How to crochet a beanie for beginners (easy top-down beanie)

Q: How do I make the beanie longer or shorter?

Adjust the height by adding or removing even rounds in the hat body before you start the brim.

Q: How do I sew the brim seam?

Use a yarn needle to sew the two ends together neatly after you finish the ribbing.

Want a simple beanie you can crochet again and again? This how to crochet a beanie tutorial is a beginner-friendly, “learn once, make forever” pattern that teaches the core skills—magic circle, top-down shaping, and a stretchy ribbed brim.

It’s best for beginners who want a simple, classic beanie pattern they can use again and again for quick gifts, craft fairs, and everyday wear. It’s worked in the round from the top down and includes four sizes (baby, toddler, child, and adult) so you can make cozy beanies for the whole family.

Quick answer
This beanie is worked in the round from the top down using worsted weight yarn (#4) and an H-8 (5 mm) hook for the hat. You’ll increase to the crown size for your chosen fit, crochet the body in even rounds, then add a stretchy ribbed brim with an I-9 (5.5 mm) hook.

Free and easy how to crochet a beanie for beginners graphic with four crocheted beanies in pastel colors and ribbed brims

Why you’ll love this pattern

Beginner-friendly — simple stitches and repeatable rounds
Learn once, make forever — a classic beanie you’ll come back to again and again
Four sizes included — baby, toddler, child, and adult
Top-down construction — easy to try on as you go
Stretchy ribbed brim — comfy fit that stays put

How this crochet hat is made

This beanie is worked in the round from the top down. You’ll start with a magic circle, increase to the crown size for your chosen fit, then crochet even rounds for the hat body. The ribbed brim is added last using single crochet worked in the back loop only for a stretchy finish.

How to choose the right size (and get the fit you want)

Pick your size by head circumference first.
For a snug beanie, choose the smaller end of the range.
For a slouchier fit, add a little height by crocheting extra even rounds before the brim.
If you’re between sizes, sizing up usually feels more comfortable (you can snug it up with the brim).

Free and easy how to crochet a beanie cover image with four finished crochet beanies in baby, toddler, child, and adult sizes.

How to crochet a beanie pattern details

Before you start, here’s everything you need to know—materials, gauge, sizing, and a few quick notes to help you get the best fit.

Skill level

Beginner — This beanie uses basic stitches (double crochet and single crochet) in simple repeats worked in rounds.

Materials needed

Crochet hook size —
H-8 (5 mm) — hat
I-9 (5.5 mm) — brim
Yarn — worsted weight yarn (#4)
Yarn needle — for weaving in ends
Scissors — for finishing
Stitch marker — optional, for tracking rounds
Tape measure — to check fit

How to crochet a beanie in four sizes shown layered, featuring a stretchy ribbed brim and simple top-down construction.

Finished size

This crochet beanie pattern includes four sizes.

Baby — 16–17 inches (41–43 cm) head circumference, 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall
Toddler — 18–19 inches (46–48 cm) head circumference, 6.75 inches (17 cm) tall
Child — 19–20 inches (48–51 cm) head circumference, 7.25 inches (18 cm) tall
Adult — 20–23 inches (51–58 cm) head circumference, 8 inches (20 cm) tall

How to adjust the fit of this crochet hat

This hat is easy to customize depending on the fit and style you prefer.

Adjusting the height

• To make it longer, add 1–3 rounds to the hat body before starting the brim
• To make it shorter, work fewer even rounds before beginning the brim

Height adjustments affect the overall look and slouch of the hat.

Adjusting the fit (circumference)

• For a snugger fit, choose the smaller end of the listed head circumference range and use a slightly smaller hook if needed
• For a slouchier or more relaxed fit, add extra height to the body and use a slightly larger hook if needed

Most crochet hats are designed with slight negative ease, meaning the finished hat should measure slightly smaller than the head circumference for a secure fit. Matching gauge will give you the most accurate result before making other adjustments.

If you’d like help calculating crown diameter, understanding negative ease, or reviewing standard size charts, see my Crochet Hat Sizing Guide for full details.

Gauge

8 stitches and 5 rows = 2 inches (5 cm)

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

Crochet abbreviations

dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
ch/chs = chain/chains
st/sts = stitch/stitches
rnd/rnds = round/rounds
blo = back loop only
rem = remaining

Pattern notes

This crochet beanie pattern starts with a magic circle.
The chain at the beginning of each round does not count as your first stitch.
Join the rounds with a slip stitch to the first stitch made in that round.
Repeat instructions between the asterisks (*) for the rest of the round.
You are crocheting in the round and working from the top of the hat down.
The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

How to crochet a beanie in four sizes—finished crochet hats stacked to show baby, toddler, child, and adult sizing.

Quick links

Baby size
Toddler size
Child size
Adult size
Adding a brim
Finishing
FAQs

How to crochet a beanie pattern instructions

Ready to crochet? Follow the size you’re making (baby, toddler, child, or adult) and work from the top down, then finish with the ribbed brim.

Baby size

Toddler size

Round 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 12 dc, join (12 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st, join (24 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in the next st*, join (36 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in the next 2 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in the next 7 sts*, join (54 stitches)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in the next 8 sts*, join (60 stitches)
Rnds 7-15: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)

Child size

Adult size

Adding the ribbed brim

I-9 5.5 mm crochet hook
begin where you left off for the hat
the images are from my toddler hat pattern

Step 1: Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each rem ch, (6 stitches)
Step 2: Slip stitch in the next 2 stitches.
Step 3: Turn your work clockwise
↑ Step 4: Do not chain, sc blo in each st, (6 stitches)
↓ Step 5: Ch 1, sc blo in each st, (6 stitches)
Repeat steps 2-5 all the way around.

Finally, use a yarn needle to sew the seam where the two ends of the brim meet.

Finishing

Fasten off and weave in your ends.

How to crochet a beanie in four sizes shown stacked—baby, toddler, child, and adult

Frequently asked questions

What yarn works best for a beginner beanie?
Worsted weight yarn (#4) is a great choice because it’s easy to see your stitches and works up quickly.

Can I make this beanie in a different stitch?
Yes. The shaping stays the same, but changing stitches can change your gauge and size. If you switch stitches, re-check gauge before you commit.

How do I make the beanie longer or shorter?
Adjust the height by adding or removing even rounds in the hat body before you start the brim.

Do I have to use a magic circle?
It gives a neat top, but if you prefer, you can start with an alternative (like chaining and joining). Your stitch count for Round 1 should still be 12 dc.

Why doesn’t the beginning chain count as a stitch?
It keeps the seam cleaner and helps your stitch counts stay consistent.

How do I sew the brim seam?
Use a yarn needle to sew the two ends together neatly after you finish the ribbing.

Free crochet hat patterns

Love making cozy hats? Explore even more free crochet hat and beanie patterns that are perfect for every season and style. From classic beanies and warm winter hats to playful designs for kids and trendy accessories for adults, you’ll find inspiration for your next project here.