53 patterns

Crochet Hat Patterns: Beanies, Bucket Hats and Baby Hats

Crochet hat patterns are worked either top-down in the round, starting from a magic ring, or flat as a rectangle that is seamed and gathered. A finished hat should be about one to two inches smaller than the head circumference so it stays on. Most adult beanies need 150–250 yards of worsted yarn.

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Crochet hats

What size should a crochet hat be?

A crochet hat should measure one to two inches less than the wearer's head circumference, because crochet fabric stretches. Hat height, measured from crown to brim, depends on style: fitted beanies are shorter, while slouchy hats add two to three inches.

Standard head circumference and beanie height
SizeHead circumferenceHat height (crown to brim)
Newborn13–14 in5–6 in
3–6 months14–17 in6–6.5 in
6–12 months16–19 in6.5–7 in
Toddler18–20 in7–7.5 in
Child19–20.5 in7.5–8 in
Teen / adult small20.5–21.5 in8–8.5 in
Adult medium21.5–22.5 in8.5–9 in
Adult large22.5–23.5 in9–10 in

What yarn is best for crochet hats?

The best yarn for crochet hats is a soft wool, wool blend, or acrylic in worsted to super bulky weight. Wool is warmest and breathes well; acrylic is washable and friendly to wool-sensitive skin. Cotton works for summer and bucket hats but is heavy and less stretchy.

How do you make a crochet hat stretchy?

A crochet hat becomes stretchy when it uses stitches with vertical give, such as front- and back-post double crochet ribbing or rows worked in the back loop only. Half double crochet in the third loop also stretches more than plain single crochet.

For brims, ribbing worked sideways and sewn on stretches best of all.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to crochet a beanie?

A simple beanie in bulky yarn takes about 1–2 hours; a worsted-weight textured hat can take 3–5 hours.

Why is my crochet hat too big?

Usually the gauge is looser than the pattern. Check your crown circle against the pattern's stated diameter before working the body, and drop a hook size if it is too wide.

Should a crochet hat be made in rounds or rows?

Rounds give a seamless hat and let you try it on as you go. Rows are easier to count and allow ribbed textures, but need a seam.

How many rounds of increases does a hat crown need?

Increase until the flat crown circle's diameter equals head circumference divided by about 3.14, minus a little for negative ease, then stop increasing.