The Simple Cotton Cap Pattern
When you purchase through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
The Simple Cotton Cap Pattern is a crocheted beanie you can make with medium weight cotton yarn. The yarn I used is Bernat Handicrafter Cotton but you can easily substitute Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Yarn or Red Heart Creme de la Creme yarn. The written pattern instructions include options for two different beanie lengths. The mid-ear length beanie would be suitable for daily wear. The base-of-earlobe length is designed to provide coverage to the neckline for chemotherapy patients. If you would like a different overall length you can simply add, or remove repeat rounds in your specific sized hat to get the desired hat height.
The Simple Cotton Cap Crochet Pattern
Supplies
- Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn (400g / 14 oz, 650 meters / 710 yards), Medium Worsted Weight Yarn [4]; natural, soft absorbent cotton; Color: Sonoma Print
- Hook: 6 mm (J) Clover Amour
- Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker (optional)
Difficulty Level
Easy
Finished Size
See sizes in the pattern instructions below.
Gauge
Approximately 3 esc per inch and 3.2 rounds of esc per inch.
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 – chain
esc – extended single crochet
FPesc – Front Post extended single crochet
MR – magic ring
R – row
rem – remaining
rep – repeat
sk – skip
st/sts – stitch/stitches
* – Repeat the instructions between the asterisks the number of times indicated. This repeat will contain of multiple instructions.
() – Repeat the instructions between the parentheses the number of times indicated.
[] – at the end of the row – the total number of stitches
Helpful Tutorials
Helpful Video Tutorials
Notes
- Cotton yarn does not have as much elasticity as other yarn fibers so these hats have been sized to stretch a maximum of 1-inch in circumference
- These hats are worked in continuous rounds which means you do not sl st to join, nor chain any additional stitches; instead use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of your round
- Two lengths have been provided. The pattern is written to fit to the base of the earlobe with a note at the end of each size to help you size this to reach mid-ear length. If you would like to create a slouch hat design you simply repeat the repeat rounds more times until you reach the length you want.
The Simple Cotton Cap
Pattern Instructions
Preemie
Finished hat size: 11″ circumference, 4.5″ height. To fit 12″ head size.
R1: MR: 8 esc. [8]
R2: 2 esc in each st around. [16]
R3: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [24]
R4: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [32]
R5: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 15 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [34]
R6: 1 esc in each st around. [34]
R7-10: Rep R6. [34]
R11: *1 FPesc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [34]
R12: Rep R11; finish off with an invisible join and weave in your ends. [34]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop your repeats after R8 and then proceed to R11 and follow the remaining instructions to complete the hat.
Newborn
Finished hat size: 13″ circumference, 5″ height. To fit 14″ head size.
R1: MR: 8 esc. [8]
R2: 2 esc in each st around. [16]
R3: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [24]
R4: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [32]
R5: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [40]
R6: 1 esc in each st around. [40]
R7-12: Rep R6. [40]
R13: *1 FPesc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [40]
R14: Rep R13; finish off with an invisible join and weave in your ends. [40]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop your repeats after R10 and then proceed to R13 and follow the remaining instructions to complete the hat.
0-3 months
Finished hat size: 14″ circumference, 6″ height. To fit 16″ head size.
R1: MR: 8 esc. [8]
R2: 2 esc in each st around. [16]
R3: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [24]
R4: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [32]
R5: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [40]
R6: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 5 sts**. Rep from * to ** 6 times. Work 1 esc in each rem st around. [46]
R7: 1 esc in each st around. [46]
R9-15: Rep R7. [46]
R16: *1 FPesc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [46]
R17: Rep R16; finish off with an invisible join and weave in your ends. [46]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop your repeats after R13 and then proceed to R16 and follow the remaining instructions to complete the hat.
3 mos – 6 months
Finished hat size: 16″ circumference, 6.25″ height. To fit 17″ head size.
R1: MR: 8 esc. [8]
R2: 2 esc in each st around. [16]
R3: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [24]
R4: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [32]
R5: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [40]
R6: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 4 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [48]
R7: 1 esc in each st around. [48]
R9-16: Rep R7. [48]
R17: *1 FPesc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [48]
R18: Rep R17; finish off with an invisible join and weave in your ends. [48]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop your repeats after R14 and then proceed to R17 and follow the remaining instructions to complete the hat.
6 mos – 12 months
Finished hat size: 17″ circumference, 6.75″ height. To fit 18″ head size.
R1: MR: 8 esc. [8]
R2: 2 esc in each st around. [16]
R3: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [24]
R4: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [32]
R5: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [40]
R6: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 4 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [48]
R7: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 11 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [52]
R8: 1 esc in each st around. [52]
R9-17: Rep R8. [52]
R18: *1 FPesc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [52]
R19: Rep R18; finish off with an invisible join and weave in your ends. [52]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop your repeats after R14 and then proceed to R18 and follow the remaining instructions to complete the hat.
12 mos – 24 months
Finished hat size: 18″ circumference, 7″ height. To fit 19″ head size.
R1: MR: 8 esc. [8]
R2: 2 esc in each st around. [16]
R3: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [24]
R4: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [32]
R5: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [40]
R6: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 4 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [48]
R7: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 7 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [54]
R8: 1 esc in each st around. [54]
R9-18: Rep R8. [54]
R19: *1 FPesc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [54]
R20: Rep R19; finish off with an invisible join and weave in your ends. [54]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop your repeats after R16 and then proceed to R19 and follow the remaining instructions to complete the hat.
