Introduction to Crochet Hats
Crochet hat patterns are some of the first wearable projects that many beginner crocheters work on. They’re a great way to practice working in the round, increasing and decreasing, and experimenting with different stitches.
A crochet hat is a cute accessory to wear no matter the season. You can crochet a bucket hat for extra coverage during hot summer days, a beret you can match to your fall outfits, or even a thick cozy beanie to keep you warm in the winter!
They make for a great gift for friends and loved ones as well as for yourself. There’s a crochet hat for everyone, which is why we’ve collected more than 40 different crochet hat patterns below!
Anatomy of a Crochet Hat
Crochet hats, whether they’re beanies or bucket hats, will all have the same basic parts in common.
Crown
This refers to the topmost part of the hat. When working from the top down, this is where your first round would begin. From here, you would increase until you reach the circumference that you want.
On the flip side, it’s the part that you cinch close when working vertically or from the bottom up.
Body
The next part of a crochet hat is the body, which is in between the crown and the brim. This will look different depending on what it is you want to create.
A bucket hat or beanie would mean that the body rounds will not have any increases or decreases. A beret would require to continue to increase and then decrease sharply to create the plate-like look.
Brim
The brim is the part of your hat that fits closest to your head. Accurate measurement is necessary to make sure you don’t have a brim that squeezes on your head too tight or one that falls off completely.
This can also look different depending on what kind of hat you want to crochet. Beanies usually have ribbed brims that hug the head. Bucket hats are known for their short stiff brims, while sun hats might have a floppier and wider one.
Supplies Needed for Crochet Hats
Yarn
Bulkier yarns are often the go-to for crochet hats, especially for winter. It also helps the project work up quickly.
Lion Brand’s Hue + Me and Wool-Ease Thick & Quick are great category 5/bulky yarns to work with and have a wide range of colors for any project.
If you want a lighter, worsted weight yarn, then Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton might be more your speed. Cotton, raffia, and other natural fibers are the best yarn options for summer bucket hats.
Crochet Hooks
Bulkier yarns also call for bigger hooks! When you have a set of crochet hooks like the Clover Armour hook set (one of our favorites), there’s no need to worry about whether you have the right size hook as they have a full range of sizes. The comfortable rubber grip also makes it easier on your hands and wrists when you’re crocheting up a storm!
Notions and Other Tools
Stitch Markers
Since you’ll mostly be working in the round for a crochet hat, it’s important not to lose track of the end of the round. You can also mark places you need to increase or decrease using stitch markers like these split ring stitch markers.
Tape Measure
Making sure you have an accurate head circumference measurement is important when making hats, so using a tape measure is super important. It can mean the difference between a perfectly fitting hat and one that falls off your head!
Scissors
Every crocheter needs a good pair of embroidery scissors for cutting off ends!
Darning Needles
You’ll definitely need a set of handy darning needles to weave in all those loose ends!
Pom-Pom Maker
Adding a cute pom-pom detail to the tops of your hats isn’t necessary but it’s absolutely adorable! Make them with ease using this pom-pom maker!
Crochet Stitches for Hats
Some of the best-looking crochet hats are made with the simplest of stitches! The three most common crochet stitches to use are:
Even with these simple stitches, there are variations that can completely change the look of your project.
Post stitches, for example, are a great way to add a textured look throughout the project, while chaining and skipping every other stitch could give you a lacy detail.
The most popular way to create texture while using a basic crochet stitch is by working in the back loops only (blo). This creates a ribbed look throughout the project which looks amazing on crocheted beanies.
If you want to learn more about the different variations of the basics or are looking to explore new stitches, then it’s time you checked out the Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library. It’s got a collection of 45 stitches PLUS video tutorials and patterns to help you discover your new favorite stitch for your upcoming projects!
Measuring and Sizing for Crochet Hats
Before grabbing your yarns and hooks, you need to get your measuring tape ready. The first step in any crochet hat pattern is determining the size that you want the hat to be.
The most important measurement you need is the head circumference of the recipient. Measure all the way around the head where you want the hat to rest, going across the forehead, over the ears, and around the back of the head. Keep it snug but not tight.
If you don’t have the head you’re stitching for handy, or you’re making a charity project, you can use a sizing chart to estimate. This extremely comprehensive crochet hat size chart from Ned and Mimi goes into full detail on measuring and sizing.
Note that a lot of crochet hat patterns, particularly beanies and winter hats, include negative ease, that is, the hat is made a little smaller than the head it will fit. That’s because yarn stretches and this will allow the hat to fit snugly when it is worn.
Crochet Beanie Patterns
Ribbed Wonder Easy Crochet Hat Pattern
Designer: Crochet 365 Knit Too
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy
This easy-to-crochet beanie hat features a pretty ribbed detail throughout the hat. It’s made using chunky yarn so it also works up pretty quickly!
Leigh #HatNotHate Hat Pattern
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
This beautiful blue crochet hat isn’t just stylish and functional! The pattern was made in support of the #HatNotHate movement, which aims to end bullying.
