Crochet elf hat pattern

Looking for a crochet elf hat pattern for Christmas? This festive striped hat is worked from the top down using simple double crochet stitches and includes toddler, child, and adult sizes. The long pointed shape, folded brim, triangle peaks, and jingle bells give it a playful holiday look.

This beginner-friendly pattern uses worsted weight yarn and is perfect for Christmas parties, family photos, costumes, holiday events, and handmade gifts.

Why you’ll love this crochet elf hat pattern

• Three sizes included: Toddler, child, and adult
• Festive striped design: Change colors every few rounds for a classic elf look
• Beginner friendly: Uses simple double crochet stitches and increases
• Fun peaked brim: Six triangle points create the playful elf-style edge
• Optional bells or pom poms: Add them to the brim for extra holiday detail
• Video tutorial included: Follow the child size step by step

How this crochet elf hat is constructed

The hat begins at the pointed tip and is worked downward in joined double crochet rounds. Gradual increases create the long tapered elf-hat shape, while color changes form the festive stripes.

Once the main hat reaches the correct size, a front-loop-only round creates the fold line for the brim. Six triangle peaks are crocheted around the edge and finished with bells or pom poms.

Crochet elf hat pattern details

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

Skill level

Beginner. This crochet elf hat pattern uses double crochet stitches, simple increases, joined rounds, color changes, and basic single crochet shaping for the brim peaks.

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

Materials needed

• I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook — or size needed to meet gauge
• Worsted weight yarn (#4) — use two colors for the striped design
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional)
• Tape measure
• Craft bells or pom poms — for the brim points

Crochet elf hat sizes

This crochet elf hat pattern includes toddler, child, and adult sizes.

Size	Head Circumference
Toddler	18–19 inches
Child	19–20 inches
Adult	20–23 inches

See my crochet hat sizing guide for full details and size charts.

Gauge

15 stitches × 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)

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

Crochet abbreviations

• dc = double crochet stitch
• sc = single crochet stitch
• flo = front loop only
• sc2tog = single crochet decrease
• ch/chs = chain/chains
• st/sts = stitch/stitches
• sl st = slip stitch
• rnd/rnds = round/rounds

Pattern notes

• The pattern starts with a magic ring.
• The hat is worked in dc rounds from the top of the hat down.
• Repeat the instructions between the asterisks (*) for the rest of the round.
• The pattern is written in US terms.

Magic circle alternative

If you’re not comfortable with using a magic circle, you can use an alternative method to make round 1 of the beanie. This method is just as effective and might be easier for beginners.

Round 1: Chain 4, make 4 dc in the 4th ch from the hook, join (4 stitches)

Crochet elf hat pattern instructions

Rounds 1–51 are the same for all three sizes. After that, follow the toddler, child, or adult section to finish the hat and peaked brim.

Rnd 1: Magic circle, make 4 dc, join in the round [4]
Rnd 2: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join [6]
Rnd 3: ch 2, dc in each st, join [6]
Rnd 4: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join [8]
Rnd 5: ch 2, dc in each st, join [8]

Switch yarn color.

Rnd 6: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 3 sts*, join [10]
Rnd 7: ch 2, dc in each st, join [10]
Rnd 8: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 4 sts*, join [12]
Rnd 9: ch 2, dc in each st, join [12]
Rnd 10: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 5 sts*, join [14]

Switch yarn color.

Rnd 11: ch 2, dc in each st, join [14]
Rnd 12: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 6 sts*, join [16]
Rnd 13: ch 2, dc in each st, join [16]
Rnd 14: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 7 sts*, join [18]
Rnd 15: ch 2, dc in each st, join [18]

Switch yarn color.

Rnd 16: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 8 sts*, join [20]
Rnd 17: ch 2, dc in each st, join [20]
Rnd 18: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 9 sts*, join [22]
Rnd 19: ch 2, dc in each st, join [22]
Rnd 20: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join [24]

Switch yarn color.

Rnd 21: ch 2, dc in each st, join [24]
Rnd 22: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 sts*, join [26]
Rnd 23: ch 2, dc in each st, join [26]
Rnd 24: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 12 sts*, join [28]
Rnd 25: ch 2, dc in each st, join [28]

Switch yarn color.

Rnd 26: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 13 sts*, join [30]
Rnd 27: ch 2, dc in each st, join [30]
Rnd 28: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 14 sts*, join [32]
Rnd 29: ch 2, dc in each st, join [32]
Rnd 30: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 15 sts*, join [34]

Switch yarn color.

Rnd 31: ch 2, dc in each st, join [34]
Rnd 32: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 16 sts*, join [36]
Rnd 33: ch 2, dc in each st, join [36]
Rnd 34: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 17 sts*, join [38]
Rnd 35: ch 2, dc in each st, join [38]

Switch yarn color.

Rnd 36: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 18 sts*, join [40]
Rnd 37: ch 2, dc in each st, join [40]
Rnd 38: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 19 sts*, join [42]
Rnd 39: ch 2, dc in each st, join [42]
Rnd 40: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 13 sts*, join [45]

Switch yarn color.

Rnd 41: ch 2, dc in each st, join [45]
Rnd 42: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 14 sts*, join [48]
Rnd 43: ch 2, dc in each st, join [48]
Rnd 44: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 15 sts*, join [51]
Rnd 45: ch 2, dc in each st, join [51]

Switch yarn color.

