Landscape featured image showing a toddler modeling a peach crochet hat with a white pom pom beside bold text reading “Easy Crochet Toddler Hat” and “Free Pattern,” with Lovable Loops by Melissa Hassler branding.

Toddler hat crochet pattern

ByMelissa Hassler

Looking for a toddler hat crochet pattern that works up quickly? This beginner-friendly beanie is made from the top down with bulky weight yarn and simple double crochet stitches. A stretchy ribbed brim gives the hat a comfortable fit, while the optional pom pom adds a cute finishing touch.

This pattern is designed specifically for toddlers with an approximate 18–20 inch head circumference and a finished height of about 7 inches.

Quick answer
This toddler hat crochet pattern is worked from the top down using bulky weight yarn and a J-10 (6 mm) crochet hook. The main hat uses double crochet stitches, and the stretchy brim is worked sideways in back-loop-only single crochet.

Skill level: Beginner
Size: Toddler
Head circumference: Approximately 18–20 inches
Finished height: Approximately 7 inches
Yarn: Bulky weight #5
Hook: J-10 (6 mm)
Style: Top-down beanie with ribbed brim

Why you’ll love this toddler hat crochet pattern

  • Beginner friendly: Uses basic double crochet and single crochet 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

How this crochet toddler hat is constructed

The hat is worked from the top down in joined rounds. Increase rounds shape the crown, then even double crochet rounds create the body of the beanie.

The ribbed brim is worked sideways using back-loop-only single crochet and joined to the bottom edge of the hat as you go. An optional pom pom can be added after the brim is finished.

Toddler 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 basic stitches like double crochet and single crochet and is worked in the round from the top down.

Avoid frustration by learning the most common crochet mistakes beginners make and how to fix them.

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

Toddler hat size

This crochet toddler hat is designed to fit most toddlers with a head circumference of approximately 18–20 inches (46–51 cm).

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

For the best fit, measure the child’s head circumference whenever possible and check your gauge before beginning.

See my crochet hat sizing guide for full charts and measurement tips.

If you want a simple beanie pattern with more size options, my free basic crochet beanie pattern includes sizes from preemie through adult.

Gauge

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

If the crown is too large, try a smaller hook.
If the crown is too small, try a larger hook.

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

Crochet abbreviations

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
Pinterest pin featuring a toddler wearing a peach crochet pom pom hat beside bold text reading “Easy Toddler Crochet Hat,” “Free Pattern,” “Soft and Cozy,” and “Great for Little Ones.”

Toddler hat crochet pattern instructions

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to crochet this toddler hat from the top down. Start with the crown, work the double crochet body, then finish with the stretchy ribbed brim.

Crochet the crown and hat body

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.

Crochet the ribbed 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

What size toddler does this crochet hat fit?
This pattern is designed for a toddler head circumference of approximately 18–20 inches. The finished hat measures about 7 inches tall.

Is this toddler hat crochet pattern good for beginners?
Yes. The main hat uses basic double crochet stitches and simple increases. The ribbed brim uses back-loop-only single crochet.

What yarn is best for a toddler crochet hat?
A soft, washable bulky weight (#5) yarn works well. Bulky yarn creates a warm hat and helps the project work up quickly.

How do you crochet the ribbed brim?
The brim is worked sideways in rows of back-loop-only single crochet. Each section is attached to the bottom edge of the hat as you work around.

Can I leave off the pom pom?
Yes. The pom pom is optional and does not affect the fit or construction of the hat.

Can I make this toddler hat larger or smaller?
This pattern is written specifically for toddler size. For other sizes, use one of the linked all-size crochet beanie patterns instead of making major changes to this pattern.

More free crochet hat patterns

Looking for more hats for little ones? Browse my crochet baby and toddler hat patterns.

You can also browse my full collection of crochet hat patterns for more sizes and styles, or explore my crochet baby and child patterns for hats, blankets, 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

Pinterest graphic showing a toddler in a peach crochet beanie with a folded brim and white pom pom beneath text reading “Crochet Toddler Hat Pattern,” “Free Pattern,” and “Cute, Cozy, and Beginner Friendly.”