The Winter Puff Stitch Hat is a cozy crochet pattern made with worsted weight yarn and a 5 mm hook. Includes sizes from preemie to adult large.

Winter Puff Stitch Hat Free Crochet Pattern

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The Winter Puff Stitch Hat features soft texture created with puff stitches and double crochet stitches worked in an easy repeat. Made with Mary Maxim Starlette Worsted Weight yarn and a 5 mm crochet hook, this hat is warm, comfortable, and available in a wide range of sizes for the whole family.

Why This Puff Stitch Crochet Hat Is So Popular

The free written pattern is available in my post below, or if you prefer, you can purchase the ad-free PDF crochet pattern from my shop.

For help on any of these stitches or techniques you can refer to the tutorials included in my free online crochet stitch guide.

The Yarn

Mary Maxim Starlette Worsted

Mary Maxim Starlette Worsted is a soft, durable medium weight yarn that gives this scarf great texture and drape. The light aqua shows the stitch definition nicely, but any solid or lightly variegated color will work well.

Light Aqua Mary Maxim Starlette WW yarn

If you prefer a printable or ad-free version of this pattern, you can grab the premium PDF below.

Premium PDF Crochet Pattern

If you prefer a printable or ad-free version of this pattern, you can grab the premium PDF below.

Visit Ravelry to Download the FREE Crochet Pattern PDF here.

Get the Pattern PDF for FREE today (until December 29th) from my Ravelry Shop as part of the 2025 Monthly Scarf of the Month Club CAL. No coupon required!

Simply add my Winter Puff Stitch Hat to your cart before December 29, 2025 at 2359 EST and check your cart total = $0.00 before you check out.

Winter Puff Stitch Hat Pattern on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winter-puff-stitch-hat

If you missed the free Premium PDF Pattern, you can still access the written pattern below in my post; and remember you can subscribe to our reminder email so you don’t miss out next time. Subscribe to our Scarf & Hat of the Month Club reminder emails HERE.

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This month’s Hat of the Month features three free crochet hat patterns from three designers. A mix of texture, mosaic crochet, and cozy everyday hats — with sizes for the whole family.

The links to the other two Scarf of the Month Club CAL patterns are available here:

December Hat of the Month Club Collection

December Scarf of the Month Club Collection

Find the full written Winter Puff Stitch Hat pattern (available for free) in my post below.

How to Crochet the Winter Puff Stitch Hat

This project is crocheted from the top down, in joined rounds, in one-piece. 

Supplies

  • Yarn: Mary Maxim. Starlette Worsted Weight. 3.5 oz (100 g) and 180 yds (165 m). 100% Acrylic. Medium Worsted Weight Yarn [4]. Machine wash for 2 minutes on a delicate cycle. Spin dry thoroughly. Tumble dry at low heat setting approximately 5 minutes and lay flat to dry.
  • Color: 1 skein Light Aqua (284-134)
  • Crochet Hook: 5 mm (H)
  • Finished Project: Child Hat: 1.9 oz (54 g) and 97 yds (89 m)
  • Scissors, Tapestry Needle (yarn needle)

Difficulty Level

  • Easy

Finished Sizes

This hat is sized to fit mid-ear to base of earlobe length.

  • Preemie: 10 inches circumference X 4 inches height
  • Newborn: 12 inches circumference X 4.5 inches height
  • 0-3 months: 14 inches circumference X 5.5 inches height
  • 3-6 months: 15 inches circumference X 5.5 inches height
  • 6-12 months: 16 inches circumference X 6 inches height
  • 12-24 months: 17 inches circumference X 7 inches height
  • 3-5 years: 18 inches circumference X 7 inches height
  • Child: 19 inches circumference X 7.5 inches height
  • Teen: 20 inches circumference X 7.5 inches height
  • Adult Medium: 21 inches circumference X 7.5 inches height
  • Adult Large: 23 inches circumference X 8.5 inches height

Gauge

  • Approximately 13 per 4 inches and 8 rows per 4 inches.

You can substitute any yarn and hook for this stitch pattern – just remember when you substitute if your gauge is different, the finished size, and amount of yarn used for your project will also be different.

