Here is an adorable, easy, and quick-to-crochet newborn hat pattern in two sizes, with two samples for both boy and girl versions. Designed to be paired with my crochet baby cocoon pattern, featured below, it’s a perfect set for a baby shower gift or a newborn photography prop.
This website is reader-supported and contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Find my affiliate disclosure here.
When I design crochet patterns, especially for babies, I like to create and test multiple samples before publishing them. Making multiple versions allows me to evaluate the fit, stitch definition, and overall appearance across different color combinations.
For this design, I crocheted two different newborn hat samples: a soft yellow version embellished with a flower and a blue version featuring adorable animal ears. Both hats use the same base pattern, demonstrating how a few simple finishing touches can create completely different looks.
To showcase the finished hats, I photographed them on my reborn doll, Avalynn, who is approximately the size of an average newborn. Using her as a model helps me present my baby patterns realistically and gives readers a better sense of the hat’s fit and proportions.
The images below show Avalynn wearing both newborn hat variations: one with a flower appliqué and another with bear ears.
The matching baby cocoon is also available as a pattern on the blog or as part of a set in a PDF on my Etsy shop.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Newborn Hat
- Includes two newborn sizes – Create a comfortable fit for newborns and young infants without having to adjust the pattern yourself.
- Easy to customize – Add flowers, animal ears, bows, pom-poms, or your favorite embellishments to create a unique look.
- Perfect for gifts and photoshoots – A handmade newborn hat makes a practical baby shower gift and an adorable photography prop.
- Coordinates with the matching baby cocoon – Pair it with the matching crochet baby cocoon pattern to create a beautiful handmade set.
Crochet Newborn Hat Pattern
This newborn hat is a dream come true, combining simplicity and cuteness in a box. Worked from the top down in rounds of half double crochet stitches, it takes only about 30 minutes to make.
To finish the brim, you’ll add two rounds of slip stitches. The first round is worked in a contrasting color for a decorative accent, while the second round is worked in the main color to create a clean, minimal edge.
One of my favorite things about this pattern is how easy it is to customize. For my samples, I added a flower embellishment to one hat and adorable animal ears to another, but those are just a few possibilities.
You can leave the hat plain for a classic look, add a pom-pom, experiment with different appliqués, or personalize it however you’d like.
Here is a close-up photo of both hat variations, one for boys and one for girls:
Gather your supplies, and let’s get started!
What You’ll Need:
- Worsted weight (4) baby safe yarn – more on the yarn below.
- A small amount of a contrasting yarn color for the edge.
- A 3.75 mm (US F) hook or any other size needed to meet gauge.
- Stitch markers (optional), a pair of scissors, and a large-eyed tapestry needle to weave in the ends
Yarn Specifics:
You’ll need approximately 66 yards (55 m) for the smaller size and 75 yards (69 m) for the larger size. I used Skinny Chenille by Loops & Threads.
Other yarn recommendations – these are the same yarns I recommended for the baby cocoon pattern:
- Nap Time Yarn by Lion Brand
- Bernat Baby Velvet yarn by Yarnspirations
- Petite Purl Yarn by Loops & Threads
- Just Chenille by Premier Yarns
Abbreviations and Terms:
Do you like free PDFs? You can get a Free Guide to Abbreviations & Terms (PDF download right here on the blog.
- ch(s): chain(s)
- FO: Fasten off or Finish off
- hdc: half double crochet
- hdc inc: half double crochet increase or two half double crochet stitches in the same stitch.
- mc: magic circle
- MC: main color
- rem: remain (ing)
- rep: repeat
- sl st: slip stitch
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- ( ): Repeat instructions within parentheses as many times as directed.
Project Sizes:
This crochet newborn hat pattern offers instructions for two baby head sizes: one for heads with a circumference between 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) and another for heads with a circumference between 15-17 inches (38-43 cm).
Stitch Tension:
Crochet a swatch using the instructions o f the first 6 rounds of the pattern. The measurement of the swatch should be 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) in diameter.
Pattern Notes:
- This crochet newborn hat pattern uses US crochet terminology.
- Skill Level: Intermediate.
- The hat can be made on its own or as part of the cocoon-and-hat set. Refer to the link posted above for the cocoon pattern.
Purchase a PDF Download
- Inexpensive
- Ad-free
- Formatted and Print-friendly
About Exclusive Content: When you create a Grow.me account, you can bookmark your favorite content in one place. With one free account, you can save not only mine, but also the content of many other creators, allin one place.
When you visit my blog and see the “Unlock Exclusive Content” button, please create an account or click the login button and sign in with an existing Grow account. It’s a secure, free feature, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Everything you bookmark with the “heart” ona page that uses Grow.me will show up under “Grow Bookmarks” in your account.
