Simple Double Crochet Hat – Free Crochet Pattern
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📌 This post was updated to make it easier to read and follow.
Looking for a fast and easy crochet hat you can make in any size? The Simple Double Crochet Hat is a top-down beanie worked in joined rounds with Medium (4) yarn and a 5.5 mm (I) hook. The free pattern includes sizes from Preemie to Adult Large. You can print or save a free PDF using the printer icon at the top of this post.
![This Simple Double Crochet Hat Pattern is worked in rounds, from the top-down. You will need Medium Weight Yarn [4] and a 5.50 mm (I) crochet hook for this project. This easy crochet beanie pattern is available for free in my post below and includes all published sizes, from baby to adult large.](https://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Free-Pattern-Simple-Double-Crochet-Hat-Pattern-in-sizes-Preemie-to-Adult-Large-by-Oombawka-Design-2018.jpg "Free Pattern Simple Double Crochet Hat Pattern in sizes Preemie to Adult Large by Oombawka Design 2018")
✨ Why Crocheters Like It
- Quick to make – a fast project that’s perfect for last-minute gifts or donations.
- Easy construction – worked from the crown down in joined rounds using basic stitches.
- Versatile sizing – includes instructions for Preemie through Adult Large.
- Printable PDF – easy to save or print and crochet anywhere.
- Classic style – simple design that suits any yarn color or embellishment.
Simple Double Crochet Hat Pattern
Before you begin, here’s what you’ll need.
Supplies
- Yarn: Red Heart With Love. 7 oz (198 g) ; 370 yds (338 m). Care: Machine wash warm on gentle cycle; tumble dry on low. Do not over dry; do not bleach; do not iron. The green hat was crocheted with Red Heart Super Saver Yarn. 7 oz (198 g); 364 yds (333 m).
- Crochet Hook: 5.50 mm (I)
- Yardage: You will need less than 1 ball of Red Heart With Love or Red Heart Super Saver Yarn to complete the adult size hat(s).
- Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker (optional)
Difficulty Level
- Beginner – Easy
Finished Sizes
| SIZE | To Fit Up To (Circumference) |
| Preemie | 12 inches |
| Newborn | 13.5 inches |
| 0-3 months | 16 inches |
| 3-6 months | 17 inches |
| 6-12 months | 18 inches |
| 12-24 months (Toddler) | 19 inches |
| 3-5 years | 20 inches |
| 6-10 years | 21 inches |
| Teen / Adult Small | 22 inches |
| Adult (medium) | 23 inches |
| Adult (large) | 24 inches |
Next, let’s talk about gauge.
Gauge
Approximately 3 sts per inch and 2 rows per inch worked in double crochet (dc).
- These measurements are taken after the increase rounds are done and the stitch count stays the same.
You can substitute any yarn and hook for this stitch pattern – just remember when you substitute if your gauge is different, the finished size of your project will also be different.
Abbreviations
US Terminology used
- ch(s) – chain(s)
- dc – double crochet
- DMR – double magic ring
- g – grams
- m – meters
- oz – ounces
- R – round
- rem – remaining
- rep – repeat
- sk – skip
- sl st – slip stitch
- st/sts – stitch/stitches
- yds – yards
- * to ** – Repeat the instructions between the asterisks the number of times indicated. This repeat will contain multiple instructions.
- [ ] – at the end of the row – the total number of stitches
- ( ) – important notes AND sets of stitches to be worked within one stitch, or space
Helpful Tutorials
Crochet Cheat Sheet | Magic Ring Tutorial | Invisible Join Tutorial | Double Magic Ring Tutorial
Before you begin, please read the important Notes below:
Notes:
- Begin with a ch-3. Work the stitches into the third chain from the hook. I prefer using a double magic ring (DMR) to start, however, you can use your preferred starting method.
- The ch-2 at the beginning of each round does not count as a stitch.
- The sl st join does not count as a stitch.
- Join with a sl st to the first dc of the round, skipping over the ch-2.
- The final slip stitch round is optional. If your slip stitches are tight, you can skip it or substitute a round of single crochet or single crochet in the back loop only.
- For a fun finish, you can add a pom-pom to the top of the hat. How to make a pompom.
- If you are on Ravelry, please remember to favorite and queue the Simple Double Crochet Hat.
Simple Double Crochet Hat Pattern
This beanie is crocheted in joined rounds, starting at the crown and working down to the brim in one-piece.
