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    Home » Christmas

    Updated: Nov 12, 2024 by Jess Coppom ·

    Free Crochet Elf Hat Pattern (With Ears!) – Baby-Adult Sizes

    32.1K shares

    Whether you have upcoming Christmas photos or are planning a trip to the North Pole, this festive crochet elf hat pattern with ears is a must for each member of the family. Get the free pattern in sizes newborn baby through adult below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here. 

    A girl wearing a crocheted Santa's elf hat with realistic looking crocheted ears.

    This crochet elf hat pattern is part of a collaboration with my Lion Brand Yarn. This post contains affiliate links.

    Santa’s Helper Elf Hat Crochet Pattern

    What is cuter than a crochet elf hat pattern? A crochet elf hat pattern with little pointy ears, of course!

    I tend to be kind of literal at times, so when I set out to create a free crochet elf hat pattern, I wanted to include all the details that make elves elf-y. The result can be crocheted quick enough to make one for every member of your little elf family.

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    Why you’ll love this elf hat crochet pattern!


    • Mini Me: Sizes baby – adult means you can crochet one for everyone in the fam
    • Quick Gift: Finish this pattern in a few hours, in time for your Christmas party
    • Photo Prop: Adorable accessory for your family Christmas photos

    A Crochet Elf Hat With Ears (of course!)

    When designing this hat pattern, crochet elf ears went through a few iterations before I felt like I had gotten them right. Some looked like a blob of gum stuck to a shoe, others were too Yoda-like and some, quite frankly, looked like a different body part that would not be appropriate to sew onto a child’s hat. Ha.

    The final ears, though, are pretty darn charming. And each time my three-year-old wears this hat, the ears get a little more adorable. I think there’s something about how they get wrestled about when she’s putting the hat on (often backward) that has relaxed them into perfection.

    Related: 35+ Free Chunky Crochet Beanie Patterns

    Become a Topic of Crochet Conversation

    One thing is for sure, I promise will get comments every time you wear this hat. Turns out people find crochet elf hats with ears pretty darn charming. All the more reason to make one for everyone in your family!

    I love that everywhere we’ve gone this fall, my kids look like they’re on work release from Santa’s workshop. (And of course, no elf would be complete without a sidekick in a crochet snowman hat.) Having these crochet elf hats around hasn’t helped with the “Is it Christmas yeeeeet?” questions around our house.

    This free crochet elf hat pattern with ears is worked in the round and makes a fast crochet Christmas gift idea for babies, kids and adults!

    Santa’s Helper Elf Hat Crochet Pattern Overview

    If you prefer to watch instead of read, you can learn more about this elf hat pattern in the brief video below as you prepare to crochet your own Santa’s Helper hat!

    (If you have an ad-blocker running, you’ll need to disable it to view the video.)

    This free Santa's helper crochet elf hat pattern with ears makes a perfect creative family Christmas photo idea! Free pattern and tutorial in sizes newborn, baby, toddler, child, tween and adult. Featuring Lion Brand Vanna's Choice.

    A Creative Family Christmas Photo Idea

    While my kids just love feeling like they’re part of Santa’s crew when they play outside in the Colorado cold, I also love the idea of dressing up your whole family in crochet elf hats for your Christmas photo.

    Wouldn’t a family of elves make for a charming family Christmas card? Since this free crochet elf hat pattern comes in sizes newborn, baby, toddler, child, teen and adult, no elf has to be left behind this holiday season.

    RELATED: Plan your dream temperature blanket project this January

    A girl wearing a crocheted Santa's elf hat with crocheted ears.

    Or A Remote Christmas Party Prop

    If you’re celebrating the holidays long distance or remotely this year, wouldn’t it be fun show up to your next Zoom happy hour with a crocheted elf hat? Or send hats to your family members so you can all be matching while you sip eggnog on FaceTime together!

    This free long tail crochet elf hat pattern with ears is made with Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarn.

    Get the Printable Pattern Version

    If you’re like me and enjoy crocheting from the comfort of your couch, you’ll find the inexpensive ad-free PDF of this crochet elf hat to be a great little investment.

    Not only is it color coded so you know exactly where to switch colors, it’s formatted with large type for clear printing. Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF on Etsy here or LoveCrafts here.

