Crochet an adorable hat with this free baby hat crochet pattern! This quick and easy pattern includes instructions for both preemies and newborns.
You only need a small amount of dk weight yarn to make a hat. So this is also a great scrap yarn project.
Got some dk weight yarn leftover from making a baby blanket? You can use it to whip up a matching handmade hat!
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This cute baby beanie uses a variation on one of the basic crochet stitches. You will be working half double crochet stitches in the back loop only.
You can learn more about how to work in the back loop only with this step-by-step photo tutorial.
Pattern Options for the Quick and Simple Baby Hat Pattern
The Quick and Simple Baby Hat pattern is a free crochet pattern for a newborn hat in two sizes. The pattern is written in US crochet terminology. The written pattern is included for free on the blog below.
PDF Pattern Downloads: You can also purchase a printable PDF instant download of this pattern in my Etsy Shop and Ravelry Shop.
- Purchase the PDF Pattern in My Etsy Shop
- Purchase the PDF Pattern in My Ravelry Shop
- Pin the Pattern for Later
About the Inspiration for the Quick and Simple Baby Hat Pattern
Crochet hats are one of my favorite projects! And I also love projects that are perfect for leftover partial skeins of yarn.
I also had in mind that I wanted to design a pattern for the Preemie Crochet Challenge hosted by Sunflower Cottage Crochet.
In past years I have designed both a Preemie Crochet Baby Blanket and Crochet Bonding Squares for the Challenge. And a crocheted hat with a simple design seemed like a great project idea.
The hat also makes a beautiful addition to a baby shower gift.
A cute idea would be to pair the hat with a hand-crocheted or purchased blanket. What a lovely present for a new mom-to-be!
About the Yarn
I used Bernat Softee Baby for my sample hats. This is one of my favorite yarns for baby projects.
It is easy to find at my local craft stores. It comes in a wide variety of colors.
The yarn is also especially soft which makes it a perfect choice. It’s one of the yarns recommended by Knots of Love for preemie projects appropriate to donate to a local hospital.
Knots of Love has a recommended yarn list if you want to find other suitable options. A dk weight yarn that is both soft and washes well will be the best yarn for donations for newborn babies.
I chose acrylic because it washes and holds up well. Other soft fibers in dk weight will work as well.
2023 Preemie Crochet Challenge
This pattern is featured on June 28, 2023 as part of the Preemie Crochet Challenge hosted by Sunflower Cottage Crochet.
On June 28, 2023, use the first button below to go to the round up post and get the coupon code.
Then, return to this page. Use the second button to go to Ravelry.
You can use the coupon code on Ravelry to download the PDF pattern for free on June 28, 2023.
These buttons go live when the challenge starts on June 19, 2023!
Quick and Simple Baby Hat Pattern
Crochet Supplies
Yarn: DK Weight (#3 Light) in color of choice. Approximately 50 (70) yards.
Shown: Bernat Softee Baby (100% Acrylic), 362yds [331m] / 5oz [140g] #166054-54008 Lavender, partial skein, #166030-02004 Mint, partial skein.
Crochet Hook Size: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge. (these are my favorite crochet hooks)
Notions: Tapestry needle, tape measure, stitch marker.
Sizing and Gauge
Sizes: Children’s preemie, newborn.
Finished Measurements: Approximately 10 (12) inches in circumference at brim.
Gauge: 18 sts x 13 rows in hdcblo = 4” x 4” (10cm x 10cm).
Pattern Notes
- Hat is worked in continuous rounds starting at the top of the hat. Do not use a slip stitch to join before going to the next round.
- Recommended to use the stitch marker to mark the first st of each rnd and move the marker up as you go along.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations (U.S. Crochet Terminology):
ch(s): chain(s)
hdc: half double crochet
hdcblo: half double crochet back loop only
rep: repeat
rnd: round
st(s): stitch(es)
Quick and Simple Baby Hat Pattern
Both Sizes Begin Working Crown Pattern:
Begin with magic loop. Tutorial at https://craftingeachday.com/magic-loop-tutorial/
Rnd 1: Ch 1 (does not count as st), work 8 hdc in magic loop. Tighten magic loop. (8 hdc)
Rnd 2: Work 2 hdcblo in each stitch of previous rnd. (16 hdcblo)
Rnd 3: *2 hdcblo in next st, hdcblo in next st; rep from * around. (24 hdcblo)
Check gauge. Circle should now be 2” in diameter.
Rnd 4: *2 hdcblo in next st, hdcblo in each of next 2 sts; rep from * around. (32 hdcblo)
Rnd 5: *2 hdcblo in next st, hdcblo in each of next 3 sts; rep from * around. (40 hdcblo)
Rnd 6: *2 hdcblo in next st, hdcblo in each of next 4 sts; rep from * around. (48 hdcblo)
Note: for preemie size, go to Main Body Pattern. For newborn size, complete next round before going to Main Body Pattern.
Crown Pattern for Newborn Size Only:
Rnd 7: *2 hdcblo in next st, hdcblo in each of next 5 sts; rep from * around. (56 hdcblo)
Main Body Pattern:
Rnd 1: Hdcblo in each st around. (48 (56) hdcblo)
Rnds 2 – end of Main Body: Rep rnd one 2 (3) times.
All Sizes Begin Working Brim Pattern:
Rnd 1: *Fpdc, bpdc; rep from * around. (24 (28) fpdc, 24 (28) bpdc)
Rnd 2: Rep rnd 1, continue to finishing.
Finishing: Fasten off using the invisible join method. Tutorial for invisible join at https://craftingeachday.com/crochet-invisible-join-tutorial-crochet-in-the-round/. Weave in ends.
Other Crochet Patterns You Might Enjoy
For other free crochet baby hat patterns, try my Super Bulky Crochet Hat which comes in nine different sizes or my Squishy Hat for worsted weight yarn.
The Lacy Little Hat is another free crochet baby hat pattern in dk weight yarn.
For other preemie patterns, my Preemie Crochet Blanket and Crochet Bonding Squares are both offered for free on the blog.