A crochet hat is one of the best second projects you can make. It is small, it uses one or two balls of yarn, and you can wear it the same week you finish it. If you have made a scarf or a few swatches and want something with a little shaping, a hat is the natural next step.
Below you will find 12 free crochet hat patterns that we opened and checked. Most use basic stitches like single, half double and double crochet. A few add texture or a new trick once you feel ready.
Easy Crochet Hat Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn
- Crochet hook set (4 mm to 6.5 mm)
- Locking stitch markers
- Yarn needle for sewing seams and weaving in ends
- Soft measuring tape
- Small sharp scissors
- Faux fur pom poms (optional)
1. Simple Double Crochet Hat
A plain, top-down beanie worked in joined rounds of double crochet, finished with a neat slip stitch edge. You start at the crown, increase until the circle is wide enough, then work straight down. The pattern is written in 11 sizes, from preemie to adult large, so it is a great one to learn and then make for the whole family.
- Designer: Rhondda Mol / Oombawka Design Crochet
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I)
- Price: Free (optional paid PDF)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Easiest Crochet Beanie (Ribbed)
Photo: Sarah Stearns / Sarah Maker
This one skips working in the round. You crochet a flat rectangle in back loop half double crochet, which makes a stretchy knit-look rib, then seam it into a tube and gather the top. The folded brim and pom pom make it look store-bought. Bulky yarn means it works up fast.
- Designer: Sarah Stearns / Sarah Maker
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Hook: 6.5 mm (K-10.5)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Beginner Crochet Hat
Photo: Janne Kleivset / Joy of Motion Crochet
If rounds still scare you, start here. The hat is a rectangle of chain, single and double crochet worked back and forth, then whip stitched closed and gathered at the top. You can make it taller for a slouchy fit or shorter for a regular beanie.
- Designer: Janne Kleivset / Joy of Motion Crochet
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 6 mm (J-10)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. The Jennie Beanie
Photo: Bernadette Saad / A Purpose and A Stitch
A knit-look beanie with clean lines that you can wear slouchy or fold up at the brim. It uses a seed stitch style pattern and lots of back loop work. The designer says that if you know slip stitch, single, half double and double crochet, you can make it.
- Designer: Bernadette Saad / A Purpose and A Stitch
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 6 mm (J)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Faux Knit Hat
Photo: Maria Weaber / Maria’s Blue Crayon
Worked in a spiral, so there is no seam line. The trick is half double crochet in the third loop, which makes a tight fabric that looks like knitting. You can make it solid or color-block it, and it comes in sizes from baby to adult.
- Designer: Maria Weaber / Maria’s Blue Crayon
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Simple Seed Stitch Beanie
Photo: Kirsten Holloway / Kirsten Holloway Designs
A snug, longer beanie with a bumpy seed stitch body and ribbed bands, written in four sizes for men, women and kids. You can add earflaps and ties if you like. It is a good pick if you want a hat that works for a husband or teen son too.
- Designer: Kirsten Holloway / Kirsten Holloway Designs
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5.5 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Double Brim Ribbed Crochet Beanie
Photo: Stephanie Lau / All About Ami
A cozy cream beanie with a thick folded double brim and a ribbed body that looks almost like knit stockinette. It alternates half double crochet in the third loop and back loop, then gets whip stitched into a tube. Top it with a faux fur pom pom.
- Designer: Stephanie Lau / All About Ami
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5.5 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Spirit Earflap Hat
Photo: Nicole Chase / The Nicole Chase
A striped earflap hat with a textured brim, braided tassels and a pom pom on top. It uses double crochet plus front post double crochet for the texture. Seven sizes, from 0–3 months to adult, make it a sweet gift for kids heading into winter.
- Designer: Nicole Chase / The Nicole Chase
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Simple Crochet Ribbed Checker Beanie
Photo: Heather / HayHay Crochet
A two-color ribbed beanie with a soft checkerboard look. It is mostly half double crochet with back loop work, and you switch colors every five stitches. A nice way to practice color changes on a small, forgiving project. There is a video link on the page too.
- Designer: Heather / HayHay Crochet
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Wynn Hat
Photo: Noowul Designs
A slouchy hat with wavy ridges that look knitted. Every stitch is worked in the back loop, which gives the fabric lots of stretch. It uses half double crochet and a special yarn over slip stitch that the pattern explains.
- Designer: Noowul Designs
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Mesa Hat (Tunisian)
Photo: Toni Lipsey / TL Yarn Crafts
A slouchy beanie with self-striping jewel tones over a neutral brim. The brim is regular crochet and the body is Tunisian crochet, so this is a gentle first try at Tunisian if you are curious. It is worked flat and seamed.
- Designer: Toni Lipsey / TL Yarn Crafts
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: see pattern (sample uses Lion Brand Heartland and Landscapes)
- Hook: 4 mm crochet hook + 6.5 mm Tunisian hook with cord
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Beret Style Beanie
Photo: Breann / Hooked on Homemade Happiness
A double crochet hat you can wear as a beret or a slouch. Decreases shape the crown, and front and back post stitches make the ribbed brim. It is rated intermediate, but the designer says it suits beginners who want a challenge.
- Designer: Breann / Hooked on Homemade Happiness
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 6 mm (J)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- Never made a hat? Start with #3. It is a flat rectangle, so no rounds to count.
- Want to learn working in the round? #1 has 11 sizes and only uses double crochet.
- Need a hat fast? #2 uses bulky yarn and works up in an evening.
- Making one for a man or teen? Try #6 or #10 for a simple, unisex look.
- Ready for something new? #11 teaches a little Tunisian, and #12 adds post stitch ribbing.
FAQ
How much yarn do I need for a crochet hat?
Most adult beanies in worsted weight use about 150 to 250 yards. Bulky yarn hats often need around 200 yards. Each pattern lists its own amount, so check the materials section before you buy. Buy one extra ball if you are making a larger size or adding a pom pom.
What size should I make?
Measure around the widest part of the head, across the forehead. A beanie is usually made 1 to 2 inches smaller than the head so it hugs without slipping. Many of these patterns include a size chart, so match your number to the closest size.
Why is my crochet hat too big or too small?
Almost always it is gauge. If your stitches are looser than the designer’s, the hat grows. Make a small swatch first and compare it to the gauge in the pattern. Go down a hook size if your swatch is too big, and up a size if it is too small.
Pick one hat, grab a soft ball of yarn, and you could be wearing your own handmade beanie by the weekend.
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