    A download for a printable crochet elf hat pattern

    The Perfect Yarn for a Long Tail Crochet Elf Hat

    I used Lion Brand’s Vanna’s Choice yarn for this free crochet elf hat pattern for a few reasons:

    • The colors are vivid and perfect for a long tail, dramatic crochet elf hat. (See them all here!)

    • Vanna’s Choice is worsted weight, so it’s pretty fast to work with and also easy to substitute if it’s not available in your neck of the woods.

    • It’s machine washable for all the messy elves out there. Working in Santa’s workshop can be a dirty job, you know.

    Yarn Substitute Ideas

    You can really use any worsted weight yarn to crochet this Santa’s elf hat. Lion Brand Basic Stitch would be a great choice because it comes in a variety of rich colors. You can also search YarnSub.com for an alternative acrylic yarns to substitute.

    Just keep in mind that you want to use a yarn that’s the same thickness as what is used in the pattern so that your crochet elf hat fits as expected. That means you’re looking only for yarns that are a category 4 (aka worsted weight).

    A Quick Crochet Christmas Gift

    Of course we all intend to start Christmas crochet projects early. But if you’re like me and it’s the very last minute and you’re searching for a quick crochet gift idea, look no further!

    This crochet elf hat can be made in a few hours thanks to the quick double crochet stitches. You’ll begin at the very tip top of the long tail working in the round and crochet your way down to the brim of the hat, WITHOUT cutting your yarn to switch colors for the stripes.

    Once you get the hang of this easy hat pattern, I know you’ll want to elf-up everyone on your Christmas list!

    RELATED: 30+ Christmas Ornaments to Crochet

    Pin it! click to pin this elf hat pattern for later ⇨

    Young children wearing a crochet elf hat pattern with ears designed by Make & Do Crew.

    More Free Christmas Crochet Patterns

    From tree ornaments to c2c crochet patterns to adorable elf hats with ears, we’ve got you covered with many more crochet patterns for Christmas. We also have loads of quick gifts to crochet and gift ideas for crocheters to add to your own list (hint!)

    • Beaded crochet Christmas tree.
      Farmhouse Crochet Christmas Trees With Beads | Pattern + Video
    • Crocheted ornaments with plastic beads hanging from a branch.
      Modern Crochet Bauble Ornaments with Beads | Free Pattern + Video
    • Chunky crochet Christmas stockings hanging from a mantle.
      2 Hour Fast Crochet Stocking – Free Pattern + Video
    • A grid of four free crochet ornament patterns to hang on your Christmas tree. Ornaments include colorful baubles, ribbon trees, emoji garland and candy canes.
      55 Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns to Trim Your Tree

    See more free Christmas crochet patterns →

    “Santa’s Helper” Crochet Elf Hat

    Free Pattern

    Free pattern below

    UPDATE: This pattern was originally posted in December 2015 and it was my first original crochet pattern. I’ve learned a lot since then, so I’ve completely re-written the pattern with clearer instructions updated sizing and new photos. You can still find the original version of the Santa’s Helper Elf Hat crochet pattern in the Subscriber Vault. 

    Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF on Etsy here or LoveCrafts here.

    Add this pattern to your Ravelry favorites here.

    Pin it for later here.

    Explanation:
    Whether you have upcoming Christmas photos or are planning a trip to the North Pole, this festive crochet elf hat is a must for each member of the family. Worked from the top down with very simple increases, the hat grows quickly and involves very little seaming. Tie a jingle bell to the pom pom to add a little Christmas magic for the smallest elves.

    Written in sizes newborn-adult, so no elf needs to be left behind this Christmas season.

    Supplies:

    • Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Weight: 4/medium – 170 yds, 3.5 oz)
    – Color A: Cranberry (#860-180)
    – Color B: White (#860-100)
    – Color C: Beige (#860-123) or color to match skin tone (see suggestions below)
    • Tapestry needle
    • Size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook
    • Pom pom maker or piece of cardboard
    • Jingle bell (optional)

    Sizes / Circumference of Actual Head:

    0-6 Months – 14-15” (Note: Do not leave infants unsupervised when wearing.)
    6-12 Months – 15-16” (Note: Do not leave infants unsupervised when wearing.)
    Toddler – 16-18”
    Child – 18-20”
    Tween – 20-22”
    Adult – 22-24”

    For most accurate sizing, measure recipient’s head circumference and choose size accordingly. When meeting gauge, the finished hat will fit loosely when recipient is on the smaller end of the size range. If a more snug fit is desired, size down.

