Is this crochet ruffle hat beginner-friendly?

Yes. This pattern is rated beginner and uses simple top-down construction worked in the round. The ruffle is added around the brim after the main hat is complete.

What yarn weight should I use?

Use worsted weight yarn, also known as medium weight or #4 yarn.

What crochet hook is used for this pattern?

The pattern uses an I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook.

How is the ruffle hat constructed?

The main hat is worked from the top down in the round. The decorative ruffle is added around the brim after the hat is complete.

Where is the ruffle added?

The ruffle is worked around the brim of the hat to create a soft, playful edge.

Can I make this crochet ruffle hat in different colors?

Yes. You can use one color for the entire hat or use a contrasting color for the ruffled brim to make the detail stand out.

Crochet ruffle hat pattern – free easy ruffle hat

Give a basic crochet hat a playful twist with a soft, full ruffled brim. This crochet ruffle hat has a cute, feminine look that makes it fun to wear and easy to personalize with your favorite colors.

It’s a sweet choice for everyday wear, handmade gifts, or matching hats for kids and adults.

Quick answer

This beginner-friendly crochet ruffle hat is worked from the top down in joined rounds using worsted weight (#4) yarn and an I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook. The pattern includes toddler, child, and adult sizes. After the basic double crochet hat is complete, a decorative ruffle is worked around the brim.

Why you’ll love this crochet ruffle hat

Simple construction: Start with an easy top-down double crochet hat, then add the ruffle at the end.
Three sizes included: Make a toddler, child, or adult hat from the same pattern.
Easy to customize: Use one color throughout or make the ruffled brim in a contrasting color.

Crochet ruffle hat pattern details

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

Skill level

Beginner — This ruffle hat crochet pattern is worked from the top down in the round using simple stitches and basic shaping.

Materials needed

I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook
Worsted weight yarn (#4)
Yarn needle
Scissors
Stitch markers, optional

My crochet hook sizes guide explains crochet hook sizes and how they can affect your stitches and finished project.

Finished size

This pattern includes three sizes designed to fit the following head circumferences:

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

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

Gauge

16 double crochet stitches and 10 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)

Too many stitches? Try a larger hook.
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
ch / chs = chain / chains
st / sts = stitch / stitches
sl st = slip stitch
blo = back loop only

Pattern notes

The starting chain does not count as a stitch.
This crochet hat is worked in the round, with each round joined using a slip stitch.
The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Free crochet ruffle hat pattern instructions

If you’re learning how to crochet a ruffle hat, start by making the basic top-down hat for your size, then add the decorative ruffle around the brim.

If you’re new to written patterns or need help with abbreviations and formatting, my How to Read a Crochet Pattern guide can help you follow the instructions with confidence.

Toddler ruffle hat

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)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 8: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 13 sts; repeat around. Join. (60 sts)
Rounds 9–15: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (60 sts)

Child ruffle hat

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)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 8: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 13 sts; repeat around. Join. (60 sts)
Round 9: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 14 sts; repeat around. Join. (64 sts)
Rounds 10–16: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (64 sts)

Adult ruffle hat

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)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 8: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 13 sts; repeat around. Join. (60 sts)
Round 9: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 14 sts; repeat around. Join. (64 sts)
Round 10: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 15 sts; repeat around. Join. (68 sts)
Rounds 11–17: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (68 sts)

Adding the ruffled brim

Once the main hat is complete, add the ruffle around the brim for a playful finished look.

Round 1: Ch 2, work 3 dc in the BLO of each st around. Join.

Toddler: 180 sts
Child: 192 sts
Adult: 204 sts

Round 2: Ch 2, work 3 dc in each st around. Join.

Toddler: 540 sts
Child: 576 sts
Adult: 612 sts

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Prefer a printable version?

You can purchase the ad-free PDF of this Crochet Ruffle Hat Pattern in my Etsy shop. The downloadable pattern is easy to save, print, and keep with your crochet projects.

More free crochet hat patterns

Loved this ruffled crochet hat and looking for another beginner crochet hat pattern to make? Browse my free crochet hat patterns for baby, toddler, child, and adult designs, including winter hats, animal hats, holiday hats, and more.

Learn more crochet skills

Want more help building your crochet skills? Visit my Learn Crochet page for beginner tutorials, stitch guides, sizing help, and troubleshooting tips.

You may also find this tutorial helpful:

How to Count Crochet Stitches — Keep your stitch count accurate while working in the round.

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.

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