Using your 5.5 mm (I) crochet hook, or size needed for gauge:
Preemie (12″)
R1: Ch 3, 10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. Sl st to the first st to join. [10 dc]
R2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [20 dc]
R3: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [30 dc]
R4: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [30 dc]
R5-R8: Rep R4 [30 dc]
R9: 1 sl st (work loosely because this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends [30 dc]
Newborn (13.5″)
Newborn Baby Hat Video Tutorial | Newborn Baby Hat Video Tutorial (left handed)
R1: Ch 3, 10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. Sl st to the first st to join. [10 dc]
R2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [20 dc]
R3: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [30 dc]
R4: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** 5 times. 1 dc in each remaining st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [35 dc]
R5: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [35 dc]
R6-R9: Rep R5 [35 dc]
R10: 1 sl st (work loosely because this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends [35 sl st]
0-3 months (16″)
0-3 months Baby Hat Video Tutorial | 0-3 months Baby Hat Video Tutorial (left handed)
R1: Ch 3, 10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. Sl st to the first st to join. [10 dc]
R2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [20 dc]
R3: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [30 dc]
R4: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to first st to join. [40 dc]
R5: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** 2 times. 1 dc in each remaining st around. Sl st to the first st to join [42 dc]
R6: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [42 dc]
R7-R11: Rep R6 [42 dc]
R12: 1 sl st (work loosely because this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends [42 sl st]
3-6 months (17″)
3-6 months Baby Hat Video Tutorial | 3-6 months Baby Hat Video Tutorial (left handed)
R1: Ch 3, 10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. Sl st to the first st to join [10 dc]
R2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [20 dc]
R3: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [30 dc]
R4: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [40 dc]
R5: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** 5 times. 1 dc in each remaining st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [45 dc]
R6: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [45 dc]
R7-R11: Rep R6 [45 dc]
R12: 1 sl st (work loosely because this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends [45 sl st]
6-12 months (18″)
R1: Ch 3, 10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. Sl st to the first st to join. [10 dc]
R2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [20 dc]
R3: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [30 dc]
R4: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work form * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [40 dc]
R5: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** 8 times. 1 dc in each remaining st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [48 dc]
R6: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st around, sl st to first st to join. [48 dc]
R7-R11: Rep R6 [48 dc]
R12: 1 sl st (work loosely because this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends. [48 sl st]
12-24 months / Toddler (19″)
R1: Ch 3, 10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. Sl st to first st to join. [10 dc]
R2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [20 dc]
R3: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [30 dc]
R4: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [40 dc]
R5: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [50 dc]
R6: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [50 dc]
R7-R12: Rep R6 [50 dc]
R13: 1 sl st (work loosely because this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends [50 sl st]
3-5 years (20″)
R1: Ch 3, 10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. Sl st to first st to join. [10 dc]
R2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to first st to join. [20 dc]
R3: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to first st to join. [30 dc]
R4: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [40 dc]
R5: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [50 dc]
R6: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts**. Work from * to ** 4 times. 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [54 dc]
R7: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [54 dc]
R8-R12: Rep R7 [54 dc]
R13: 1 sl st (work loosely because this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends. [54 sl st]
6-10 years (21″)
R1: Ch 3,10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. Sl st to the first st to join. [10 dc]
R2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [20 dc]
R3: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [30 dc]
R4: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [40 dc]
R5: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [50 dc]
R6: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts**. Work from * to ** 7 times. 1 dc in each rem st around, Sl st to the first st to join. [57 dc]
R7: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [57 dc]
R8-R13: Rep R7 [57 dc]
R14: 1 sl st (work loosely because this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends. [57 sl st]
Teen / Adult Small (22″)
R1: Ch 3, 10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. Sl st to the first st to join. [10 dc]
R2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [20 dc]
R3: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [30 dc]
R4: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [40 dc]
R5: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [50 dc]
R6: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [60 dc]
R7: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [60 dc]
R8-R13: Rep R7 [60 dc]
R14: 1 sl st (work loosely because this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends. [60 sl st]
Adult Medium (23″)
R1: Ch 3, 10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. Sl st to the first st to join. [10 dc]
R2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [20 dc]
R3: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [30 dc]
R4: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [40 dc]
R5: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [50 dc]
R6: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [60 dc]
R7: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 5 sts**. Work from * to ** 3 times. 1 dc in each remaining st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [63 dc]
R8: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [63 dc]
R9-R14: Rep R8 [63 dc]
R15: 1 sl st (work loosely because this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends [63 sl st]
Adult Large (24″)
R1: Ch 3, 10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. Sl st to the first st to join. [10 dc]
R2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [20 dc]
R3: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [30 dc]
R4: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [40 dc]
R5: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [50 dc]
R6: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to the first st to join. [60 dc]
R7: Ch 2, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 5 sts**. Work from * to ** 6 times. 1 dc in each remaining st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [66 dc]
R8: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first st to join. [66 dc]
R9-R15: Rep R8 [66]
R16: 1 sl st (work loosely because this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends [66 sl st]
🖨️ Click the printer icon at the top of this post to print or save a copy of the pattern for your personal use. You can save it as a PDF or print it to keep beside you while you crochet.
FAQ
Yes. Simply work more, or less repeat rounds to increase or decrease the hat height.
Any medium worsted weight yarn works well. However, choosing a softer yarn worsted weight yarn gives the hat a cozier finish.
Yes. Because it uses basic stitches, this is a great first project.
Finally, if you’re looking for other quick hat patterns in different yarn weights, I’ve included more free options below. These include DK weight hats for donation projects like chemo and preemie caps, and bulky weight beanies for cozy winter makes.
7 More Free Crochet Patterns for Hats
If you’re working with a different yarn weight or hook size, try one of these easy crochet hat patterns instead.
