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    Home » Babies + Kids Wearables

    Updated: Jun 7, 2023 by Jess Coppom ·

    The Cleo Fedora Mini – Free Crochet Sun Hat Pattern for Kids

    6.8K shares

    Provide some stylish shade for all the pint-sized people in your life with this free crochet sun hat pattern for kids. Get the free pattern in sizes baby, toddler, child and tween below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here. Here’s the Cleo Fedora in adult sizes.

    Young girl wearing the Cleo Fedora, a free crochet sun hat pattern for kids designed by Make & Do Crew.

    This free crochet sun hat pattern for kids is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarns. This post contains affiliate links.

    Some of you have been crocheting up a sun hat storm since the release of the Cleo Wide Brim Fedora pattern a few months ago. But we cant leave the kiddos out, can we? Today we’re going to learn how to crochet a sun hat for any sized child in your life, from babies to tweens.

    Read on for all the pattern inspiration, juicy yarn details and easy trick for stiffening your hat brim or scroll down for the free crochet sun hat pattern for kids. And watch a step-by-step video tutorial here!

    Our Most Popular Pattern of the Summer

    It seems like the satisfaction of a quick project that is stylish while solving a real problem in your life has really struck a chord. I know these are the exact reasons I absolutely loved crocheting my Cleo Fedora and I suspect that’s why so many of you have too.

    To see the versions made by the Make & Do Crew community, check out the #cleofedora hashtag on Instagram.

    Related: 30+ Free Crochet Top Patterns for Warm Weather

    A mother and daughter wearing mommy and me crochet hats made from the free pattern by Make & Do Crew.

    See the Cleo Fedora in Action

    It always think it’s helpful to see a finished crochet project in action so I can get a sense of how it moves and feels. For this reason, I’ve been really attempting to put together more little video pattern overviews so you can get a good feel for the design before you dive into the project.

    Watch the brief video below to see how this crocheted sun hat really does hold its shape, even after it’s completely wadded up at the bottom of a backpack or beach bag.

    Easter, The Kentucky Derby + More

    My blue-eyed family and I live in Colorado where there is 300 days of sunshine a year, so sun hats are pretty much a staple of our wardrobes. Even if you’re not as sun sensitive as us though, having a cute hat handy is never a bad idea, whether it’s for you or your kids.

    I could see this crochet sun hat pattern for kids working really well to make an Easter hat paired with a sun dress. Or you could use it as the foundation of a fancy Kentucky Derby party hat. (You know, for when parties are a thing again…) Got a trip to Disney planned? You’ll need this hat!

    I’ve already got a wool version with a shorter brim in the works for the upcoming chilly fall days.

    Related: 35+ Easy Chunky Crochet Hat Patterns

    click to pin this pattern for later ⇨

    Two young girls walking together while wearing Easter dresses and crochet sun hats for kids made with Lion Brand Rewind yarn.

    The Key To a Stiff Brim

    When I designed the adult version of the Cleo Fedora, I knew I wanted a stiff brim that would maintain its shape and stay out of your eyes. On one lucky pre-quarantine trip to Home Depot I discovered what turned out to be the perfect brim-stiffening supply–galvanized wire rope.

    Don’t let the obscure name intimidate you. (I had never heard of it and just stumbled upon in while scouring the aisles for something that would work.) Galvanized wire rope is readily available to buy by the foot at any hardware store and it’s really inexpensive. Like 26 cents a foot cheap! If you can’t get to a store or know you want to make several hats, you can also buy it online. (Links: Home Depot, Amazon, Lowes) You’ll want about 6 feet of the galvanized wire rope that is 1/16″ wide.

    Young girl wearing the Cleo Fedora, a free crochet sun hat pattern for kids designed by Make & Do Crew.

    (I learned later that you can also use milinary wire, which serves the same purpose. It’s available on Etsy and Amazon, but honestly, it’s more expensive and galvanized wire rope works really well.)

    You can find step by step instructions for adding this optional wire to your crochet sun hat in the free pattern below. Or check out this video tutorial I put together that walks you through the process of stiffening the brim of any crochet hat. This step is very easy and really steps up the style and functionality of your hat.

