Easy crochet baby hat pattern – free & beginner-friendly

Q: How do I adjust this baby hat pattern for a larger or smaller size?

To adjust the size, increase or decrease the number of rounds after the crown increases and before the brim. You can also continue increasing the stitch count using the same increase pattern.

Q: Can I use a different stitch for the brim?

Yes, you can substitute the front and back post stitches with single crochet or half double crochet in the back loop only to achieve a similar ribbed texture.

Q: What type of yarn works best for baby hats?

Worsted weight yarn that is soft, washable, and gentle on baby skin is ideal. Look for hypoallergenic and baby-friendly yarns.

Q: Can I add a pom pom to the top?

Yes! Adding a yarn pom pom is a fun way to customize the hat. Use a pom pom maker or wrap yarn around your fingers and trim it to shape.

Q: Is this pattern beginner-friendly?

Yes! This crochet baby hat pattern uses only half double crochet and simple post stitches, making it perfect for beginners.

Making a handmade gift? This easy crochet baby hat pattern is a perfect choice. It’s quick to stitch, cozy to wear, and practical for everyday baby life.

The hat is worked from the top down in the round using half double crochet stitches, then finished with a stretchy ribbed brim. With three sizes included—0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months—you can make a sweet baby beanie for gifts, donations, or craft fair prep.

Quick answer
This easy crochet baby hat pattern is worked from the top down in the round using half double crochet stitches, then finished with a ribbed brim made with post stitches. Designed for beginners, it includes 0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months sizes and uses worsted weight (#4) yarn for a soft, cozy fit.

Top-down view of pastel blue, pink, and cream crochet baby hats arranged in a triangle layout. These hats feature a stretchy ribbed brim and are made from a free and easy crochet baby hat pattern.

Why you’ll love this pattern

Beginner-friendly — simple rounds with easy repeats
Quick to finish — great for last-minute gifts
Top-down construction — easy to adjust length as you go
Stretchy ribbed brim — helps the hat stay snug and comfy
Perfect for gifting — baby showers, donation makes, and market inventory

Great for baby showers, gifts, or craft fairs

This easy crochet baby hat works up quickly, making it ideal for last-minute gifts, baby showers, or stocking your craft fair table. Pair it with a matching blanket or booties for a thoughtful handmade set, or make several in different colors for practical, giftable inventory.

Easy crochet baby hat pattern details

Below you’ll find everything you need to get started, including the skill level, materials, sizing, gauge, and helpful notes to make sure your baby hat turns out just right.

Skill level

Beginner — This hat uses basic half double crochet stitches worked in the round, plus simple post stitches for the ribbed brim.

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

Finished size

This easy crochet baby hat pattern includes three sizes:

0–3 months — 13–14 in (33–36 cm) head circumference
3–6 months — 14–15 in (36–38 cm) head circumference
6–12 months — 15–17 in (38–43 cm) head circumference

Always check gauge for the best fit.

How to adjust the fit of this crochet baby hat

Small tweaks can make a big difference, and this hat is easy to customize.

To adjust the height
Add or remove rounds in the body before you start the ribbed brim.

To adjust the width
The crown rounds control the hat width. For a slightly larger hat, add one extra increase round using the same pattern. For a slightly smaller hat, stop increasing one round earlier.

To fine-tune the fit
Changing hook size is the safest quick fix—go up for a looser hat or down for a snugger hat. Always check gauge for best results.

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.

Gauge

Gauge: 16 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)

✅ 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

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

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.

Quick links

0-3 months size
3-6 months size
6-12 months size
Finishing
FAQs

Easy crochet baby hat pattern instructions

Below are the step-by-step instructions for crocheting this baby hat. Choose your size and follow along with confidence.

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!

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, add one more increase round 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 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!