Abbreviations

US Terminology used

  • bl – back loop
  • ch(s) – chain(s)
  • ch1sp – chain one space
  • dc – double crochet
  • FPS – first puff stitch (*see special stitches)
  • g – grams
  • m – meters
  • oz – ounces
  • PS – puff stitch (*see special stitches)
  • rem – remaining
  • rep – repeat 
  • RS – right side (front facing/good side)
  • sk – skip/skipped
  • 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

Special Stitches

First Puff Stitch (FPS) – Ch 2, (yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up 1 loop) 3 times, yarn over, pull through all 9 loops on the hook.

Puff Stitch (PS) – (yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up 1 loop) 4 times, yarn over, pull through all 9 loops on the hook.

Helpful Tutorials

Notes:

  • Multiple of 2
  • You may substitute your favorite method for starting in rounds for the DMR (double magic ring) if you prefer.
  • Initial ch 3 does not count as a stitch and we do not work into it.
  • Sl st to join is made in the first st of the round (skipping over the ch 3).
  • You can make your slip stitches tightly as we will not be working into them.
  • Work the first st of each round into the same stitch that has the slip stitch join and initial ch 3.
  • If you’d like to increase the hat height, work more repeat rounds. Every 2 repeat rounds worked will increase the hat height by approximately 1 inch.
  • Add the Winter Puff Stitch Hat to your Ravelry library here.
The Winter Puff Stitch Hat is a free crochet hat pattern made with worsted weight yarn and a 5 mm hook. Includes sizes from preemie to adult large.

Winter Puff Stitch Hat

This project is crocheted from the top down, in joined rounds, in one-piece. 

Preemie

Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):

Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [32 dc]

Repeat Rounds

Rnd 4: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 15 PS, 16 ch1sp]

Rnd 5: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [32 dc]

Rnd 6-Rnd 7: Rep Rnd 4 and Rnd 5

Rnd 8: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [32 sc]

Proceed to finishing instructions.

Newborn

Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):

Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]

Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 8 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [40 dc]

Repeat Rounds

Rnd 5: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 19 PS, 20 ch1sp]

Rnd 6: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [40 dc]

Rnd 7-Rnd 8: Rep Rnd 5 and Rnd 6

Rnd 9: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [40 sc]

Proceed to finishing instructions.

Baby (0-3 months)

Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):

Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]

Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** 10 times around. 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to join. [46 dc]

Repeat Rounds

Rnd 5: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 22 PS, 23 ch1sp]

Rnd 6: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [46 dc]

Rnd 7-Rnd 10: Rep Rnd 5 and Rnd 6

Rnd 11: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [46 sc]

Proceed to finishing instructions.

Baby (3-6 months)

Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):

Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]

Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]

Repeat Rounds

Rnd 5: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 23 PS, 24 ch1sp]

Rnd 6: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]

Rnd 7-Rnd 10: Rep Rnd 5 and Rnd 6

Rnd 11: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [48 sc]

Proceed to finishing instructions.

Baby (6-12 months)

Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):

Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]

Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]

Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 11 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [52 dc]

Repeat Rounds

Rnd 6: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 25 PS, 26 ch1sp]

Rnd 7: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [52 dc]

Rnd 8-Rnd 11: Rep Rnd 6 and Rnd 7

Rnd 12: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [52 sc]

Proceed to finishing instructions.

Toddler (12-24 months)

Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):

Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]

Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]

Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 6 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [56 dc]

Repeat Rounds

Rnd 6: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 27 PS, 28 ch1sp]

Rnd 7: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [56 dc]

Rnd 8-Rnd 13: Rep Rnd 6 and Rnd 7

Rnd 14: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [56 sc]

Proceed to finishing instructions.

Small Child

Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):

Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]

Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]

Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** 10 times around. 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [58 dc]

Repeat Rounds

Rnd 6: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 28 PS, 29 ch1sp]

Rnd 7: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [58 dc]

Rnd 8-Rnd 13: Rep Rnd 6 and Rnd 7

Rnd 14: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [58 sc]

Proceed to finishing instructions.

