Hats are extremely important to babies! Whether they're going outdoors or not, a hat is a good accessory that keeps their head warm and safe from sunburns. Read on about these baby boy crochet hat patterns to learn more about crochet baby hat sizing, choosing the best yarn, and other information you need to know to crochet your own baby hats!
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What is the Best Yarn for Crocheting a Baby Hat?
Maybe more than any other project, items for babies require special care when considering the yarn to use. Usually, we want yarn for baby hats and other projects to be soft, durable, and machine-washable.
Luckily, there are more options out there than ever when it comes to good-quality yarns to use for baby projects. Here’s a quick overview.
Acrylic Yarn
Acrylic yarns make a great choice for crochet baby hats since they are easy to wash and will still look great after laundry. It’s also cheaper than most yarn, which can be a big plus since babies grow fast when they’re young.
One possible downside to acrylic yarns though could be that they are sometimes not that breathable and can be scratchy. That said, acrylic blend yarns may be better when they are combined with at least 10% natural fiber to help make them more breathable for the baby.
Suggested acrylic yarns:
- Bernat Softee Baby
- Red Heart Soft Baby Steps
- Caron Simply Soft
- Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
- Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Cotton Yarn
Cotton yarns tend to be more lightweight and are a great choice, particularly for summer stitching and use. They make a breathable and lightweight fabric and are easy to clean.
Suggested cotton yarns:
Wool Yarn
Wool yarn gives an extra touch of luxury feel to your piece and also makes projects that are super soft and warm. Choose superwash wool so the new parents can easily keep their new baby things looking good.
Suggested wool yarns:
What Types of Yarn Should You Avoid?
- Novelty yarn with glitter and/or sequins or anything that feels scratchy or could pose a choking hazard is highly discouraged for the safety of the baby.
- Yarns that tend to shed are also not recommended since they could also become a choking hazard.
- Lace weight yarn could also be dangerous as young babies could get their fingers stuck in the holes if the pattern is lacey. Most baby hat charities also do not recommend lace weight yarn.
How Much Yarn Do You Need to Crochet a Baby Hat?
Generally, for making hats for young babies you'll often need one ball of yarn or less, and for hats, for larger babies, you'll probably need two balls.
This would also vary depending on the weight of the yarn you will be using, hook size, crochet tension, etc. It’s best to check your pattern to see how much yarn the project calls for. But if you’re just out and shopping for yarn, here’s a good starting guide:
| Preemie hat | 35 to 40 grams |
| Newborn hat | 40 to 50 grams |
| 3-6 months hat | 45 to 50 grams |
| Older baby hat | 50 to 60 grams |
| Toddler hat | 60 to 70 grams |
How Long Does it Take to Crochet a Baby Hat?
Crochet baby hats make great projects for beginners since they are small and often use simple stitch patterns. For beginners, it would probably take about an hour or less to complete a crocheted hat for a baby. The time it takes to crochet a baby hat would greatly depend on the size and difficulty of the pattern, and also the skill level of the one making it.
Baby Hat Sizes
| AGE | STANDARD HEAD SIZE | FINISHED HAT CIRCUMFERENCE | DISTANCE FROM CROWN TO EARS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preemie | 12” | 10.5 – 12” | 4 – 4.5” |
| Newborn | 10” | 11.5 – 13” | 4.5 – 5” |
| Baby | 14” | 12.4 – 14” | 5 – 5.5” |
| Toddler | 16” | 14.5 – 16” | 5.5 – 6” |
Measuring a Baby’s Head Size
Everybody has a different head size, especially infants. If you're crocheting a hat for a particular child, you might wish to take measurements to determine the size range for your hat project.
Wrap a flexible tape measure (made of cloth or plastic) around the widest part of the head, above the ears, and over whatever hair the baby may have. The tape measure needs to be snug.
Use my step by step video classes to learn everything you need to know about making any type of crochet hat. Check out the course here free for 2 days.
What is Negative Ease?
Negative ease is a term used in crochet and knitting where the measurement of the finished product is smaller than the actual measurement. In this instance, the finished hat's band is generally smaller than the baby's head size. The “completed hat circumference” column of the chart above shows where this is taken into account.
Because the yarn is stretchy, working with negative ease means the hat will need to stretch a bit when worn but will hug the head snuggly.
When making hats for children and babies rather than for adults, it is recommended to use less negative ease. This is due to a baby's tendency to grow at an unforeseen rate. You definitely want to make sure the hat fits for longer than a day since you put a lot of effort and love into making it. The completed circumference for a baby should be closer to their actual measurement than it would be for an adult hat. And of course, you can stitch to the actual head circumference or even larger and start out with a somewhat slouchy hat the child can grow into.