Toddler (3-5 years)
Finished hat size: 19″ circumference, 7.5 ” height. To fit 20″ head size.
R1: MR: 8 esc. [8]
R2: 2 esc in each st around. [16]
R3: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [24]
R4: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [32]
R5: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [40]
R6: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 4 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [48]
R7: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 5 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [56]
R8: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 27 sts**. Rep from * to ** 2 times. [58]
R9: 1 esc in each st around. [58]
R10-20: Rep R9. [58]
R21: *1 FPesc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [58]
R22: Rep R21; finish off with an invisible join and weave in your ends. [58]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop your repeats after R17 and then proceed to R21 and follow the remaining instructions to complete the hat.
Child (7-10 years)
Finished hat size: 20″ circumference, 8 ” height. To fit 21″ head size.
R1: MR: 8 esc. [8]
R2: 2 esc in each st around. [16]
R3: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [24]
R4: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [32]
R5: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [40]
R6: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 4 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [48]
R7: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 5 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [56]
R8: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 13 sts**. Rep from * to ** 4 times. [60]
R9: 1 esc in each st around. [60]
R10-21: Rep R9. [60]
R22: *1 FPesc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [60]
R23: Rep R22; finish off with an invisible join and weave in your ends. [60]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop your repeats after R18 and then proceed to R22 and follow the remaining instructions to complete the hat.
Small Adult (Teen)
Finished hat size: 21″ circumference, 8.25 ” height. To fit 22″ head size.
R1: MR: 8 esc. [8]
R2: 2 esc in each st around. [16]
R3: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [24]
R4: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [32]
R5: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [40]
R6: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 4 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [48]
R7: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 5 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [56]
R8: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 6 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [64]
R9: 1 esc in each st around. [64]
R10-22: Rep R9. [64]
R23: *1 FPesc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [64]
R24: Rep R23; finish off with an invisible join and weave in your ends. [64]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop your repeats after R19 and then proceed to R23 and follow the remaining instructions to complete the hat.
Medium Adult (Woman)
Finished hat size: 22″ circumference, 8.75 ” height. To fit 23″ head size.
R1: MR: 8 esc. [8]
R2: 2 esc in each st around. [16]
R3: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [24]
R4: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [32]
R5: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [40]
R6: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 4 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [48]
R7: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 5 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [56]
R8: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 6 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [64]
R9: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 31 sts**. Rep from * to** around. [66]
R10: 1 esc in each st around. [66]
R11-24: Rep R10. [66]
R25: *1 FPesc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [66]
R26: Rep R25; finish off with an invisible join and weave in your ends. [66]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop your repeats after R20 and then proceed to R25 and follow the remaining instructions to complete the hat.
Large Adult (Men)
Finished hat size: 22″ circumference, 9″ height. To fit 24″ head size.
R1: MR: 8 esc. [8]
R2: 2 esc in each st around. [16]
R3: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [24]
R4: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [32]
R5: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [40]
R6: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 4 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [48]
R7: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 5 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [56]
R8: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 6 sts**. Rep from * to ** around. [64]
R9: *2 esc in the next st, 1 esc in each of the next 9 sts**. Rep from * to** 6 times. Work 1 esc in each of the rem 4 sts. [70]
R10: 1 esc in each st around. [70]
R11-25: Rep R10. [70]
R26: *1 FPesc in the next st, 1 esc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [70]
R27: Rep R26; finish off with an invisible join and weave in your ends. [70]
If you would prefer the hat to reach mid ear, stop your repeats after R21 and then proceed to R26 and follow the remaining instructions to complete the hat.
#chemocap #freepattern #freecrochetpattern #crochetforcancer #preemiecap #cotton
Hi Sue, I don’t knit so I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to help you convert this into a similar hat that was knit. The stitch would be different and the material would be finer because knit stitches are lighter than their crocheted counterparts. All the best, Rhondda
Lovely hat!
Is it possible to have the same design for knitting?
Thank you so much for your comment Cathy 🙂 I’m happy the instructions will be helpful for you. Let me know if you have any questions when you are working on the pattern. I will be happy to help. If you are using a different kind of yarn (other than the cotton) I do have some patterns for other yarn weights and types too. Wishing you the very best, Rhondda xo
I just printed one more set of instructions for crocheting a cap, … yours. Even though I have not had the chance to follow the instructions and see the end result, I am humbled and thankful. Why? Just glancing briefly at your post and instructions; if wish to make the cap longer, as a chemo cap. I have just recently started making some caps and scarves for chemo patients and was hoping the caps would be large enough for an adult (I’m used to making newborn caps!)
Not only do you mention the option and how and where to make the changes on an adult cap, you have the instructions for EACH age group. It brought tears to my eyes that you would be so thoughtful to include the instructions for each group. Most people would just put a general instruction change and one would have to hope they were doing it correctly.
Thank you so much for the wonderful instructions and your thoughtfulness and caring.
Hi Anne, You work over the yarn that creates the magic ring by working under the yarn and yarn over above the yarn that creates the ring. The stitches are made the same as thought they were being worked under the upper loops of a stitch. We just work over the strands of yarn as the stitches to create the ring. The magic ring tutorial is linked in the post if you need to see how to work over the yarn. All the best, Rhondda
How do you do a esc in the MR?