- Basic Double Crochet Hat Pattern with a 6 mm Hook. This pattern includes instructions to make your hat both mid-ear and base of earlobe lengths. You will need a 6 mm (J) crochet hook and Medium Weight [4] Yarn.
- Half Double Crochet Hat Pattern #2. This pattern is specifically for Medium Weight [4] Cotton Yarns and uses a 5.50 mm (I) crochet hook.
- Simple Half Double Crochet Basic Beanie Pattern. This is my most requested hat pattern. My friends and family love the finished hat design and it is my go-to pattern when I need to make hats for them. This pattern uses Medium Weight [4] Yarn and a 5.50 mm (I) hook. I personally prefer this hat because the spaces between the stitches are smaller and because I have a fondness for the half double crochet stitch (hdc).
- Half Double Crochet Hat Pattern in Soft Worsted Weight Yarn. If you have lighter Medium Weight Yarn you would like to use to make your hats (like Red Heart Soft, or Caron Simply Soft) this is the pattern you need. You will also need a 5.50 mm (I) crochet hook. Two lengths are included (mid-ear and base of earlobe) and sizes from baby hats to adult hats.
- Basic Bulky Beanie (BBB!). This hat works up quickly with Bulky Weight [5] Yarn and a 6 mm (J) crochet hook. Sizes included preemie through to adult large.
- Warm Winter Ski Masks. Perfect for keeping your face warm these easy to crochet ski masks need bulky weight yarn and a 6.5 mm (K) crochet hook. Sizes baby to adult.
- DK Double Crochet Hat Pattern for Beginners. This lightweight easy crochet beanie hat uses DK Weight (Light) Yarn [3] and a 4.5 mm hook. Light weight hats are perfect for chemo caps, newborn hats and preemie caps. Sizes: Preemie to Adult Large. Free Crochet Pattern.
- Visit this free pattern post for my Back to Basics Ribbed Hat (a rectangle hat) which is worked in rows.
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I hope you enjoy making this Simple Double Crochet Hat. It’s a classic, easy project that works up quickly and can be customized for anyone.
💌 Finished your hat? Share a photo and a short testimonial here or email it to me to be featured in the post. You can also create a Ravelry project page here.
Happy crocheting!
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Thank you!
I love your guidelines and tutorials and they are very helpful
You are very welcome Kristen 🙂
Hi Rhondda,
This is extremely helpful! Thank you so much for your kind guidance and assistance!
Hi Kristen,
Let’s see…
Gauge: 3 stitches per inch, 2 rounds double crochet per inch
Two inches of negative ease
So 27 inch head circumference you need a hat about 25 inches circumference. You need 75 stitches.
R1: ch 3; 10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook; sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [10]
R2: ch 2, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [20]
R3: ch 2, (2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in the next st) 10 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [30]
R4: ch 2, (2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts) 10 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [40]
R5: ch 2, (2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts) 10 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [50]
R6: ch 2, (2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts) 10 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [60]
R7: ch 2, (2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in each of the next 5 sts) 10 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [70]
R8: ch 2, (2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 13 sts) 5 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [75]
R9-R18: ch 2, 1 dc in each st around, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [75]
R19: this is a decorative edging so it is done loosely – you can omit it or work one round sc in the bl only for this round instead. 1 sl st (loosely as this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends [75]
If the friend’s headsize is 30 inches circumference then you will want a hat around 28 inches circumference. So about 84 stitches around.
R1: ch 3; 10 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook; sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [10]
R2: ch 2, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [20]
R3: ch 2, (2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in the next st) 10 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [30]
R4: ch 2, (2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts) 10 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [40]
R5: ch 2, (2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts) 10 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [50]
R6: ch 2, (2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts) 10 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [60]
R7: ch 2, (2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in each of the next 5 sts) 10 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [70]
R8: ch 2, (2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 6 sts) 10 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [80]
R9: ch 2, (2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 19 sts) 4 x, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [84]
R9-R20: ch 2, 1 dc in each st around, sl st to the 1st dc of the round to join [84]
R21: this is a decorative edging so it is done loosely – you can omit it or work one round sc in the bl only for this round instead. 1 sl st (loosely as this is a decorative edge) in each st around, finish off and weave in ends [84]
The hat heights might be off though – I have never made a hat quite this big before so you may want them to measure their head ‘height’ from the crown to the spot they want it to reach by the ear so you know how many rounds to work. 2 rounds per inch is what I generally see using Worsted / Medium Weight Yarn.
I do have a post to explain how hat math works – if you are interested in learning more you can take a look here: https://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/crochet-hat-sizes-and-heights/
Hope this is helpful, Rhondda
Hi Rhondda,
I’m praying for an easy solution. I have friends who want me to crochet this hat for them, but the adult large has a smaller head circumference. They have 27” up to 30″ inch head circumference. How do I adapt the pattern for them so that it will fit?
All the best,
Kristen
Hi Mary, I work under the front and back loops of each stitch for the double crochet stitches 🙂 not in the spaces between the stitches. Hope this helps! Rhondda
Hi Rhondda, this is just so beautiful! Your instructions are awesome. Do you do the double crochets in between each stitch?
Best Wishes, Mary