Best Crochet Stitches for Baby Hats
You can crochet a baby hat, or any hat, with any stitch pattern or patterns that you like. This collection of patterns features all sorts of stitches too. It's great to know the basic crochet stitches to get you started. Here are some of the best crochet stitches you can use for making baby hats and other baby accessories.
If you’re looking for even more stitch patterns to play with, our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library offers 45 crochet stitches with video tutorials so you’re sure to stitch them right the first time.
Single Crochet (sc)
Rows of single crochet will create dense fabric which is perfect for baby hats. This will help minimize wide gaps or unintended holes in your piece. It’s great for keeping little heads warm!
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Half double crochet stitches are easy to learn for beginners. This basic stitch is great at creating a tight and dense fabric that is perfect for baby hats. It’s a little airier than single crochet but still nice for cold weather.
Double Crochet (dc)
Double crochet is one of the fundamental stitches that every crocheter should know. This stitch works up pretty quickly and can also create a somewhat dense fabric with a nice drape.
Puff Stitch
Puff stitches are great for adding texture to your hat and these stitches also create a good sensory experience for a baby’s hands to explore and enjoy.
V Stitch
This stitch is great for creating lighter fabric, making it great for summer or warm-weather baby hats.
Notions and Tools Needed to Crochet a Baby Hat
The basic tools and notions you’ll need to crochet a shawl are yarn, the corresponding crochet hook for your yarn, scissors, and a yarn needle to weave in the ends.
You may also find it helpful to have a tape measure to keep track of your progress. It’s best to make sure of the size of your hat so that it’s not too tight or too loose on the baby’s head. Stitch markers can be useful to mark the ends of rows or to help you know which rows you need to make increases while crocheting in the round.
And don’t forget a pom-pom (or you can make your own with a pom-pom maker) to add a little extra touch of cuteness – even for boys!
Easy Baby Boy Crochet Hat Patterns
These basic beanie patterns are perfect for baby boys and beginning stitchers, or those who are just looking for a fast, fun baby gift.
Crochet Slouchy Baby Beanie
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Check out this simple and easy crochet beanie pattern that can be made in six different sizes! A little slouchy at the back, but also not too big. It's just the right fit for your baby.
Newborn Hat Crochet Pattern
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Vanna’s Choice
Looking for a crochet hat pattern to make for a newborn baby? Check out this free hat pattern that'll make the perfect gift for a baby shower! This crochet hat is super easy and trust me, it'll look super cute when the baby wears it. Of course, you can leave off the crochet flower if you want to, but flowers are fine for boys, too, if you ask us!
Crochet Newborn Hat
Designer: Amanda Crochets
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
This crochet hat is a great beginner-friendly pattern that uses basic stitches. It can also be resized into larger sizes if you wish. There are four different sizes to choose from and you can also customize the colors however you want!
The Perfect Basic Beanie Pattern
Designer: April’s Archive
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
This crochet baby hat, just as the name suggests, is the perfect basic beanie for beginners to crochet. It's super simple and looks great. This basic hat also makes great charity hats to be shared with everyone too.
The Hive Beanie
Designer: Hook and Stein, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
All sizes, yarn types, and hook sizes can be used to make this fun hat. You can make a beanie to fit everyone with general directions! This beanie is unisex and is constructed from the bottom up.
Double Pom Pom Hat Pattern
Designer: Maria’s Blue Crayon
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
This crochet hat may be one of the easiest hats you'll ever make! It's basically constructed as a rectangular tube with cute little added pom poms at the tips. Play around with different colors to create different styles and fun looks for your kids.
Crochet Sweet Baby Hat Pattern
Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn weight: (2) Fine
Suggested yarn: DROPS Baby Merino
The Sweet Baby hat is another great crochet hat pattern to make for newborn babies and it comes with instructions for sizes from preemie up to 1-year old. It's super soft and squishy that any baby would feel warm and snug wearing it.
Herringbone Baby Hat
Designer: Yarn and Chai
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Cascade Longwood
This pattern uses a beautiful stitch called the Herringbone Half Double Crochet in a continuous spiral that creates a nice texture and fabric for your hat. You can also embellish your hat at the end with a cute little pompom.
Wide Brim Baby Beanie Crochet Pattern
Designer: Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Satin
This super quick and easy pattern has a nice and stretchy ribbing that sits cozily around your tiny tot's ears, keeping him warm and snug. This hat design is great for charity donations too!
Child Size Easy 30-Minute Beanie Crochet Pattern
Designer: Heart Hook Home
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Looking for a quick and easy crochet pattern? Check out this easy crochet beanie pattern that you can make in just 30 minutes! This pattern works up so fast that you can make two of them before breakfast!
Puff Stitch Crochet Hat Pattern
Designer: MJ’s Off The Hook Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
The Pebble Puff Stitch crochet hat is another easy crochet hat pattern that's worked from the bottom up. It's modern and stylish and can be made for everyone in the family as the pattern comes in different sizes from newborns to adults.
