How many stitches do I need for a newborn hat?

Start with 11 dc in round 1. By round 5, the stitch count reaches 48 for the 0–3 month size.

Free newborn crochet hat pattern (4 sizes, easy & fast)

Q: What size should a newborn crochet hat be?

Most newborn crochet hats measure about 12–14 inches in head circumference and 4–5 inches tall.

Q: Is this newborn crochet hat pattern beginner friendly?

Yes! This pattern uses only basic stitches and is great for beginners.

Looking for a simple and sweet newborn crochet hat pattern that’s easy to follow and quick to finish? This free baby hat pattern is perfect for beginners and uses only basic stitches, making it a relaxing and rewarding project.

Designed to be soft, stretchy, and comfortable, this crochet newborn hat is ideal for hospital hats, baby photos, coming-home outfits, or everyday wear. The pattern is worked in the round from the top down and includes sizes from preemie through 12 months, making it easy to create the perfect fit for any little one.

Whether you’re crocheting for your own baby, a baby shower gift, or a charity project, this beginner-friendly newborn crochet hat is a timeless staple you’ll come back to again and again.

Quick answer

Skill level: Beginner
Sizes included: Preemie, 0–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months
Yarn weight: Worsted weight (#4)
Construction: Top-down, worked in the round
Stitches used: Double crochet
Best for: Newborn gifts, hospital hats, baby showers, charity projects

Free crochet newborn hat pattern showing a small pastel crochet baby beanie with stacked colorful swatches, scissors, yarn needle, and a 20-minute project badge on a white background

Why you’ll love this newborn crochet hat pattern

This free newborn crochet hat pattern is designed to be easy, practical, and full of heart—perfect for both new crocheters and experienced makers.

Beginner friendly: Uses only double crochet stitches and simple increases
Fast to make: A great last-minute baby gift or hospital hat
Four baby sizes included: Preemie through 6–12 months for the best fit
Soft and comfortable: Designed with baby comfort in mind
Easy to customize: Change colors, add stripes, or keep it classic

This is one of those crochet baby hat patterns that’s just as enjoyable to make as it is to gift.

A thoughtful baby shower gift idea

A crochet baby hat is always a welcome baby shower gift. Newborns need to stay warm, and a handmade hat is both practical and personal—something parents can actually use right away.

This newborn crochet hat pattern is beginner friendly, quick to make, and easy to customize. Choose classic neutral yarns, soft pastels, or fun colors to match the nursery or baby shower theme, and you’ll have a thoughtful handmade gift any new parent will love.

Free newborn crochet hat pattern information

Skill level

Beginner – This pattern uses basic stitches and simple rounds.

Materials needed

H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook – or size needed to meet gauge
Worsted weight yarn (#4) – soft yarns work best for babies
Yarn needle – to weave in ends
Stitch markers – to help track rounds
Tape measure – to check baby’s head circumference

Best yarns for a newborn crochet hat

When picking yarn for your newborn crochet hat, choose something soft, washable, and baby-safe. Comfort is key, especially for newborn skin.

Here are some great yarn options to use:

Cotton – breathable and hypoallergenic
Acrylic – affordable, lightweight, and machine washable
Superwash merino wool – soft, warm, and easy to care for
Bamboo – silky smooth, cool, and gentle on sensitive skin

You can also use scrap yarn for preemie sizes. Just be sure to wash your finished hat before gifting so it’s clean and baby-ready.

Get the printable PDF

Prefer to work offline or want a clean, ad-free version of this pattern? The printable PDF for this newborn crochet hat pattern is available in my Etsy shop. It includes all four baby sizes and is perfect for keeping in your project binder or crochet bag.

Newborn hat size chart (in inches)

Use this chart to choose the right size based on head circumference.

Size	Crown	Circumference	Height
Preemie	3.5″	12–13″	4″
0–3 Months	4.25″	13–14″	5″
3–6 Months	5″	14–15″	6″
6–12 Months	5.5″	15–17″	6.25″

Gauge

Crochet the first 5 rounds of the baby hat. Your circle should measure about 4.25 inches across.

✅ Too small? Try a larger hook
✅ Too large? Try a smaller hook

Crochet abbreviations

dc = double crochet
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sl st = slip stitch
ch/chs = chain/chains

Pattern notes

Pattern begins with a magic circle
The starting chain does not count as a stitch
Repeat instructions between the asterisks (*) for the rest of the round
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 crochet terms

Quick links

preemie

0-3 months

3-6 months

6-12 months

FAQ

Newborn crochet hat pattern – step-by-step instructions

Preemie size

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)
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: Repeat Round 6. Fasten off and weave in ends.

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)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Rounds 7–14: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 15: Repeat Round 7. Fasten off and weave in ends.

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)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Rounds 8–15: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 16: Repeat Round 8. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Newborn crochet hat pattern FAQs

What size should a newborn crochet hat be?
Most newborn crochet hats measure about 12–14 inches in head circumference and 4–5 inches tall. This pattern includes multiple sizes so you can choose the best fit based on the baby’s age and head circumference.

Is this newborn crochet hat pattern beginner friendly?
Yes! This is a beginner-friendly newborn crochet hat pattern that uses basic double crochet stitches, simple increases, and easy-to-follow rounds. It’s a great first crochet hat project.

What yarn is best for a newborn crochet hat?
Soft, washable, and baby-safe yarns work best. Cotton, acrylic baby yarn, bamboo blends, and superwash merino wool are all great options. Always wash the finished hat before gifting.

How long does it take to crochet a newborn hat?
Most crocheters can finish this newborn crochet hat in 1–2 hours, depending on experience and the size you’re making. Preemie and newborn sizes work up especially fast.

Does this pattern include multiple baby sizes?
Yes. This free newborn crochet hat pattern includes preemie, 0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months sizes so you can make the perfect fit.

Can I sell hats made from this pattern?
Yes, you’re welcome to sell finished hats made using this pattern. Please credit Lovable Loops as the designer when selling your items.

Free crochet baby hat patterns you’ll love

Looking for more free crochet baby hat patterns? These beginner-friendly designs are perfect for newborn gifts, baby showers, and charity projects. Browse the patterns below to find classic beanies, cute animal hats, and cozy styles for babies from preemie to toddler.