Child (6-10 years)

Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):

Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]

Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]

Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [60 dc]

Rnd 6: Ch 3, 2 dc in the first st. 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to join. [62 dc]

Repeat Rounds

Rnd 7: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 30 PS, 31 ch1sp]

Rnd 8: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [62 dc]

Rnd 9-Rnd 14: Rep Rnd 7 and Rnd 8

Rnd 15: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [62 sc]

Proceed to finishing instructions.

Adult Small (Teen)

Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):

Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]

Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]

Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [60 dc]

Rnd 6: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 9 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [66 dc]

Repeat Rounds

Rnd 7: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 32 PS, 33 ch1sp]

Rnd 8: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [66 dc]

Rnd 9-Rnd 14: Rep Rnd 7 and Rnd 8

Rnd 15: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [66 sc]

Proceed to finishing instructions.

Adult Medium

Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):

Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]

Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]

Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [60 dc]

Rnd 6: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 6 sts**. Work from * to ** 8 times. 1 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to join. [68 dc]

Repeat Rounds

Rnd 7: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 33 PS, 34 ch1sp]

Rnd 8: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [68 dc]

Rnd 9-Rnd 14: Rep Rnd 7 and Rnd 8

Rnd 15: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [68 sc]

Proceed to finishing instructions.

Adult Large

Using your 5 mm (H) crochet hook (or size required for gauge):

Rnd 1: DMR: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch). Make 12 dc in the DMR. Sl st to join. [12 dc]

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. [24 dc]

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [36 dc]

Rnd 4: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [48 dc]

Rnd 5: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [60 dc]

Rnd 6: Ch 3, *2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [72 dc]

Repeat Rounds

Rnd 7: FPS in the first st, ch 1, sk the next st. *PS in the next st, ch 1, sk the next st**. Work from * to ** around. Sl st to join. [1 FPS, 35 PS, 36 ch1sp]

Rnd 8: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. [72 dc]

Rnd 9-Rnd 16: Rep Rnd 7 and Rnd 8

Rnd 17: Ch 1, 1 sc in the BL of each st around. Sl st to join. [72 sc]

Proceed to finishing instructions.

Finishing Instructions

  • Finish off.
  • Weave in ends

How to Print or Save This Pattern

Tip: 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 choose to save it as a PDF or print it out to keep beside you while you crochet.

Create your Project Page

💌 Finished your Winter Puff Stitch Hat? Share a photo and a short testimonial here: https://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/share-your-creations/ or email me to be featured in the post. You can also create a Ravelry project page here.

Need help? Learn how here: How to Make a Ravelry Project Page.

Crocheters Often Ask

What skill level is this hat pattern?

This pattern uses puff stitches and double crochet worked in a repeat. If you’re comfortable following stitch patterns, you should have no trouble.

What sizes does the pattern include?

The pattern includes sizes from preemie through adult large.

Can I substitute yarn?

Yes. You can use a similar worsted weight yarn. Keep in mind that changing yarn may affect the finished size.

Is this pattern worked in the round or rows?

The hat is worked in the round.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts

The Winter Puff Stitch Hat is a warm, textured hat that works up nicely and offers sizes for the whole family. With its simple repeat and classic look, it’s a pattern you can come back to whenever you need a reliable, cozy hat.

Happy crocheting!

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Rhondda Mol - Oombawka Design Crochet and Free Crochet Tutorials Designer and Blogger

About the Author

Rhondda Mol is the crochet designer and blogger behind Oombawka Design Crochet. Since 2012, she has been sharing free crochet patterns, tutorials, and expert tips to help crocheters of all levels succeed. With more than 600 published patterns, Rhondda focuses on creating clear instructions and resources to inspire creativity and confidence in the crochet community.

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4 Comments

  2. Thank you for sharing this pattern! It was fun and simple to follow, sizing was perfect and loved the final product 🙂

  3. Thanks Joan 🙂 Have fun making the hat and if you have questions remember you can email me (or use the contact form on my site). Best wishes in 2026, Rhondda

  4. Thankyou Rhondda for sharing your pattern, l love doing matinee coats, l have made alot of hats and l will now try this pattern, and l love the fact that there are so many different sizes ,thankyou so much, l live in suffolk and am a great grandmum.