to change the height or adjust hook size to fine-tune the fit.
How long does it take to make this crochet newborn hat?
Most crocheters can complete this hat in 1–2 hours, depending on size.
More free crochet baby hat patterns
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Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa