A crochet baby hat is one of the sweetest and quickest gifts you can make for a new arrival. It needs only a small amount of soft yarn, it works up in an evening or two, and it is a lovely way to practise working in the round.
At a glance: Yarn and hook: DK yarn and a 4mm (UK 8) hook (US G-6). Time: 2 to 4 hours. Terms: UK, with US conversions.
This simple beanie is written in UK crochet terms with exact stitch counts for four sizes: newborn, 0 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months and 6 to 12 months. It is worked from the top down in half trebles with a neat double crochet band, and it has no pompoms, buttons or ties, so it is plain, practical and baby friendly.
We have also included a size table, tips on choosing soft baby yarn and an important section on using baby hats safely.
Why make a crochet baby hat?
Small projects are perfect when you are short on time, and baby hats are about as small and rewarding as it gets. You can see the shape appear after just a few rounds.
- Quick to finish: the newborn size is only a few hours of work for most people.
- Uses little yarn: one 50g ball of DK is usually plenty for any size here.
- Easy shaping: a flat circle for the crown, then straight rounds for the sides.
- Thoughtful gift: pair it with a blanket or booties for a handmade baby set.
If you are planning a gift bundle, our crochet newborn blanket and easy crochet baby booties go beautifully with this hat.
Crochet baby hat safety
Before you start, it is worth thinking about how the hat will be used. A crochet baby hat is for keeping a little one cosy outdoors on cooler days, not for wearing all the time.
- No pompoms, buttons, beads or bows. Small parts can come loose and become a choking hazard.
- No ties, cords or long strings. Anything that could wrap around a baby’s neck should be left off.
- Never for sleep. Babies should not wear a hat when they are asleep, including naps in a cot, pram or car seat.
- Take it off indoors. Remove hats and extra layers as soon as you come inside, even if your baby has fallen asleep on the way home.
- Weave in ends well. Secure every yarn tail so no loose loops can catch tiny fingers.
- Check it regularly. Look for loose stitches or wear before each use.
Babies can overheat easily, and the NHS advises keeping babies at a comfortable temperature, taking hats off indoors and never letting a baby sleep in a hat. You can read the full guidance on the NHS baby pages, including safe sleep advice.
What you need
- Yarn: one 50g ball of soft DK baby yarn.
- Hook: 4mm crochet hook (US G-6), or the size that gives you the tension below.
- Extras: a stitch marker, a yarn needle, scissors and a soft tape measure.
Choosing yarn for a crochet baby hat
Softness comes first. Choose a smooth yarn labelled for babies, ideally one you can machine wash, because baby clothes get washed often. Many baby yarns are soft acrylic, cotton or blends, and some are superwash merino.
Avoid very fluffy or hairy yarns such as mohair or eyelash yarn, as loose fibres can shed. Cotton is breathable but less stretchy, so a cotton hat will feel a little firmer.
Pale and pastel colours are traditional, but any soft, washable colour works. A lighter shade also makes your stitches easier to see while you count.
Tension and abbreviations
Tension: 17 htr and 13 rounds to 10cm in DK yarn with a 4mm hook. Tension makes a big difference on something this small, so it is worth making a quick swatch. If you have more stitches per 10cm, try a larger hook. If you have fewer, try a smaller hook.
This pattern uses UK terms:
- ch chain
- ss slip stitch
- dc double crochet (US single crochet)
- htr half treble crochet (US half double crochet)
- st(s) stitch(es)
New to half trebles? Practise them with our half treble crochet guide before you begin.
Crochet baby hat sizes
Babies grow quickly and every baby is different, so measuring is always better than going by age. Wrap a soft tape measure gently around the head, just above the eyebrows and ears. If you are making a gift and cannot measure, the 0 to 3 months size is a useful choice.
| Size | Head circumference | Last increase round | Stitches | Crown diameter | Hat circumference | Total height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 33 to 36cm | Round 7 | 56 | about 10.5cm | about 33cm | about 13cm |
| 0 to 3 months | 37 to 40cm | Round 8 | 64 | about 12cm | about 37.5cm | about 14cm |
| 3 to 6 months | 41 to 44cm | Round 9 | 72 | about 13.5cm | about 42.5cm | about 15cm |
| 6 to 12 months | 45 to 47cm | Round 10 | 76 | about 14cm | about 44.5cm | about 16cm |
The hat is designed to be about the same as the head measurement or a little smaller, so it stays on without squeezing. Total height is measured from the centre of the crown to the bottom edge, with the hat lying flat. All measurements are approximate and depend on your tension.
Crochet baby hat pattern: the crown
Each round is joined with a slip stitch. The ch 2 at the start of a round does not count as a stitch, so work the first htr into the same stitch as the join. Pop a stitch marker in the first htr of each round to keep track.
Begin with a magic ring. Our magic ring tutorial shows how to make one and how to pull it tightly closed, which matters on a baby hat so there is no hole at the top.
- Round 1: Make a magic ring, ch 2, work 8 htr into the ring, pull the tail to close, ss into the first htr. (8 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 2, 2 htr in each st around, ss into the first htr. (16 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 2, [2 htr in next st, htr in next st] 8 times, ss into the first htr. (24 sts)
- Round 4: Ch 2, [2 htr in next st, htr in next 2 sts] 8 times, ss into the first htr. (32 sts)
- Round 5: Ch 2, [2 htr in next st, htr in next 3 sts] 8 times, ss into the first htr. (40 sts)
- Round 6: Ch 2, [2 htr in next st, htr in next 4 sts] 8 times, ss into the first htr. (48 sts)
- Round 7: Ch 2, [2 htr in next st, htr in next 5 sts] 8 times, ss into the first htr. (56 sts) Newborn stops increasing here.
- Round 8 (0 to 3 months and larger): Ch 2, [2 htr in next st, htr in next 6 sts] 8 times, ss into the first htr. (64 sts) 0 to 3 months stops increasing here.
- Round 9 (3 to 6 months and larger): Ch 2, [2 htr in next st, htr in next 7 sts] 8 times, ss into the first htr. (72 sts) 3 to 6 months stops increasing here.
- Round 10 (6 to 12 months only): Ch 2, [htr in next 17 sts, 2 htr in next st] 4 times, ss into the first htr. (76 sts)
Rounds 1 to 9 each add 8 stitches. Round 10 adds just 4 stitches to give a gentler size step for the largest size. Count at the end of every round before moving on.
Crochet baby hat pattern: the sides and band
Now work straight without increasing. Every round has the same number of stitches as your last increase round.
- Even rounds: Ch 2, htr in each st around, ss into the first htr. (56, 64, 72 or 76 sts)
- Newborn: work even rounds 8 to 14 (7 rounds), until the hat measures about 11cm from the centre of the crown.
- 0 to 3 months: work even rounds 9 to 16 (8 rounds), until it measures about 12cm.
- 3 to 6 months: work even rounds 10 to 17 (8 rounds), until it measures about 13cm.
- 6 to 12 months: work even rounds 11 to 18 (8 rounds), until it measures about 14cm.
For the band, work 3 rounds of: ch 1 (does not count as a st), dc in each st around, ss into the first dc. (56, 64, 72 or 76 sts) The band adds about 2cm. Fasten off and weave in every end securely, going back and forth through several stitches on the inside.
Finishing your crochet baby hat
Turn the hat inside out and check the top. If you can see a small gap at the centre, use the starting tail to stitch it closed and then weave it in. Trim tails close to the fabric only after they are well secured.
Give the hat a gentle wash or a light steam (holding the iron above the fabric, never pressing on acrylic) to relax the stitches, then dry it flat.
Simple ways to personalise it
A plain crochet baby hat is lovely as it is, but you can add a little variety without adding anything unsafe.
- Stripes: change colour at the start of a round for soft stripes.
- Contrast band: work the 3 dc rounds in a second colour.
- Folded brim: work 6 dc rounds instead of 3 and fold the band up for extra room to grow.
- Back loop ridges: work the even rounds in the back loop only for a gentle texture.
Please avoid sewn-on buttons, appliques with small parts, bobbles that could be chewed loose, and any kind of tie or cord. For older children and adults, our crochet hat pattern uses the same method in bigger sizes and can have a pompom.
Crochet newborn hat: quick guide
A crochet newborn hat is the smallest size in this pattern. Most newborns have a head circumference of about 33 to 36cm, so work the crown to Round 7 (56 stitches). The finished hat is about 33cm around and 13cm tall, and it uses only a few grams of DK yarn.
- Premature babies: hospitals often have their own rules about knitted and crocheted items, so always check with the neonatal unit before making a hat for them.
- Gift sets: a newborn hat pairs perfectly with our crochet baby booties and crochet newborn blanket.
Crochet baby beanie styles to try
The plain crochet baby beanie is the base for lots of cute variations. Keep every addition crocheted and sewn on firmly, with no buttons, beads or ties.
Bear ears baby hat
Make two ears in dc (UK terms): magic ring, 6 dc into the ring. Round 2: 2 dc in each st (12). Round 3: [1 dc, 2 dc in the next st] 6 times (18). Rounds 4 and 5: 1 dc in each st (18). Fasten off, flatten each ear and sew it firmly to the top of the hat, stitching all the way around the base.
Baby girl hat with a flower
Crochet a small flat flower from our crochet flower patterns and sew it securely to the side of the band, catching every petal so nothing can be pulled loose.
Christmas baby hat
For the festive season, try our crochet Santa hat, which includes a baby size with a soft white brim.
Tips for a neat crochet baby hat
Small hats show every little wobble, so a few good habits make a real difference. None of these are difficult, and they will help with every project you make in the round.
- Count every round. With only 8 increases per round, one missed stitch is easy to overlook but changes the shape.
- Lay it flat often. Every few rounds, lay the crown on a table to check it is staying round and flat. It is much easier to spot a problem early than after the sides are done.
- Keep the join tidy. Always work the first htr into the same stitch as the slip stitch join, and keep the join at what will be the back of the hat.
- Check the size early. Measure the crown after your last increase round and compare it with the size table before working the sides.
- Use good light. Soft baby yarns can make stitches harder to see, especially in dark colours.
If the crown is ruffling, your tension may be a little loose, so try a smaller hook. If it is curling up into a bowl before the last increase round, try a larger hook. A crochet baby hat should lie flat at the crown and then fall gently into the sides.
Making a crochet baby hat as a gift
Handmade baby gifts are always appreciated, and a crochet baby hat in a soft colour is easy to wrap and post. Some people like to make two sizes at once, such as newborn and 3 to 6 months, so the baby has one to grow into.
When you finish, check the hat once more for loose ends, then fold it neatly with a care label or a handwritten note. A crochet baby hat paired with booties in the same yarn makes a sweet, practical set that new parents can actually use on outings.
Caring for a crochet baby hat
Always follow the care symbols on the ball band. Most baby yarns are chosen because they can be machine washed on a gentle, cool cycle.
- Wash inside a mesh laundry bag to protect the stitches.
- Use a mild, non-biological detergent if you prefer.
- Reshape the hat while damp and dry it flat, away from radiators.
- Check for loose ends or worn stitches after each wash.
If you are gifting the hat, include a small note with the yarn type and washing instructions. New parents will be glad to know they can pop it in the machine.
Want a matching top? Our free crochet baby cardigan pattern comes in the same four sizes.
Frequently asked questions about crochet baby hat
What size crochet baby hat should I make for a gift?
If you cannot measure the baby, the 0 to 3 months size is a practical choice because it fits for longer than the newborn size. Babies vary a lot, so a slightly bigger hat is usually more useful than one that is too small.
What is the best yarn for a crochet baby hat?
A soft, smooth DK yarn labelled for babies that can be machine washed. Avoid fluffy or hairy yarns that might shed fibres.
Can I add a pompom or ties to a crochet baby hat?
We do not recommend it. Pompoms, buttons and small decorations can come loose, and ties or cords are a hazard around a baby’s neck. Keep baby hats plain and simple.
Can my baby sleep in a crochet baby hat?
No. Babies should not wear hats when they sleep or when they are indoors. The NHS advises keeping babies at a comfortable temperature, so take the hat off as soon as you come inside.
How long does a crochet baby hat take to make?
It depends on your speed and the size, but the smaller sizes can often be finished in an evening or two once you are comfortable with half trebles.
What size should a crochet newborn hat be?
Most newborns have a head circumference of 33 to 36cm. Make the hat about the same size or slightly smaller, roughly 33cm around and 13cm tall, so it stays on without squeezing.
Is a crochet baby beanie hard to make?
No. This crochet baby beanie uses only half trebles worked in rounds and a few rounds of double crochet, so it is a good first project in the round.
