About This Pattern
This is a small hat, built from a strip. I crochet a narrow ribbon band first, then turn it into a crown. It suits a quiet evening, maybe two. The band rows add up slowly, so I like it beside a podcast. The main pattern picks up speed once the crown shaping starts. A pom-pom finishes it, if I want the extra charm. With a charming ribbon band and an optional pom-pom for the finishing touch, this hat is not only practical but also a cute gift idea. Its versatile design can be adjusted in length and style, making it a staple pattern for any crocheter's collection.
In the basket
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- st
- stitch
- sl st
- slip stitch
- sc
- single crochet
- hdc
- half double crochet
- dc
- double crochet
- inc
- increase
- dec
- decrease
- mr
- magic ring
- fo
- finish off
Crochet baby hat with ribbon band and pom-pom
Creating the Hat Band (Ribbon)
Initial Chain: Make a slip knot and chain 9.
- Row 1Skip the first chain, single crochet in each of the remaining chains for a total of 9 single crochets.
- Row 2Chain 1, turn, and use only the back loop to single crochet across.Subsequent Rows: Repeat Row 2 until the desired length is reached (Newborn: 48 rows, 0-3 months: 54 rows, 3-6 months: 60 rows, 6-12 months: 66 rows).
Joining and Initial Rounds
Joining the Band: Sew the first and last rows of the band together using the long yarn tail.
- Round 1Single crochet around the band (the number of single crochets matches the number of rows made).Color Change: Slip stitch into the first single crochet and change color if desired.
Creating the Main Hat Pattern
- Round 2Chain 1, make a single crochet, chain 2, double crochet using the previous single crochet, skip the next two single crochets, and repeat.
- Round 3Single crochet into the chain-2 space, chain 2, and make a "five-stitch" into the previous double crochet, repeating all around.Subsequent Rounds: Continue the pattern of single crochet, chain two, and five-stitch into the double crochets of the previous rounds (Newborn: 11 rounds, 0-3 months: 12 rounds, 3-6 months: 13 rounds, 6-12 months: 14 rounds).
Decreasing the Hat Crown
- Decrease Round 1Chain 2, make a five-stitch using the first two sections from the previous round.Continue with single crochet, chain two, five-stitch all around.
- Decrease Round 2Single crochet into the first stitch, chain 1, make a five-stitch, and repeat.
- Final RoundSingle crochet into each stitch around to close the crown.
More pictures
Before the first stitch
- I check my yarn amount against the size I am making, since row counts jump by size.
- I place a stitch marker at the start of the band, so I don't lose count over 48 to 66 rows.
- I read through the Main Pattern rounds first, so the five-stitch repeat makes sense before I start it.
Minutes per piece
- Hat Band (Ribbon) about 1-2 hours, because the rows repeat many times before the band is long enough
- Main Pattern and crown decrease about 2-3 hours, because the five-stitch repeats need care in the decrease rounds
Other yarns that work
- acrylic DK Keeps the same hook size and stitch count. Gives a slightly stiffer band, so blocking helps it curl less.
- wool-blend worsted Needs a slightly larger hook for the same drape. Makes a warmer, denser hat, so I size down the round count if it feels tight.
Where it ends up
- A newborn photo prop, paired with a soft wrap.
- A baby shower gift, paired with matching booties.
- Everyday warm-weather wear, paired with a simple onesie.
Joining up
- Step 1 Closing the Top: Use a needle to close the small hole at the top of the hat.
- Step 2 Adding a Pom-Pom: Attach a pom-pom for an extra cute detail.
Small notes
- I use a 4mm hook throughout, so I keep it close by and check my gauge on the band.
- I count stitches after each decrease round, since the five-stitch pattern shifts the total quickly.
- I keep tension even on the ribbon band, so the seam sits flat once I join it into a circle.
Little questions
Can I skip the pom-pom?
Yes, the pom-pom is optional. The hat is complete after closing the top with a needle.
How do I know which size to make?
The row and round counts differ by age, from newborn to 6-12 months. I match my band rows and main pattern rounds to the size I need.
Why does my band curl?
Working only in the back loop can pull the fabric slightly. Blocking the finished band flat usually settles it before I join it.
What if my crown hole doesn't close fully?
I weave the darning needle through the last stitches twice for a snug close. A small gap is normal before the pom-pom covers it.
Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/cozy-crochet-baby-hats-pattern-with-a-ribbon-band-and-pom-pom/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
