Free Cat Hat Crochet Pattern (5 Sizes for Beginners)

A cat hat crochet pattern is the ultimate cute project for cat lovers — playful, cozy, and beginner-friendly!

Whether you’re making one for yourself, a child, or a friend, this beanie pattern is a fun and fast crochet hat tutorial with serious charm.

This free crochet pattern is worked flat as a rectangle, then seamed to shape those adorable pointy ears.

It’s available in a range of sizes and uses basic crochet stitches, making it the perfect project for new makers.

Please scroll down to view the free pattern or grab the ad-free printable PDF in my shop here.

Before You Get Started

Here are a few things to know before you begin crocheting your cat hat:

• This is a simple pattern using beginner stitches: sc (single crochet) and blo (back loop only) for chunky ribbing.
• To begin, the cat hat is crocheted flat as a rectangle and then folded and seamed to shape the ears.
• You can adjust the width easily to fit different head sizes (see sizing guide below).
• This is a great gift idea and one of the most beginner-friendly patterns for crochet hats!

Tools + Materials

Yarn:

• 1 Ball of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick in the color Black Canyon 153 or Graphite 151.
• Super Bulky/Super Chunky/14-ply yarn- 125yd/142g/114m.
• Any super bulky weight yarn (06) can be used for this pattern.
• Alternative yarn – 1 x smaller sizes/2 x teen and adult sizes King Cole Big Value Super Chunky (approx. 180 yards).
• Alternatively, you can also find more substitute yarns on Yarnsub.com.
• Try black yarn for a black cat slouch hat look!

Crochet Hook Size:

• 10 mm (US N/P)

Notions:

• Yarn needle (for sewing + seaming)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Gauge:

• 6 stitches and 8 rows in single crochet = 10x10cm / 4×4 inches

Size Information

This hat can be made in a range of sizes.

• Newborn – 3 months baby – Head circumference = 13-16″ / Finished length = 12″
• 1-3 years – Head circumference = 18-21″ / Finished length = 16″
• 5 to 12 years – Head circumference = 19-22″ /Finished length = 18″
• Teens to medium adults – Head circumference = 22-23″ / Finished length = 20″
• Large adult – CO 32 / Head circumference = 24-25″ / Finished length = 22″

You may want to adjust the head circumference/finished length depending on the recipient of the hat.

How To Crochet A Cat Ear Hat

Notably, this free crochet cat hat pattern creates a stretchy, textured chunky ribbing fabric that hugs your head with cute cat ears formed during the seaming process.

Abbreviations

The abbreviations are in US terms.

Tip – To convert to UK terms, all of the abbreviations are the same apart from single crochet – in UK terms, this would change to double crochet.

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• blo – back loop only
• sl -st slip stitch

Crochet the Rectangle

Chain 32, (38, 44, 50, 56).

Row 1: In the 2nd ch from the hook, sc, then sc across the row. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in BLO (back loop only) across. Ch 1, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until your rectangle measures 6, (7, 8, 9, 10) inches wide.

Tip: Use a stitch marker to track your rows if needed.

Seam the Hat

Once the rectangle is complete:

Step 1 – Slip stitch to fasten off and cut yarn – weave in any loose ends before starting to seam. Fold the piece in half lengthwise.

Step 2 – Sew the side seam using a whip stitch or mattress stitch, starting from the top down.

Step 3 – Reverse-seam the last 2 inches of the side to create a ribbed brim.

Step 4 – Repeat on the other side of the hat. Fold the brim up and into place.

The cat hat is now ready to wear!

Optional: Pinch the corners and stitch in a triangle to form those pointy ears!

Grab the ad-free printable PDF in my shop here.

FAQs + Extra Tips

→ Is this cat ear hat beginner-friendly?

Yes! It uses only basic crochet stitches like sc and works flat — no shaping or increasing necessary.

→ Can I adjust the size?

Absolutely. Just adjust your starting chain for width and repeat rows for length.

Try a smaller size for children or pets!

→ What yarn is best?

A super chunky yarn makes this hat warm, fast to work up, and gives great definition to the cat ears.

→ What stitch do I use to sew the seams?

Use a whip stitch, mattress stitch, or any seam that gives a neat join.

A yarn needle is best for this.

Free Crochet Hat Patterns You’ll Love

• How To Crochet A Hat (Chunky Beanie For Beginners)
• Crochet Baby Hat (Easy Pattern For Beginners)
• Striped Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern
• Crochet Summer Hat Pattern (Free Printable)
• 35 Free Crochet Hat Patterns

Learn The Basics

• Crochet Lessons With Video Tutorials – Learn the first sc, how to repeat rows, and how to read crochet patterns.
• Yarn Weight Guide + Conversion Chart
• How To Read A Yarn Label Step-By-Step

Do you knit?

If you also knit, you may enjoy this pattern: Knitted Cat Hat – Free Knitting Pattern

Share Your Work!

I’d love to see your finished crochet cat ear beanie!

• Tag me on Instagram @handylittleme
• Join the community on Facebook and share a photo
• Follow us on Pinterest, Twitter, TikTok, Etsy, and Ravelry

Happy Crocheting!