Disclosure: Please note that Grow.me is a third-party app for Exclusive Content, and I have no control over their user policies. Neither will I be able to assist with account creation and/or password resetting. For information on how to troubleshoot login and password resetting, go to “Resources” on the Grow.me website’s top menu.
Crochet Newborn Hat Instructions
Size 1: Heads between 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)
Round 1: Create a magic circle, then ch 1 (won’t count as st here and throughout the pattern), hdc 10. Start every round with 1 ch and join each of them with a sl st.
Round 2: hdc inc 10x. [20]
Round 3: (hdc, hdc inc) 10x. [30]
Round 4: (2 hdc, hdc inc) 10x. [40]
Round 5: (3 hdc, hdc inc) 10x. [50]
Round 6: (4 hdc, hdc inc) 10x. [60]
Round 7-14: hdc around. Skip to the edge instructions. [60]
Size 2: Heads between 15-17 inches (38-43 cm):
Round 1-6: Follow the instructions for the smaller crochet newborn hat size above.
Round 7: (5 hdc, hdc inc) 10x. [70]
R8-16: hdc around. [70]
Edge/Brim:
With the accent color, sl st into the hdc edge of the last round. Cut the yarn, and use the invisible finish to fasten off. Go back to the MC, sl st into the blo of the sl st row. Cut the yarn and use the invisible finish to fasten off.
Maggie’s Pro Tip: Because slip stitches are naturally tighter than most crochet stitches, the brim may feel snugger than expected. If you’re concerned about the fit, try working the edging with a hook one size larger than the one used for the hat body.
Flower for the hat:
Hdc 6 in a mc with MC, then with the accent color *(ch 3, dc 3, ch 3, sl st) in the first st, sl st in next st. Repeat from the * in each of the 5 remainder sts. Fasten off, cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Use the long tail to attach the flower to the hat.
Maggie’s Pro Tip: When sewing the flower onto this crochet newborn hat, use the yarn tail from the hat body color instead of the flower color. This helps hide your stitches and creates a cleaner, more professional finish on the inside of the hat when fastening off and securing the tail.
Bear Ears for the hat (x2)
Inner circle (accent color:
Round 1: sc 6 in a mc. There is no need to join; just continue working in sc sts.
Round 2: sc inc 6x. Cut the yarn and fasten off. [12]
Outer circle (MC):
Round 1-2: use the instructions from rows 1 and 2 above.
Round 3: pair both circles together, wrong side with wrong side, then (sc, sc inc) 6x using both layers of sts. [18]
Round 4: sc around. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. [18]
Use the long tails to sew the ears onto the hat, using the photos below for placement reference.
Crochet Newborn Hat Pattern – FAQs
What yarn works best for this crochet newborn hat?
I used Skinny Chenille by Loops & Threads for my samples because it creates a soft, plush fabric that’s perfect for baby accessories. You can substitute another yarn if needed, but be sure to check your gauge to ensure the correct fit.
Can I make the hat without the flower or ears?
Absolutely! The flower and animal ears are optional embellishments. The hat looks beautiful on its own and can also be customized with a pom-pom, bow, applique, or any other decoration you prefer.
Is this hat suitable for newborn photography?
Yes. The simple design and optional embellishments make it a wonderful prop for newborn photography sessions and baby announcements.
How do I wash the finished hat?
Always follow the care instructions on your yarn label. Most baby hats can be gently hand-washed or machine-washed on a delicate cycle and laid flat to dry.
Can I sell the hats I make with this pattern?
Yes! You are welcome to sell finished hats made using this pattern on a small scale. However, please use your own photos when marketing or listing your items for sale. Mass production and the use of my pattern photos are not permitted.
Congratulations! Your crochet newborn hat is finished. Take a few minutes to secure all loose ends and give your hat a final inspection before gifting or using it.
I hope you enjoyed making this baby hat as much as I enjoyed designing it. Whether you’re creating a thoughtful baby shower gift, a newborn photography prop, or a special something for a little one, this adorable hat is sure to be loved. If you make one, I’d love to see your finished project!
Happy Crocheting! 🧶
Pin, Share, and Comment
- Comment on this post: I always read comments and reply to all questions posted on the blog, and I love it when you take the time to stop by and say hello.
- Have you made this? Share your project if you make this or any of my other patterns, tag me on Instagram or Facebook, or use the hashtag #zamiguzmakers. I love seeing what you make.
- Pinit now: Are you not ready to make it yet? You can use the above image to pin it to your crochet boards or follow me on Pinterest for more.
- Join The Makers community: Join my community group on Facebook and be the first to know about pattern releases and other crochet-related content.
Would you rather bookmark this blog post for later? You can create a free Grow.me account and use the “heart” on the left-hand side of your screen to save it. It’s easy to have your internet favorites in one place.