Bead Stitch Crochet Hat Pattern
Designer: 5 Little Monsters
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Achieve this gorgeous texture by combining rounds of bead stitches with rounds of half double crochets. This is one crochet hat that you’ll love to make and wear for the winter!
Simply Sweet Crochet Beanie Pattern
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
This beanie pattern couldn’t get any easier! It’s worked up using the moss stitch with only one skein of yarn. It’s pretty in pink for Valentine’s Day, or choose whatever colorway you like for everyday wear.
1.5 Hour Beanie Crochet Hat Pattern
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Tonal
This is the perfect beginner-friendly hat pattern because if you can crochet a rectangle, you can make this! It uses simple stitches and can be finished in approximately an hour and a half.
Sugared Plum Slouchy Beanie Crochet Pattern
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
This slouchy hat could be the statement piece your winter outfits are looking for. It’s easy to crochet and makes for a wonderful gift either for yourself or for a friend!
Snowball Slouch Hat Crochet Pattern
Designer: Left in Knots
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Scarfie
The snowball slouch hat is so easy to make even for a beginner crocheter! You can make it in four sizes from baby through adult.
Simple Slouchy Crochet Hat Pattern
Designer: Persia Lou
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
This next free crochet hat pattern works up quickly and makes for a great holiday gift or a hat for yourself. This slouch hat uses simple techniques that combine to make something truly special.
Ridge Walk Easy Crochet Winter Hat Pattern
Designer: Ned and Mimi
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
The Ridge Walk Winter Hat is the perfect pattern for confident beginners. It’s got a beautiful texture and the worsted weight yarn provides enough warmth and comfort for the colder season.
Leafly Autumn Hat Pattern
Designer: Wilmade
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
The autumn leaves decorating this hat are made using an extreme drop stitch that when worked from the top down looks like a leaf! It’s a creative take on an easy-to-make double crochet beanie that you’ll definitely fall (pun intended) in love with!
Malia Beanie Pattern
Designer: Yarn and Chai
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Shine Worsted
Most beanies that have the vertical texture are worked flat and sewn. However, this particular pattern is worked from the top down and still achieves these fun ridges. The attached faux fur pom-pom is optional but does add a lot of fun!
Fire Flame Hat Pattern
Designer: Wilmade
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
This hat is definitely lit! The extreme drop stitch in red and orange yarn gives this hat its fiery look! Of course you could make it in other colors and it would just be a cool design feature without necessarily evoking fire (see below!).
Frozen Winter Bun Hat Pattern
Designer: Wilmade
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Another drop stitch detail on a messy bun hat but this time in an icy blue! This hat is similar to the one above but the different colors give it a different look and feel. Stay warm in this cute hat while looking cool!
Crochet Bucket Hat Patterns for Beginners
Easy Crochet Bucket Hat Pattern
Designer: Sarah Maker
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Beginners looking for a free crochet pattern to get their hands on are gonna love this bucket hat! It’s easy to make, functional, and pairs well with any of your favorite spring and summer outfits!
Seamless Crochet Bucket Hat Pattern
Designer: Yarndrasil
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
This bucket hat is suitable for beginners who want a cute accessory during the warmer seasons! It’s worked in continuous rounds so that there’s no visible seam on your finished hat.
Crochet Bucket Hat Pattern
Designer: Craft Passion
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Natural Cotton Raffia
A bucket hat should be a staple for anyone’s summer wardrobe! This pattern features a mesh-like design around the crown band to not only add visual interest, but to also keep it breathable during the warmer weather.
Crochet Granny Square Bucket Hat Pattern
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
Granny squares are always great scrap busters, but when paired with a neutral color like in this pattern, it really makes your hat stand out. The pattern includes instructions for the classic bucket hat brim or add more rows for a floppier sun hat.
Bobble Granny Square Bucket Hat Pattern
Designer: Crochet For You
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Ice Yarns Lorena
Arguably one of the most popular granny square variations, the bobble drops flower granny square makes for a stunning addition to a plain bucket hat. It’s the perfect accessory for any summer outing!
Scrappy Crochet Bucket Hat Pattern
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Need a quick way to use up all your leftover yarn? This bucket hat is the perfect mindless project to work on that still gives you a beautiful gift-able product at the end!
Beach Day Bucket Hat Pattern
Designer: Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
This classic-looking summer hat would look great on a beach trip! It’s got complete head coverage and length thanks to the brim, and the cloche style is a little different from your usual sun hat pattern.
Raffia Basic Bucket Hat Pattern
Designer: Jenny and Teddy
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Natural Cotton Raffia
The natural fiber used in this bucket hat gives it the perfect amount of summer flair while still being stylish! This free pattern is extremely comprehensive and even includes a video tutorial!
‘90s Style Crochet Bucket Hat Pattern
Designer: Anne Egan, via Gathered
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Rico Design Creative Cotton
This colorful ‘90s style bucket hat is the perfect statement piece for your summer wardrobe! It combines the classic bucket hat shape with granny squares in contrasting colors for maximum visual impact!
Breezy Belle Hat Pattern
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: DROPS Paris
This gorgeous bucket hat is worked from the top down. It features a lace pattern that not only adds visual interest, but also creates breathability for the warmer seasons.
