The Easiest Crochet Hat EVER (Made from a Rectangle!) - FREE Crochet Pattern for Beginners - Yay For Yarn (2024)

This simple-to-make hat is made from a crocheted rectangle! It’s the perfect project for a beginner crocheter, or anytime you want to make a quick and easy project.

How to Crochet a Hat for Beginners

So you want to crochet a hat, but you don’t want to have to worry about crocheting in the round, shaping, or anything like that? This is the pattern for you. If you can crochet a simple rectangle, you can make this quick and easy hat!

Crochet a Hat from a Rectangle

Out of all the crochet projects I have designed, this one is the simplest to make. (It was also super fun to design!)

If you’ve ever done a search for “easy crochet hat pattern for beginners,” you may have only seen simple hats crocheted in the round, typically with half double crochet or double crochet stitches. Crocheting in the round can be fun, and can open up a whole world of project possibilities, but it can be intimidating for new crocheters. With this hat, you don’t need to know how to work in the round at all.

These quick and easy hats make great gifts, and can be worn as slouchy hats or regular crochet beanie hats. Whether you’re making kids hats, baby hats for newborns or toddlers, or adult size hats, this easy crochet beanie pattern will help you whip up cozy winter hats in no time at all.

Pssst: I also have a free knitting pattern for this hat, which you can find here.

(Click Here to check out more free crochet patterns from Yay For Yarn!)

The Perfect First Project for Beginner Crocheters

If you’re a brand-new beginner, and you’re ready to move on from sample pieces to real projects, this hat is just the type of thing you’ll want to make for your first project. Basic stitches, simple techniques, and you can use whatever type of yarn you have.

You will, however, want to check your gauge before beginning and make sure you’re using the hook size that will give you the correct gauge for the pattern with your personal crochet tension. This will help make sure your hat comes out the right size, and fits the wearer properly. My video tutorials for all the basic skills you need to know are linked in the pattern below.

Ready to get started?

Grab your favorite yarn, and let’s start crocheting a hat!

Easiest Crochet Hat Pattern

by Yay For Yarn

Skill Level: Beginner

About the Pattern

This simple-to-make hat is made from a crocheted rectangle! It’s the perfect project for a beginner crocheter, or anytime you want to make a quick and easy project. The hat can be worn with the brim folded up, or with the brim unfolded for a slouchy look. Add an optional pom pom for an extra touch of style.

Pattern includes instructions for 10 sizes, so you can make a cozy crocheted hat for all your friends and family. The pattern is also written in 6 different yarn weights, so you can use any yarn you like, from a #1 Superfine to #6 Super Bulky.

In the photos above, from left to right, top row, hats are made from #1 Superfine (sock / fingering) yarn, #3 Light (DK / Light Worsted) yarn, and #6 Super Bulky yarn. Bottom row, from left to right, hats are made from #5 Bulky (chunky) yarn, #4 Medium (worsted / aran) yarn, and #2 Fine (sport weight / baby) yarn.

Measurements & Sizing

Choose a size by measuring the wearer’s head circumference, and comparing it to these measurements. Select the size that most closely matches the head circumference measurement. The measurements below show what size head each size hat will fit.

Sizes (according to the wearer’s head circumference measurement):

Preemie: 12”, or 30.4 cm circumference

0-6 Months: 13”, or 33 cm circumference

6-12 Months: 14”, or 35.5 cm circumference

12-18 Months: 16”, or 40.6 cm circumference

Child Small: 17”, 43.2 cm circumference

Child Medium: 18”, or 45.7 cm circumference

Child Large: 19.25”, or 48.9 cm circumference

Adult Small: 21”, or 53.3 cm circumference

Adult Medium: 22”, or 55.8 cm circumference

Adult Large: 23”, or 58.4 cm circumference

Finished Hat Length:

Preemie: 6” (includes 1.5” brim), or 15.2 cm (includes 3.8cm brim)

0-6 Months: 6.75” (includes 1.75” brim), or 17.1 cm (includes 4.4cm brim)

6-12 Months: 7.25” (includes 1.75” brim), or 18.4 cm (includes 4.4cm brim)

12-18 Months: 8.75” (includes 2” brim), or 22.2 cm (includes 5cm brim)

Child Small: 9.5” (includes 2.25” brim), or 24.1 cm (includes 5.7cm brim)

Child Medium: 10” (includes 2.5” brim), or 25.4 cm (includes 6.3cm brim)

Child Large: 10.25” (includes 2.5” brim), or 26 cm (includes 6.3cm brim)

Adult Small: 11” (includes 3” brim), or 28 cm (includes 7.6cm brim)

Adult Medium: 11.25” (includes 3” brim), or 28.5 cm (includes 7.6cm brim)

Adult Large: 11.5” (includes 3” brim), or 29.2 cm (includes 7.6cm brim)

Please Note: The finished hat is smaller than the wearer’s head circumference. This is for a reason. The fabric we’re making in back-loop-only single crochet is very stretchy. Therefore, the hat needs to be smaller than the head so that it can stretch to comfortably fit on the head. However, this hat does not fit tight, it is just comfortably snug so it won’t slide off the head.

Actual Finished Circumference, Unstretched:

Preemie: 9.25”, or 23.5 cm

0-6 Months: 10.25”, or 26 cm

6-12 Months: 11”, or 28 cm

12-18 Months: 12.25”, or 31.1 cm

Child Small: 13”, or 33 cm

Child Medium: 13.75”, or 34.9 cm

Child Large: 14.75”, or 37.5 cm

Adult Small: 16” , or 40.6 cm

Adult Medium: 16.75”, or 42.5 cm

Adult Large: 17.5”, or 44.5 cm

Finished Hat Will Stretch to At Least:

Preemie: 12.75”, or 32 cm

0-6 Months: 14”, or 35.6 cm

6-12 Months: 15”, or 38 cm

12-18 Months: 16.75”, or 42.2 cm

Child Small: 17.75”, or 45 cm

Child Medium: 18.75”, or 47.6 cm

Child Large: 20”, or 50.8 cm

Adult Small: 21.75” , or 55.2 cm

Adult Medium: 22.75”, or 57.8 cm

Adult Large: 23.75”, or 60.3 cm

Next, choose the yarn you would like to use, and check the label to see what weight category your yarn is in. Click Here for more information on the Standard Yarn Weight System.

Checking Your Gauge

It is important to check your gauge before beginning. Gauge is a measurement of the size of your stitches. Every crocheter is different, and some crochet tighter or looser than others. The hook sizes given below are a recommendation only. You’ll need to choose a hook size that gets you the correct gauge for the pattern with your own personal crochet tension.

To check your gauge, use the recommended hook size and the yarn you are using to crochet a square at least 6” by 6” (15 cm by 15 cm), working rows of single crochet in the back loop only. (tutorial for working in the back loop here) (You can always unravel your swatch and use the same yarn for your hat if you need it.) Click Here to learn more about gauge.

Then, you’ll need to block your square. Blocking is a step that should be done on almost every project. It helps relax the fabric, and get it to its final look and feel. Since blocking relaxes the fabric a bit, it can change the size of your stitches. This is why it is important to measure your gauge after you have blocked your gauge swatch. Then, the finished project will come out to the correct size after it is blocked. Click Here to learn more about how to block your crochet.

Once your gauge swatch is blocked, you can measure your gauge. If your stitches are the correct size for this pattern, you will get the same measurement as given below for the yarn weight you are using.

You will need to know how to count your stitches and rows to properly measure your gauge. Click Here to learn how to count stitches.

If your stitches are too small, you’ll get more stitches than the pattern calls for in the same measurement. In this case, you’ll need to use a larger hook size and check your gauge again.

If your stitches are too large, you will not have enough stitches as the pattern calls for in the same measurement. In this case, you’ll need to use a smaller hook size and check your gauge again.

You will also want to check your yarn label to make sure you have enough yarn for the size of hat you want to make.

-Instructions and Yarn Requirements for size Preemie are given outside the parentheses, and instructions and yarn requirements for all larger sizes are inside the parentheses like this:

Preemie (0-6 Months, 6-12 Months, 12-18 Months, Child Small, Child Medium, Child Large, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large).

– When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow pattern more easily, circle or highlight all numbers that apply to your size before beginning.

