Baby bear hat crochet pattern (preemie

Looking for a sweet and modern baby hat you can crochet quickly? This baby bear hat crochet pattern is simple, cozy, and designed with clean, neutral style in mind.

Worked in the round from the top down using basic double crochet stitches, this beginner-friendly baby hat includes four sizes: preemie, 0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months. The classic crochet bear ears create a sweet, timeless finish that’s perfect for baby showers, gifts, or everyday wear.

Quick answer
This baby bear hat crochet pattern is worked in the round from the top down using worsted weight yarn and an H-8 (5 mm) hook. It uses double crochet stitches and features a ribbed brim made with front and back post stitches. Four baby sizes are included, from preemie to 12 months.

Baby bear hat crochet pattern featuring three modern neutral baby hats with classic crochet bear ears in brown, blue, and cream, shown as a free and easy beginner-friendly design worked from the top down.

Why you’ll love this pattern

Includes four baby sizes — preemie, 0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months
Beginner-friendly construction — uses simple double crochet stitches
Modern neutral style — perfect for baby boys or girls
Classic bear ear detail — sweet and timeless
Works up quickly — great for baby showers and handmade gifts

How the hat is constructed

This baby bear hat crochet pattern is worked in the round from the top down.

You’ll begin with a magic circle and increase evenly to shape the crown. Once the crown reaches the correct diameter for each size, you’ll work even rounds to build the body of the hat.

The ribbed brim is created using alternating front post and back post double crochet stitches. This gives the brim stretch and structure while keeping the hat snug and comfortable.

The bear ears are made separately and sewn securely to the top of the hat for a clean, polished finish.

Perfect for baby showers, gifts, and markets

This baby bear hat crochet pattern works up quickly and uses very little yarn, making it ideal for baby shower gifts, craft fairs, and donation projects. The clean, modern design makes it easy to pair with blankets, cardigans, or baby sets.

Because the hat is worked from the top down using simple double crochet stitches, it’s easy to make multiple sizes in one sitting. The classic bear ears give it a sweet, timeless finish while maintaining the same beginner-friendly construction.

Handmade baby hats are practical and sentimental, making this a project parents truly appreciate.

Close-up of a brown crochet baby hat with bear ears made using a baby bear hat crochet pattern, showing double crochet texture and ribbed brim detail.

Baby bear hat crochet pattern details

Before you begin, here’s everything you need to know about this baby bear hat crochet pattern — including sizing, materials, gauge, and helpful notes. Review this section to make sure you’re set up for success before starting your hat.

Skill level

Beginner — This baby bear hat crochet pattern uses basic double crochet stitches and simple shaping to create a classic top-down beanie. The ribbed brim is made with easy front and back post stitches, making it a great project for confident beginners who are ready to practice working in the round.

Materials needed

H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook — or size needed to match your gauge
Worsted weight yarn (#4) — choose a soft and cozy yarn for babies
Yarn needle — for weaving in your yarn ends
Scissors — to trim your yarn after finishing
Stitch markers — optional, helpful for tracking rounds
Tape measure — to check head size and fit

Finished size

Preemie — fits 12–13 inches (30–33 cm) head circumference, 4 inches (10 cm) tall
0–3 months — fits 13–14 inches (33–36 cm) head circumference, 5 inches (13 cm) tall
3–6 months — fits 14–15 inches (36–38 cm) head circumference, 6 inches (15 cm) tall
6–12 months — fits 15–17 inches (38–43 cm) head circumference, 6.25 inches (16 cm) tall

Unsure about baby hat sizing?

Baby head sizes change quickly, and even a small difference can affect the fit.

Before you start, check out my complete Crochet Hat Sizing Guide where I break down:
• Newborn and baby head circumference ranges
• How much negative ease to use for babies
• Standard baby hat height measurements
• How to adjust rows or rounds for a better fit

It’s especially helpful if you’re making a baby shower gift or sizing without measuring.

Gauge

16 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)

✅ Too many stitches? Use a larger hook
✅ Too few stitches? Use a smaller hook

Crochet abbreviations

dc = double crochet
dc2tog = double crochet decrease
FPdc = front post double crochet
BPdc = back post double crochet
ch/chs = chain/chains
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sl st = slip stitch

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
Hat is worked from the top down in the round
Ribbed brim is made using FPdc and BPdc stitches
The pattern is written in US crochet terms

Printable PDF pattern

If you prefer an easy, print-friendly version of this baby bear hat crochet pattern, a printable PDF is available in my Etsy shop. The PDF includes the full pattern instructions in a clean, ad-free format, making it perfect for printing or saving on your device.

Quick links

Preemie
0–3 months size
3–6 months size
6–12 months size
Adding the ears
Finishing
FAQs

Two crochet baby bear hats in brown and blue created from a baby bear hat crochet pattern, worked top down with a textured ribbed brim and sewn-on ears.

Free baby bear hat crochet pattern instructions

Below you’ll find the full step-by-step instructions for each size. Follow the rounds carefully, and remember that the hat is worked from the top down in the round.

Preemie size

0–3 months size

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Rounds 6–11: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 12: Ch 2, FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 13: Ch 2, FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)

3–6 months size

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Rounds 7–13: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 14: Ch 2, FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 15: Ch 2, FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)

6–12 months size

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Rounds 8–14: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 15: Ch 2, FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 16: Ch 2, FPdc in next st, BPdc in next st; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)

Adding the ears

The bear ears are made separately and are the same for all sizes.

Row 1: Ch 8, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each remaining ch. Turn. (6 sts)
Row 2: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across. Turn. (9 sts)
Row 3: Ch 2, *dc2tog, dc in next st; repeat across. Turn. (6 sts)
Row 4: Ch 2, *dc2tog; repeat across. (3 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Position and stitch the ears securely to the top of the hat.

Finishing

Fasten off and weave in all remaining yarn ends. Your baby bear hat is ready to wear, gift, or sell!

Three crochet baby bear hats in brown, blue, and cream made with a baby bear hat crochet pattern, featuring ribbed brims and classic rounded bear ears.

Frequently asked questions

What sizes are included in this pattern?
This pattern includes four baby sizes: Preemie, 0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months. Use the size chart above to choose the best fit for your baby.

Is this pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes! This is a great beginner crochet baby hat pattern. It uses simple stitches like double crochet and is worked in the round from the top down with easy shaping.

Can I use different yarn for this pattern?
You can, but I recommend worsted weight (#4) acrylic yarn for the best results. It’s soft, easy to wash, and helps the hat hold its shape. Using a different yarn weight may change the sizing.

Do I have to use a magic circle to start the hat?
Nope! If the magic circle feels tricky, I’ve included a simple chain start as an alternative. Both options work well for this pattern.

Can I sell the hats I make from this pattern?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to sell finished hats made using this pattern. I just ask that you credit Lovable Loops as the designer when possible.

Free crochet baby hat patterns

Looking for more free crochet baby hat patterns? These adorable and easy designs are perfect for newborn gifts, baby showers, and charity projects. From classic beanies to cute animal hats, you’ll find beginner-friendly patterns sized for little ones from preemie to toddler. Start your baby hat crochet projects today and create something soft, cozy, and handmade with love!

Let’s connect!

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