Free Crochet Baby Hat Patterns Ideal for Beginners

I am a serious crochet addict. You will likely find me surrounded by my favourite yarn and with a few hooks in my hair.

The Easiest Baby Hat Pattern Ever (And More!)

I love crocheting baby hats and want to share with you my favourite free, easy patterns for beginners to help you crochet adorable gift-worthy Crocheted Gifts for a newborn.

I have included two very simple crochet baby hat patterns, which I designed especially for beginners to help you to create cute crochet items (even if you are just starting out on your crocheting journey).

One of the techniques does not even require you to be able to work in rounds; instead, you will work in rows. It lets you turn a rectangle into a hat!

Here you will find original patterns made either by me or designers I admire and patterns I have tried and tested myself.

I love the fact that these hats are so quick and easy to make.

You can go wild with colours, styles and finishing touches to create the perfect hat.

Learn How to Crochet Step by Step

If you have arrived at this article and want to make a hat but don't know how to, then I can recommend my article on learning to crochet.

I remember looking longingly at the many beautiful patterns online and wishing I could learn how to make them. When I started learning, I found it to be so easy, and I could not believe I had put it off for so long.

It really is easy to learn to crochet. I have put together step-by-step photos here for you to follow easily and to help all those who want to learn this wonderful pastime.

Easy Baby Hat Crochet Pattern (Single Crochet)

Baby Hat Pattern With a Bow

The inspiration for this little hat came from my niece, who had just given birth to a tiny preemie baby.

She was desperate for little hats to keep the baby's head warm. It is such a pleasure crocheting for someone you know.

I have made a few of these little hats for the first few weeks out of hospital. They are both warm and cosy.

Everyone who makes them are so surprised by how easy they are to make.

I have put together an easy pattern to follow, which you can adapt to any size you wish.

Once you make one, you can increase another couple of rounds to make the desired size. If you use a larger hook or thicker yarn, you are going to get a bigger size, too.

I love working this way as you can create beautiful, unique pieces that keep the little darling cosy and warm.

You can add a brim to keep them shaded from the sun and make a crocheted sun hat! The possibilities are endless, all starting from a simple pattern of increasing in every round.

Materials and Details

• Using a 4.00 mm UK hook or G6
• Baby Double Knit Yarn
• The terminology used is the US
• This hat is made in single crochet and started without a magic ring

Easy single Crochet Baby Hat Pattern (Free)

CH 3, to start working into the first chain you made

Rnd 1: 10 SC in

Rnd 2: 2 SC in each SC (20 SC). Do not join.

Add a marker to your beginning stitch.

(Thrifty Tip: I am currently using a hairpin! It's a great marker.)

Rnd 3: 1 SC in ea SC. 20 SC

Rnd 4: 1 SC in next ST 2 SC in next ST. 30 Single SC

Rnd 5: 1 SC in ea SC around. 30 Single SC

Rnd 6: SC INC every 3 Sts. 40 Single SC

Rnd 7: SC in ea SC around. 40 Single SC

Rnd 8: SC INC every 4 Sts 50 Single SC

Rnd 9: SC in ea ST around. 50 Single SC

Rnd 10–Rnd 16: SC in EA SC around until you get the length of your cap.

Rnd 17–Rnd 21: Sc in the Back Loops of each stitch

Bow Pattern

I created a simple bow:

Chain 20

Ch1 turn slip stitch into back loop of every stitch, chain 1 turn

Complete rows: I complete six rows here for this one. Finish off and leave a long end to use to attach to hat and pull the middle in.

NOTE I have added the photo below to help ensure you reach the desired crown Diameter for a newborn hat

A Beanie Hat Pattern for Baby

This little pink hat with crochet flowers is a totally adorable, versatile hat that is so easy to make. It is a simple beanie baby hat.

You can change how you wish to finish these little hats, and adding some little ribbons or crochet flowers takes them to super professional finished status in a flash.

I find the beanie type hats sell the best at craft fairs.

Easy Baby Hat in Double Crochet

Size

• Finished circumference 13"

Gauge

• 6 stitches and 5 rows = 2 inches in Double crochet.

Materials

• 4.50mm hook
• Worsted weight yarn
• Tapestry needle

Baby Hat Pattern

Ch 3 to start, work first round into the first chain you made.

Rnd 1: 10 dc into the first chain. Join with sl st to top of beg dc. (10 dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2dc in next st and in every st around. Join. (20 dc)

Rnd 3: Ch 2, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next. Repeat from*. Join. (30dc)

Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 2 st, 2 dc in next st.