    Gauge:

    14 dc = 4”

    8 rows = just over 4”

    Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):

    ch – chain
    dc – double crochet
    RS – right side
    sc – single crochet
    sl st – slip stitch
    st(s) – stitch(es)
    tr – treble crochet
    WS – wrong side

    Overall Crochet Pattern + Sizing Notes:

    • When matching skin tone for elf ears, a few other colors to try include:
    – Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice – Chocolate (#860-126)
    – Lion Brand DIYarn – Camel (#205-124)
    – Lion Brand Basic Stitch – Goldmine (#201-126)

    • Pattern is worked from the top down in one piece.

    • To change colors between rows, work the final yarn over of the last dc of the row with the new color. Pattern is written with the assumption that the last dc and final sl st before a color change row will be worked this way.

    • Do not cut yarn after color changes. Instead, simply keep it attached in inside of hat. Reference note at beginning of each round for which color yarn is used.

    • For a less noticeable join, work ch-3 at beginning of each row fairly tightly. This ch-3 counts as a dc throughout.

    A download for a printable crochet elf hat pattern

    Main Crochet Elf Hat Instructions

    Foundation: Make a magic ring using Color A.

    Round 1 (Color A): Ch 3, 5 dc in ring, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (6 dc)

    Round 2 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (6 dc)

    Round 3 (Color A): Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (9 dc)

    ✨Unlock this free subscriber-exclusive pattern ✨

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    Round 4 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (9 dc)

    Round 5 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (9 dc)

    Round 6 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (12 dc)

    Round 7 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (12 dc)

    Round 8 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (15 dc)

    Round 9 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (15 dc)

    Round 10 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (18 dc)

    Round 11 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (18 dc)

    Round 12 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (21 dc)

    Round 13 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (21 dc)

    Round 14 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (24 dc)

    Round 15 (Color A): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (24 dc)

    Round 16 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (27 dc)

    Round 17 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (27 dc)

    Round 18 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (30 dc)

    Round 19 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (30 dc)

    Round 20 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (33 dc)

    Round 21 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (33 dc)

    Round 22 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (36 dc)

    Round 23 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (36 dc)

    Round 24 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 11 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (39 dc)

    Round 25 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (39 dc)

    Round 26 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 11 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 12 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (42 dc)

    Round 27 (Color A): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (42 dc)

    Round 28 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 12 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 13 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (45 dc)

    Continue with instructions for appropriate size.

    0-6 Months

    Round 29 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 4 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (50 dc)

    Round 30 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 23 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 24 dc, 2 dc in last dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (52 dc)

    Round 31 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (52 dc)

    Rounds 32-36 (Color A): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (52 dc)

    Fasten off both colors, leaving a 35” tail of Color A.

    6-12 Months

    Round 29 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 4 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (50 dc)

    Round 30 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 4 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (55 dc)<
    Rounds 31-36 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (55 dc)

    Fasten off both colors, leaving a 35” tail of Color A.

    Related: 27+ Easy Hats to Crochet for Winter

    Wanna save this pattern?

    We'll email you this so you can come back to it later!

    Toddler

    Round 29 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (45 dc)

    Round 30 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 13 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 14 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)

    Round 31 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)

    Round 32 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times,

    Round 33 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (60 dc)

    Round 34 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (66 dc)

    Rounds 35-37 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (66 dc)

    Rounds 38-43 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (66 dc)

    Fasten off both colors, leaving a 35” tail of Color A.

    Child

    Round 29 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (45 dc)

    Round 30 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 13 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 14 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)

    Round 31 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)

    Round 32 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join<. (54 dc)

    Round 33 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (60 dc)

    Round 34 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (66 dc)

    Round 35 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (72 dc)

    Rounds 36-37 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (72 dc)

    Rounds 38-44 (Color A): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (72 dc)

    Fasten off both colors, leaving a 35” tail of Color A.

    Tween

    Round 29 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (45 dc)

    Round 30 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 13 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 14 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)

    Round 31 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)

    Round 32 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (54 dc)

    Round 33 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (60 dc)

    Round 34 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (66 dc)

    Round 35 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (72 dc)

    Round 36 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 11 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (78 dc)

    Round 37 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (78 dc)

    Rounds 38-40 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (78 dc)

    Rounds 41-43 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (78 dc)

    Rounds 44-51 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (78 dc)

    Fasten off both colors, leaving a 35” tail of Color A.