Crocheted Beret Patterns
Crochet Parisienne Beret Pattern
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
This winter must-have takes inspiration from vintage fashion and feminine romance. The designer utilized cross stitch to decorate it, but you can take it a step further by adding appliqués or even just leaving it plain!
Lazy Day Beret Chemo Cap Pattern
Designer: Heart Hook Home
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
This pattern is intended for a chemo cap but is great for anyone to wear and use. It works up super fast and is a great gift for a loved one or a donation for someone undergoing cancer treatments.
The Ville Crochet French Beret Pattern
Designer: Stitch Berry Blog
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: WeCrochet Wonderfluff Ombre
This pattern works up into a beautiful beret that lays nicely and provides warmth during the colder seasons. It’s stylish and feminine– truly the accessory of your dreams!
Green Gables Beret Pattern
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: DROPS Lima
The Green Gables Beret is a standout for its beautiful spiral pattern starting from the crown. It’s worked in the round from the top down using double crochets.
Le Chic Beret Pattern
Designer: Lion Brand
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
This easy-to-make beret adds a touch of stylish flair to any of your autumn outfits! Opt to make it for yourself or gift it to a friend!
Fujiami Beret Pattern
Designer: Jun Shibata, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Bulky
This gorgeous beret spirals into a soft and sweet gradient. It’s a true statement piece and the bulky yarn provides warmth that’s perfect for any travels during the winter!
Crochet Traditional French Beret Pattern
Designer: Selina Veronique
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK
This stunning traditional French beret is perfect for spring and summer! It’s worked in the round using half double crochets so it also works up pretty quickly.
Phannie Beret Pattern
Designer: Phoebe Gaughan via Berroco
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Berroco Vintage DK
This beautiful beret features a sunburst pattern at the crown. It’s made up of double crochet stitches so it works up pretty quickly.
Red Heart Bridgette Beret Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
This jaunty beret is the perfect way to elevate any of your fall outfits. It’s got a spirited style that’ll make you stand out in every room you walk into!
Creative Crochet Hat Patterns
Crochet Frog Bucket Hat Pattern
Designer: The Yarn Bowl Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
This adorable froggy bucket hat is the perfect gift for your frog-loving friends. It’s a fun and easy pattern that even beginners can make!
Toadstool Mushroom Beret Pattern
Designer: Stitching with Sab, via Ribblr
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
Who knew adding white round appliqués to a red beret would look this good? This cute toadstool mushroom beret is the stuff of your cottagecore dreams!
Crochet Cat Ear Hat Pattern
Designer: Jesse’s Mom
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
A fresh take on a beanie, this crochet cat ear hat is too cute for words! It’s a simple project with ribbed detailing and makes for a fantastic gift to the cat parents in your life!
Simple Crochet Ribbed Checker Beanie Pattern
Designer: Hayhay Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
This funky checkered beanie is 100% Instagram material! You can opt for the usual black and white squares or two bright contrasting colors like pink and green to truly stand out in a crowd!
Head in the Clouds Hat Pattern
Designer: Chai Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
This dainty bucket hat is made for clear summer skies! The addition of cloud appliqués gives this hat its unique charm!
Red (Taylor’s Version) Newsboy Hat Pattern
Designer: Stitchberry
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Hue + Me Yarn
Calling all the Swifties! You can finally make the iconic newsboy hat on the cover of Red (Taylor’s Version). It’s stylish, comfortable, and something that you and your friends will love all too well!
Braided Puff Stitch Crochet Hat Pattern
Designer: Crochet Beja
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Add a pop of color to your wardrobe with this braided puff stitch hat! They’re so easy to make that you can make one for yourself and for your friends and family in a couple of days!
Crochet Cupcake Hat Pattern
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn weight:(4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
What could be cuter than a new baby? A baby in a cupcake hat! This adorably sweet hat is a great way to keep a little one’s head warm and makes a great hat for a summer baby’s newborn photo shoot.
Forest Girl Beret Pattern
Designer: Morale Fiber
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hometown
This cute beret features two little antlers that give it its ethereal look. It’s perfect for walks in the woods or just styling it with a cute spring outfit!
Yoyo Puff Wide Brim Hat Pattern
Want to Experiment with Different Crochet Stitches for Your Hats?
Want to learn even more stitches to make unique beanies and other fun crochet hats? You need our Ultimate Stitch Library! It’s got a collection of 45 stitches PLUS video tutorials and patterns to help you discover your new favorite stitch for your upcoming projects!
Are You a Beginner Crochet Who Wants to Polish Up Their Crochet Skills?
Crochet hats can be made even with just basic crochet stitches. If you want to polish and perfect your skills, then our Crochet Fundamentals class is the place for you! Get a strong foundation down and you’ll be able to stitch up any of the hats listed here or any other crochet projects you want to work on in no time!
If you’d like inspiration for more crochet patterns, take a peek at some of my other blog pages here: 50+ Purr-fect Crochet Cat Patterns, 30 Free and Cute Crochet Hat Patterns for Girls