Three crochet baby hats made with the same simple pattern in pastel blue, pink, and cream yarn. Each beanie features a ribbed brim and smooth crown, laid flat. These hats are made using beginner-friendly stitches and follow the free easy crochet baby hat pattern.

Easy Crochet Baby Hat Pattern – Free and Beginner-Friendly

ByMelissa

Looking for an easy crochet baby hat pattern that’s quick, cute, and beginner-friendly? This simple design uses just half double crochet stitches and has a soft, stretchy ribbed brim.

It’s worked in the round from the top down, so it’s easy to adjust for any baby size. Whether you’re new to crochet or just need a fast handmade gift, this sweet little hat checks all the boxes. The free pattern is below!

Why you’ll love this pattern

This baby hat is a great choice if you want a simple and relaxing project. It’s made with just half double crochet stitches, so it’s perfect for beginners or anyone who likes easy patterns. Since it’s worked from the top down, you can easily change the size if you need to.

The ribbed brim gives it a soft, stretchy feel that looks cute and helps the hat stay in place. It also works up fast, which makes it a great last-minute gift. And because the style is unisex, you can make it in any color for any baby.

Great for baby showers, gifts, or craft fairs

Making a handmade gift? This easy baby hat is a perfect choice! It’s quick to crochet—most people can finish it in just one sitting—and it makes a sweet, cozy gift that new parents will really appreciate.

You can pair it with a matching blanket or baby booties for a complete DIY gift, or just tuck it into a gift bag with a card and some baby items. Whether you’re giving it to a friend or selling it at a craft fair, this baby hat is a cute and practical option for any baby shower.

Three handmade crochet baby hats in blue, pink, and cream yarn displayed in a flat lay. These beginner-friendly baby beanies use basic stitches and are part of a free crochet baby hat pattern.

Easy crochet baby hat pattern information

Skill level

Beginner- This baby hat is perfect for beginners! It uses basic stitches in simple rounds from the top down.

Materials needed

  • Crochet hook size I-9 (5.5 mm) – or the size needed to match the gauge
  • Worsted weight yarn (#4 medium yarn) – choose a soft, comfortable yarn
  • Yarn needle – for weaving in your yarn ends
  • Scissors – to cut your yarn when finishing your hat
  • Stitch markers – optional but helpful for keeping track of rounds and stitch counts
  • Tape measure – to check head size for a perfect fit
  • Pom pom maker – optional if you want to add a fun yarn pom pom on top

Size chart

Hat SizeCrownHead CircumferenceHat Height
0-3 Months4.25 inches13-14 inches5 inches
3-6 Months5 inches14-15 inches5.5 inches
6-12 Months5.5 inches15-17 inches6.25 inches
Baby hat size chart

Gauge

Gauge: 16 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches

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

Crochet abbreviations

Pattern is written in US crochet terms:

  • hdc = half double crochet
  • FPhdc = front post half double crochet
  • BPhdc = back post half double crochet
  • ch / chs = chain / chains
  • st / sts = stitch / stitches
  • sl st = slip stitch

Pattern notes

  • Begin 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 from the top down in the round
  • Adjust length by adding or removing rounds before the brim

Get the ad-free printable PDF

👉 Grab the printable PDF on Etsy! It’s perfect for printing, marking rows, or crocheting on the go.

How to make post stitches

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

  • FPhdc (front post half double crochet): Yarn over, insert your hook from front to back around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and complete a half double crochet
  • BPhdc (back post half double crochet): Yarn over, insert your hook from back to front around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and complete a half double crochet
Cream crochet baby hat in progress, with ribbed brim and a green crochet hook inserted into the working yarn, placed on a light wooden surface.

Easy crochet baby hat pattern instructions

0-3 months size

Round 1: Make a magic circle, ch 2, work 11 hdc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (11 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 2, work 2 hdc in each stitch around. Join. (22 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join. (33 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts. Repeat around. Join. (44 stitches)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 10 sts. Repeat around. Join. (48 stitches)
Rounds 6-11: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join. (48 stitches)
Rounds 12-15: Ch 2, FPhdc in next st, BPhdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (48 stitches)

3-6 months size

Round 1: Make a magic circle, ch 2, work 11 hdc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (11 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 2, work 2 hdc in each stitch around. Join. (22 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join. (33 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts. Repeat around. Join. (44 stitches)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 10 sts. Repeat around. Join. (48 stitches)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 11 sts. Repeat around. Join. (52 stitches)
Rounds 7-14: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join. (52 stitches)
Rounds 15-18: Ch 2, FPhdc in next st, BPhdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (52 stitches)

6-12 months size

Round 1: Make a magic circle, ch 2, work 11 hdc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (11 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 2, work 2 hdc in each stitch around. Join. (22 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join. (33 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts. Repeat around. Join. (44 stitches)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 10 sts. Repeat around. Join. (48 stitches)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 11 sts. Repeat around. Join. (52 stitches)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 12 sts. Repeat around. Join. (56 stitches)
Rounds 8-15: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join. (56 stitches)
Rounds 16-19: Ch 2, FPhdc in next st, BPhdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (56 stitches)

Finishing

Fasten off and then weave in the ends. Your baby hat is ready to wear, gift, or sell!

Close-up of three stacked crochet baby hats in ivory, blush pink, and baby blue. These soft handmade hats have a ribbed brim and are made using a simple and easy crochet pattern for babies.

Frequently asked questions

How do I adjust this baby hat pattern for a larger or smaller size?
You can increase or decrease the number of rounds after the crown increases (before the brim) to adjust the height. For a wider hat, continue adding increase rounds using the same pattern.

Can I use a different stitch for the brim?
Yes! While this pattern uses front and back post stitches for a stretchy ribbed look, you can also try single crochet or half double crochet in the back loop only for a similar effect.

What type of yarn works best for baby hats?
Soft, washable worsted weight yarn is best. Look for baby-friendly options that are hypoallergenic and gentle on skin.

Can I add a pom pom to the top?
Absolutely! A yarn pom pom is a fun and cute addition. You can use a pom pom maker or wrap yarn around your fingers and trim it to shape.

Is this pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes! This easy crochet baby hat pattern uses only half double crochet stitches and simple post stitches for the brim. It’s great for beginners or anyone wanting a quick, relaxing project.

More free crochet baby hat patterns

Looking for more cozy and cute baby hats to crochet? Try these free patterns next:

Let’s connect!

I’d love to see what you’re making! Come hang out with me on social media:

📸 Instagram
📌 Pinterest
📘 Facebook
▶️ YouTube
🛍️ Etsy
🧶 Ravelry

Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa

Similar Posts