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 crochet hat pattern beginner-friendly?

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

Can I sell hats I make from this pattern?

Yes, you can sell finished items. Please credit Lovable Loops as the designer.

Newborn Crochet Hat Pattern – Free Baby Hat for Beginners

Looking for a simple and sweet newborn crochet hat pattern? You’re in the right place! This free baby hat pattern uses basic stitches and works up quickly—perfect for beginners or anyone needing a last-minute gift.

It’s soft, stretchy, and ideal for hospital hats, photo props, or cozy coming-home outfits. I designed this beginner-friendly crochet hat in four baby sizes to help you welcome your little one with love.

Why you’ll love this newborn crochet hat

This free crochet hat pattern is a quick and easy way to make something special for a new baby. It’s worked in the round using just double crochet stitches—great for beginners!

The pattern includes preemie, 0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months sizes, so you can make the perfect fit. Whether it’s for a baby shower, a hospital bag, or everyday wear, this handmade hat is a sweet keepsake that’s full of love.

lovable loops free newborn crochet hat pattern

A thoughtful baby shower gift

A crochet baby hat is always a welcome gift. Newborns need to stay warm, and a handmade hat is both practical and personal.

This design is beginner-friendly, fast to make, and easy to customize. Choose classic baby yarns or fun colors to match the nursery or baby shower theme—it’ll be a hit with any new parent.

Best yarns to use

When picking yarn for your newborn crochet hat, go for something soft, washable, and baby-safe.

Here are some great options:

Cotton – breathable and hypoallergenic
Acrylic – affordable and machine washable
Superwash merino wool – soft and warm
Bamboo – silky, cool, and gentle

You can even use scrap yarn for preemie sizes. Just be sure to wash your hat before gifting to make it baby-ready.

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
Tapestry needle – to weave in ends
Stitch markers – to help track rounds
Tape measure – to check baby’s head size

Newborn hat size chart (in inches)

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″

Check your gauge before starting

Crochet the first 5 rounds. Your circle should measure about 4.25″ across.

If your swatch is too small, go up a hook size
If your swatch is too large, go down a hook size

Abbreviations used

Pattern is written in US terms:
dc = double crochet
st(s) = stitch(es)
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
rnd = round

Pattern notes

Don’t skip these tips—they’ll help your hat turn out just right.

Pattern begins with a magic circle
Hat is worked in the round from the top down
Adjust height by adding or removing rounds

Newborn crochet hat pattern – step-by-step instructionss

Preemie Size

0–3 Months

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 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

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 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

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 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.

FAQs

What size should a newborn crochet hat be?
Newborn hats usually measure 12–14 inches in circumference and 4–5 inches tall.

How many stitches do I need?
Start with 11 dc in rnd 1. By rnd 5, the stitch count reaches 48 for the newborn size.

What yarn is best?
Soft, washable yarns like cotton, acrylic, bamboo, or superwash wool are ideal.

Is this pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes! It’s a great first project using basic stitches and simple increases.

Are there other sizes?
Yes, the pattern includes Preemie, 0–3M, 3–6M, and 6–12M sizes.

Can I sell hats I make?
Yes, feel free to sell finished items—just credit Lovable Loops as the designer.

Get the printable PDF

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

More free baby hat patterns

Want more beginner-friendly baby hats? Try these free patterns:

Basic Beanie – Classic style + video tutorial
Half Double Crochet Beanie – Soft stretch with hdc + video
Baby Bear Hat – Cute with bear ears
Baby Beanie – Make it in just 40 minutes!

Let’s stay connected!

Follow me for new patterns, tutorials, and crochet fun!

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Facebook: @LovableLoopsShop
Etsy: @LovableLoopsShop

Happy crocheting! 🫶
Melissa