    Three skeins of Lion Brand Rewind yarn that are perfect to use for free crochet patterns like the Cleo Fedora.

    A Smooth, Comfy Alternative to Straw or Jute

    In the original adult pattern, I talk a lot about why I adore Lion Brand Rewind yarn for this project. Rewind will give your hats incredible “moldability” with loads of softness. (Essential if you have a sensory-processing-challenged kiddo like I do.) This surprisingly smooth yarn is unlike anything else I’ve ever crocheted with and it comes in some gorgeous stone-washed colors (see them all here!) I really think it’s worth sourcing this yarn to make your adult or mini Cleo Fedoras. (Links: LionBrand.com, Amazon or Herrschners.com.)

    If you can’t get your hands on Rewind though, a cotton yarn can be a good substitute as long as you can achieve the pattern gauge listed. A lot of Cleo Fedora crocheters have had luck with Lion Brand Re-Up yarn as an alternative to Rewind.

    Related: 27+ Free Crochet Hats and Beanies for Adults

    Learn By Video

    If you’d like me to walk you through the pattern step-by-step, watch the video tutorial that covers exactly how to crochet the Cleo Fedora. Alternatively, the detailed photo tutorial below has got you if you just need a quick overview.

    And if you’d like to take a peek at the Cleo in all it’s moldable, packable, stiff-brimmed glory, check out this brief pattern overview video above.

    click purchase the ad-free, printable PDF ⇨

    A banner to purchase the ad-free printable pdf of the Cleo Fedora.

    Special thanks to my friend Lauren of Wildwoods Artisan who helped out with crocheting the samples of this crochet sun hat pattern for kids and modeled in the photos. Lauren hand carves gorgeous crochet hooks from branches she gathers on adventures with her family. Check out her hooks here!


    Cleo Fedora Mini
    Free Crochet Sun Hat Pattern for Kids

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

    Save this pattern to your Ravelry here.

    Pin it for later here.

    Explanation:
    Looking for some SPF that doesn’t require a bathtub scrub after wearing? The Cleo Kids Fedora will shade all the little freckled faces without a single sunscreen argument to be had. 

    Rewind Yarn ensures this packable sun hat is moldable, comfortable and surprisingly lightweight. Skills required include single crochet and working in the round. 

    Supplies:
    • A: Lion Brand Rewind (Weight: 5/Bulky –  219 yds, 3.5 oz)
    – 1 (1, 2, 2) skeins [approx 140-165 g]
    Colors pictured: Olive You (523-174), Citronella (523-159), Mahogany Rose (523-139)

    • Tapestry needle

    • Size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

    • Stitch markers or safety pins


    Optional Additional Supplies:
    • 6’ galvanized wire rope, 1/16th” thick (sold by the foot inexpensively at hardware stores) (Links: Home Depot, Amazon, Lowes)

    • Wire cutters

    • 3/16” grommet kit

    • 40” leather lace

    • Wooden bead that both ends of leather lace can fit through snug

    • Small piece of scrap leather for tag

    Sizes:
    Select size based on head circumference and not age. 

    SizeFits actual head circumference
    BABY14-16”
    TODDLER16-18”
    CHILD18-20”
    TWEEN20-22”

    Find adult sized pattern here.

    Gauge:
    9 sc x 9 rounds = 2” 

    Gauge is difficult to swatch since pattern works in the round, so instructions are given for measuring gauge a few inches into the pattern.

    Wanna save this pattern?

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

    Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):
    ch – chain
    PM – place marker
    rep – repeat
    RS – right side
    rsc – reverse single crochet
    RS – right side
    sc – single crochet
    slst – slip stitch
    st(s) – stitch(es)
    WS – wrong side

    Cleo Fedora crochet pattern printable PDF link

    Overall Pattern Notes:
    • Pattern is worked in the round with the RS facing throughout. Rounds are spirals and therefore are not joined at the end of each. 

    • Stitches are intended to be worked tightly. If in doubt, use a smaller hook to achieve tighter tension. Circle is measured several rounds in to ensure gauge. 

