How long does it take to make this hat?

Most sizes can be completed in about 1–2 hours, depending on your crochet speed.

Is this pattern good for beginners?

Yes. This is a beginner-friendly crochet beanie pattern that uses only half double crochet stitches and simple shaping.

Can I sell hats made from this pattern?

Yes. You may sell finished hats made from this pattern, as long as you credit Lovable Loops as the designer.

Free half double crochet beanie pattern in 7 sizes

Q: What sizes are included?

The pattern includes seven sizes, ranging from preemie to adult.

Q: Can I use a different yarn weight?

This pattern is written for worsted weight yarn. Using a different yarn weight may change the fit, so adjust hook size and gauge as needed.

Looking for a free half double crochet beanie pattern that is easy enough for beginners? This classic crochet hat is worked from the top down using simple half double crochet stitches. The pattern includes seven sizes from preemie through adult, making it easy to crochet matching hats for the whole family.

This beginner-friendly HDC beanie works up quickly with worsted weight yarn. Keep it simple, add stripes, or finish it with an optional yarn pom pom.

Quick answer
This free half double crochet beanie pattern is worked from the top down in joined rounds. Simple increases shape the crown, and even rounds form the body of the hat. A final round of single crochet creates a neat finished edge.

Best for: Beginners
Construction: Top down in joined rounds
Main stitch: Half double crochet
Yarn weight: Worsted weight yarn #4
Sizes included: Preemie, 0–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, toddler, child, and adult
Optional finish: Yarn pom pom
Video tutorial: Included below

Why you’ll love this half double crochet beanie pattern

Beginner friendly: The pattern uses basic half double crochet stitches and simple crown increases.
Seven sizes included: Make hats for preemies, babies, toddlers, children, and adults.
Quick and repetitive: Once the crown is complete, the remaining rounds are easy to remember.
Easy to customize: Use one color, create stripes, or add a pom pom.
Great for gifts and markets: The classic design works for many ages, colors, and styles.
Video support included: Follow the step-by-step tutorial for extra help.

How this half double crochet hat is made

This beanie is crocheted from the top down. You will begin with a magic circle and work half double crochet increases to form the crown.

Once the crown reaches the correct stitch count for your chosen size, you will crochet even rounds to form the sides of the hat. A final round of single crochet gives the bottom edge a simple, polished finish.

Because the hat is worked from the top down, you can easily add or remove rounds to adjust the finished length.

Half double crochet beanie pattern details

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

Skill level

Beginner. This pattern uses a magic circle, half double crochet stitches, simple increases, joined rounds, and a finishing round of single crochet.

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
Yarn needle
Scissors
Stitch marker, optional
Tape measure
Pom pom maker, optional

Best yarn for a half double crochet beanie

This pattern is written for worsted weight yarn. Choose a soft yarn with enough stretch to create a comfortable fit.

Acrylic and wool-blend yarns work especially well for warm everyday beanies. For baby sizes, select a soft, washable yarn suitable for sensitive skin.

The amount of yarn needed depends on the hat size and the yardage in your skein. Many sizes can be made with one skein of worsted weight yarn.

Finished sizes

Use the wearer’s actual head circumference whenever possible. The measurements below are based on average sizing.

Size	Crown diameter	Head circumference	Hat height
Preemie	3.5 in	12–13 in	4 in
0–3 months	4.25 in	13–14 in	5.5 in
3–6 months	5 in	14–15 in	6 in
6–12 months	5.5 in	16–17 in	6.25 in
Toddler	6 in	18–19 in	6.75 in
Child	6.5 in	19–20 in	7.5 in
Adult	7 in	20–23 in	8.25 in

When the wearer falls between sizes, consider the desired fit before sizing up. Crochet hats usually need some negative ease so they fit securely without slipping.

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

Gauge

16 stitches and 12 rounds = 4 inches

Always make a gauge swatch before beginning, especially when an accurate fit is important.

If you have too many stitches in 4 inches, try a larger hook.
If you have too few stitches in 4 inches, try a smaller hook.

My guide to crochet gauge explains how to measure your swatch and adjust your hook size.

Crochet abbreviations

ch/chs = chain/chains
hdc = half double crochet stitch
sc = single crochet stitch
sl st = slip stitch
st/sts = stitch/stitches

Pattern notes

Begin with a magic circle.
The starting chain does not count as a stitch.
Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch.
The beanie is worked from the top down in joined rounds.
Add or remove even rounds to adjust the finished length.
Repeat instructions between the asterisks for the remainder of the round.
The pattern is written using US crochet terms.

