1.5 Hour Easy & Free Crochet Hat Pattern (8 sizes)

Are you looking for a super quick, easy, and free crochet hat pattern that can be made in just under 1.5 hour? Then, this is the project for you. This simple-to-make crochet hat is made in one piece with the half double crochet stitch.

The hat is worked bottom up and has the ideal number of decreases on top to make the perfectly sculped crown. And, if you like patterns with an array of sizes, you will have 8 options to choose from.

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A Beginner-friendly Crochet Hat

Are you new to crochet and have been thinking about crocheting your first hat? Then, if you feel comfortable with the half double crochet stitch, this may be the hat pattern for you.

If ribbed brims hold you back from trying, fear not! The ribbing technique you see pictured here is easier than you think. It’s as simple as a repeat of a half double crochet in front post and another in back post through several rows.

With my detailed tutorial, that’s packed with step-by-step photos, I hope you feel confident to give this pattern a try and crochet your very first hat. Whether you’re looking into making something for yourself, for a gift or to donate, I hope you will love making it.

Reasons to Love this Free Crochet Hat Pattern

Quick and Easy – Do you know how to half double crochet? Then, you can make it. And it takes just up to one hour to crochet this hat, even the larger sizes are super quick.
Bottom up – starting a hat from the bottom is a great way to take control over the way it will fit from the beginning. If you feel your stitch tension will be off after crocheting two or three rounds, you can adjust it to be the size you need.
The perfect crown – do you dislike hats that’s uneven and full of bumps on top? The design of this hat was created that in mind. What this means is that the half double crochet invisible decreases will make a perfectly shaped crown.
Great for gifts & for charity – it’s a simple and pretty hat, so it’s perfect to give away or to donate for charity.

How to Make this Crochet Hat

I will add the instructions for all the free crochet hat pattern 8 sizes further down in this blog post. But Here are the basic steps to crochet this hat:

Step 1: Take Measurements

You will need to know what size head the hat is for, then check the size chart for the best size.

Pro Tip: With a flexible measuring tape, take the circumference from the back of the head, wrapping it around the forehead.

foam head and measuring tape — Measuring the head

Step 2: Crochet a Gauge Swatch

Gauge is crucial for this fee crochet hat pattern. Otherwise, you may have trouble sizing the hat correctly. See “gauge swatch pattern” below.

Step 3: Crochet the Brim

You will begin with the ribbed brim, but there is no need to cut the yarn. If you don’t know to do a fphdc and bphdc (front and back double crochet), head to the “crocheting the ribbed brim” section for details and pictures.

blue yarn and crochet hook — hdc ribbed brim

Step 4: Crochet the Body of the Hat

The body of this free crochet hat pattern will be created with plain rounds of half double crochet stiches. Then, you will proceed to the next step without cutting the yarn.

Decrease to Shape the Crown

In this last step, you will do half double crochet decreases to build the crown of the hat. Then, finish it off with a reverse magic ring. See “techniques and skills” section for details.

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Purchase an inexpensive (costs less than a coffee!) PDF download for this crochet hat pattern on my Ravelry and Etsy pattern shops here:

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PDF photo collage — Purchase a PDF download

About the Design & Construction

The free crochet hat pattern is made from bottom up, in one piece, and it was designed to be a classic fit hat.

What this means is that the hat is on the tighter side, the kind that “hugs your head” and is long enough to covers your ears.
You will start it with the ribbed brim, making front and back post half double crochet stitches.
Then, you will do plain rounds for the main body of the hat.
And lastly, you will do the decreases to build the crown and finish off.

The Skills You Will Need

Chain (ch): yarn over and pull through the loop on hook to create a chain.
Half double crochet stitch (hdc): yarn over, insert the hook in next stitch, yarn over, pull though (three loops on hook), yarn over again and pull through all three loops.
Half double crochet ribbing: the ribbing will be done with a sequence of fphdc (front post half double crochet) in next stich, and bphdc (back post half double crochet) in next stitch for as many rounds as needed for each size.
Half double crochet invisible decrease (hdc dec): yarn over, insert the hook in front loop only of next two stitches, yarn over, pull through two, yarn over, pull through three. Check this tutorial here on the blog, with video, on how to do the hdc invisible decrease.
Reverse magic ring: the best way to finish off the free crochet hat pattern, on top, is with a reverse magic ring.
- First, cut the yarn leaving a long tail, then pull the tail through. Next, thread the tapestry needle with the tail.Then, insert the needle, from front to back, in front loop only of each stitch around (one at a time).
- Finally, bring the tail inside through the top opening, pull tight to cinch and finish off. Weave in the end.

hand holding yarn and crochet hook — Insert needle in front loop

blue yarn and a sewing needle — Insert needle in front loop

Creating the Ribbed Brim

The ribbing for the brim in this free crochet hat pattern will be created with front and back post half double crochet stitches, starting with the first stitch in second round. Here is how you do it:

fphdc in first stitch: yarn over, insert the hook (front to back) in the space between chain 2 and 2^nd stitch in round below, bring the hook back to the front around post of next stitch. Yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through three loops to complete the stitch.
bphdc in next stitch: yarn over, insert the hook (back to front) in space below, bring the hook back to the wrong side around post of next stitch. Yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through three loops to complete the stitch.
Repeat the 2 previous steps across.