    Adult

    Round 29 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (45 dc)

    Round 30 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 13 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 14 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)

    Round 31 (Color B): Ch 3,dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)

    Round 32 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (54 dc)

    Round 33 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (60 dc)

    Round 34 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (66 dc)

    Round 35 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (72 dc)

    Round 36 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 11 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (78 dc)

    Round 37 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in next 37 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 38 dc, 2 dc in last dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (80 dc)

    Round 38 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (80 dc)

    Round 39 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in next 38 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 39 dc, 2 dc in last dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join< (82 dc)

    Round 40 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (82 dc)

    Rounds 41-43 (Color B): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (82 dc)

    Rounds 44-51 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (82 dc)

    Fasten off both colors, leaving a 35” tail of Color A.

    Elf Hat Ears

    Notes:
    • See photo below for ear detail.

    All Sizes

    Make 2.

    Foundation: Make a magic ring using Color C.

    Row 1: Ch 1, 6 sc in ring; turn. (6 sc)

    Row 2: Ch 1, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc) 3 times; turn. (9 sc)

    Row 3: Ch 1, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) 3 times; turn. (12 sc)

    Row 4: Ch 1, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc) 3 times; turn. (15 sc)

    Row 5: Ch 1, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc) 3 times; turn. (18 sc)

    Continue with instructions for appropriate size.

    Newborn – Toddler

    Row 6: Ch 3 (Counts as first dc), dc in first sc, sc in next sc, sl st in next 9 sc, sc in next sc, (2 dc, tr, dc) in next sc, sc in next sc, sl st in next 4 sc; turn.

    Row 7: Ch 1, sl st in next 6 sts, (2 dc, tr) in next st, 3 sl st down the side of tr just made, sl st in each st to end of row. Fasten off, leaving a 20” tail.

    Inner Ear Ridge: Attach yarn to Row 4, mid ear, above lobe. (See photo B.) 7 sc along curve of Row 4. Fasten off.

    Repeat for second ear, except work Inner Ear Ridge on the WS of ear, creating a mirror image of first ear.

    Child – Adult

    Row 6: Ch 1, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc) 3 times; turn. (21 sc)

    Row 7: Ch 3 (counts as first dc) dc in first sc, sc in next sc, sl st in next 12 sc, sc in next sc, (2 dc, tr, dc) in next sc, sc in next sc, sl st in next 4 sc; turn.

    Row 8: Ch 1, sl st in next 6 sts, (2 dc, tr) in next st, 3 sl st down the side of tr just made, sl st in each st to end of row. Fasten off, leaving a 20” tail.

    Inner Ear Ridge: Attach yarn to Row 4, mid ear, above lobe. (See photo B.) 9 sc along curve of Row 4. Fasten off.

    Repeat for second ear, except work Inner Ear Ridge on the WS of ear, creating a mirror image of  first ear.

    Finishing

    With RS of hat facing out, fold over bottom Color A brim toward the outside of hat until Color A section is folded in half. Using a tapestry needle and attached yarn tail, whip stitch around hat to secure. (See photo in blog post above.)

    Using tapestry needle and skin-colored yarn, tack down top inner edge of both ears.

    Learn how to crochet a santa's helper elf hat with adorable pointy ears in this tutorial featuring Lion Brand Yarn.

    For best ear placement on hat, attach them in the same position the wearer’s real ears will be. (This means there is slightly less room between the ears in the back of the hat than in the front.) Let the lobes hang below the Color A cuff a bit. With skin-colored yarn, sew ears onto hat using a whip stitch.

    Create a pom-pom, tie jingle bell inside it if desired. (Avoid adding a jingle bell if the recipient is under 3-years-old due to risk of choking.) Attach pom-pom to the top of hat. Here’s a DIY pom-pom tutorial if you need help.

    Call up Santa because you’re ready to be put to work!

    I love to see your finished projects! Use #MakeAndDoCrew and tag me Instagram (@MakeAndDoCrew) to show off your stitches and have a chance to be featured.