New to written instructions? Read my guide explaining how to read a crochet pattern.

Jump to a size

preemie

0-3 months

3-6 months

6-12 months

toddler

child

adult

pom pom

FAQs

Half double crochet beanie pattern instructions

Below are the step-by-step instructions for crocheting this half double crochet beanie from the top down in the round. The pattern uses simple stitches and includes directions for all sizes.

Preemie size

0–3 month size

3-6 month size

6-12 month size

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 hdc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 11 sts; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 8: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join. (56 sts)
Rounds 9–18: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 19: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (56 sts)

Toddler size

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 hdc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 11 sts; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 8: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 13 sts; repeat around. Join. (60 sts)
Round 9: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join. (60 sts)
Rounds 10–20: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join. (60 sts)
Round 21: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (60 sts)

Child size

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 hdc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 11 sts; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 8: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 13 sts; repeat around. Join. (60 sts)
Round 9: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 14 sts; repeat around. Join. (64 sts)
Round 10: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join. (64 sts)
Rounds 11–22: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join. (64 sts)
Round 23: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (64 sts)

Adult size

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 hdc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 11 sts; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 8: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 13 sts; repeat around. Join. (60 sts)
Round 9: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 14 sts; repeat around. Join. (64 sts)
Round 10: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 15 sts; repeat around. Join. (68 sts)
Round 11: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join. (68 sts)
Rounds 12–24: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join. (68 sts)
Round 25: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (68 sts)

Adding a pom pom (optional)

Add an optional yarn pom pom to give your half double crochet beanie a fun finishing touch.

Wrap yarn around your pom pom maker.
Cut the yarn along the outer groove.
Tie the center securely with a strong length of yarn.
Remove the pom pom and fluff the strands.
Trim it into an even shape.
Sew the pom pom securely to the top of the beanie.

Finishing your beanie

Fasten off and weave in all loose yarn ends. Check the finished height and fit before trimming the ends completely.

If you added a pom pom, tug gently to confirm it is attached securely.

Half double crochet beanie video tutorial

Prefer to learn by watching? This step-by-step half double crochet beanie video tutorial shows how to work the hat from the top down.

It is especially helpful for beginners who want to see the magic circle, crown increases, joined rounds, and finishing steps demonstrated.

Classic half double crochet beanie made with basic stitches, available as a free pattern in baby, child, and adult sizes.

Frequently asked questions

Is this half double crochet beanie pattern free?
Yes. The complete pattern for all seven sizes is free to read on this page.

Is this HDC beanie suitable for beginners?
Yes. This beginner-friendly beanie uses half double crochet stitches, simple increases, and repetitive rounds. It is a good first top-down crochet hat project.

What sizes are included?
The pattern includes preemie, 0–3 month, 3–6 month, 6–12 month, toddler, child, and adult sizes.

How long does it take to crochet this beanie?
The time depends on the size and your crochet speed. Many crocheters can finish one of the smaller sizes in approximately one to two hours. Adult hats will generally take longer.

What yarn should I use for a half double crochet hat?
Use worsted weight yarn #4 that meets the listed gauge. Choose a soft, comfortable yarn appropriate for the person who will wear the hat.

Can I use a different yarn weight?
The pattern is designed for worsted weight yarn. A different yarn weight will change the stitch gauge, crown size, and finished fit. You would need to adjust the hook, stitch counts, and number of rounds.

Can I make the beanie longer?
Yes. Add more even half double crochet rounds before the final single crochet round. This is an easy way to create a longer or slightly slouchier hat.

Can I sell finished hats made from this pattern?
Yes. You may sell finished hats you make from this pattern. Please do not copy, redistribute, or sell the written pattern itself. Credit to Lovable Loops as the designer is appreciated.

Great for gifts and craft markets

This free half double crochet hat pattern is useful for baby showers, birthdays, winter gifts, charity projects, and craft markets.

Because it includes seven sizes, you can make coordinating hats for babies, children, and adults. Change the yarn color, add stripes, or attach a pom pom to create different looks from the same basic pattern.

More easy crochet hat patterns

Browse my collection of easy crochet hat patterns for more beginner-friendly beanies made with basic stitches.

More free crochet hat patterns

Visit my complete collection of free crochet hat patterns for hats in baby, child, and adult sizes. You will find classic beanies, winter hats, animal designs, and seasonal crochet patterns with clear instructions and helpful sizing information.

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.

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