Making a crochet hat for a toddler is always a fun project. It's the perfect quick project to get done within the day if you're in the need for a last-minute handmade gift or if you want to make matching sets for you and your little one.
Kids love dressing up in fun hats and we've got a lot of great patterns in store. These adorable toddler crochet hat patterns come in all shapes and sizes, there's definitely something for you!
How Do You Measure a Toddler's Head for a Crochet Hat?
To measure a child's head to get their head circumference, wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of the head, which is usually around the forehead and ears.
Alternatively, if you don't have a soft measuring tape, you can use a string to wrap around the head and mark the points where the string intersects. After doing so, lay the string flat and use a ruler or steel tape measure to get the head circumference measurement.
Size Chart
Don’t know where to start in sizing your crochet hat? Here’s a size chart that shows the average crochet hat size for five different age groups. If you're not sure how big the recipient's head is, this is a great place to start.
Additionally, if you do know the recipient's head size and it differs somewhat from the average for their age group, make sure to make the needed adjustments to the the hat size.
| Age | Head Circumference (inches) | Hat Circumference (inches) | Crown Diameter (inches) | Hat Height (inches) |
| Preemie | 9”-12” | 8.5”-11” | 2”-3” | 3”-4” |
| 0-3 months | 13”-14” | 12”-13” | 3.5”-4.5” | 4”-5” |
| 3-6 months | 15” | 14” | 5” | 5.5” |
| 6-12 months | 16”-17” | 15”-16” | 5” | 6” |
| 1-2 Years | 17”-18” | 16”-17” | 5.5” | 6.5” |
| Toddler | 18”-19” | 17-18” | 6” | 7” |
| Child | 19”-20” | 18”-19” | 6.5” | 8” |
| Teen | 21” | 20” | 7” | 8.5” |
Because crochet hats and beanies frequently have quite a bit of stretch, it is best to make the hat somewhat a bit smaller than the head measurement. Therefore, by making the hat smaller, you can be sure that when you wear it, it won't fall down over your eyes!
What Yarn Should You to Use to Make a Hat?
Acrylic Yarn
Acrylic yarn makes a great option for crocheting a toddler's hat since it's affordable, easy to wash, and is always available at your local yarn store. Best keep in mind also that sometimes, acrylic yarn can be too warm when worn so it's best to look for blend of acrylic yarn with a natural fiber to make sure that finished hat is breathable.
Acrylic Yarn suggestions:
Cotton Yarn
Cotton yarn is a great choice of fiber for sun hats as they are naturally light and airy making them super breathable when worn. They are also easy to wash and clean.
Cotton Yarn suggestions:
Wool Yarn
Wool yarn tends to be more soft and warm, making them a great option for winter hats especially when you want to protect your kid's head and ears from the cold.
Wool Yarn suggestions:
How Much Yarn is Needed to Crochet a Hat?
Most hats will only require one skein of yarn or less to complete. Worsted weight yarn or aran weight yarn is usually used in most crochet hat patterns, so you'll likely need around 200–250 yards of yarn to complete one. Of course, it will also depend on the size of the hat you're crocheting. Compared to an adult hat, a child's hat uses less yarn.
Crochet Stitches for Toddler's Hat with Abbreviations
Here are some of the most commonly used crochet stitches when making a toddler’s hat. Ultimately, you can use any stitch when crocheting a hat for your toddler. Later on, you’ll see that the patterns listed in this article also make use of all kinds of crochet stitches as well.
Single Crochet (sc)
One of the first few stitches you learn when getting into crochet is the single crochet. When crocheting rows of this stitch, you create a dense type of fabric which is great for hats since it helps lessens holes in your finished hat.
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
The half double crochet is another stitch that every crocheter should know. This stitch is taller in height compared to a single crochet but is shorter than the double crochet. Finished rows of this stitch also creates a dense fabric but is not as dense compared to rows of single crochet.
Double Crochet (dc)
The double crochet stitch is another basic stitch that is usually used in crochet hats as well as other crochet projects as it works up quick and creates a nice drape when crocheted in rows.
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Another stitch that is frequently used in crochet projects that are worked in the round is the slip stitch. Before continuing on to the next row/round, this stitch is used to join the ends together.
V Stitch
Another wonderful stitch is the V-stitch, which is used to make lighter, flowier fabric that works best for summer or sun hats.
If you’d like to explore more stitches and try out new stitches for your future projects, we recommend you check out our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library that features 45 crochet stitches, complete with video tutorials to guide you through and help you learn each stitch easily.
Items Needed to Crochet a Hat
Crochet Hook
Make sure to use the recommended hook size that your pattern calls for. If it’s not stated in the pattern, check the label of the yarn you plan on using to get the right gauge for the project.
Stitch Markers
Stitch markers come in real handy when crocheting in the round which is how most crochet hats are worked. Stitch markers are often used to mark the first stitch of the round so that when you reach the end of the round, you can easily locate the first stitch and join the ends together.