Tip: when you pull your loop from the front/back post, make sure you pull it tall enough to make your half double crochet stitch the right size.

More Crochet Hat Patterns

And More Free Patterns

C2C Granny Spike Stitch Crochet Lap Blanket
Oversized Crochet Scarf Patterns
Braided Crochet Ear Warmer (new braiding technique)
Crochet Soap Saver Pouch
Easy Lacy Crochet Triangle Shawl
Crochet Doily With Hearts
Rectangular Shawl Wrap Crochet Pattern
Set of Face Scrubbies and Mesh Bag

Free Crochet Hat Pattern Modifications

Here are some variation ideas if you feel comfortable to modify the pattern:

Size: you have plenty of size instructions to choose from in this free crochet hat pattern. But if you feel comfortable changing the size, maybe because you want a thicker yarn, check the yarn information section below.
Customize with colors: self-striping and ombré yarns would be a great choice to work with colors if you don’t want the added hassle of weaving a bunch of ends.
Folded brim: the wrong side of the brim in this pattern looks great, even better than the right side, to be honest. So, if you like folded brims, adde extra plain rounds to the main body.
Prefer it slouchy? Adding extra plain rounds will not only allow you to fold the brim if you like, but also will allow you to add slouch to your hat.
Add a Pom Pom: in my opinion, pompons are a very personal touch. Some people like them, some don’t. But a faux fur pompom, or even a handmade yarn pompom, always add a touch of elegance to a beanie.

Materials & Tools

4.00 mm (US G) hook or hook size that best helps to meet gauge.
Worsted weight (#4) / Aran yarn
Stitch marker (optional)
Tapestry needle to weave in the ends and finish off the hat on top.
A flexible measuring tape.
Faux fur Pompom, or a pompom maker it you’re making it with yarn (optional)

The Best Yarn for this Crochet Hat

I used I Love This Yarn and Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek for this free crochet hat pattern, which are 100% acrylic. Any medium weight yarn will work, but I do not recommend 100% cotton because it has no stretch.

Here is a list of recommend medium weight (#4) yarn substitutes:

Touch Of Alpaca by Lion Brand
Wool Easy Yarn by Lion Brand
Feels Like Butta by Lion Brand
Red Heart Super Saver
Red Heart With Love

The amount of yarn used ranged from 0.86 oz (24 g) or 44 yds (40 m) for the preemie size to 3.51 oz (100 g) or 178 yds (163 m) for the larger adult size. Depending on the size you’re making, one skein is enough for multiple hats.

Can this Hat be Made with Thicker Yarns?

Yes, it is possible if you feel comfortable making adjustments and some math. However, I haven’t tried recreating this free crochet hat pattern with a different yarn weight, so I you would have to do it on your own.

You can estimate by creating a swatch. Here is what to consider if you would like to give it a try:

The foundation chains must be a multiple of 6.
First, make a swatch starting with 24 chains, close the ring with a slip stitch.
Then, half double crochet around in each chain and measure the circumference. Let’s say you got 6” (15 cm). So, 24 chains divided by 6 is 4 chains per inch.
Next, multiply 4 by the final hat circumference you need to make. Let’s say it’s 19” (48 cm). 19 x 4 = 76.
- But you need a multiple of 6, remember? So, what’s the closest to 76 that’s multiple of six? Your foundation will need 78 chains.
Then, you will follow the pattern instructions below for the size that best approaches what you need, ignoring the numbers within [ ].

You’ll then need some basic math as you go to get the right length for the hat, but this can be easily done as you crochet a few of the plain rounds (use the included size chart for reference).

Pattern Notes

Level of difficulty: Easy.
This free crochet hat pattern uses US terminology.
It took me a little under 1.5-hour total time to crochet the larger hat. Time may vary depending on skills, type of hook and yarn.
Slip stitch to first chain to form a ring with the initial chains, making sure it’s not twisted.
Make sure the chains for the foundation are not too tight. Since this hat is made bottom up, making them too tight may interfere with the how the hat fits.
You will chain 2 to start every round. Those chains won’t count as a stitch.
To finish the hat on top, thread the tapestry needle and do a running stitch around, inserting the needle in every front loop only. Then, pull tight to cinch.

