Post contains affiliate links. See our Privacy Policy for more information.
Looking for a crochet project that combines warmth and cuteness? Look no further! I am excited to share my free Crochet Bear Hat pattern that caters to beginners and is available in all sizes.
Whether you’re new to crochet or an experienced enthusiast, this adorable pattern is designed to guide you through each step with ease. Create adorable bear hats for yourself or loved ones, and embrace the joy of handmade warmth and style.
So get your crochet hooks ready and let’s embark on a journey of crafting and creativity with this beginner-friendly, size-inclusive crochet bear hat pattern!
Also, before you go, be sure to check out my many other free crochet hat patterns!
Skill Level
Beginner. Basic stitches in basic form. Simple repeats in rounds.
Materials
- I/5.5 mm crochet hook for the hat
- H/5 mm crochet hook for eyes, ears, snout & nose
- Worsted weight yarn in brown, black, white, cream and dark brown
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
Gauge
Gauge is very important for this pattern.
15 dc= 4″ and 10 rows= 4″
To check your gauge, make a gauge swatch by crocheting the first five rounds of the hat. Then, measure your swatch across the middle. If it measures close to 4.5 inches, your gauge matches mine.
If your swatch is larger than 4.5 inches, your gauge is looser than mine. Try using a smaller crochet hook.
If your swatch is smaller than 4.5 inches, your gauge is tighter than mine. Try using a larger crochet hook.
Crochet Bear Hat Size Chart
| Hat Size | Crown | Circumference | Height |
| 0-3 Months | 4.5 inches | 13-14 inches | 5 inches |
| 3-6 Months | 5 inches | 14-15 inches | 5.5 inches |
| 6-12 Months | 5.5 inches | 16-17 inches | 6.25 inches |
| Toddler | 6 inches | 18-19 inches | 6.75 inches |
| Child | 6.5 inches | 19-20 inches | 7 inches |
| Adult | 7 inches | 20-23 inches | 7.75 inches |
Pattern Notes
- This pattern starts with a magic circle (also known as a magic ring or adjustable ring). If you are a beginner crocheter, check out my magic circle tutorial.
- Leave a long yarn tail for weaving in when you make your magic circle.
- The beginning of each round starts with a chain. This chain does not count as your first stitch.
- At the end of each round, you’ll join your yarn with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first stitch made in that round.
- Repeat instructions between asterisks (*) for the remainder of the round.
- You are crocheting in the round.
- Hat is worked from the top down.
- If needed, you can make any size hat longer or shorter by repeating or eliminating the last row.
Abbreviations
- dc = double crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase
- sc2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together
- sc3tog = single crochet 3 stitches together
- hdc2tog = half double crochet 2 stitches together
- st = stitch
- sts = stitches
- sl st = slip stitch
- ch = chain
- chs = chains
- rnd = round
- rnds = rounds
- rem = remaining
Crochet Stitches
Slip Stitch (sl st)
- Insert hook into next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch and through the loop on your hook.
Double Crochet (dc)
- Yarn over & insert hook in next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have 3 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. You will have 2 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops on your hook.
Single Crochet (sc)
- Insert hook in next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have 2 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through both loops.
Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog)
- Insert hook in next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have 2 loops on your hook.
- Insert hook in next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up another loop. You will have 3 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook.
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
- Yarn over & insert hook in next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have 3 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook.
0-3 Months Size Crochet Bear Hat Pattern
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch.
Crochet hook: I 5.5mm
Yarn: brown
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join with sl st to the top of the first dc (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc inc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (48 stitches)
Rnds 7– 13: Repeat round 6 (48 stitches)
Scroll down for earflap instructions.
3-6 Months Size Crochet Bear Hat Pattern
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch.
Crochet hook: I 5.5mm
Yarn: brown
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join with sl st to the top of the first dc (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc inc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (52 stitches)
Rnds 8– 15: Repeat round 7 (52 stitches)
Now, scroll down for earflap instructions.
6-12 Months Size Crochet Bear Hat Pattern
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch.
Crochet hook: I 5.5mm
Yarn: brown
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join with sl st to the top of the first dc (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc inc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (56 stitches)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (56 stitches)
Rnds 9– 16: Repeat round 8 (56 stitches)
Now, scroll down for earflap instructions.
Toddler Size Crochet Bear Hat Pattern
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch.
Crochet hook: I 5.5mm
Yarn: brown
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join with sl st to the top of the first dc (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc inc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (56 stitches)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 13 sts*, join (60 stitches)
Rnd 9: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)
Rnds 10– 18: Repeat round 9 (60 stitches)
Now, scroll down for earflap instructions.
Child Size Crochet Bear Hat Pattern
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch.
Crochet hook: I 5.5mm
Yarn: brown
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join with sl st to the top of the first dc (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc inc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (56 stitches)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 13 sts*, join (60 stitches)
Rnd 9: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 14 sts*, join (64 stitches)
Rnd 10: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (64 stitches)
Rnds 11– 19: Repeat round 10 (64 stitches)
Now, scroll down for earflap instructions.
Adult Size Crochet Bear Hat Pattern
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch.
