Newborn Baby Crochet Hat Pattern, Perfect for Donating to Hospitals
This is a super EASY crochet newborn baby hat pattern, with a turnup!
This is also a great starting baby hat pattern for those wondering how to crochet baby hats for beginners
It is the Perfect Beginner Baby hat to crochet as you work in a rectangle working in ROWS!
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his soft and stretchy beanie is ideal for donating to hospitals and charities, helping keep newborns warm and cozy in their first days.
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Why Crochet Newborn Hats for Hospitals?
Newborns lose body heat quickly, and hospitals often request handmade crochet baby hats to provide warmth and comfort.
Some maternity wards use a traffic light system to categorize newborns based on their needs:
Red Hats: For babies requiring the most attention and extra monitoring.
Amber Hats: For babies needing moderate observation.
Green Hats: For healthy newborns requiring routine checks.
Before donating, check with your local hospital or maternity unit to see if they have specific color preferences or size requirements.
If your local hospital isn’t currently accepting donations, consider reaching out to national charities that distribute crochet baby hats to neonatal units. Handmade donations are always in demand!
After being asked several times how to make this baby hat BIGGER I have added in a baby hat sizes chart!
The Chain length at the start of your hat is the Total Length PLUS a turnup!
Notes:
- Hospitals may have specific size and color requirements, so check before donating.
- The ribbed design allows the hat to stretch, making it more versatile in sizing.
- For donation hats, use soft, machine-washable yarn in pastel or neutral colors.
Easy Baby Hat Sizing
Materials Needed:
Yarn: 30g of DK (light worsted weight) yarn per hat
Hook: 3.5mm (adjust if needed for gauge)
Scissors & Tapestry Needle: For finishing touches
Measuring Tape: To ensure correct sizing
Yes you can use any hook or yar, by following the measurement sizes above and making Starting Chain = HAT HEIGHT. However be mindful of the finished look of the hat , example: thicker yarn and a bigger hook will result in not so many ridges, not as stretchy when finished.
Not sure what size to make for a newborn? The ribbed design allows for a stretchy and comfortable fit, making it easy to accommodate different head sizes
Newborn Crochet Hat Size
For this baby Hat I am going to be crocheting the hat to fit a Newborn
Newborn (0-3 months): 12-inch circumference, 7-inch depth (Hat Height with turnup!)
So my Starting chain will need to be 7 inches LONG, and I will work in ROWS until my hat reaches 12 inches across
Customization & Yarn Suggestions
- Use pastel shades or neutral tones for a classic look.
- Add a pom-pom for a decorative touch.
- If donating, ensure the yarn is soft, hypoallergenic, and machine washable.
Easy Baby Crochet Hat Pattern FREE
Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)
The Baby hat uses basic crochet stitches, worked into the back loops
- Ch – Chain
- SC – Single Crochet
- BL SC – Back Loop Single Crochet
- BL SL ST – Back Loop Slip Stitch
Baby Hat Pattern Instructions
- Ch 36 (or adjust to the desired hat height, including extra for a turn-up brim).
- Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook, SC in 30 ch, SL ST into next 5 ch. Ch 1, turn.
- Row 2: SL ST in the back loop of first 5 sts, SC in the back loop of remaining 30 sts. Ch 1, turn.
- Row 3: SC in back loop of next 30 sts, SL ST into back loops of last 5 sts. Ch 1, turn.
- Repeat Rows 2-3 until your work measures 12 inches (for newborn size) or the required circumference.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Fold the hat in half and sew the short edges together.
- Gather the top by weaving the yarn through the top stitches and pulling tight to close.
Your newborn crochet hat is now complete and ready to be donated!
I have several baby hat crochet patterns that I have made over the years!
The Cutest and Easiest Baby Hat Crochet Pattern for Making Baby Hats
What is the gauge for the simple baby hat? I can’t find it in the pattern. I’m having trouble getting the top of the hat to close. I think it is too tight and need to use a larger hook but I’m not sure how to judge if I have the right size hook without the gauge. Thanks for your help.
Hi Gauge is 8 sc ROWS to inch! But measure side to side of the crochet baby hat to ensure correct measurements achieved, when sewing the top of the hat go theough the Ridges of the turning chains only until you can pull tight then use the tails to weave in and out of the top of the baby hat to secure tightly – hope that helps Lisa