Crochet lion hat pattern – 6 sizes
Looking for a free crochet lion hat pattern with lots of size options? This detailed lion hat includes six sizes from 0–3 months through adult and is worked from the top down in joined rounds.
After crocheting the basic hat, you’ll add the ears, face, nose, smile, whiskers, and a full yarn mane to create the lion design. It’s a fun choice for costumes, animal lovers, gifts, photos, and cold-weather wear.
Quick answer
This free crochet lion hat pattern includes six sizes from baby to adult and is worked from the top down using worsted weight yarn. The lion details are made separately and sewn onto the finished hat, then yarn strands are added to create the mane.
Skill level: Advanced beginner
Sizes: 0–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, toddler, child, and adult
Yarn weight: Worsted weight #4
Main hook: I-9 (5.5 mm)
Construction: Top-down hat with separately crocheted lion details
Includes: Hat, ears, face, nose, mane, smile, and whiskers
Why you’ll love this crochet lion hat
- Six sizes included — Make one for babies, toddlers, kids, or adults.
- Detailed lion design — Includes ears, face, nose, whiskers, and a full yarn mane.
- Top-down construction — The basic hat is worked in joined rounds.
- Great costume hat — Fun for dress-up, photos, Halloween, and animal-themed gifts.
- Easy to customize — Change the hat and mane colors to create your own lion look.
Crochet lion hat pattern details
If you’re looking for a cuter, simpler lion design, check out my newer crochet lion hat pattern for another fun baby-to-adult animal hat option.
Skill level
Advanced beginner — The basic hat uses simple double crochet and single crochet stitches worked in joined rounds. The lion details require basic shaping, decreases, sewing, and yarn embroidery.
Materials needed
- I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook for the hat
- H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook for the lion details
- Worsted weight yarn (#4) in yellow, dark yellow, white, black, and two shades of brown
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional)
Size guide
| Hat size | Crown diameter | Head circumference | Standard head 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 |
Gauge
15 stitches and 10 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)
My guide to crochet gauge explains how to measure your stitches and adjust your hook size.
Crochet abbreviations
- dc = double crochet
- sc = single crochet
- sc2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together
- tr = treble crochet
- ch / chs = chain / chains
- st / sts = stitch / stitches
- sl st = slip stitch
- rnd / rnds = round / rounds
Pattern notes
- The hat is crocheted from the top down in joined rounds.
- The beginning chain does not count as a stitch.
- Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch.
- Repeat instructions between asterisks (*) around as indicated.
- Lion details are crocheted separately and sewn onto the finished hat.
- The pattern is written in US crochet terms.
Magic circle alternative
If you prefer not to use a magic circle, ch 4 and work 11 dc into the 4th ch from the hook. Join with a sl st. (11 sts)
Crochet lion hat pattern instructions
Choose your size below and crochet the basic hat first. After the hat is complete, add the ears, face, nose, mane, smile, and whiskers.
0–3 month size
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnds 6–13: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 14: Ch 1, sc in each st, join and fasten off(48 stitches)
3–6 month size
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnds 7–15: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 16: Ch 1, sc in each st, join and fasten off (52 stitches)
6–12 month size
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (56 stitches)
Rnds 8–16: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (56 stitches)
Rnd 17: Ch 1, sc in each st, join and fasten off (56 stitches)
Toddler size
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (56 stitches)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 13 sts*, join (60 stitches)
Rnds 9–18: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)
Rnd 19: Ch 1, sc in each st, join and fasten off (60 stitches)
Child size
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (56 stitches)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 13 sts*, join (60 stitches)
Rnd 9: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 14 sts*, join (64 stitches)
Rnds 10–19: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (64 stitches)
Rnd 20: Ch 1, sc in each st, join and fasten off (64 stitches)
Adult size
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 11 dc, join (11 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st, join (22 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join (33 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (56 stitches)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 13 sts*, join (60 stitches)
Rnd 9: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 14 sts*, join (64 stitches)
Rnd 10: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 15 sts*, join (68 stitches)
Rnds 11–22: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (68 stitches)
Rnd 23: Ch 1, sc in each st, join and fasten off (68 stitches)
Crochet the lion ears
Baby size ears
For 0–3, 3–6, and 6–12 month hats.
Row 1: Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each remaining ch, turn (6 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc, sc in 4 sts, 2 sc, turn (8 stitches)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (8 stitches)
Row 4: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog, turn (6 stitches)
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (6 stitches)
Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog, turn (4 stitches)
Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (4 stitches)
Row 8: Ch 1, sc in each st and then sc around entire ear, join and finish off
Toddler, child, and adult ears
Row 1: Ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each remaining ch, turn (8 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc, sc in 6 sts, 2 sc, turn (10 stitches)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (10 stitches)
Row 4: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog, turn (8 stitches)
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (8 stitches)
Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog, turn (6 stitches)
Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (6 stitches)
Row 8: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog, turn (4 stitches)
Row 9: Ch 1, sc in each st and then sc around entire ear, join and finish off
Sew the ears to the hat.
Crochet the lion face
Rnd 1: Ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 7 chs, 2 sc in last ch, continue to work in the round by working in the backside of the chains, sc in next 8 chs, 2 sc in last ch, join (20 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in 8 sts, 2 sc in 2 sts, sc in 8 sts, 2 sc in last 2 sts, join (24 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in 9 sts, 2 sc in 3 sts, sc, dc, 2 tr, dc, sl st, dc, 2 tr, dc, sc, 2 sc in last 3 sts, join and fasten off (32 stitches)
For 0–3, 3–6, and 6–12 month sizes, stop after Round 3 and fasten off.
For toddler, child, and adult sizes, continue with Round 4.
Rnd 4: ch 1, sc in 11 sts, 2 sc in 4 sts, sc in 2 sts, dc, 2 tr, dc, sl st, dc, 2 tr, dc, sc in 2 sts, 2 sc in last 4 sts, join and fasten off (40 stitches)
Sew the face to the hat.
Crochet the lion nose
Rnd 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 4 dc, 2 tr, ch 4, sl st, ch 3, 2 tr, 4 dc, join and fasten off
Sew the nose to the hat.
Add the lion mane
Cut strands of yarn for the mane. Attach groups of 4 strands around the hat stitches using a looped knot. Add one row in front of the ears and down each side, then add a second row behind the ears and down each side. Trim the yarn strands evenly if needed.
Add the smile and whiskers
Use yarn scraps and a yarn needle to stitch the mouth and whiskers onto the face. Outline the bottom of the nose with yarn to finish the lion’s expression.
Finishing
Make sure all of the lion pieces are securely sewn to the hat. Fasten off and weave in all remaining yarn ends. Gently shape the ears, face, and mane before wearing.
Frequently asked questions
Is this crochet lion hat pattern beginner-friendly?
This pattern is best for advanced beginners. The basic hat uses simple crochet stitches, while the lion details require shaping, sewing, and yarn embroidery.
What sizes are included in this lion hat pattern?
The pattern includes six sizes: 0–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, toddler, child, and adult.
What yarn should I use for this crochet lion hat?
Worsted weight yarn (#4) works well for this pattern. You’ll need several colors for the hat, ears, face, nose, and mane.
How is the lion mane added?
The mane is made from cut strands of yarn attached around the hat in groups. Two rows are added around the ears and down the sides for a fuller look.
Can I make the lion hat in different colors?
Yes. You can change the hat and mane colors while following the same pattern instructions.
More free crochet animal hats
Looking for more fun animal designs? Browse my collection of free crochet animal hat patterns for farm animals, zoo animals, woodland designs, and more.
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Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa
