Crochet hats make great and easy winter accessories. Whether you’re looking for an easy crochet slouch hat pattern or an easy crochet beanie hat pattern to keep your child’s head warm, we’ve found 38 lovely free childrens crochet hat patterns to try.
How Long Does it Take to Crochet a Child’s Hat?
Crochet hats come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, so the amount of time it takes to make a hat will vary. The size of the hat you are making, the weight of the yarn, the complexity of the pattern, and your skill level all play a role in how long it will take to crochet a hat.
In general, though, basic hats for little kids should only take a couple of hours to crochet.
Best Yarn to Use for Crocheting a Child’s Hat
Acrylic Yarn
Acrylic yarns tend to be inexpensive, widely available, and come in a great variety of colors. Make sure the yarn you use is soft to the touch, especially for babies.
Acrylic yarns are also machine washable, which is always a good thing when kids are involved. Acrylics can be a bit scratchy and they aren’t as breathable as natural fibers, which can make a little one’s head too hot.
To help make hats more breathable for little ones, look for an acrylic wool blend with at least 10 percent wool.
Cotton Yarn
Cotton yarns are an excellent option because they tend to be lighter and are perfect for summer. They produce a lightweight, breathable fabric that is also easy to clean.
Cotton hats can get a little heavy, so cotton yarn is a great choice for hats with openwork stitches, which will also be more breathable when the weather is hot.
Wool Yarn
Wool yarn adds a touch of added luxury to your work and enables you to make warm and soft creations. Some people find wool and other animal fibers itchy, so make sure you rub the yarn on your neck or the inside of your wrist to make sure it’s soft.
Wool is not naturally machine washable, so to make it easier if you’re making a hat as a gift for someone else’s child, look for superwash wool.
A worsted weight yarn is a great option for children’s hats because it’s not too thick or too thin. It’s easy to work with and will keep kids warm.
Things to Think About When Choosing Yarn
Avoid yarn that contains glitter and sequins or anything that’s not smooth which could irritate the wearer of the hat if it’s too itchy.
Don’t use novelty yarns or other fibers that shed, as the leavings could be a choking hazard for little ones. Also if you are crocheting hats for young children, avoid lacy, openwork patterns that kids could get their fingers caught in.
Typical Measurements for a Child’s Hat
Though the dimensions of your crochet hat are totally up to you, here are some of the typical measurements of children’s hat to get you started if you don’t have the kid you’re stitching for handy to measure.
| SIZE | HAT CIRCUMFERENCE | CROWN WIDTH | HAT HEIGHT |
| Preemie | 11-13 in | 3-3.5 in | 4 in |
| 0-3 months | 13-14 in | 4-4.5 in | 5-5.5 in |
| 3-6 months | 14-15 in | 5 in | 6 in |
| 6-12 months | 15.5-16.5 in | 5.25 in | 6.25 in |
| 12-24 months | 16-18 in | 5.5-6 in | 6.5-7 in |
| Toddler (1-3 years old) | 18-19 in | 6 in | 7-7.5 in |
How Do You Measure a Child’s Head?
Babies have much more variety in head size than older kids, so you might want to take their head measurements if you can in order to choose the best size for your hat.
To measure the head, a flexible tape measure should be wrapped around the child’s head where the hat’s brim will sit. If the hat goes over their ears, include the ears in the measurement. Also, make sure to account for the child’s hair. The tape measure should be snug around the child’s head to get the right measurement.
Children’s hats are typically stitched about an inch smaller than the actual head measurement. Yarn and crochet stitches are stretchy, so this ensures a good fit. Of course, you can make the hat any size you like if you want a more relaxed look.
What are the Best Stitches for Children’s Crochet Hat Patterns?
Any stitch pattern you choose can be used to crochet a child’s hat or any other type of hat. There are many different stitches included in this collection of patterns, or you can choose a stitch you like to create a unique hat.
Knowing the basic crochet stitches can help you get started making your first crochet hat. Here are a few of our favorite stitches for making crocheted hats:
- Single crochet (sc): Single crochet produces a dense fabric that is ideal for hats. This will reduce the likelihood of your piece having large gaps or accidental holes. It does wonders to keep little heads warm and toasty.
- Half double crochet (hdc): For beginners, half double crochet is simple to learn. This fundamental stitch works well to produce a tight, dense fabric that is ideal for hats.
- Double crochet (dc): One of the basic stitches that every crocheter should be familiar with is double crochet. Double crochet stitches are a little more open so it won’t be quite as warm. It has a nice drape and works up quickly.
- V-Stitch: The V-stitch is perfect for summer hats for kids because it produces an open and airy fabric.
- Puff Stitch: Puff stitches are excellent for adding texture to your hat and giving a thick and cozy look.
Our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library has 45 crochet stitches with video instructions you can learn and use for your children’s hats or any other projects you want to make.
39 Free Children’s Hat Crochet Patterns
Easy Crochet Hat Patterns for Kids
The Easiest Crochet Beanie
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy
You’ve found the right pattern if you’re seeking a simple crochet pattern for an adult, toddler, or baby hat that can be completed in an hour or two. Seven sizes, from newborn to adult, are covered by the directions for this beginner’s design.
Basic Beanie
Designer: Lovable Loops
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Vanna’s Choice
This basic beanie is super easy to complete. The pattern comes in five sizes from preemie to adult and is perfect for beginners to try.
Kid’s Vintage Hat Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Stylecraft Special Aran
This kid’s vintage hat is ideal for little girls if you want to bring back the classic beauty vibes in their winter wardrobe. This simple round crochet hat looks amazing and has a wonderful crochet flower attached to the side!
Cluster V Stitch Baby Hat
Designer: Crochet For You Blog
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
Here’s a nice textured crochet kid’s hat pattern that’s made using the Cluster V Stitch. That pattern is very detailed and it even teaches you how to make your hat in any size.
Seamless Earflap Hat
Designer: Lindsey Carr, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Cakes
Here’s another cute and easy hat to keep your kid’s head warm. This hat is crocheted by working in continuous rounds to avoid a visible seam down the back. You can use this pattern as is or you can add ears and other details to make it an animal.
Easy Child Size Bucket Hat Pattern
Designer: Heart Hook Home
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
Bucket hats have become super trendy these days. Here’s a cute bucket hat pattern that’ll protect your little one’s head from the hot rays of the sun. And it uses less than one skein of yarn to make!
Crochet Beanie
Designer: Crochet Dreamz
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky
This crochet hat pattern is made using a stitch similar to the star stitch and is very simple to make, which makes it a great project for beginners. It also works up super quick so it makes it great as a last minute gift idea. It’s sized from toddlers to adult.
Jasmine Beanie
Designer: Ned and Mimi
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Comfort
This pretty hat has a lot of texture and can be worked in a solid color or with stripes added. The pattern is sized from baby to adult but each size fits a variety of heads with more or less snugness.
Simple Crochet Baby Hat with Ruffle
Designer: Urbaki Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Here we have a video tutorial on how to make this Simple Crochet baby hat with ruffles. This sun hat is a perfect project for beginners and it will definitely protect your baby from the sun and keep them looking cute, too.
Children’s Crochet Hat Patterns with Animal Designs
Lady Bug Hat
Designer: Shooting Star Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Check out this adorable crochet hat pattern that you can make to dress up your child as a cute little ladybug! What a fun and easy addition to a handmade hat!
Crochet Shark Hat Pattern
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
If your kid is an avid shark fanatic, then they’ll surely love this crocheted shark hat! It would also make a fun costume to wear on Halloween or just to keep your kid’s head warm and cozy during the winter or fall.
Kitty Cat Face Hat
Designer: Nana’s Crafty Home
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Maker Home Dec
If your kid loves anything cat related, then they’ll surely love this crocheted kitty cat hat! The pattern comes in five different sizes so everyone in the family can wear one.
Red Heart Sweet Lamb Crochet Hat
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft Essentials
This cute crochet lamb hat is made using the bobble stitch, which adds a textured look to the hat. This adorable hat would look super cute on your sweet little lamb!
Grizzly Mountain Crochet Bear Hat Pattern
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
This hat has a classic look that combines interesting texture and color to come up with one great hat. This hat is warm and cozy as well as stylish and the suggested yarn guarantees the hat will keep your kiddo toasty even throughout the cold months.
Crochet Puppy Hat Pattern
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Here’s another adorable animal hat and this time it’s for dog lovers! This hat can be made just with the basic stitches like single crochet stitches, double crochet, and half double crochet so it’s a great project for the beginner or advanced crocheter.
Woodland Fox Crochet Hat
Designer: Traverse Bay Crochet
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Loops and Threads Charisma
The Woodland Fox Crochet hat has a cute design and is a fast and easy project to make. The bulky yarn makes it extra cozy. The pattern comes in sizes for baby, toddlers, children, and adults.
Free Dinosaur Hat Crochet Pattern
Designer: Lovable Loops
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
For the kid who loves dinosaurs, this crochet hat is perfect! We love the cute little dinosaur spikes that run down the hat. This pattern is really easy and works up quickly, making it another great beginner project.
Winnie the Pooh Crochet Hat Pattern
Designer: Tiny Moon
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Loops and Threads Charisma
Here’s a great character themed crochet kid’s hat! It’s Winnie the Pooh, the bear who’s crazy about honey! This pattern uses basic stitches to make a wonderful hat that’ll surely keep your kid’s head warm and cozy when in the cold.
Puppy Crochet Hat
Designer: Si Nanay Madel
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
Who could resist this ever-so-adorable puppy face? This pattern comes in various sizes, so you can make matching hats to wear with your kid if you want.
Crochet Tiger Hat Pattern
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Dress up your little one with this adorable tiger crochet hat! The ear flaps are perfect for keeping your kid’s ears warm. It’s also a great hat to wear when rooting for a sports team that has a tiger as a mascot.
Crochet Mandrake Baby Hat
Designer: Whistle & Ivy
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
This adorable crocheted baby mandrake hat makes a quick and adorable Halloween costume! There are directions for making a mandrake hat and a printable Mandrake label that you can iron onto a plain onesie. Don’t forget to protect your ears!
Textured Children’s Crochet Hat Patterns
Raspberry Crumble Hat
Designer: Fiber Flux
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Ferris Wheel
This gorgeous crochet hat is made using the unique star stitch and a lovely, self-striping yarn. These rows of beautiful textured stitches have a lovely raised look.
Camdyn Cable Crochet Hat
Designer: Lakeside Loops
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
With just a crochet hook, you can achieve that lovely and traditional cable-knit effect! This warm crocheted cable hat is substantial and fashionable. The pattern includes sizes for newborns, babies, toddlers, kids, and adults. It’s perfect for teens who like a classic look, too!
La Vie En Rose Baby Hat
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
Check out this sweet ski hat crochet pattern that can be made for babies and adults! It’s simple yet stylish and makes a warm and toasty hat that’s great for family ski trips or wherever winter takes you.
Puff Stitch Crochet Hat
Designer: Crochet Beja
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
This video tutorial (it has English subtitles) will help you learn how to create the puff stitch and make this pretty and bold hat with a braided look.
Criss Cross Beanie
Designer: Loops and Love Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Stripes
This simple beanie is made with self striping yarn that gives a cool ombre effect to the finished hat that looks amazing! There is also a step-by-step photo tutorial to help you with the fun stitch pattern used.
Henley Crochet Cable Heart Hat
Designer: Lakeside Loops
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Check out this crochet cable heart hat that comes in five sizes, from toddler to adult. Have fun with different color combinations for the base color and the heart.
Chunky Children’s Free Crochet Hat Patterns
Crochet Beanie Pattern
Designer: Joy of Motion Crochet
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
Who doesn’t like a quick and easy slouchy crochet beanie pattern? One great thing about this pattern is that it is crocheted from the top down, which means you can’t stop anytime when you think it’s slouchy enough to your liking. Sized from 12-18 months and up.
Backcountry Beanie
Designer: Christa Co Design
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Serenity Chunky
The Backcountry Beanie is one of the coziest crochet hats you can make, and it’s super quick and easy! As this beanie uses chunky yarn, it works up super fast which makes it a quick gift. The finished hat also has a nice and soothing squishy feel that’s fun to feel.
Chunky Hat Crochet Pattern
Designer: Ned and Mimi
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Bulky
This chunky crochet hat is quite different from the typical crochet hats we’ve seen so far. It is worked from side to side, so the ribbing is stitched at the same time as the body of the hat. It’s easy to customize the width because you can wrap it around your/your child’s head as you go. Make it a messy bun hat or a regular cap.
Easy Peasy Chunky Slouch
Designer: Two Brothers Blankets
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Parfait Chunky
Just as its name suggests, this crochet hat is super easy to make! This slouchy beanie comes in three sizes for toddlers, children, and adults. All you’ll need to know is the beginner crochet stitches and you’re good to go!
Shell Beanie
Designer: Crystalized Designs
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Loops and Threads Charisma
If you’re looking for a quick project to whip up for a last-minute baby shower or holiday gift, then you might want to give this hat pattern a try. You can make this hat with any leftover bulky category yarn to achieve its unique stripes and colorway.
Granite Stitch Hat Cowl Set
Designer: Blackstone Designs
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Berroco Vintage Chunky
This crochet hat is made using the granite stitch (also known as the moss stitch or linen stitch). The finished hat looks super gorgeous and chic, it would go well with any of your child’s outfits while providing them with plenty of warmth.
Chunky Yarn Crochet Hat Pattern
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Loops and Threads Charisma
This chunky crochet hat pattern has a great relaxed fit, nice texture and fun stitches to try. If you know how to half double crochet, then you’ll easily get the hang of the modified half double crochet stitch used for this hat.
River Run Slouch Crochet Pattern
Designer: A Crocheted Simplicity
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
If you’re looking for a new winter hat to keep your kid’s head nice and warm during the cold months, then the River Run Slouch is a great project to try! It uses less than a skein of yarn and works up in just two hours.
Ribbed Children’s Crochet Hat Patterns
1-Hour Easy Child’s Crochet Hat
Designer: Make and Do Crew
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
In a rush to find a quick gift? Why not crochet a handmade gift that you can make in just an hour or so? Well look no further, this project fits the bill! This crochet hat is perfect for beginners as it is made from just a simple rectangle.
Gracelynn Ribbed Hat Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: The Stitchin Mommy
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Furls DK Whims Merino
Here’s another simple ribbed crochet beanie that looks simple, but will keep your kid warm and toasty over the winter. The suggested yarn to use is super soft and amazing to work with as well, but you can use whatever DK yarn you have available.
Bernat Adorable Pom Pom Crochet Hat
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Softee Baby Chunky
Check out this ribbed crochet hat that has huge puffy pom poms that look kind of like animal ears. The finished hat is super soft, your kid would probably want to wear it all the time!
Free Crochet Ribbed Hat Pattern
Designer: Pretty Darn Adorable
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
This crochet ribbed hat has a classic design that almost looks like knitting and is great for anyone to wear. The pattern comes in eight sizes so it’s fully customizable to your preferred size.
Need Help Making These Crochet Children’s Hat Patterns?
In general, hats are pretty easy projects for beginners, but they do sometimes include some techniques you might not know as a beginner such as working in the back loop, post stitches or increases and decreases.
If you’ve found a pattern you want to make but you aren’t quite sure what it’s asking you do to, our Crochet Fundamentals course is here to help. These quick video lessons cover all the basics and beyond so you can tackle any crochet project you want to make with ease.