Tapestry Needle
Having a tapestry needle on standby is also useful for when it’s time to weave in the ends of the cut yarn. A tapestry needle is also useful when sewing the edges of a rectangular hat together to close the hat.
16 Toddler Hat Crochet Patterns
Easy Hats
1-Hour Easy Child’s Crochet Hat Pattern
Designer: Make and Do Crew
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy
Check out this first free crochet pattern if you need a quick project to keep your hands occupied. This easy slouchy toddler's hat works up in just an hour and is great for beginners since it's made from just a simple rectangle. Add a cute pom pom on top for extra cuteness!
Easy Children’s Crochet Hat
Designer: Rich Textures Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Chic Sheep
This next free crochet hat pattern is another simple and easy one that comes in six sizes from preemie to child! This completed hat is stretchable and extremely flexible and if you need more assistance, there is a detailed video tutorial available on their YouTube channel.
Crochet Baby T-Hat
Designer: Daisy Farm Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
This next pattern makes another great handmade gift to crochet for a child to keep their head warm and cozy. This pattern also has a size chart to guide you to get to the perfect fit for your hat. You can also make matching sets for you and your little one!
Gracelynn Ribbed Hat
Designer: The Stitchin’ Mommy
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Merino Soft
This next free pattern is a simple ribbed hat that's easy to make and perfect for beginners. The hat design comes in 6 sizes so you can customize your hat to get the perfect fit for your child.
The Perfect Basic Beanie
Designer: April’s Archives
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Looking for an quick and easy crochet hat to make for your kid? Then this next easy crochet hat pattern is perfect for you! This basic crochet beanie is super straightforward and only uses the basic crochet stitches like double crochet.
Animal-Themed Hats
Crochet Sloth Hat
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Bernat Super Value
This next fun pattern that we have for you will definitely be a hit with the kids! Stitch along to see this adorable creature come to life as you work with simple crochet stitches like double crochet and basic seaming.
Dinosaur Hat Crochet Pattern
Designer: Lovable Loops
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
If you're little one is a big fan of dinosaurs, this will probably be their new favorite hat. This crochet hat is made with double crochet stitches in the round with dinosaur spikes added on top to complete the hat. It also works up very quickly if you're in need of a last-minute handmade gift.
Free Lion Hat Crochet Pattern
Designer: Lovable Loops
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Here's another fun crochet animal hat to make for your child. A little yarn fringe is added to make the lion's mane and it looks super cute! You can also make this crochet hat in multiple sizes from kids to adult so you can make one for everyone in the family.
Crochet Fox Hat Free Pattern
Designer: Winding Road Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
Keep cozy on cold windy days with this easy crochet fox hat. This fun crochet toddler hat will make you and children smile with its cuteness. There are also a photo guide in the pattern to help you along the way.
Woodland Fox Crochet Hat
Designer: Traverse Bay Crochet
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Loops & Threads Charisma
a smile on your kid's face! The pattern makes use of bulky weight yarn to keep both your toddler's head and ears snug and warm during breezy days. It also with instructions for adult sizes so you can make a matching pair for you and your little one.
Crochet Polar Bear Hat Pattern
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Loops & Threads Charisma
There's always beauty in simplicity, and this next crochet hat is just that! Both soft and snuggly, this cute little polar bear hat looks great on any toddler. It's also made with bulky weight yarn that not only works up fast, but also keeps your kid's head warm and cozy.
Sun Hats
Shell Stitch Sun Hat
Designer: Daisy Cottage Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar N’ Cream
On hot summer days when your kid wants to run around outside in the sun, it's important to keep them protected from the heat. This next crochet hat pattern is both lightweight and airy enough so that your toddler's head doesn't get too hot while under the sun.
Crochet Toddler Sun Hat
Designer: Christa Co Design
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar N’ Cream
Here's another easy crochet toddler sun hat that's great for sunny days. Make sure to use cotton yarn for this hat so that it's light, airy, and comfortable when worn. This pattern also includes a photo tutorial for each step until finished.
Vintage Sun Hat
Designer: The Lavender Chair
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar N’ Cream
Add this vintage hat to your little one’s wardrobe for a classic look! This beautiful crochet sun hat may look a bit complicated, but it’s actually made up of simple crochet stitches like single and half double crochet. It also makes a great project for beginners to try out.
Simple Kid’s Sun Hat
Designer: Made With a Twist
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar N’ Cream
As summertime comes along and days are spent going on walks or hanging around the pool, a lot of sun protection is a must. This crochet sun hat has a long brim to shield your kid's eyes from the sun during the summer. Play with different colors and switch up the stripes to make different versions!
Simple Crochet Summer Hat
Designer: Crochet Dreamz
Yarn weight: (4) Medium
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton
This next crochet hat features a beautiful spiral design that extends all the way across the hat ever so seamlessly! The pattern also comes if 4 different sizes from baby to adult so you can make a matching set for everyone in the family.