Gauge: 10 rows x 14 sts = 4”

Gauge swatch pattern:

Ch 26 – turning ch 2 below won’t count as a st.
Row1: hdc in 3^rd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 2, turn. [24]
Row2-12: hdc across, ch 2, turn. [24]

Pro tip: If your gauge measurement is off, change your hook size to adjust your tension until you get the correct size.

Free Crochet Hat Pattern Size Chart

Size	* Fits Head Size	* Hat Size	Hat Height
Premie	10-11” (28-30 cm)	10” (25 cm)	4” (10 cm)
Newborn	12-13” (30-33 cm)	12” (30.5 cm)	5” (13 cm)
3-6 mos	14-15” (36-38 cm)	14” (36 cm)	5.5” (14 cm)
6-12 mos	16-17” (41-43 cm)	16” (41 cm)	6.5″ (17 cm)
Toddler (1-3 yrs)	18-19” (45-51 cm)	17” (43 cm)	7″ (18 cm)
Child (3-10 yrs)	19-20” (48-51 cm)	18.5” (47 cm)	7.5″ (19 cm)
Teen/Small Adult	21-22” (53-56 cm)	20″ (51 cm)	8″ (20 cm)
Average Adult	23-24” (58-61 cm)	22″ (56 cm)	9″ (23 cm)

Free Crochet Hat Pattern Size Chart

Abbreviations (US Terms)

Here is a list of stitch and technique abbreviations for this free crochet hat pattern:

bphdc: back post half double crochet
fphdc: back post half double crochet
ch (s): chain (s)
dec: decrease
FO: Fasten Off / Finish Off
hdc: half double crochet
inv dec: invisible decrease
Rnd: Round
sl st: slip stitch
st (s): stitch (es)
( ): repeat instructions within parenthesis as many times as directed
[ ]: stitch count in a round

Tip: See “skills section” for more details if you’re not familiar with these terms and stitches.

Would you rather have a PDF?

Purchase an inexpensive (costs less than a coffee!) PDF download for this crochet hat pattern on my Ravelry and Etsy pattern shops here:

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Free Crochet Hat Pattern Instructions (8 sizes)

See “pattern notes” section for other information that applies to all sizes. Right before you start decreasing, you cad add more plain rounds if you want your hat longe.

Size #1: Preemie

Ch 42.
Rnd1: hdc in back bump of every ch across. [42]
Rnd2-3: (fphdc, bphdc) across. [42]
Rnd4-7: hdc across. [42]
Rnd8: (hdc in next 5 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [36]
Rnd9: (hdc in next 4 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [30]
Rnd10: (hdc in next 3 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [24]
Rnd11: (hdc in next 2 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [18]
Rnd12: (hdc in next st, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [12]
FO. Weave in the ends.

Size #2: Newborn

Ch 48.
Rnd1: hdc in back bump of every ch across. [48]
Rnd2-3: (fphdc, bphdc) across. [48]
Rnd4-8: hdc across. [48]
Rnd9: (hdc in next 6 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [42]
Rnd10: (hdc in next 5 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [36]
Rnd11: (hdc in next 4 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [30]
Rnd12: (hdc in next 3 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [24]
Rnd13: (hdc in next 2 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [18]
Rnd14: (hdc in next st, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [12]
FO. Weave in the ends.

Free crochet hat pattern size #3: 3-6 mos

Ch 54.
Rnd1: hdc in back bump of every ch across. [54]
Rnd2-4: (fphdc, bphdc) across. [54]
Rnd5-9: hdc across. [54]
Rnd10: (hdc in next 7 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [48]
Rnd11: (hdc in next 6 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [42]
Rnd12: (hdc in next 5 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [36]
Rnd13: (hdc in next 4 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [30]
Rnd14: (hdc in next 3 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [24]
Rnd15: (hdc in next 2 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [18]
Rnd16: (hdc in next st, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [12]
FO. Weave in the ends.

Size #4: 6-12 mos

Ch 60.
Rnd1: hdc in back bump of every ch across. [60]
Rnd2-4: (fphdc, bphdc) across. [60]
Rnd5-10: hdc across. [60]
Rnd11: (hdc in next 8 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [54]
Rnd12: (hdc in next 7 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [48]
Rnd13: (hdc in next 6 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [42]
Rnd14: (hdc in next 5 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [36]
Rnd15: (hdc in next 4 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [30]
Rnd16: (hdc in next 3 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [24]
Rnd17: (hdc inv dec) 12 times. [12]
FO. Weave in the ends.