Spring Beanie Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Noelebelle Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier DK Colors
If you're looking to make matching Mommy & Me or Daddy & Me beanie sets for you and your child, then look no further! This crochet beanie comes in eight different sizes and is lightweight enough to wear during spring and soft and warm enough to wear during winter. Making it a perfect versatile accessory for everyone!
Crochet Baby T Hat Pattern
Designer: Daisy Farm Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
What better way to welcome a new member into the family than with a handmade crocheted hat just for him! This pattern uses super soft yarn and can be customized to any color and size you want. The stripes add to the cuteness but you can make it in a solid color or use a self-striping yarn if you’d rather.
Here We Go Again Hat
Designer: Oombawka Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Berroco Vintage Chunky
Check out this free crochet hat pattern that also comes with a matching scarf set! This hat is worked widthwise with joined rows starting from the top down. There is also a photo tutorial if you need a guide while crocheting your hat.
Boutchou Baby Hat Crochet Pattern
Designer: Knitting with Chopsticks
Yarn weight: (4) Aran
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
There's nothing more heartfelt than a homemade crochet accessory that was specially made for someone special. This crochet baby hat is both cute and functional and it works for any gender. It also comes in different sizes from newborn to adult so you can make matching sets for the baby's siblings and parents too!
Crochet Bobble Baby Beanie Free Pattern
Designer: Maisie and Ruth
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Bernat Baby Sport
This Crochet Bobble Baby Beanie is fashionable as well as warm and functional. Everyone will definitely adore the way it looks! It has the most beautiful texture and is so soft and squishy. The raised bobbles will also provide the baby with a wonderful sensory experience.
V Stitch Striped Beanie
Designer: Natalia Pleshko, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Super Value
This simple pattern uses V-stitch stripes to create its lovely design. You'll start at the crown and work your way down using double crochets and V-stitches. There are three kids sizes to choose from as well!
Crochet Pom Pom Beanie
Designer: Crochet n Crafts
Yarn weight: (3)
Suggested yarn: Bernat Baby Sport
With its ribbed design and two-tone colorway, this crochet pom pom beanie works with any outfit! It works up really quick and makes a great baby shower gift if you're in a hurry. You can also easily customize the hat size to fit any head.
Jasmine Beanie Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Ned & Mini
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Satin
The Jasmine Beanie is an easy crochet hat pattern that is worked top down. The design is meant to fit a couple of different head sizes with its stretchy fit. You can make this hat in one solid color or make it striped by mixing and matching different colors to your liking.
Animal Themed Baby Boy Crochet Hat Patterns
There’s nothing cuter than a baby boy hat with little ears or a face designed to look like an animal! Level up the cuteness with these adorable animal crochet baby hats.
Crochet Polar Bear Hat Pattern
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Loops & Threads Charisma Yarn
This little crochet hat is just too cute for words! It's simple and made with bulky weight yarn so it works up pretty quickly too and is perfect for a baby boy or girl. There are detailed instructions on how to make each part of the hat as well as how to assemble them
Baby Bear Hat Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Love Life Yarn
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
Here's another cute baby hat pattern and this time, it's part of a baby bear set with matching mitts and booties! Any baby would absolutely look ten times even more adorable wearing this handmade hat.
Baby Bear Beanie Crochet Pattern
Designer: Adele Uyan Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK
What could be cuter than a baby wearing a baby bear hat? As it is an easy project, it is ideal for beginners to try out. Although a plain beanie can also be made using the same design, I find that the bear ears truly make the hat.
Crochet Baby Hat Pattern
Designer: Crochet Dreamz
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Blanket
This crochet hat pattern is perfect for beginners and uses only basic stitches. Among tons of cute crochet hats for babies out there, this one will make a great addition to your baby boy hat collection.
Crochet Lamb Hat Pattern
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
What could be cuter than dressing up your little one in adorable animal hats? Make this crochet lamb hat for a sweet little baby in preparation for their arrival or as a cute gift for a baby shower.
Grizzly Mountain Crochet Bear Hat Pattern
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
This free crochet pattern combines texture and color to create a cute yet classic look that the whole family would enjoy! This hat is just as warm as it is stylish and its texture and softness make it super cozy and durable during the cold months of the year.
Kitty and Puppy Beanies
Designer: Gracefully Made Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Crochet animal hats will always look cute on any baby or child. If you're a cat or dog lover, you'd surely love this pattern design! Making different shaped ears and working them in different colors opens up lots of possibilities for what kinds of animals they can be, too.
Sweet Bee Preemie Beanie
Designer: Mel Crochets
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream
Preemie hats are super sweet and so necessary to keep little ones warm. This simple pattern uses double crochet stitches for the body and half double crochets to create the shell border at the bottom.
