Crochet Beanie Hat Pattern

This pattern provides instructions for a simple yet classic crochet beanie hat, perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. The pattern is written for an average adult size but includes notes on how to adjust for different sizes.

Skill Level: Easy

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn (approx. 150-200 yards, depending on size)
Crochet hook size H/8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Scissors
Stitch marker (optional, but helpful for keeping track of rounds)

Gauge:

Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for getting the right size hat. 4 rounds of double crochet = approximately 2 inches in diameter 13 double crochet stitches = approximately 4 inches wide

To check your gauge: Make a small swatch following the instructions for the crown increase rounds. After a few rounds, measure the diameter. If your swatch is too small, try a larger hook. If it’s too large, try a smaller hook.

Abbreviations:

ch: chain
st(s): stitch(es)
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
inc: increase (usually 2 stitches in the same stitch)
rep: repeat
rnd(s): round(s)

Sizing Guide (Approximate Head Circumference):

Baby (0-3 months): 13-15 inches
Baby (3-6 months): 15-17 inches
Baby (6-12 months): 17-19 inches
Toddler (1-3 years): 18-20 inches
Child (3-10 years): 19-21 inches
Teen/Small Adult: 20-22 inches
Adult Medium: 21-23 inches
Adult Large: 23-25 inches

Note: Hat height is generally 1-2 inches less than the head circumference for a snug fit. The pattern below is written for Adult Medium. Instructions on how to adjust the crown diameter for other sizes are included in the pattern steps.

Pattern Instructions (Adult Medium)

Crown:

The crown is worked in continuous rounds, increasing stitches until the desired diameter is reached. The target crown diameter for an Adult Medium is approximately 7-7.5 inches.

Rnd 1: Make a magic ring (or ch 4, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring). Ch 2 (does NOT count as a stitch here and throughout). 12 dc in ring. Join with sl st to first dc. (12 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 2. 2 dc in each st around. Join with sl st to first dc. (24 dc)
Rnd 3: Ch 2. 1 dc in first st, 2 dc in next st (inc). Rep from * to * around. Join with sl st to first dc. (36 dc)
Rnd 4: Ch 2. 1 dc in first 2 sts, 2 dc in next st (inc). Rep from * to * around. Join with sl st to first dc. (48 dc)
Rnd 5: Ch 2. 1 dc in first 3 sts, 2 dc in next st (inc). Rep from * to * around. Join with sl st to first dc. (60 dc)
Rnd 6: Ch 2. 1 dc in first 4 sts, 2 dc in next st (inc). Rep from * to * around. Join with sl st to first dc. (72 dc)
Rnd 7: Ch 2. 1 dc in first 5 sts, 2 dc in next st (inc). Rep from * to * around. Join with sl st to first dc. (84 dc)
Rnd 8: Ch 2. 1 dc in first 6 sts, 2 dc in next st (inc). Rep from * to * around. Join with sl st to first dc. (96 dc)

Check your crown diameter now. For an Adult Medium, it should be around 7-7.5 inches.

Crown Diameter Guide (Approximate):

Baby (0-3 months): 4-4.5 inches (Stop increasing after Rnd 4 or 5)
Baby (3-6 months): 4.5-5 inches (Stop increasing after Rnd 5 or 6)
Baby (6-12 months): 5-5.5 inches (Stop increasing after Rnd 6 or 7)
Toddler (1-3 years): 5.5-6 inches (Stop increasing after Rnd 7 or 8)
Child (3-10 years): 6-6.5 inches (Stop increasing after Rnd 8 or 9)
Teen/Small Adult: 6.5-7 inches (Stop increasing after Rnd 9 or 10)
Adult Medium: 7-7.5 inches (Stop increasing after Rnd 8 or 9 – Rnd 8 gives 96 sts, Rnd 9 would give 108 sts)
Adult Large: 7.5-8 inches (Stop increasing after Rnd 9 or 10)

To adjust for other sizes: Continue increasing rounds until your crown diameter matches the guide above for your desired size. The pattern for increase rounds follows a simple sequence: Rnd 2 (inc in every st), Rnd 3 (1 dc, inc), Rnd 4 (2 dc, inc), Rnd 5 (3 dc, inc), and so on. The number of single dc stitches between increases increases by one each round.

Body of the Hat:

Once the desired crown diameter is reached, you will work rounds without increasing until the hat is the desired length (before adding the brim).

Rnd 9 (Adult Medium): Ch 2. 1 dc in each st around. Join with sl st to first dc. (96 dc)
Rnds 10 – 16 (Adult Medium): Rep Rnd 9. (96 dc per round)

Note: The number of body rounds needed will vary depending on the size you are making. Continue working plain dc rounds until the hat measures approximately:

Baby (0-3 months): 5 inches
Baby (3-6 months): 5.5 inches
Baby (6-12 months): 6 inches
Toddler (1-3 years): 6.5 inches
Child (3-10 years): 7 inches
Teen/Small Adult: 7.5 inches
Adult Medium: 8 inches (approx. Rnds 9-16 in this pattern)
Adult Large: 8.5 inches

Brim:

The brim is typically worked in single crochet or a ribbed pattern for elasticity. We will use a simple single crochet brim.

Rnd 17 (Adult Medium): Ch 1 (does NOT count as a stitch). 1 sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. (96 sc)
Rnds 18 – 19 (Adult Medium): Rep Rnd 17. (96 sc per round)

Note: You can adjust the number of brim rounds to make it wider or narrower. 2-3 rounds of single crochet is typical.

Finishing:

Fasten off your yarn, leaving a tail about 6-8 inches long.
Thread the tail onto your tapestry needle.
Weave the tail securely into the inside of the hat, working through the stitches to hide it. Trim any excess yarn.

Video tutorial

Tips for Customization:

Ribbed Brim: For a ribbed brim, after completing the body rounds, switch to a smaller hook (e.g., G/6 or 4.0 mm). Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. For subsequent brim rounds, ch 1, sc in the back loop only of each st around. This creates a ribbed effect.
Different Stitches: You can use other stitches for the body of the hat, such as half double crochet (hdc) or even different stitch patterns, but remember that this will affect your gauge and the required number of rounds.
Stripes: Change yarn colors at the beginning of a new round to create stripes.
Pom-Pom: Add a yarn pom-pom or a faux fur pom-pom to the top for a fun touch.
Ear Flaps: You can add ear flaps by working rows back and forth along the bottom edge of the hat after the brim is complete.