‘Tis the season to crochet and spread some festive cheer! I are delighted to present my “Candy Cane Crochet Hat Pattern, free and designed to fit all sizes.
Post contains affiliate links. See our Privacy Policy for more information.
This pattern combines the cozy warmth of a crochet hat with the whimsical charm of candy canes. The classic red and white stripes create a joyful and timeless design that captures the essence of the holiday season. Whether you’re building snowmen, sipping hot cocoa, or attending seasonal gatherings, this candy cane-themed hat is the perfect accessory to showcase your festive spirit.
Written for all sizes, this pattern ensures that everyone can enjoy a customized fit. From little ones to adults, you can crochet matching hats for the entire family, creating cherished memories and adorable photo opportunities.
Not only is this pattern easy to follow, but it also allows room for creativity. Feel free to experiment with different yarn colors or add your personal touches, like a pom-pom or bow, to make your hat truly unique. Let your imagination run wild as you crochet your way to a hat that reflects your style and holiday joy.
So grab your crochet hooks, select your favorite festive yarn, and get ready to crochet your way to a merry and stylish hat.
Also, before you go, be sure to check out my many other free crochet hat patterns!
Skill Level
Advanced beginner. Projects may include involved stitch patterns, color work, and/or shaping.
Materials
- I/5.5 mm crochet hook for hat
- H/5 mm crochet hook for bow
- Worsted worsted weight yarn in red and white
- Extra large pom pom maker (optional)
- Tapestry needles
- Stitch markers
Gauge
Gauge is important for this pattern.
15 stitches and 10 rows = 4″
To check your gauge, make a gauge swatch by crocheting the first five rounds of the the 0-3 Months size hat. It should measure close to 4.5″ across the middle.
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 Hat Pattern 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.
- Need help? Watch my Candy Cane Crochet Hat Pattern Video Tutorial
- If you prefer to purchase a printable PDF of this pattern, visit my Etsy Shop
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
Double Crochet Stitch (dc)
- Firstly, yarn over & insert hook in next stitch.
- Secondly, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have 3 loops on your hook.
- Then, yarn over and pull through 2 loops. You will have 2 loops on your hook.
- Lastly, yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops on your hook.
Single Crochet Stitch (sc)
- Firstly, insert hook in next stitch.
- Then, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have 2 loops on your hook.
- Lastly, yarn over and pull through both loops.
Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog)
- Firstly, insert hook in next stitch.
- Secondly, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have 2 loops on your hook.
- Then, insert hook in next stitch.
- Next,yarn over and pull up another loop. You will have 3 loops on your hook.
- Lastly, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook.
Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc)
- Firstly, yarn over & insert hook in next stitch.
- Then, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have 3 loops on your hook.
- Lastly, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook
0-3 Months Size Crochet Hat Pattern
I/5.5 mm crochet hook
Begin with white yarn and alternate with red every two rows
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join (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 Hat Pattern (free)
I/5.5 mm crochet hook
Begin with white yarn and alternate with red every two rows
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join (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)
Scroll down for earflap instructions.
6-12 Months Size Crochet Hat Pattern
I/5.5 mm crochet hook
Begin with white yarn and alternate with red every two rows
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join (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)
Scroll down for earflap instructions.
Toddler Size Crochet Hat Pattern
I/5.5 mm crochet hook
Begin with white yarn and alternate with red every two rows every two rows
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join (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)
Scroll down for earflap instructions.
Child Size Crochet Hat Pattern
I/5.5 mm crochet hook
Begin with white yarn and alternate with red every two rows
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join (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)
Scroll down for earflap instructions.
Adult Size Crochet Hat Pattern
I/5.5 mm crochet hook
Begin with white yarn and alternate with red every two rows
dc inc = double crochet increase
Make 2 dc stitches in the same stitch
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join (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)
Scroll down for earflap instructions.
Earflap Instructions
Firstly, begin the first earflap where you ended the last round of your hat. Then, refer to the chart and image below for placement of the second earflap.
| Size | Front of Hat | Back of Hat |
| 0-3 Months | leave 16 stitches in front | leave 12 stitches in back |
| 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 |
| 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 |
0-3 Months Earflaps
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: Ch 1, sc2tog (1 stitch)
Lastly, repeat for second earflap and continue to single crochet around entire hat and both ear-flaps.
3-6 and 6-12 Months Earflaps
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: Ch 1, sc2tog (1 stitch)
Lastly, repeat for second earflap and continue to single crochet around entire hat and both ear-flaps.
Toddler, Child and Adult Earflaps
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: Ch 1, sc2tog (1 stitch)
Lastly, repeat for second earflap and continue to single crochet around entire hat and both ear-flaps.
Braids
- Firstly, cut fourteen 30” strands of yarn.
- Secondly, holding all of the strands, fold in half and pass the folded loop through the bottom of the ear flap. Use your crochet hook to help.
- Then, pass the strand ends through the loop and pull tight to form a knot.
- Lastly, divide the strands into three sections and braid. Repeat for 2nd braid.
Bow Pattern
H/5 mm crochet hook
Yarn: red
0-3 Months – 6-12 Months Bow Pattern
Ch 40 and join in the round.
Rnd 1: ch 1, hdc in each chain, join (40 stitches)
Rnds 2-8: ch 1, hdc in each st, join (40 stitches)
Fasten off leaving a very long yarn tail.
Toddler – Adult Bow Pattern
Ch 45 and join in the round.
Rnd 1: ch 1, hdc in each chain, join (45 stitches)
Rnds 2-8: ch 1, hdc in each st, join (45 stitches)
Fasten off leaving a very long yarn tail.
All Sizes Bow Instructions
Firstly, use a tapestry needle to weave yarn back and forth down the middle of the bow and then gently pull the yarn tight. This will “scrunch” up the middle.
Secondly, wrap the yarn tail around the middle until you are happy with the look of your bow.
Then, secure the yarn tail in the back of the bow so that the middle section doesn’t unravel.
Lastly, use the remainder of the yarn tail to sew the bow onto the front of the hat.
Pom Pom Instructions
Tool: extra large pom pom maker
Yarn: white
Follow instructions included with your pom pom maker or follow along to my video tutorial (instructions for the pom pom are towards the end).