Repeat from*. Join. (40)

Rnd 5-10: Ch 2, dc in every st around. Join (40dc)

Rnd 14: Ch 1, single crochet in every st around. Join. (40 dc)

Finish off and weave in ends. Decorate the little hat as you wish. Ensure everything is secure (I only used the button for taking pictures).

Reference Crochet Books for Design Tips and Techniques

My personal favourite book is The Crochet Bible which I still find useful even as an experienced crocheter. If I am designing something and want inspiration, I flick through this book and get great examples of stitches. I love the photos that clearly demonstrate the texture of the stitches, making it easier to choose a stitch or finish the garment.

The Crochet Bible takes you from start to finish, with some lovely projects in between

Roll-Top Brim Hat

This is really sweet for babies with its roll-top brim. The designer explains how you can make it bigger, too.

• Skill level: easy beginner
• Size: newborn to three months
• Stitches: single crochet, double crochet, slip st and chains

Aviator Style

This aviator hat is popular and very easy to crochet. At first glance, you think it would be difficult,

However you are just adding onto the basic baby beanie. Earflaps and Front.

I Love this style The baby's ears are covered with earflaps, and the extra flap at the front creates an aviator-style look.

I do love the flap finished off with the buttons,

It really was sweet.

I think this hat would look fantastic finished off in warm fuzzy fur too.

Photo gallery: Even more simple hats!

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© 2012 Lisa Auch

Comments

MaryAnn Thompson on August 25, 2020:

Where is the directions for the hat at the top of the page?

Janet Carol Green on June 02, 2019:

I would like to crochet newborn baby hats (beginner) to give to the hospital at Christmas

Alice on April 22, 2018:

Looking for a easy crochet bonnet for baby 4 months- but head is 14”- christening is in 6 days- I’m intermediate

Ty I love your work

Mary Pierner on April 03, 2018:

Lisa, I am making a pair of your baby mittens. Getting to the end and it says work 2 single crochet in each space and 1 single crochet in every half dbl crochet in the previous round. I feel kind of funny but I don't know how to do that.????

Dottie on March 17, 2018:

Your hats are adorable! I'll be making these. Thanks for sharing

janet McCready on April 23, 2017:

I had found your easy baby blanket quite a while ago, but lost my pattern, found it, am going to try and start it again. Am so excited. Glad I printed it out. Thank you so much.

Judy on March 19, 2017:

Thank you for all the wonderful patterns you give us

Jaybee on September 03, 2016:

Thank you for the baby hat pattern, it's the only one that worked for me that I found online.

Fran on February 17, 2016:

I'm a dyed-in-the-wood knitter and have been teaching seniors. I've found that many of my ladies already crocheted and would prefer to do that. My goal is to get them to make (knit or crochet) for charity and thought something small -- like a baby hat -- would be a great place to start. I've truly enjoyed the things you've posted here.

geri on February 10, 2016:

I adore the aviator cap with ear flaps but can't track down the pattern =(

Help!! It's for our charity kiosks in Toronto & Mississauga!!

ACORN member and crochet fiend.

karin on January 17, 2016:

Beautiful patterns . Thankyou for sharing. I am a beginner.

Sandra Del Mei on December 05, 2015:

They are just amazing and very easy i cant believe i made one with my daughter in just 1 and a half hours. Very easy! Amazing!

Kessy on July 29, 2015:

Beautiful baby hats. I already made one hat for my grand daughter .Step by step instructions very much helped. Thank you so much.

Lisa Auch (author) from Scotland on June 05, 2015:

thankyou for your kind words, crochet really is my passion :)

D J Cozzi from Chicago, Il on May 30, 2015:

Gorgeous hats, you're very talented. Thanks for sharing your talents.

Lisa Auch (author) from Scotland on January 17, 2015:

You can find the headband with heart here http://www.crochet-patterns-free.com/2013/01/croch...

Nancy on January 17, 2015:

wheres the pattern for the heart headband? Pretty please?

Lisa Auch (author) from Scotland on November 22, 2014:

http://www.crochet-patterns-free.com/2012/04/croch...

marvel on November 21, 2014:

I would like the Aviator Baby Hat pattern & I can't find it on this site?

Lisa Auch (author) from Scotland on October 14, 2014:

thank you Raintree Annie It is an ever growing favourite page for me and my collection of baby hats

Lisa Auch (author) from Scotland on October 14, 2014:

thank you Raintree Annie It is an ever growing favourite page for me and my collection of baby hats

RaintreeAnnie from UK on October 14, 2014:

Beautiful baby hats to crochet here Lisa. As you know I do not crochet but I can certainly appreciate these gorgeous designs. I love the two tone look as well and grey and pink together are lovely.

annieangel1 on October 14, 2014:

one of these days - I WILL learn how to crochet

Lisa Auch (author) from Scotland on October 11, 2014:

Dee you can find them all in one place here http://www.lisaauch.com/free-crochet-baby-hat-patt...