    • Place marker in first stitch of round and move as each round is worked. This is critical in keeping track of the beginning/end of each round. 

    • Similarly, markers are used beginning in Round 6 to keep track of where increases are placed. Move markers up as each round is worked. To differentiate first stitch of round from other marked stitches, use a different color marker.

    • Watch a step-by-step video tutorial here.

    HAT TOP

    Preferred Foundation Round: Create a magic loop, ch 1 and work 6 sc within. (6)

    Alternative Foundation Round: Ch 4, sl st to join into a loop. Ch 1, work 6 sc within loop. (6)

    Continuing in spiral:

    Round 2: 2 sc in first st (PM in first sc made), 2 sc in each st. (12)

    Move marker to first st of each round from here forward. 

    Round 3: [2 sc in next st, sc in next st] 6 times. (18)

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    Round 4: [2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24)

    Round 5: [2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts] 6 times. (30)

    Round 6: [2 sc in next st (PM in first sc made), sc in next 4 sts] 6 times. (36) Piece should now have 6 marked stitches. These indicate the stitches to increase in moving forward. 

    Round 7: [2 sc in marked st, sc in each st to next marker] 6 times. (42)

    The beginning of a crochet sun hat--a crochet circle worked in a spiral.

    ! GAUGE CHECK !

     Take the time to measure your circle now so that your hat fits later! Your circle should be just over 3” across. If it’s much larger than 3”, remake either with a smaller hook or working your stitches more tightly. If it’s smaller than 3”, remake either with a larger hook or working your stitches more loosely. 

    TIP: Some crocheters have found the color “Mahogany Rose” of Lion Brand Rewind yarn to be more compressible than other colors. If you are working with this color and find that your gauge is measuring small, follow the written instructions for the next size up. Doing so should allow your measurements to fit the size you were intending to make originally. 

    BABY: Rep Round 7 two more times. Piece should increase by 6 sts per round. Round 9 should contain 54 sts. Circle should measure approximately 4” across.

    TODDLER: Rep Round 7 three more times. Piece should increase by 6 sts per round. Round 10 should contain 60 sts. Circle should measure approximately 4.5” across.

    CHILD: Rep Round 7 five more times. Piece should increase by 6 sts per round. Round 12 should contain 72 sts. Circle should measure approximately 5.25” across.

    TWEEN: Rep Round 7 six more times. Piece should increase by 6 sts per round. Round 13 should contain 78 sts. Circle should measure approximately 5.75” across.

    Click here to purchase the PDF of this pattern, which is formatted for easy printing.

    HAT BUCKET

    Notes:
    • This section is worked without increasing. Keep first st marker in place and move up each round. All other markers can be removed.

    BABY:
    Rounds 1-12: Sc in each st. (54)

    Round 13: [2 sc in marked st, sc in next 8 sts] 6 times. (60) Placing markers in increases is not necessary.

    Move on to Brim. 

    TODDLER:
    Rounds 1-15: Sc in each st. (60)

    Move on to Brim. 

    CHILD:
    Rounds 1-15: Sc in each st. (66)

    Round 16: [2 sc in marked st, sc in next 10 sts] 6 times. (72) Placing markers in increases is not necessary.

    Move on to Brim. 

    TWEEN:
    Rounds 1-17: Sc in each st. (78)

    Round 18: [2 sc in marked st, sc in next 12 sts] 6 times. (84) Placing markers in increases is not necessary.

    Move on to Brim. 

    The beginning of a crochet sun hat--a crochet circle worked in a spiral.

    HAT BRIM

    Notes:

    • This section contains increases every other row. Once markers are in place, move them up as each round is worked.
    • For a less wavy and more rigid brim look, you can add optional wire rope in “Brim Support Round.” (See Supplies section for details on where to purchase.) Brim is cute and functional either way, but rope can add extra stability.
    • View video tutorial on adding optional wire and working Finishing Round here.
    • After Round 1, all sizes should have 12 marked stitches.