Dinosaur Spike Hat Crochet Pattern
Designer: Lovable Loops
weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Here's another great beginner crochet hat pattern for your little man and this time, it's a dinosaur! You can also choose to make that hat with or without the earflaps and switch up the colors if you'd like.
Other Novelty Crochet Hat Patterns
These baby boy crochet hat patterns aren’t inspired by animals, but they are cute enough to merit their own category. From tiny sun hats and fedoras to leprechaun hats and more, you’re sure to find something you love in this group.
Crochet Football Earflap Hat Pattern
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Here's another quick pattern for the football fans out there! This pattern can be made in seven sizes from newborn size to teen/adult. It's great to make matching ones for the whole family!
Crochet Baby Newsboy Cap Pattern
Designer: Pretty Darn Adorable
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
Newsboy hats are so cute and bring a little bit of a vintage feel to a baby's wardrobe. This pattern includes multiple sizes for you to customize your hat. The hat works up pretty fast so you can also make this hat if you're looking for a quick project to whip up during your spare time.
Newborn Leprechaun Hat Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Green Fox Farm Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
This sweet Leprechaun Crochet Baby Hat is easy to make and is perfect for babies born in early March, just in time for St. Patrick's Day! It makes the perfect photo prop as well or a fun nursery decor. This hat is so fun to make and we hope you will enjoy crocheting it too!
Green Ears Crochet Hat Pattern
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Tuff Puff
This fun hat is perfect for keeping your little one's ears head all cozy and warm during the cold season and also, it makes a great hat for Halloween! If you need a visual guide, this pattern also has a video tutorial so you can easily follow along.
Warm Yoda Baby Hat
Designer: Krupskaja, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Chic Sheep
Check out this warm and stretchy baby hat designed like Yoda's ears! This fun hat is great for dressing up your baby, or use this hat baby's first Halloween costume! It's super quick and should be easy for beginners to make.
Little Man Crochet Sun Hat
Designer: Traverse Bay Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream
This cute little man crochet sun hat is perfect for protecting your little boy's head from the rays of the sun. It's so adorable and works up pretty quick! This pattern also comes in five different sizes so you can get the right fit for your baby's head.
Crown Preemie and Newborn Hat
Designer: Jessica Robbins, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
Make this cute crown hat for the sweet little preemie prince or princess in your life. This project also makes a great donation hat to the babies in the NICU. Make sure to check the NICU's requirements first before donating should you have any plans to do so.
Crochet Baby Bonnet
Designer: Adore Crea
Yarn weight: (2) Fine
Suggested yarn: DROPS Baby Merino
Crochet baby accessories are so fun to make and they bring lots of joy to expectant mothers with a personal and handmade gift. This crochet bonnet is super easy to make and is great for beginners. If you know some of the basic crochet stitches, this pattern is a piece of cake!
Fedora Hat Crochet Pattern
Designer: Posh Patterns
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Bulky
This Crochet Fedora hat is perfect for any little boy or girl and also makes a great gift that any new mom would appreciate. All it takes is one skein of yarn to make so you don't have to worry about running out!
Ear Flap Hat Patterns
Ear flap hats are not only adorable for little boys, but they’re also practical as they add a little extra warmth.
Little Lindy’s Aviator Hat Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Make your little one this cute aviator-style hat to keep them warm when winter comes in for a landing! Choose any neutral-toned yarn for a classically handsome look. Or you could also customize the colors to match your baby's personality.
Heart Throb Hat
Designer: The Crochet Fox
Yarn weight: (3) Sport
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Baby Alpaca
The Heartthrob Crochet hat is a must-have baby essential. Its cute little earflaps are both soft and warm and perfect for fall or winter for your tiny tot. It also makes a wonderful baby shower gift!
Seamless Earflap Hat
Designer: Lindsey Carr, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Here's another great basic earflap hat pattern that is designed to be worked in continuous rounds. There are six different sizes to choose from for your little one. Add braids at the ends of the flaps to add even more style to your hat.
Are You a Beginner Crochet Who Would Like Some Extra Help to Learn How to Crochet?
When starting to learn crochet, it’s not easy to get all the stitches right away. We’ve all been there. There’s always a learning curve and sometimes it helps to have a little extra help.
If you’re looking for some guidance in learning how to crochet, check out the Crochet Fundamentals course! It’s a series of professionally filmed video tutorials that will walk you through the foundations of crochet and help practice your crochet skills.
Learn from expert crochet instructors and connect with designers and crafters as well. And the best part… you can attend from anywhere in the world from the comfort of your home!
Obtain the confidence you need to start and complete your next crochet project without stress. Have a relaxing time crocheting while you master these different fundamentals of crochet.
Looking for more great crochet ideas, I highly recommend the: 33 Free and Easy Small Crochet Flower Patterns, 40+ Stylish Crochet Hat and Beanie Patterns for All Seasons, 30+ Dinosaur Crochet Patterns
