Baby Bear Hat Crochet Pattern – Preemie to 12 Months

Make an adorable bear hat that keeps little heads cozy and adds a sweet handmade touch to cold-weather outfits. The classic rounded ears and ribbed brim make it a cute choice for baby showers, handmade gifts, and everyday wear.

Quick answer

This beginner baby bear hat is worked from the top down in joined rounds using worsted weight (#4) yarn and an H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook. The pattern includes preemie, 0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months sizes, with a ribbed FPdc/BPdc brim and two separately crocheted bear ears sewn to the top.

Baby bear hat crochet pattern details

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

Skill level

Beginner — This pattern uses double crochet, simple increases, front and back post double crochet for the ribbed brim, and basic sewing to attach the ears.

Materials needed

H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook
Worsted weight yarn (#4)
Yarn needle
Scissors
Tape measure

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

Need help with sizing? Check out my crochet hat sizing guide for size charts, resizing tips, and more.

Square featured image featuring three handmade baby bear hats in brown, blue, and cream with rounded crochet ears, surrounded by colorful hearts, stars, yarn, and crochet hook graphics.

Gauge

16 dc × 10 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)

Learn how to check crochet gauge before you begin so you can adjust your hook size if needed.

Crochet abbreviations

dc = double crochet stitch
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

The hat is worked from the top down in joined rounds.
The ch 2 at the beginning of each round or row does not count as a stitch.
Join each round with a sl st to the first stitch.
The ribbed brim is worked using FPdc and BPdc stitches.
The bear ears are crocheted separately and sewn onto the finished hat.
The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Magic circle alternative

If you’re not comfortable using a magic circle, you can use this alternative method for Round 1:

Round 1: Ch 4, work 11 dc in the 4th ch from the hook. Join with a sl st to the first dc. (11 sts)

Pinterest pin featuring three crochet baby bear hats in brown, blue, and cream with rounded ears and pastel text promoting the baby bear hat crochet pattern.

Watch the baby bear hat video tutorial

Prefer to follow along with a video? Watch my step-by-step tutorial to see how to crochet the 3–6 month size of this beginner-friendly baby bear hat, including the crown, hat body, ribbed brim, bear ears, and finishing.

Prefer YouTube? Watch the crochet baby bear hat tutorial on YouTube.

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. Fasten off. (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. Fasten off. (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. Fasten off. (56 sts)

Adding the ears

The bear ears are the same for all sizes. Make 2.

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.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining yarn ends. Position the ears evenly on the top of the hat and sew them securely in place.

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

Can I use different yarn for this pattern?

I recommend worsted weight (#4) yarn for this pattern. If you substitute another yarn, check your gauge before starting. Using a different yarn weight can change the finished size.

Can I sell hats made from this pattern?

Yes. You’re welcome to sell finished hats made from this pattern. I ask that you credit Lovable Loops as the designer when possible.

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.

More free crochet baby hat patterns

Looking for more sweet hats and baby projects to make? Browse my favorite crochet baby hat patterns, including cute and cozy designs for newborns, babies, and toddlers.

You can also visit my full collection of crochet hat patterns for more handmade hats in different sizes and styles, or explore my main crochet baby patterns page for baby blankets, hats, accessories, and gifts.

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