Toddler wearing a peach crochet hat with a white pom pom, photographed in a bright white room with soft natural light.

Free crochet toddler hat pattern

This free crochet toddler hat pattern is a beginner-friendly beanie worked from the top down in the round using bulky weight yarn. It has a stretchy ribbed brim, a cozy fit, and a simple construction that works up quickly for gifts, cold-weather wear, or everyday use.

Quick answer
This crochet toddler hat pattern is a beginner-friendly beanie worked from the top down in the round using bulky weight yarn and a J-10 (6 mm) crochet hook. It is sized to fit most toddlers and features a stretchy ribbed brim, a cozy fit, and an easy construction that works up quickly.

Best for: Beginners
Style: Top-down toddler beanie with ribbed brim
Includes: Sizing details, written instructions, gauge, and finishing options

Why you’ll love this pattern

  • Beginner-friendly construction with basic stitches
  • Bulky weight yarn makes the hat warm and quick to finish
  • Top-down design makes length easy to adjust
  • Stretchy ribbed brim for a comfortable fit
  • Great for gifts, craft fairs, or everyday wear

Crochet toddler hat pattern details

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

Skill level

Beginner — This pattern uses basic stitches like double crochet and single crochet and is worked in the round from the top down.

Materials needed

  • Crochet hook — J-10 (6 mm)
  • Yarn — bulky weight yarn (#5), 1 skein
  • Yarn needle — for weaving in ends
  • Scissors — for finishing
  • Stitch marker — optional, for tracking rounds
  • Pom pom maker — optional
  • Tape measure — to check fit

Finished size

Designed to fit most toddlers. Always check gauge for best results.

  • Hat height: 7 inches (18 cm)
  • Head circumference: 18–20 inches (46–51 cm)

See my Crochet Hat Sizing Guide for full charts and measurement tips.

Gauge

4 rounds = 2.5 inches (6 cm) across, measured flat.

Too small? Try going up a hook size
Too big? Try going down a hook size

Crochet abbreviations

  • ch = chain
  • dc = double crochet stitch
  • sc = single crochet stitch
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • 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
  • Adjust length by adding or removing rounds before working the brim.
  • The pattern is written in US crochet terms
Free crochet toddler hat pattern for beginners featuring a simple top down beanie with ribbed brim

Crochet toddler hat pattern instructions

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make this crochet toddler hat pattern from the top down, starting with the crown and finishing with the ribbed brim.

Crown:

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc. (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 6–12: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (48 sts)

The ribbed brim will add about 1 inch to the height of the hat.

Brim:

Begin where you left off at the end of round 12.

picture tutorial for Lovable Loops

Step 1: Ch 5. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch. (4 sts)
Step 2: Sl st in the next 2 stitches along the edge of the hat.
Step 3: Turn your work clockwise.
Step 4: Do not ch. Sc in back loops only (BLO) across. (4 sts)
Step 5: Ch 1, sc BLO across. (4 sts)

Repeat Steps 2–5 all the way around the hat.

To finish, use a yarn needle to sew the two ends of the brim together.

Adding the pom pom

Make a pom pom using your pom maker:

  1. Wind yarn evenly around both arches.
  2. Cut the yarn along the center gap.
  3. Tie tightly with a piece of scrap yarn.
  4. Open the arches and remove the pom pom.
  5. Trim any uneven or loose ends.

Finishing

Once you’ve fastened off and added the pom pom (if you want), you’re done! This handmade hat makes a thoughtful gift, and it works up so quickly—you’ll want to make one in every color.

Finished crochet toddler hat pattern made with bulky yarn, featuring a ribbed brim and white pom pom

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this hat larger or smaller?
This pattern is written for a toddler size. For small adjustments, change your hook size or adjust the number of rounds before the brim.

What yarn works best for toddler hats?
Soft, washable bulky yarns work best. Acrylic or acrylic blends are durable and easy to care for.

Is this hat warm enough for winter?
Yes. Bulky yarn creates a thick, cozy fabric that works well for cold weather. You can also add a fleece lining for extra warmth.

Can I sell hats made from this pattern?
Yes! You may sell finished hats made from this crochet toddler hat pattern. Please credit Lovable Loops as the designer when possible.

More free crochet hat patterns

Looking for more crochet hat ideas? Browse my full collection of free crochet hat patterns for babies, kids, and adults. You’ll find everything from classic crochet beanies and cozy winter hats to playful animal hats and seasonal designs — all written with clear instructions and helpful sizing details.

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

Free crochet toddler hat pattern for beginners featuring a simple top down beanie with ribbed brim