Size #5: Toddler (1-3 yrs)

Ch 66.
Rnd1: hdc in back bump of every ch across. [66]
Rnd2-5: (fphdc, bphdc) across. [66]
Rnd6-11: hdc across. [66]
Rnd12: (hdc in next 9 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [60]
Rnd13: (hdc in next 8 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [54]
Rnd14: (hdc in next 7 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [48]
Rnd15: (hdc in next 6 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [42]
Rnd16: (hdc in next 5 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [36]
Rnd17: (hdc in next 4 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [30]
Rnd18: (hdc in next 3 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [24]
Rnd19: (hdc inv dec) 12 times. [12]
FO. Weave in the ends.

Size #6: Child (3-10 yrs)

Ch 72.
Rnd1: hdc in back bump of every ch across. [72]
Rnd2-5: (fphdc, bphdc) across. [72]
Rnd6-12: hdc across. [72]
Rnd13: (hdc in next 10 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [66]
Rnd14: (hdc in next 9 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [60]
Rnd15: (hdc in next 8 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [54]
Rnd16: (hdc in next 7 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [48]
Rnd17: (hdc in next 6 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [42]
Rnd18: (hdc in next 5 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [36]
Rnd19: (hdc in next 4 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [30]
Rnd20: (hdc in next 3 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [24]
Rnd21: (hdc inv dec) 12 times. [12]
FO. Weave in the ends.

Free crochet hat pattern size #7: Teen/Small Adult

Ch 78.
Rnd1: hdc in back bump of every ch across. [78]
Rnd2-6: (fphdc, bphdc) across. [78]
Rnd7-13: hdc across. [78]
Rnd14: (hdc in next 11 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [72]
Rnd15: (hdc in next 10 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [66]
Rnd16: (hdc in next 9 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [60]
Rnd17: (hdc in next 8 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [54]
Rnd18: (hdc in next 7 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [48]
Rnd19: (hdc in next 6 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [42]
Rnd20: (hdc in next 5 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [36]
Rnd21: (hdc in next 4 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [30]
Rnd22: (hdc in next 3 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [24]
Rnd23: (hdc inv dec) 12 times. [12]
FO. Weave in the ends.

Size #8: Average Adult

Ch 84.
Rnd1: hdc in back bump of every ch across. [84]
Rnd2-6: (fphdc, bphdc) across. [84]
Rnd7-14: hdc across. [84]
Rnd15: (hdc in next 12 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [78]
Rnd16: (hdc in next 11 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [72]
Rnd17: (hdc in next 10 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [66]
Rnd18: (hdc in next 9 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [60]
Rnd19: (hdc in next 8 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [54]
Rnd20: (hdc in next 7 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [48]
Rnd21: (hdc in next 6 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [42]
Rnd22: (hdc in next 5 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [36]
Rnd23: (hdc in next 4 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [30]
Rnd24: (hdc in next 3 sts, hdc inv dec) 6 times. [24]
Rnd25: (hdc inv dec) 12 times. [12]
FO. Weave in the ends.

Crochet Hats FAQ’s

What’s the best crochet stitch for a hat?

The half double crochet stitch used in this free crochet hat pattern is a great option. It creates a solid, closed work fabric with plenty of stretch and comfort. However, there are other stitch options that are great as well, such as the basic single crochet and double crochet stitches. Or a combination of all those three stitches if you want to add textures.

Can a beginner crochet a hat?

Absolutely! Crochet hats are easy projects for beginners because they are small projects. Choose a pattern with a level of difficulty rated as beginner or easy. Such this free crochet hat pattern here.

How long does it take to crochet a simple hat?

This simple free crochet hat pattern will take up to 1.5 hour, depending on your skill level. That’s how long it took me to crochet the larger size.

What sizes crochet hats are available?

The common sizes are newborn, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos, toddler (1-3 yrs), child (3-10 yrs), teen, adult. This free crochet hat pattern has instructions for 8 sizes, ranging from preemie to average adult.

What to do next?

Drop a comment below if you have any questions about this free crochet hat pattern or if you just would like to say “hi”. If you use any of my patterns or tutorials for a project, please tag me @zamiguz or use the hashtag #zamiguzmakers. I would love to see what you make.

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Join the Zamiguz Group on Facebook

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Conclusion

Your hat is done and ready to wear. Did you choose to make this free crochet hat pattern with the classic fit? Or did you add some extra rounds to make it slouchy? Whatever you did, I hope you loved how it turned out.

Remember, hats, as any other wearable handmade item, doesn’t have to be complicated to be pretty and comfortable. Often, the simplest patterns turn into things you will love the most.

I hope you’re enjoying your finished project and that it becomes your go-to pattern for whenever you need to crochet a super quick hat.