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35 Free Crochet Hat Patterns For Beginners & Beyond

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.

In this post, you will see 35 free crochet hat patterns for beginners & beyond.

One of the best and most popular things you can make is a hat!

So often over the colder months, you get asked to make a hat for someone, and with a free crochet pattern, you will be able to make more than just one.

Free Crochet Hat Patterns For Beginners

Free Crochet Hat Patterns

There are many patterns for you to choose from in the list below, including hats with a brim, a slouchy hat with a pom-pom, beginner-friendly hats, and a hat with great texture.

Take a look at this roundup of the best crochet hat patterns for fall and winter and make something to adorn your head from the beginning to the end of the season.

Happy Crocheting! 

Make Gifts For The Whole Family!

People love to get hold of a hat made just for them, and with the cold months of January and February looming, they will be well received.

Once you start making hats, you will become addicted to making them for your family, friends, and neighbors!

From newborns to toddlers to small adult sizes, there are hats for all ages.

womens crochet hat patterns

What Is the Best Crochet Stitch for Hats?

The best crochet stitch for hats depends on the style, fit, and texture you want—but in general, the top choices are stretchy, warm, and easy to shape into a rounded form.

1. Half double crochet (hdc)

2. Single crochet (sc)

  • Why it’s great: Dense, warm, and creates a snug fit
  • Best for: Ear-warming winter hats, colorwork (like stripes or tapestry crochet)
  • Bonus: Excellent for beginners and shaping
  • How To Single Crochet (SC)

3. Double crochet (dc)

  • Why it’s great: Taller stitches mean faster progress
  • Best for: Slouchy hats, summer hats (with openwork)
  • Bonus: Great for lacy styles or adding texture with shell and V-stitch variations
  • How To Double Crochet (dc) For Beginners

4. Front post/back post ribbing (fpdc/bpdc)

Best combo for most hats:

A classic combo is hdc for the body and fpdc/bpdc ribbing for the brim — it’s comfy, stretchy, and holds its shape well.

Pro Tip: Always check your gauge, especially when using different stitch types or fibers (like cotton or wool blends), to ensure the hat fits as intended.

Supplies You Need to Crochet a Hat

1. Yarn

The type and weight of yarn you use will depend on the hat pattern. Here are common options:

  • Worsted weight (medium #4): Great for most beanies and beginner-friendly.
  • Bulky or super bulky yarn (#5 or #6): Perfect for warm, quick-to-make hats.
  • DK weight or lightweight yarn (#3): Good for lighter, more fitted hats.
  • Fiber type: Acrylic (easy-care and affordable), wool (warmth), or blends (best of both).
  • 🧵 Always check your pattern for yarn weight and yardage recommendations.

Helpful resources

2. Crochet hook

The size of the hook depends on your yarn and the pattern you’re using.

Common sizes: 5.0 mm (H/8), 5.5 mm (I/9), 6.0 mm (J/10), or 8.0 mm (L/11) for bulky yarn.

Tip: If you’re not using a pattern, check your yarn label for the recommended hook size.

Check it out here – Crochet Hook Sizes Chart (A Free Conversion Guide)

3. Scissors

A sharp pair of scissors is essential for cutting yarn neatly at the end of your project.

4. Yarn needle/tapestry needle

Used to:

  • Weave in ends neatly.
  • Seam the hat if it’s made flat and sewn together.
  • Attach pom poms or decorative elements.

5. Stitch markers (optional but helpful)

Use these to:

6. Measuring tape (optional but useful)

To: Measure your gauge swatch.

Check the height and circumference of the hat.

7. Pom pom maker or faux fur pom (optional)

Add a fun pom pom to the top of your beanie! You can use:

  • A store-bought pom pom.
  • A pom pom maker.
  • DIY your own with leftover yarn.

Crochet Lessons

If you are new to the craft and need help with the crochet basics, check out more free how-to resources here: Crochet Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

This includes crochet abbreviations, UK and US terms, how to make a slip knot, foundation chain (ch), crocheting the single crochet stitch, the half double crochet stitch (hdc), crocheting through the front loop, and more. 

If you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

For extra help and to connect with more makers from the crafting community, check out the Handylittleme Knitting and Crochet Community Facebook group.

You can also find us on social media: Ravelry, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, and TikTok.

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