Rnd 46: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 16 sts*, join [54]
Rnd 47: ch 2, dc in each st, join [54]
Rnd 48: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 17 sts*, join [57]
Rnd 49: ch 2, dc in each st, join [57]
Rnd 50: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 18 sts*, join [60]

Switch yarn color.

Rnd 51: ch 2, dc in each st, join [60]

Toddler elf hat

Rnd 52: ch 2, dc in each st, join [60]
Rnd 53: ch 2, dc in each st, join [60]
Rnd 54: ch 2, dc in each st in the front loop only, join [60]

This is the round that will be folded up.

Rnd 55: ch 2, dc in each st, join [60]
Rnd 56: ch 2, dc in each st, join [60]

Elf hat brim:

You will make six triangle peaks. Each peak is 10 stitches. 6 peaks x 10 stitches = 60 stitches

Begin the first peak where you left off for round 56.

Row 1: ch 1, sc in 10 sts, turn [10]
Row 2: ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 6 sts, sc2tog, turn [8]
Row 3: ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 4 sts, sc2tog, turn [6]

Row 4: ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 2 sts, sc2tog, turn [4]
Row 5: ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, turn [2]
Row 6: ch 1, sc2tog and fasten off

Next, fold the hat brim up and sc around the entire brim and peaks.

Then, join your yarn to the next stitch. Repeat the peak pattern 5 times.

Lastly, use a tapestry needle to attach a bell or pom pom  to each of the peaks.

Child elf hat

Rnd 52: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 19 sts*, join [63]
Rnd 53: ch 2, dc in each st, join [63]
Rnd 54: ch 2, dc in each st, join [63]
Rnd 55: ch 2, dc in each st, join [63]
Rnd 56: ch 2, dc in each st in the front loop only, join [63]

This is the round that will be folded up.

Rnd 57: ch 2, dc in each st, join [63]
Rnd 58: ch 2, dc in each st, join [63]

Elf hat brim:

You will make six triangle peaks. Each peak is 10 stitches. 6 peaks x 10 stitches = 60 stitches

Begin the first peak where you left off for round 58.

Row 1: ch 1, sc in 10 sts, turn [10]
Row 2: ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 6 sts, sc2tog, turn [8]
Row 3: ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 4 sts, sc2tog, turn [6]

Row 4: ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 2 sts, sc2tog, turn [4]
Row 5: ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, turn [2]
Row 6: ch 1, sc2tog and fasten off

Now, join your yarn to the next stitch. Repeat the peak pattern 5 times. You will have three unworked stitches when you are done.

Then, fold the brim up and sc around the entire brim and peaks.

Lastly, use a tapestry needle to attach a bell or pom pom  to each of the peaks.

Adult elf hat

Rnd 52: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 19 sts*, join [63]
Rnd 53: ch 2, dc in each st, join [63]
Rnd 54: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 20 sts*, join [66]
Rnd 55: ch 2, dc in each st, join [66]
Rnd 56: ch 2, dc in each st in the front loop only, join [66]

This is the round that will be folded up.

Rnd 57: ch 2, dc in each st, join [66]
Rnd 58: ch 2, dc in each st, join [66]

Elf hat brim:

You will make six triangle peaks. Each peak is 10 stitches. 6 peaks x 10 stitches = 60 stitches

Begin the first peak where you left off for round 58.

Row 1: ch 1, sc in 10 sts, turn [10]
Row 2: ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 6 sts, sc2tog, turn [8]
Row 3: ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 4 sts, sc2tog, turn [6]

Row 4: ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 2 sts, sc2tog, turn [4]
Row 5: ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, turn [2]
Row 6: ch 1, sc2tog and fasten off

Now, skip a stitch and join your yarn to the next stitch. Repeat the peak pattern 5 times, leaving one stitch between each peak.

Then, fold the brim up and sc around the entire brim and peaks.

Lastly, use a tapestry needle to attach a bell or pom pom  to each of the peaks.

Finishing your crochet elf hat

Weave in all yarn ends and check that the folded brim sits evenly around the hat. Sew a bell or pom pom securely to each triangle peak, then make sure all attachments are firmly fastened before wearing.

Printable crochet elf hat pattern

Prefer an ad-free copy? You can purchase the crochet elf hat pattern PDF in my Etsy shop. It includes all three sizes and is easy to print or save for later.

Crochet elf hat pattern video tutorial

Follow along with this step-by-step video tutorial for the child size. You’ll see how to work the striped hat, shape the brim, and finish the festive elf details.

Frequently asked questions

Is this crochet elf hat pattern beginner friendly?
Yes. The pattern uses basic double crochet stitches, simple increases, color changes, and basic single crochet shaping.

What sizes are included?
The pattern includes toddler, child, and adult sizes.

What yarn should I use for a crochet elf hat?
Use worsted weight #4 yarn in two colors for the striped design.

How is the elf hat worked?
The hat is crocheted from the pointed tip down in joined rounds. Color changes create the stripes, and the folded brim is finished with six triangle peaks.

Do I have to add bells?
No. Bells are optional. You can leave the peaks plain or attach small pom poms instead.

Prefer a classic elf hat style?

Try my classic crochet elf hat pattern for a red-and-white striped version with a wide ribbed brim and large pom pom.

More 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.

Let’s connect!

I’d love to see what you’re making! Share your finished project and follow along for more free crochet patterns and tutorials.

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📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa