Free Baby Hat crochet Pattern (Crunch Stitch) — Newborn to 12 Months
A Beautifully Textured Baby Hat crochet pattern— Simple, Stretchy, and So Cozy.
This crocheted infant baby hat, is super easy to make, with a ribbed turn-up brim and textured crochet stitch, fits newborn to 12 months and uses a soft double knit yarn with a 4.00mm crochet hook.
I was asked recently for more baby boy crochet patterns, especially hats, so I am designing a few patterns just now.
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Why You’ll Love This Baby Hat Pattern
This easy simple baby hat crochet pattern is everything you want in a quick, satisfying project — simple stitches, soft texture, and a beautifully stretchy fit.
It’s worked flat in rows, making it perfect for beginners who want to avoid crocheting in the round.
The hat starts with a classic ribbed band using single crochet (sc) in the back loops, giving it that timeless, snug look with a turn-up brim that stays put.
The body of the hat features the crunch stitch crochet pattern— a lovely two-stitch combo of half double crochet and slip stitch that adds gentle texture without bulk.
It’s ideal for using up your colection of soft double knit yarn and works up beautifully in solids, pastels, or stripes.
This baby beanie pattern includes multiple sizes, from newborn up to 12 months, so you can make a cozy handmade gift for baby showers, or to donate.
The Crunch Stitch — Soft Texture with a Snug Fit Perfect crochet stitch for baby hats,
The crunch stitch might just become your new go-to for baby makes.
It’s a simple basic stitches two-stitch repeat — half double crochet (hdc) followed by a slip stitch (slst) — that creates a gently textured fabric with just the right amount of stretch.
The result? A soft, cozy feel that hugs baby’s head comfortably without being too tight.
What makes the crunch stitch so lovely is its reversible texture and how beautifully it works up in double knit (DK) yarn.
This crochet stitch is easy to memorize — perfect for crocheting on the go or during a quiet evening at home.
In this pattern, you’ll be working the crunch stitch in the round but turning at the end of each row to keep that nice, even texture.
Whether you’re new to textured stitches or just want a break from the basics, the crunch stitch adds that little extra something without complicating the pattern.
Crochet Baby Size Chart for Hats
This free crochet baby hat pattern is designed for comfort, stretch, and wearability. It uses soft double knit (DK) yarn with a 4.00 mm crochet hook — the perfect pairing for creating lightweight but cozy baby hats that work year-round.
The pattern includes four baby hat sizes, each with a turn-up brim and easy, adjustable fit:
| Size | Hat Width (flat) | Hat Height (including brim) |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn Baby hat | 13.5″ / 34 cm | 5.5″ / 14 cm |
| 0–3 months Baby hat | 14.5″ / 37 cm | 6″ / 15 cm |
| 3–6 months baby hat | 16″ / 40.5 cm | 6.5″ / 16.5 cm |
| 6–12 months baby hat | 17.5″ / 44.5 cm | 7″ / 18 cm |
📏 Measurements are taken with the hat laid flat and unstretched. The ribbed brim allows for a snug and stretchy fit.
Each size begins with a ribbed band, worked flat in SC in the back loops until it matches the head circumference for that size. You’ll then join the band, pick up stitches evenly around the edge in multiples of 2, and work the hat body in the crunch stitch — that simple, cozy repeat of HDC and SLST that adds light texture and stretch.
The turned-up brim isn’t just for style — it adds a double layer of warmth around the ears, making this a practical baby hat pattern for colder months or breezy days.
What You’ll Need to Crochet this Hat
To make this easy crochet baby hat pattern, you’ll need just a few simple supplies. This project is perfect for stash-busting or for showcasing your favorite soft DK yarn.
Materials:
- Yarn: Double Knit (DK) weight yarn
(Yardage varies by size – approx. 40–80g per hat) Choose a soft, baby-friendly yarn that has a bit of stretch and holds shape well. Acrylic blends, cotton-acrylic mixes, or premium baby DK yarns all work beautifully for this pattern. - Hook: 4.00 mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle for sewing seams and weaving in ends
- Scissors
Crochet Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms) for This Baby Hat Pattern
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- hdc — half double crochet
- dc — double crochet
- sl st — slip stitch
- bl — back loop (working in the back loop only)
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- rep — repeat
How to crochet the Crunch Stitch:
The crunch stitch is created by simply alternating two basic stitches, a slip stitch (sl st) and a half double crochet (hdc) worked into separate stitches across the row. (NOT in the same space)
Tips:
- Always begin with a hdc into a slst, and end with a slst into the final hdc.
- Use a larger hook than you normally would — this helps avoid a tight, stiff fabric.
- If your stitch count is off, you probably chained an odd number or missed the starting slst.
Pattern Notes & Construction
This crochet baby hat pattern is worked in rows, making it beginner-friendly while still offering that polished, handmade finish. The construction is simple and satisfying no shaping, no increasing in the round, just clean rows and a textured finish that looks far more complex than it really is.
Construction of Overview:
- The Band
The hat starts with a stretchy ribbed band, made by working single crochet in the back loop only (SC BLO). This creates a flexible brim with a clean vertical rib texture.
- The band is worked lengthwise in rows, band will be folded up as a turn-up brim for extra warmth and a snug fit.
YOu will then join BOTH ENDS together with slip stitches, to form a circle loop
- Picking Up the Body
Once the band is joined, you’ll pick up stitches evenly along the edge of the ribbing you have just complete making sure you have a multiple of 2 to begin working the body of the hat. This step transitions you into working in the round.
- The Crunch Stitch Body of the hat
The body of the hat is worked in the Crunch Stitch, IN THE ROUND a simple repeat of:- (HDC in next st, SLST in next st) around.
- You will slip stitch to the first stitch to join, then turn at the end of every round to maintain even texture.
- Finishing
Once you reach the desired hat height, you’ll decrease by working every second single crochet, until a small number of stitches are left fasten off, weave a gathering strand through the final row, and cinch the top closed. It creates a neat, slightly rounded crown that fits beautifully without bunching.
Newborn size Baby Crochet Hat Pattern
Head circumference: 13–14 inches
Band starting chain: Ch 9 (approx. 2” tall before folding)
Finished height: 6” (including folded brim)
Hat Band:
- Ch 9
- Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (8 sts)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. SC BLO across.
- Repeat Row 2 until your ribbed band fits snugly around 13–14″ head (typically 38–40 rows).
- Join the short ends with a slip stitch seam to form a circle.
Hat Body:
Turn band sideways and work
Row 1: 1 HDC evenly into the side of each row around (ensure an even number of sts). Join with SLST.
NOTE: always make the first HDC in the Bast of the chain 1 st)
Row 2: Ch 1, TURN. (HDC in next st, SLST in next st) around. Join with SLST.
Repeat Row 2, turning at the end of each, until hat measures approx. “6 from ROW 1 at brim edge.
Shaping the Crown, From now on DO NOT TURN or slip st to join the rounds,
Crown: *Skip 1st st, sc in next,* repeat this around until you have around 8 sts remaining, fasten off and leave a long tail to thread through the remaining sts, pull Tight to close
0-3 Months Baby Crochet Hat Pattern
Head circumference: 14–16 inches
Band starting chain: Ch 10 (approx. 2.25” tall before folding)
Finished height: 6.5” (including folded brim)
Hat Band:
Ch 10
Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (9 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. SC BLO across.
Repeat Row 2 until band fits snugly around 14–16” head (approx. 54 -56rows).
Join short ends with slip stitch seam to form a circle.
Hat Body:
Turn band sideways.
Row 1: 1 HDC evenly into the side of each row around (even number of sts). Join with SLST.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. (HDC in next st, SLST in next st) around. Join with SLST.