Crochet hook: I 5.5mm
Yarn: brown
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join with sl st to the top of the first dc (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc inc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (56 stitches)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 13 sts*, join (60 stitches)
Rnd 9: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 14 sts*, join (64 stitches)
Rnd 10: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next 15 sts*, join (68 stitches)
Rnd 11: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (68 stitches)
Rnds 12– 21: Repeat round 11 (68 stitches)
Now, scroll down for earflap instructions.
Earflap Pattern: 0-3 Months
First Earflap- Begin Where Hat Ended
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in 10 sts, turn (10 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 6 sts, sc2tog, turn (8 stitches)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (8 stitches)
Row 4: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 4 sts, sc2tog, turn (6 stitches)
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (6 stitches)
Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 2 sts, sc2tog, turn (4 stitches)
Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (4 stitches)
Row 8: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, turn (2 stitches)
Row 9: sc2tog (1 stitch)
Repeat for second earflap and continue to single crochet around entire hat and both ear-flaps.
Second Earflap Placement
| Size | Front of Hat | Back of Hat |
| 0-3 Months | leave 16 stitches in front | leave 12 stitches in back |
Earflap Pattern: 3-6 and 6-12 Months
First Earflap- Begin Where Hat Ended
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in 12 sts, turn (12 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 8 sts, sc2tog, turn (10 stitches)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (10 stitches)
Row 4: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 6 sts, sc2tog, turn (8 stitches)
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (8 stitches)
Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 4 sts, sc2tog, turn (6 stitches)
Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (6 stitches)
Row 8: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 2 sts, sc2tog, turn (4 stitches)
Row 9: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (4 stitches)
Row 10: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, turn (2 stitches)
Row 11: sc2tog (1 stitch)
Repeat for second earflap and continue to single crochet around entire hat and both ear-flaps.
Second Earflap Placement
| Size | Front of Hat | Back of Hat |
| 3-6 Months | leave 16 stitches in front | leave 12 stitches in back |
| 6-12 Months | leave 18 stitches in front | leave 14 stitches in back |
Earflap Pattern: Toddler, Child & Adult
First Earflap- Begin Where Hat Ended
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in 14, turn (14 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 10 sts, sc2tog, turn (12 stitches)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (12 stitches)
Row 4: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 8 sts, sc2tog, turn (10 stitches)
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (10 stitches)
Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 6 sts, sc2tog, turn (8 stitches)
Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (8 stitches)
Row 8: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 4 sts, sc2tog, turn (6 stitches)
Row 9: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (6 stitches)
Row 10: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 2 sts, sc2tog, turn (4 stitches)
Row 11: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (4 stitches)
Row 12: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, turn (2 stitches)
Row 13: sc2tog (1 stitch)
Repeat for second earflap and continue to single crochet around entire hat and both ear-flaps.
Second Earflap Placement
| Size | Front of Hat | Back of Hat |
| Toddler | leave 18 stitches in front | leave 14 stitches in back |
| Child | leave 20 stitches in front | leave 16 stitches in back |
| Adult | leave 22 stitches in front | leave 18 stitches in back |
Braids
Cut six 30” strands of the brown and cream yarns (total= 12 strands). Holding all of the strands, fold in half and pass the folded loop through the bottom of the ear flap. Use a crochet hook to help.
Pass the strand ends through the loop and pull tight to form a knot. Divide the folded strands into three, eight strand sections and braid. Repeat for 2nd braid.
Eyes
sc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 sc stitches in the same stitch.
Make 2
Crochet hook: H/5 mm
Yarn: black, dark brown & white
Black yarn
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 8 dc, join (10 stitches)
Dark brown
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc inc in each st, join (20 stitches)
White
Rnd 3: Ch 1, *sc inc, sc in next st*, join (30 stitches)
Use a tapestry needle and white yarn to add the “eye sparkle” to the corners of the eyes. I simply threaded the yarn back and forth 2-3 times.
Sew eyes onto hat.
Snout
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch.
Crochet hook: H/5 mm
Yarn: cream
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 8 dc, join (10 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc inc in each st, join (20 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *dc inc, dc in next st*, join (30 stitches)
Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew onto hat.
Nose
sc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 sc stitches in the same stitch.
hdc inc= half double crochet increase
Make 2 hdc stitches in the same stitch.
Crochet hook: H/5 mm
Yarn: dark brown
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 1, 6 sc, join (6 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc inc in each st, join (12 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, hdc inc in first 2 sts, sc in the next 4 sts, hdc inc in next 2 sts, sc in rem 4 sts, join (16 stitches)
Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew the nose onto the snout. Sew the snout onto the bottom of hat. Make sure it is centered between the ear flaps.
Use dark brown yarn and a tapestry needle to make the smile and to connect the smile to the nose.
Ears
Outer Ear- make 2
Crochet hook: H/5 mm
Yarn: brown
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 10 hdc, join (10 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc inc in each st, join (20 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *hdc inc in same st, hdc in next st*, join (30 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (30 stitches)
Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew onto hat.
Inner Ear- make 2
Crochet hook: H/5 mm
Yarn: cream
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 10 hdc, join (10 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc inc in each st, join (20 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (20 stitches)
Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew onto outer ear.
Then, use a tapestry needle and cream yarn to sew the inner and outer ears together. You will be working through the sc border on the inner ear and the front loops of the sc border on the outer ear.
Sew the ears onto the hat.