Dee on October 11, 2014:

loved your pictures of those baby hats. I would like to get the pattern for some of them.

Lisa Auch (author) from Scotland on June 25, 2014:

@hollihops: Brilliant if you have any request for any kind of hats please let me know and I can help you find some :)

hollihops on June 16, 2014:

I can't wait to get started. I am intending to make a lot of items for my granddaughters Guide troop to sell to raise funds for a big project they are involved in next summer. Great way to use up my odd balls of yarn. Thank you.

patinkc from Midwest on May 07, 2014:

These hats are so adorable!

Lisa Auch (author) from Scotland on May 05, 2014:

@suestasz: http://www.crochet-patterns-free.com/2012/05/quick...

suestasz on May 05, 2014:

I am looking for the pattern for one of the hats on ur picture carousel. Its a pink hat, square holes, scallop bottom, with a flower on it. It's a darker pink. Thanks

KelCan on April 27, 2014:

Great lens! Helped me find easy beginner crochet patterns and a gift for a baby shower at the same time! Thanks!

Anna from chichester on April 04, 2014:

Beautiful lens - love the patterns! Thanks :)

AnonymousC831 from Kentucky on March 26, 2014:

Very cute lens, great job.

phaubri on March 04, 2014:

Hi I am looking for this pattern is it a free pattern?

The Blueish colored hat with the rose colored flower above. Is it in small sizes?

Thank you

carter-heather on February 09, 2014:

Thanks! :)

maria-lynn-921 on February 05, 2014:

@carter-heather: you don't join the rounds you just keep crocheting in a spiral. use a stitch marker on the first stitch to help you keep track of where you are until you get used to crocheting in a spiral.

Lisa Auch (author) from Scotland on February 05, 2014:

@carter-heather: you are working in a spiral do not join at all...make sure you place the marker so you know where the first stitch of each round is.

carter-heather on February 05, 2014:

Hi - on the easy baby beanie pattern, you say not to join the first round. Why is that? and the rest of the rounds do not say join or not join, so I am a little counfused.

Thanks

dynoequip on January 04, 2014:

good!

VioletteRose LM on December 26, 2013:

looks nice!

Lisa Auch (author) from Scotland on December 10, 2013:

@pamela-detweiler-9: I have searched and searched for you and also cannot find a free pattern Sorry

pamela-detweiler-9 on December 01, 2013:

I am desperately trying to find a free pattern for an infant/newborn fox hat and diaper cover (w/ tail). I've researched the net, and I find those that require payment. I even found a pattern on Listia that had to be 'bid' on, like eBay... :( If you can help, please do? Many thanx! :)

chrisilouwho on November 18, 2013:

oh my goodness! the hat with the little ears - sooo cute!

Marinna on November 01, 2013:

Great lens!

Shelly Sellers from Midwest U.S.A. on October 08, 2013:

Oh my gosh, I love the monkey hat you crocheted!

hgb282 on October 04, 2013:

Very creative. These cute baby hats would make great baby shower gifts.

Renaissance Woman from Colorado on September 16, 2013:

Oh gosh, I need a baby, and you as my neighbor. I think these hats are so incredibly adorable. Wish I could walk over to your house for a fun crochet lesson. I would love to make these patterns as gifts. You maybe didn't know you were creating maternity urges when you published this lens. :-)

RuralFloridaLiving on September 09, 2013:

Very cute!

Lisa Auch (author) from Scotland on August 18, 2013:

@anonymous: You are goign to decrease 9 stitches AROUND the whole hat evenly

anonymous on August 17, 2013:

I am trying to crochet the newsboy hat but confused in row 11when you say decrease 9sts....could you explain. I'm kinda new to this. Thanks. Me email is lanclan1@hotmail.com

mahuffer on August 17, 2013:

Love your hats! You are so generous to share them. I am making caps for newborns and children in the nearby hospital. It's fun to work on these because they are so cute. Thank you!

