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.
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
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 ⇨
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.
(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.
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 ⇨
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
• 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.
| Size | Fits actual head circumference |
| BABY | 14-16” |
| TODDLER | 16-18” |
| CHILD | 18-20” |
| TWEEN | 20-22” |
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.
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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
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)
! 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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