    BABY:
    Round 1: [2 sc in next st (PM in first sc made), sc in next 4 sts] 12 times. (72) 

    Round 2: Sc in each st. (72)

    Round 3: [2 sc in marked st, sc in each st to next marker] 12 times. (84)

    Rep Rounds 2 and 3 three more times for a total of 9 brim rounds. 

    If adding optional brim support, follow Brim Support Round. If not adding brim support rep Round 2 once more and move on to Finishing Round.

    TODDLER:
    Round 1: [2 sc in next st (PM in first sc made), sc in next 4 sts] 12 times. (72) 

    Round 2: Sc in each st. (72)

    Round 3: [2 sc in marked st, sc in each st to next marker] 12 times. (84)

    Rep Rounds 2 and 3 four more times for a total of 11 brim rounds. 

    If adding optional brim support, follow Brim Support Round. If not adding brim support rep Round 2 once more and move on to Finishing Round.

    CHILD:
    Round 1: [2 sc in next st (PM in first sc made), sc in next 5 sts] 12 times. (84) 

    Round 2: Sc in each st. (84)

    Round 3: [2 sc in marked st, sc in each st to next marker] 12 times. (96)

    Rep Rounds 2 and 3 five more times for a total of 13 brim rounds. 

    If adding optional brim support, follow Brim Support Round. If not adding brim support rep Round 2 once more and move on to Finishing Round.

    TWEEN:
    Round 1: [2 sc in next st (PM in first sc made), sc in next 6 sts] 12 times. (96) 

    Round 2: Sc in each st. (96)

    Round 3: [2 sc in marked st, sc in each st to next marker] 12 times. (108)

    Rep Rounds 2 and 3 six more times for a total of 15 brim rounds. 

    If adding optional brim support, follow Brim Support Round. If not adding brim support rep Round 2 once more and move on to Finishing Round.

    Hands crocheting a wire rope into the brim of a crochet hat.

    ALL SIZES:
    Brim Support Round: Hold galvanized wire rope along last Brim round that was worked. Crochet over it as you sc in each st. Pause when 3” of round remains unworked. Rub brim flat and try on hat to make sure density of stitches around rope is to your liking. (Spreading out stitches more around rope will result in a more wavy look.) Using wire cutters, snip rope so it overlaps itself by 2”. Complete round by sc in each st, working over both ends of rope as you go. Move on to finishing round.

    Finishing Round: (This round is worked with RS facing still, but in opposite direction as all other rounds. View video tutorial linked above for extra help.) Ch 1, rsc in each st; sl st to first st of round to join. 

    Fasten off and weave in ends.

    Instructions showing how to reverse single crochet.

    FINAL TOUCHES

    Option 1: Braided Accent

    Cut six 45” strands of yarn. Tie in a knot, leaving a small tassel. Braid yarn until piece measures about 22-26” depending on hat size. Tie another knot and trim to create a second tassel. Tie braid in a square knot around bucket of hat. Secure in place with a tapestry needle and a few stitches if desired.

    Option 2: Leather Chin Strap and Grommets

    To add a fun professional detail, attach two metal grommets in approximately last round of Hat Bucket. Space grommets equidistant across hat. This kit from Amazon includes 3/16” grommets and the tools to attach them. See more photos in the Adult Cleo Fedora pattern.

    Thread leather lace through grommets. Add a wooden bead onto laces and knot at the bottom. 

    A Little More Optional Bling

    To further dress up your hat, attach a small scrap leather tag to edge of hat brim. Placing it where final round was joined can be a nice way to disguise any inconsistencies. 

    Styling Suggestion

    To create the classic fedora shaping, simply lift the hat off your head a bit and use both hands to mold the top front into a V-shape. This magical yarn holds its shape incredibly well!

    Give yourself a high-five, you SPF-making machine, you!

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

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    Jess Coppom of the crochet blog, Make & Do Crew, wearing the Cleo Fedora crochet sun hat.

    Hi, I'm Jess! My mom taught me to crochet when I was 8-years-old. Now I work alongside my mom and sisters to bring you free patterns + tutorials that make crochet modern, approachable and fun!

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