RANADEEP on August 17, 2013:

Fantastic information here,thanks for sharing,keep up your good work!!

rattie lm on August 11, 2013:

These are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks you. Might give it a go.

anonymous on August 10, 2013:

Thank you. Will be making soon.

anonymous on July 24, 2013:

Thank you and they are lovely!

shana273 on July 23, 2013:

These hats are so cute!

anonymous on July 19, 2013:

I like the design and make as soon as I can.l

anonymous on June 26, 2013:

gorgeous!

nicolekato on June 14, 2013:

Great lens!!

aleesya_aqilah on May 29, 2013:

beautiful

Rose Jones on May 18, 2013:

I am not a crocheter - but these baby hats are just so cute! Aaahhhhhhhh Pinned to my baby board and blessed.

Sweetbunny LM on April 22, 2013:

Oh... Wish I had more time......

jockmanuela on April 16, 2013:

how sweet the hats are ... I think I'll even start with the knit. Great templates!

Klinetka on April 10, 2013:

That is so cute. Great patterns

Ana on March 25, 2013:

Absolutely:) There are so many cute hat patterns:) They are just adorable:) I especially liked you've given a lot of information on how to actually made one yourself:) Awesome lens:)

Sana139 on March 16, 2013:

I do like crocheting....good lens!! Nice patterns...

KyraB on March 15, 2013:

Just started learning how to crochet maybe after I master learning the stitches I'll try some of your patterns. Thank you so much for sharing! Adorable hats :)

lesliesinclair on March 10, 2013:

Yes, I like them all, although I'm not making any just now. However, I know where to look when I'm ready to crochet a baby hat.

anonymous on February 20, 2013:

Gee, you have managed to deliver a huge amount of information on one lens. Really fun to go through. Wish reading it would impart some skill to my fingers!

diy_fun on February 14, 2013:

Nice collection! Loved it.

chiptuning on February 02, 2013:

Really cute, thanks for the inspiration.

dynamite-one on February 01, 2013:

This is such a great lens with very valuable information and these are extremely cute :).

Love this post

ayan6001 on January 21, 2013:

These are really chweet..i love all of them..definitely give it a try.. :)

Genjud on January 20, 2013:

SOOOOO Cute!!!

accfuller on January 06, 2013:

These are absolutely adorable ... :)

mrdata on January 05, 2013:

MY wife likes them all. Thanks!

Neil Spencer from uk on December 16, 2012:

What a great lens this is and a very interesting read ;-)

maryseena on December 12, 2012:

a beautiful collection. I should come back and look at them again.

pretyfunky on December 07, 2012:

really cute

tophatpro on December 06, 2012:

These are so cute and would great gifts too!

dawnsnewbeginning on November 20, 2012:

I like the headbands for the little girls and the newsboy hat for the little boys!

anonymous on November 19, 2012:

Aw, so cute :)

shelleymax on November 16, 2012:

really cute...love the headbands..thanks

christianstores on November 15, 2012:

cool & cute! now i want to get one for my baby. great lens!

neotony on November 14, 2012:

babies in these crochet hats are so cute! so useful to make, even if you don't have a baby, you can always give them away, who wouldn't want one!

anonymous on November 14, 2012:

Hi, I am trying to find the pattern for the Riley Crochet Baby Hat, (adorable!!), but the link keeps taking me back to another pattern. Help!

StorkBabyGiftBa on November 13, 2012:

Love these adorable crochet hats, they would awesome baby gifts! Especially knowing someone took the time to hand-make them makes them extra special! Awesome lens, very informative...keep up the great work.

anonymous on November 13, 2012:

So very cute baby crochet hat patterns and the Baby is gorgeous as well.

dellgirl on November 08, 2012:

This is a wonderful lens, it is very helpful! I like the Free and easy Baby Crochet Hat Patterns. Thank you for sharing. ~Blessed~

kopox on November 03, 2012:

so cute :) i like it...

Mel Otero on November 03, 2012:

These little hats are adorable! My mom loved to crochet and made some extraordinary pieces during her lifetime.

Mamaboo LM on October 31, 2012:

I love your lens, as well as to crochet...be blessed!

AmitKumarSarkar88 on October 31, 2012:

So sweet woolen caps ..

anonymous on October 30, 2012:

These are all so cute! Thanks for a great lens :)

bo-abo on October 27, 2012:

great hand made :)

my wife like made like this in weekend :)

DDLewis on October 26, 2012:

Great resource for baby hats and headbands!! So cute!

EpicFarms on October 26, 2012:

Of course! "Free" is my favorite four-letter word ;o)

happynutritionist on October 22, 2012:

These are precious little hats and great free patterns. Love them!

DanielBrooks on October 17, 2012:

lovely hats...m sure my little angel, nyasa(my daughter) will love it

anonymous on October 01, 2012:

thanks for intresting lens it would be helpful for my aunt now she can create hat patterns for her baby