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.

Is this newborn crochet hat pattern beginner friendly?

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

Free newborn crochet hat pattern for beginners

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: 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.

Q: 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.

Looking for a free newborn crochet hat pattern for beginners? This simple baby hat is worked from the top down using basic double crochet stitches. The pattern includes preemie, newborn 0–3 month, 3–6 month, and 6–12 month sizes.

This quick crochet baby hat is soft, practical, and easy to customize. Make one for a baby shower gift, hospital donation, newborn photo outfit, or everyday wear.

Quick answer
This free newborn crochet hat pattern is worked from the top down in joined rounds using basic double crochet stitches. It includes four sizes from preemie through 6–12 months. The newborn size is designed for babies approximately 0–3 months old.

Best for: Beginners
Construction: Top down in joined rounds
Stitches used: Double crochet and slip stitch
Sizes included: Preemie, 0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months
Printable version: An ad-free PDF is available separately in my Etsy shop

Why you’ll love this newborn crochet hat pattern

Beginner friendly: The pattern uses basic double crochet stitches and simple increases.
Quick to make: The smaller sizes work up quickly for a last-minute baby gift.
Four baby sizes: Choose from preemie, newborn 0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months.
Soft and comfortable: Choose a gentle, washable yarn that feels comfortable against a baby’s skin.
Easy to customize: Use one color, add stripes, or coordinate the hat with a baby blanket.

Free newborn crochet hat pattern information

Here’s a quick overview of the materials, sizing, gauge, and pattern notes before you begin.

Skill level

Beginner. This pattern uses double crochet stitches, basic increases, joined rounds, and a magic circle.

Avoid frustration by learning the most common crochet mistakes beginners make and how to fix them.

Materials needed

H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook, or the size needed to meet gauge
Worsted weight yarn (#4)
Yarn needle
Stitch marker
Tape measure

Best yarn for a newborn crochet hat

Choose a yarn that is soft, washable, and comfortable against delicate baby skin. Check the yarn label for washing instructions before starting.

Good options include:

Soft acrylic or baby yarn
Cotton
Bamboo blends
Superwash merino wool

You can often use leftover yarn for the preemie and newborn sizes. Wash the finished hat according to the yarn manufacturer’s instructions before gifting it.

Finished sizes

Choose the hat size using the baby’s actual head circumference whenever possible.

Size	Crown diameter	Hat circumference	Hat height
Preemie	3.5 inches	12–13 inches	4 inches
0–3 months	4.25 inches	13–14 inches	5 inches
3–6 months	5 inches	14–15 inches	6 inches
6–12 months	5.5 inches	15–17 inches	6.25 inches

Need help choosing a size? Visit my crochet hat sizing guide for head-circumference measurements, crown sizes, and fitting tips.

For a simple hat that includes sizes for the whole family, try my basic crochet beanie pattern with seven sizes from preemie through adult.

Gauge

For the 0–3 month size, the circle should measure approximately 4.25 inches across after completing Round 5.

If your circle is too small, try a larger crochet hook.
If your circle is too large, try a smaller crochet hook.

Because the pattern includes several sizes, also compare your crown measurement with the finished-size chart before continuing the straight rounds.

Learn how to check crochet gauge before you begin so you can adjust your hook size if needed.

Crochet abbreviations

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

Pattern notes

The pattern begins with a magic circle.
The starting chain does not count as a stitch.
Repeat instructions between the asterisks for the remainder of the round.
Join each round with a slip stitch to the first double crochet.
The hat is worked from the top down in joined rounds.
Add or remove straight rounds to adjust the finished height.
The pattern is written using 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.

Get the printable PDF

The complete free newborn crochet hat pattern is available on this page. Prefer to work offline or want a clean, ad-free copy? A printable PDF containing all four baby sizes is available in my Etsy shop.

Frequently asked questions

What size should a newborn crochet hat be?
A newborn crochet hat generally fits a head circumference of approximately 13–14 inches and measures about 5 inches tall. This pattern’s newborn size is designed for babies around 0–3 months old. Measuring the baby’s head provides the most accurate fit.

Is this newborn crochet hat pattern suitable for beginners?
Yes. This beginner-friendly crochet baby hat uses double crochet stitches, basic increases, and simple joined rounds. It is a good first project for learning how to crochet a hat from the top down.

What yarn is best for a newborn crochet hat?
Choose a soft, washable yarn that is suitable for baby items. Soft acrylic, cotton, bamboo blends, baby yarn, and superwash merino wool can all work well. Always follow the care instructions printed on the yarn label.

How long does it take to crochet a newborn hat?
The time required depends on your experience and crochet speed. Many crocheters can complete one of the smaller sizes in approximately one or two hours.

Does this pattern include a 0–3 month size?
Yes. The pattern includes preemie, newborn 0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months sizes.

Is the printable PDF free?
The full pattern is free to read on this page. The optional printable, ad-free PDF is sold separately in my Etsy shop.

Can I sell hats made from this pattern?
You may sell finished hats that you make from this pattern. Please do not copy, distribute, or sell the written pattern itself. Credit to Lovable Loops as the designer is appreciated.

Easy handmade baby shower gift

A handmade baby hat is a practical and thoughtful baby shower gift. This free newborn crochet hat pattern works up quickly and can be customized to match a nursery, baby blanket, or gift theme.

Choose a soft neutral shade, traditional baby color, or bright modern yarn. You can also make several sizes so the baby has another hat to wear as they grow.

More free crochet baby hat patterns

Browse my collection of crochet baby hat patterns for more designs for newborns, babies, and toddlers.

You can also explore my complete collection of crochet hat patterns or visit my main baby and child crochet patterns page for baby blankets, hats, accessories, and handmade gift ideas.