This handpicked collection of free crochet hat patterns includes everything from classic beanies and cozy toboggans to comfy slouch hats.
Keep reading for tips on choosing the best yarn for a winter hat and how to personalize it with the perfect pom pom or leather label.
Why we can’t stop crocheting hats:
Free Crochet Hat Patterns
We’ve collected our favorite free crochet hat and beanie patterns for beginners and experienced crocheters. You’ll find ribbed slouch hats, chunky beanies, and modern colorwork designs to keep your head cozy until next summer.
Quick And Simple Hat Patterns For Beginners
These easy patterns are perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a fast crochet project.
1.5 Hour Beanie
Related: The Easiest Kids Crochet Hat
Rylee Ribbed Stocking Hat
Simple Hat for Babies, Children, and Adults
Fast Beret
Knit-Look Double Brim Hat
Related: How to Crochet the Knit Stitch
Best Beanies For Intermediate Crocheters
Aimed at makers with more experience, these designs use unique stitches and more advanced techniques to create truly beautiful headwear.
Remington Diamond Cable Hat
Bead Stitch Hat
Colorful Mesa Hat
Related: 20 Beautiful Tunisian Crochet Stitches to Try
Breann Lightweight Hat
Trendy and Cool Hats
Looking for a super stylish pattern? Here are some of the cutest hats that will make you the envy of the ski slopes.
Checkered Beanie
Related: How to Keep Yarn from Tangling When Crocheting with Multiple Colors
Annie Cloche Bucket Hat
Plaid Hat for Adults and Kids
Classic Crochet Beanies That Look Knit
These modern beanies are shining examples of how crochet can look like knitting.
Rosewood Classic Beanie For Adults
Tweed Pom Pom Hat
Messy Bun Beanie with Faux Cables
Extra Cozy Winter Hats
Here are some of the coziest beanies that will keep you toasty even in the deepest winter. Check out even more chunky hat patterns here.
Snow Bunny Hat
Trinity Stitch Hat
Heavenly Herringbone Hat
La Vie en Rose Earflap Hat
Stunning Colorwork Hats
Make a statement with these colorful designs.
Metropolitan Ave. Hat
Crochet Chevron Hat
Chunky Cable Hat
Beginner Mosaic Crochet Hat
Widcombe C2C Hat Pattern
Related: How to Corner to Corner Crochet for Beginners
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Sedona Mosaic Hat
Novelty Hat Patterns
Crochet a little magic for someone special—these hats make whimsical gifts they’ll never forget.
Rectangle Beanie with Earflaps
Elf Hat with Ears
Kitty Cat Hat For Beginners
Different Ways to Crochet a Hat
Crochet hat instructions take several approaches. Here are the basic formulas you’ll come across and the benefits of each.
Flat Or In The Round
Like knit hats, crocheted hats can be made in the round or as a flat piece that’s seamed into a tube. Some of the easiest patterns use a simple rectangle—great for beginners since there’s no increasing or decreasing.
Hats crocheted in the round don’t require seaming, while flat hats are joined with a tapestry needle or seamed together using slip stitch or single crochet.
What to consider:
Working your hat in the round is suitable if you want to avoid seaming or want a more fitted hat.
Making a beanie in the round does require some counting, but it also can result in a more cone-shaped hat, which some people prefer.
Top Down Or Bottom Up
Hats worked in the round are often made from the top down. Crocheting from the top is ideal for making last-minute fit adjustments and customizing the height of your beanie or slouch hat.
The bottom-up method can be worked in the round or flat. The benefit of this technique is that it’s easy to check that the brim circumference fits well early in the pattern. Working from the bottom up is also ideal for cabled hats because the stitches face up.
How To Measure For Beanies
Here are some handy guidelines for sizing your hat correctly. The circumference of your beanie should be about 1–2 inches smaller than your head circumference.
This negative ease of 1–2 inches will keep your hat securely on your head.
Crochet Hat Size Chart
| Age | Head Circumference | Recommended Hat Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| Preemie | 9–12 in (23–31 cm) | 7–10 in (18–25 cm) |
| Baby | 14–16 in (36–41 cm) | 12–14 in (31–36 cm) |
| Toddler | 16–18 in (41–46 cm) | 14–16 in (36–41 cm) |
| Child | 18–20 in (46–51 cm) | 16–18 in (41–46 cm) |
| Teen | 20–22 in (51–56 cm) | 18–20 in (46–51 cm) |
| Small Adult | 21–23 in (53–59 cm) | 19–21 in (48–53 cm) |
| Larger Adult | 22–24 in (56–61 cm) | 20–22 in (51–56 cm) |
Best Yarn for Hats
There are many yarns to choose from for your crochet hat project.
It’s important to check the yarn weight (thickness) suggested in the pattern and choose the same thickness yarn. This will help ensure your beanie turns out the size you expect.
My Favorites
In my experience, some of the best yarns for hats include:
| Lion Brand Yarn | Weight | What I Love |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans | Worsted / #4 | super soft, washable acrylic |
| Color Theory | Worsted / #4 | modern colors that are easy to pair |
| Hue + Me | Bulky / #5 | versatile yarn in gorgeous colors |
| Wool-Ease Thick & Quick | Super Bulky / #6 | classic chunky look and fast progress |
Hooks and Notions
Having the right tools will make your project more enjoyable and successful. Most winter hat patterns require:
- Crochet hook
- Tapestry needle (also known as a yarn needle) for seaming and weaving in ends
- Tape measure for measuring head circumference
- Scissors
You may also want to use:
- Stitch markers – to mark increases or decreases and hold seams together while joining
- Pom pom maker or faux fur pom pom – alternatively, make a pom pom by hand
Pro Tip: The pattern will recommend a certain hook size, but you may need to swap your hook to achieve the right gauge and ensure your hat turns out the expected size. Make a gauge swatch to figure out what crochet hook size you need.
Professional Finishes
While many of the styles on the list above are eye-catching on their own, the right finishing touch can make your project truly custom.
Here are some of our favorite simple ways to add personalization to your headwear/
Choose the Right Pom Pom
Deciding the best way to top your finished hat can be one of the most exciting parts.
Faux Fur
We love faux fur pom poms because they add texture and personality to winter hats. They’re easy to purchase online or at local craft stores. You can even DIY your own fur pom poms.
Yarn Poms
Yarn pom poms are another great accessory and an excellent opportunity to use up scrap yarn. The fastest way to make uniform yarn pom poms is with a pom pom maker . It’s also possible to make pom poms using only a piece of cardboard.
Pro Tip: Do your yarn pom poms come apart over time? Place small dots of hot glue in the center of the pom pom to help secure the strands of yarn in place.
Adding Labels and Buttons
Suede or leather labels and pretty buttons can dress up a handmade hat. Here are a few personalized labels I love to use on my finished projects.
If you’d like to add a DIY leather tag, try cutting a small rectangle from a thrifted jacket or wallet, like I did in this mittens pattern.
What Type of Hat Should a Beginner Make?
The best beginner hat patterns are worked flat, use one or two basic stitches, and are solid colors.
If you struggle with sizing and meeting the pattern gauge, opt for stretchy beanies and hats with ribbed brims.
Free Hat Patterns for All Seasons
Don’t neglect your noggin’ once the snow melts. If you enjoy wearing hats year-round, you’ll love these styles.
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss our favorite hat patterns and lots of other projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each other’s questions and share their stitches. Join us!
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