Easy Newborn Crochet Hat Pattern for Beginners
Learn how to craft cozy hats for precious newborns with my newborn crochet hat pattern. With clear instructions and basic stitches, this free crochet hat pattern is perfect for beginners.
I designed this simple hat in four different sizes. Welcome the newest member of your family with a crocheted hat that will keep them warm and cozy! The free pattern is below.
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Free Newborn Crochet Hat Pattern
Making an easy crochet baby hat is faster than bigger projects like blankets or sweaters. It’s an easy pattern for beginners. Depending on your skill level, you can make a basic hat in just a few hours. This makes hats a great project for giving as last-minute presents. Plus, you can make each hat even more special by using soft yarn in different colors or by adding a pom-pom on top.
Crochet Hats are a Great Baby Shower Gift
A cute hat for a new arrival is a great gift for a new mom-to-be. Newborn babies need to stay cozy, and a warm hat is a lovely present that shows you care.
There are lots of different styles to choose from, whether you prefer a simple pattern or want to try something more fun like animal hats. If you’re new to crocheting, don’t worry! My free crochet patterns will help you get started.
Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can show off your crochet skills by making a matching diaper cover to go with the finished hat!
Newborn Hat Crochet Pattern Information
Materials Needed
- Crochet Hook Size: H-8 (5 mm) or hook size needed to obtain gauge.
- Worsted weight yarn: For this pattern you will need a medium weight yarn.
- Tapestry needle: You will use this to weave in your ends.
- Scissors: You will use scissors to fasten off your yarn.
- Stitch marker(s): I always use these when I design my hat patterns. They help me keep track of when to make increases.
- Tape measure: You will use this to measure the baby’s head circumference.
- Pom Pom Maker: This is a great tool if you want to make a pom pom for your hat.
PDF Version
View this pattern in my Etsy Shop: newborn crochet hat pattern
Best Yarn for Newborn Hats
There are a couple things to consider when you pick a yarn for your baby hats. Think about how soft it is, if you can wash it easily, and if it’s safe for babies. If you’re making tiny hats for preemies or newborns, you might even use leftover scrap yarn. Here are some yarn options often recommended for baby hats:
Cotton: Soft, breathable, and easy to wash. It’s hypoallergenic, which is good for babies with sensitive skin.
Acrylic: Soft, light, and easy to care for. Plus, it’s affordable, which is great for those on a budget.
Merino wool: Warm and soft for cooler places. Look for superwash merino wool, so it won’t shrink when washed.
Bamboo: Silky soft, light, and breathable. It’s hypoallergenic and keeps babies cool and comfy.
Always choose yarn marked as safe for babies. Wash the hat before using or gifting to make sure it’s clean.
Skill Level
Beginner. This free crochet baby hat pattern uses basic crochet stitches in basic form and simple repeats in rounds.
Different Sizes
Crochet Newborn Hat Pattern Size Chart
| Size | Crown | Circumference | Height |
| Premature Babies | 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″ |
Crochet Newborn Hat Pattern Size Chart in Inches
Gauge
To check your gauge, crochet the first five rounds of the hat. Your swatch should measure 4.25 inches across the middle.
→ If your swatch is larger than 4.25 inches, your gauge is looser than mine. Try using a smaller crochet hook.
→ If your swatch is smaller than 4.25 inches, your gauge is tighter than mine. Try using a larger crochet hook.
Supplies
- Hook: H-8 (5 mm)
- Yarn: worsted weight (#4)
- Notions: tapestry needle and stitch markers
Crochet Terms
- dc = double crochet stitches
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sl st = slip stitches
- ch(s) = chain(s)
- rnd = round
Pattern Notes
- This baby hat crochet pattern starts with a magic circle.
- This pattern is worked from the top of the hat down.
- Repeat instructions between asterisks (*) for the remainder of the round.
Instructions for the Preemie Size Newborn Crochet Hat Pattern
Rnd 1: Magic circle, 11 dc, join with sl st (11 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each stitch, join (22 sts)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next stitch *, join (33 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 sts)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (44 sts)
Rnds 6-11: repeat round 5 (44 sts)
Fasten off and weave in your ends with a yarn needle.
Instructions for the 0-3 Months Size Newborn Crochet Hat Pattern
Rnd 1: Magic circle, 11 dc, join with sl st (11 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each stitch, join (22 sts)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next stitch *, join (33 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 sts)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 sts)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (48 sts)
Rnds 7-13: repeat round 6 (48 sts)
Fasten off and weave in your ends with a yarn needle.
Instructions for the 3-6 Months Size Newborn Crochet Hat Pattern
Rnd 1: Magic circle, 11 dc, join with sl st (11 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each stitch, join (22 sts)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next stitch *, join (33 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 sts)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 sts)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 sts)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (52 sts)
Rnds 8-15: repeat round 7 (52 sts)
Fasten off and weave in your ends with a yarn needle.
Instructions for the 6-12 Months Size Newborn Crochet Hat Pattern
Rnd 1: Magic circle, 11 dc, join with sl st (11 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each stitch, join (22 sts)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next stitch *, join (33 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 sts)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 sts)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 sts)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (56 sts)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (56 sts)
Rnds 9-16: repeat round 7 (56 sts)
Fasten off and weave in your ends with a yarn needle.
Looking for more Free Patterns?
You may also like these other crochet patterns for free: Basic Beanie, HDC Beanie, and Light Weight Beanie free crochet hat patterns.
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to hear from you. You can find me on social media- Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and my YouTube channel. Until then, happy crocheting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What size should a newborn hat be?
A crochet newborn hat usually measures 12-14 inches in circumference and 4-5 inches in height.
It should fit snugly, covering the baby’s ears without being too tight. Using a soft, stretchy yarn can help ensure a comfortable fit.
How many stitches do you need to crochet a newborn hat?
The crown of a newborn hat should be about 48 double crochet stitches. The 1st round of your hat will have 11 stitches.
Increase to 22 in the 2nd round. Increase to 33 in the 3rd round. Increase to 44 in the 4th round. Lastly, increase to 48 in the 5th round.
The crown will now fit a newborn baby. Now, crochet in rounds without increases until you reach the desired hat height.
