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.
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Why we can't stop crocheting hats:
Winter Hat and Beanie Styles
Crochet hat instructions take several approaches to constructing a beanie. Here are the basic formulas you’ll come across and the benefits of each.
Flat Or In The Round?
Like with knit hats, you can crochet a hat in the round or as a flat shape that is later seamed into a closed tube.
Some of the easiest crochet hat patterns for beginners are made from a simple flat rectangle. If you are learning how to crochet, this approach is ideal as it doesn’t involve increasing or decreasing.
What to consider:
Crocheting a hat in the round is suitable if you want to avoid seaming or are looking for 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?
Crochet 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 hat patterns because the stitches face up.
How To Measure For Crochet Beanies
Here are some handy guidelines for sizing your hat correctly. The circumference of your crochet 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) |
Free Hat Patterns for Summertime
Don't neglect your noggin' once the snow melts. If you enjoy easy crochet hats for all seasons, you'll love these styles.
More free crochet sun hat patterns →
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 crochet hat patterns are perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a fast crochet project.
1.5 Hour Easy Hat For Beginners
Related: The Easiest Kids Crochet Hat Pattern
Rylee Ribbed Stocking Hat
Simple Hat for Babies, Children, and Adults
Beret Slouch Hat
Knit-Look Double Brim Hat
Related: How to Crochet the Knit Stitch
Best Beanie Patterns For Intermediate Crocheters
Aimed at makers with more experience, these free patterns use unique crochet stitches and more advanced techniques to create truly beautiful headwear.
Remington Diamond Cable Hat
Bead Stitch Crochet 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
Our Latest Crochet Inspiration:
Here are a few more free crochet patterns and tutorials that are hot off the presses.
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 Hat Patterns
Here are some of the coziest beanie hats that will keep you toasty even in the deepest winter. Check out even more chunky crochet hat patterns here.
Snow Bunny Crochet Hat
Chunky Crochet Hat In Trinity Stitch
Heavenly Herringbone Hat
La Vie en Rose Earflap Hat
Stunning Colorwork Hats
Make a statement with these colorful hat patterns.
Metropolitan Ave. Hat
Crochet Chevron Hat
Chunky Cable Hat
Mosaic Crochet Hat For Beginners
Widcombe C2C Crochet Hat Pattern
Sedona Mosaic Crochet Hat
Novelty Hat Patterns
These cute crochet hat patterns make memorable handmade gift ideas for whimsical loved ones.
Rectangle Beanie with Earflaps
Elf Hat with Ears
Kitty Cat Hat For Beginners
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 crochet 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 crocheters may need to swap their hook to achieve the right gauge and ensure their hat turns out the expected size. Make a gauge swatch to figure out what crochet hook size you need.
Give Your Beanie a Professional Finish
While many of the crochet hat patterns on this list 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 beanies. These can make a simple project a memorable and cherished gift.
Choose the Right Pom Pom
Deciding the best way to top your finished hat can be one of the best 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 for crochet beanies.
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 crochet mittens pattern.
FAQs About Toboggans, Beanies, and Winter Hats
The best beginner hat patterns are worked flat and use one or two basic crochet stitches. Avoid color changing when learning how to make a crocheted hat. If you struggle with sizing and meeting the pattern gauge, opt for stretchy beanies and hats with ribbed brims.
Some beanie patterns are crocheted in the round, eliminating the need for seaming. Crochet hat patterns that are worked flat are seamed using a tapestry needle and the whip or mattress stitch. Beanies can also be joined using single crochet or slip stitches.
Related Patterns
If you love cozy, wearable fast crochet patterns, we've got plenty more I think you'll love.
- How to Crochet a Chunky Scarf - Free Pattern for Beginners
- 3 Hour Chunky Crochet Mittens - Free Pattern + Tutorial
- Easiest Crochet Baby Hat - Free 1 Hour Pattern
- "Aspen Socialite" Free Crochet Headband Pattern (Baby-Adult Sizes!)
- Free Knit-Look Crochet Mitten Pattern For Adults
- Knit-Look Twist Crochet Headband - Free Pattern
More free crochet patterns for winter →
Learn a New Skill
When you're ready to master a new skill, check out our detailed guides that include everything you need to know to level up your crochet game.
- How to Corner to Corner (C2C) Crochet for Beginners - with video tutorials to get you started
- How to Crochet a Beginner Hat - make an entire beanie in 1.5 hours!
- How to Crochet Amigurumi for Beginners - the ultimate guide to making your own toys and plushies
- How to Tunisian Crochet - learn with this video and a standard hook
That was so fun! Now what?
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