Easy Crochet Baby Beanie Pattern: Free Newborn to 6 Months Tutorial

This easy crochet baby beanie is worked from the crown down in simple half double crochet rounds. It uses a small amount of soft yarn and comes in two measured sizes. It makes a thoughtful baby shower gift and is a great starter project for learning to crochet in the round.

At a glance: Beginner level · US crochet terms · soft DK yarn · 4 mm (US G/6) hook · sizes Newborn and 3 to 6 months.

Materials

• About 80 m (90 yd) of soft DK weight (3) yarn. Choose a machine-washable cotton or an acrylic and cotton blend for baby skin.
• 4 mm (US G/6) crochet hook, tapestry needle, scissors, and a stitch marker.

US crochet abbreviations

ch = chain; hdc = half double crochet; sc = single crochet; sl st = slip stitch; inc = 2 hdc in the same stitch; st(s) = stitch(es). The starting ch 2 of each round does not count as a stitch, and every round is joined with a sl st to the first hdc.

Size guide

• Newborn: stop increasing after Round 4 (48 sts). Finished hat: about 33 cm (13 in) around and 11.5 cm (4.5 in) deep.
• 3 to 6 months: work Round 5 as well (60 sts). Finished hat: about 41 cm (16 in) around and 13 cm (5 in) deep.

Treat the age labels as approximate: choose by the baby’s measured head circumference and the stretch of your swatch. At 14.5 hdc per 10 cm (4 in), 48 stitches measure about 33 cm and 60 stitches about 41 cm. Gauge of 14 to 15 hdc changes those circumferences to roughly 32–34 cm and 40–43 cm. Check the fit without pulling the fabric tight.

Step 1: Crochet the crown

• Round 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 2, work 12 hdc in the ring, pull the tail to close, and sl st to the first hdc. (12 sts)
• Round 2: Ch 2, work inc in each stitch around, then sl st to join. (24 sts)
• Round 3: Ch 2, *hdc in the next st, inc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around, then sl st. (36 sts)
• Round 4: Ch 2, *hdc in the next 2 sts, inc in the next st*; repeat around, then sl st. (48 sts)
• Round 5 (3 to 6 months only): Ch 2, *hdc in the next 3 sts, inc in the next st*; repeat around, then sl st. (60 sts)

Check stitch counts after every increase round. Rippling or cupping can also come from yarn and tension; recheck your swatch and hook before changing the written increases.

Step 2: Work the body

Next rounds: Ch 2, hdc in each stitch around, then sl st to join. Repeat until the hat measures about 10.5 cm for the smaller size or 12 cm for the larger size, from the center of the crown. Allow approximately 1 cm for the two brim rounds; measure again after adding them.

Step 3: Add the brim

Ch 1, work sc in each stitch around, then sl st to the first sc. Repeat this round once more, then fasten off. Target total depths, including the brim, are about 11.5 cm and 13 cm. If needed, undo the brim and adjust the body before reworking it. Keep the edge comfortably stretchy.

Step 4: Finish

Weave in all tails securely on the inside. Wash and gently block the hat to soften the stitches.

Baby safety notes

• Skip buttons, beads, and long ties. Anything small or loose can become a choking hazard.
• This version is plain, without pompoms or attached decorations.
• Always remove a hat from a baby when sleeping or when the baby is in a warm room.

Need more ideas? Browse these 12 crochet baby hat patterns for newborn gifts. Follow Crochet Pattern Nest on Pinterest for more free crochet ideas.