    More Free Christmas Crochet Patterns

    • 30+ Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns
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    • Baby Snowman Crochet Hat Pattern
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    • Mitten – C2C Crochet Graph

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    The How to Crochet an Elf Hat – A Summary

    Whether you have upcoming Christmas photos or are planning a trip to the North Pole, this festive crochet elf hat pattern with ears is a must for each member of the family. Get the complete line-by-line free pattern above. 👆
    Gauge: 14 dc= 4”, 8 rows = just over 4”
    Measurements/Sizes: 0-6 Months – 14-15”, 6-12 Months – 15-16”, Toddler – 16-18”, Child – 18-20”, Tween – 20-22”, Adult – 22-24”
    Approx Time (varies by skill level): 2 days d
    Yarn Cost: $10-$11
    Author: Jess Coppom

    Materials

    Yarn

    • Color: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Weight: 4/medium – 170 yds, 3.5 oz
    • Cranberry #860-180
    • White #860-100
    • Beige #860-123 or color to match skin tone (see suggestions below)

    Additional Supplies

    • Tapestry needle
    • Size I 5.5 mm crochet hook
    • Pom pom maker or piece of cardboard
    • Jingle bell optional

    Abbreviations + Glossary (US Terms)

    • ch – chain
    • dc – double crochet
    • RS – right side
    • sc – single crochet
    • sl st – slip stitch
    • st(s) – stitch(es)
    • tr – treble crochet
    • WS – wrong side

    Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):

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    Get support (and camaraderie!) in the Make & Do Crochet Crew Facebook Group. Search “Make and Do Crochet Crew” on Facebook.com.

    Permissions + Copyright

    Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back to this page. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos.

    Overall Pattern Notes

    Instructions

    Easy Crochet Elf Hat Pattern with Ears – Pattern Overview

    • 1. Begin with a foundation round of a magic ring using Color A.
    • 2. Round 1, chain 3, 5 double crochet in ring, slip stitch to 3rd chain at beginning of round to join.
    • 3. Repeat steps for Rounds 2-51 with Color A and B.

    Elf Hat Ears

    • 4. For elf hat ears, make a magic ring using Color C.
    • 5. Chain 1, 6 single crochet in ring; turn.
    • 6. Repeat for Row 2-7.

    Finishing

    • 7. For inner ear ridge, attach yarn to Row 4, mid ear, above lobe. Repeat for second ear.
    • 8. Use a tapestry needle and attach yarn tail to secure both ears.
    • 9. Add pom-pom, tie jingle bell inside if desired.
    • 10. Call up Santa because you’re ready to be put to work!

    Overall Pattern Notes

    • Pattern is worked from the top down in one piece.
    • To change colors between rows, work the final yarn over of the last dc of the row with the new color. Pattern is written with the assumption that the last dc and final sl st before a color change row will be worked this way.
    • Do not cut yarn after color changes. Instead, simply keep it attached inside hat. 
     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary says

      December 06, 2018 at 12:57 pm

      I can’t find the blog post regarding the finishing that shows the section is folded in half at the bottom and you whip stitch secure. Where can I see that photo please

      Reply
    2. Patti Hespell says

      August 07, 2018 at 11:51 am

      I’m planning to make 3 adult hats. How much yarn do you think I’ll need?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jess says

        August 07, 2018 at 3:32 pm

        Hi Patti! If you subscribe to the emails, you will be sent access to the additional sizing information. It will show how much yarn you will need for the adult size. Hope that helps!

        Reply
    3. Cindy C says

      December 11, 2017 at 9:56 pm

      I made this hat tonight and will finish it off tomorrow for my almost 3 month old Grandson. The hat was easy but the ears took a few tries! I’m starching the ears a bit to make them a bit stiffer. Will see how it all comes together. Thanks for sharing this pattern!

      Reply
    4. alicia says

      December 09, 2017 at 8:39 am

      Made 2 of these for my daughter & friend who were Santa’s helpers at the school PTO craft fair. Had a request to make 4 more for a family that attended the fair. When changing colors, did you cut the yarn or did you carry the yarn over? I started cutting the yarn and using magic knot, but am now wondering if carrying the yarn would be safer. Thanks for sharing your patterns. Love your creativity.

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        November 19, 2018 at 11:47 am

        Hey Alicia,

        I just carry the yarn in the inside of the hat so I have fewer ends to weave in. 🙂

        So glad the pattern has gotten some good use by your daughter and her friend. That sounds adorable!

        Jess

        Reply
    5. Pam Wilke says

      December 06, 2017 at 2:05 pm

      I would love to get the larger size directions for this!

      Reply
    6. daniel says

      December 05, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      Need elf hat pattern

      Reply
    7. anna says

      November 22, 2017 at 10:41 am

      Adorable !!!
      Anna

      Reply
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