Repeat Row 2 until hat measures approx. 6.5” from brim edge.
Crown Shaping: DO not slip to join, do not turn, work continuously.
*Skip 1st st, SC in next,* repeat around. Until around 10 sts remaining , fasten off and weave through tail to pull tight to close
3-6 Months Baby Crochet Hat Pattern
Head circumference: 16–17 inches
Band starting chain: Ch 11 (approx. 2.5” tall before folding)
Finished height: 7” (including folded brim)
Hat Band:
Ch 11
Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (10 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. SC BLO across.
Repeat Row 2 until band fits snugly around 16–17” head (approx. 46–48 rows).
Join short ends with slip stitch seam to form a circle.
Hat Body:
Turn band sideways.
Row 1: 1 HDC evenly into the side of each row around (even number of sts). Join with SLST.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. (HDC in next st, SLST in next st) around. Join with SLST.
Repeat Row 2 until hat measures approx. 7” from brim edge.
Crown Shaping: DO not slip to join, do not turn, work continuously.
*Skip 1st st, SC in next,* repeat around. Until around 12 sts remaining , fasten off and weave through tail to pull tight to close
6-9 Months Baby Crochet Hat Pattern
Head circumference: 17–18 inches
Band starting chain: Ch 12 (approx. 2.75” tall before folding)
Finished height: 7.5” (including folded brim)
Hat Band:
Ch 12
Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (11 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. SC BLO across.
Repeat Row 2 until band fits snugly around 17–18” head (approx. 50–52 rows).
Join short ends with slip stitch seam to form a circle.
Hat Body:
Turn band sideways.
Row 1: 1 HDC evenly into the side of each row around (even number of sts). Join with SLST.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. (HDC in next st, SLST in next st) around. Join with SLST.
Repeat Row 2 until hat measures approx. 7.5” from brim edge.
Crown Shaping: DO not slip to join, do not turn, work continuously.
*Skip 1st st, SC in next,* repeat around. Until around 12 sts remaining , fasten off and weave through tail to pull tight to close
6–9 Months Baby Crochet Hat Pattern
Head circumference: 17–18 inches
Band starting chain: Ch 12 (approx. 2.75” tall before folding)
Finished height: 7.5” (including folded brim)
Hat Band:
Ch 12
Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (11 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. SC BLO across.
Repeat Row 2 until band fits snugly around 17–18” head (approx. 50–52 rows).
Join short ends with slip stitch seam to form a circle.
Hat Body:
Turn band sideways.
Row 1: 1 HDC evenly into the side of each row around (even number of sts). Join with SLST.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. (HDC in next st, SLST in next st) around. Join with SLST.
Repeat Row 2 until hat measures approx. 7.5” from brim edge.
Crown Shaping:
Skip 1st st, SC in next, repeat around.
9-12 Months Baby Crochet Hat Pattern
Head circumference: 18–19 inches
Band starting chain: Ch 13 (approx. 3” tall before folding)
Finished height: 8” (including folded brim)
Hat Band:
Ch 13
Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (12 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. SC BLO across.
Repeat Row 2 until band fits snugly around 18–19” head (approx. 54–56 rows).
Join short ends with slip stitch seam to form a circle.
Hat Body:
Turn band sideways.
Row 1: 1 HDC evenly into the side of each row around (even number of sts). Join with SLST.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. (HDC in next st, SLST in next st) around. Join with SLST.
Repeat Row 2 until hat measures approx. 8” from brim edge.
Crown Shaping: DO not slip to join, do not turn, work continuously.
*Skip 1st st, SC in next,* repeat around. Until around 12 sts remaining, fasten off and weave through the Do not slip to join; do not turn.
Use the long tail to pull tight to close.
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Is it hdc and slip stitch in the same stitch or do you just alternate them in their own stitches?
the slip stitch is one st, the hdc is the next stitch, alternate along the row