Yarn Requirements, Needle Size, and Gauge:

For #1 Superfine / Fingering Weight Yarn:

140 (174, 201, 270, 311, 346, 381, 443, 475, 507) yards of #1 Fingering Weight Yarn

US Size C / 2.75 mm crochet hook

Gauge: 30 stitches in 4” (10 cm), 42 rows in 4” (10 cm)

For #2 Fine / Sport Weight:

111 (138, 159, 213, 246, 274, 300, 350, 375, 400) yards of #2 Sport Weight Yarn

US Size E / 3.5 mm crochet hook

Gauge: 26 stitches in 4” (10 cm), 30 rows in 4” (10 cm)

For #3 Light / DK Weight:

97 (121, 139, 187, 216, 240, 264, 308, 330, 352) yards of #3 DK Weight Yarn

US Size G / 4.0 mm crochet hook

Gauge: 24 stitches in 4” (10 cm), 28 rows in 4” (10 cm)

For #4 Medium / Worsted Weight:

72 (90, 104, 139, 160, 178, 196, 228, 245, 261) yards of #4 Worsted Weight Yarn

US Size I / 5.5 mm crochet hook

Gauge: 25 stitches in 6” (15.2 cm), 30 rows in 6” (15.2 cm)

For #5 Bulky Weight:

58 (72, 83, 112, 129, 144, 158, 184, 197, 210) yards of #5 Bulky Weight Yarn

US Size K / 6.5 mm crochet hook

Gauge: 12 stitches in 4” (10 cm), 15 rows in 4” (10 cm)

For #6 Super Bulky Weight:

39 (49, 56, 75, 87, 97, 106, 124, 133, 142) yards of #6 Super Bulky Weight Yarn

US Size M / 8.0 mm crochet hook

Gauge: 12 stitches in 5” (12.7 cm), 11 rows in 4” (10 cm)

You Will Also Need:

• – Scissors
• – Measuring Tape
• – Yarn Needle or Blunt Tapestry Needle (If adding a Pom Pom or Tag, your needle should be able to fit through the holes in the button or tag)
• – Faux Fur Pom Pom (optional, here’s where I got mine, less than $1 apiece, or for a more luxe look, shop the handmade pom poms shown below)
• – Button (for attaching pom pom, optional)
• – Leather or Faux Leather Tag (optional, here’s the Etsy shop where I got mine, or shop more custom tags on Etsy below)
• – If using Super Bulky yarn, you’ll also need some embroidery floss (for sewing on the button and / or tag, optional)

After you have checked your gauge, and chosen the hook size that will give you the correct gauge for the type of yarn you are using, it is time to begin. We will be crocheting a rectangle in back-loop-only single crochet.

Abbreviations:

st(s): stitch(es)

ea: each

nxt: next

beg: beginning

sk: skip

ch: chain

sc: single crochet

BLO: back loop only

Easiest Crochet Hat Instructions

The Pattern

We will be crocheting our hat as a simple rectangle, and assembling it into a hat later. Remember, instructions and Yarn Requirements for size Preemie are given outside the parentheses, and instructions and yarn requirements for all larger sizes are inside the parentheses like this:

Preemie (0-6 Months, 6-12 Months, 12-18 Months, Child Small, Child Medium, Child Large, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large).

For #1 Superfine Yarn:

With size C / 2.75 mm hook, loosely ch 45 (51, 54, 66, 71, 75, 77, 83, 84, 86) sts.

Row 1: Sk 1st ch, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea ch st across. You should have 44 (50, 53, 65, 70, 74, 76, 82, 83, 85) sts, not including ch that was skipped at beg of row.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO of same st and in ea st across. You should have 44 (50, 53, 65, 70, 74, 76, 82, 83, 85) sts, not including the ch-1 at beg of row.

Continue repeating Row 2 until you have worked a total of 98 (108, 116, 130, 138, 144, 156, 168, 176, 184) rows.

For #2 Fine Yarn:

With size E / 3.5 mm hook, loosely ch 39 (44, 47, 57, 62, 65, 67, 72, 73, 75) sts.

Row 1: Sk 1st ch, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch st across. You should have 38 (43, 46, 56, 61, 64, 66, 71, 72, 74) sts, not including ch that was skipped at beg of row.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO of same st and in ea st across. You should have 38 (43, 46, 56, 61, 64, 66, 71, 72, 74) sts, not including the ch-1 at beg of row.

Continue repeating Row 2 until you have worked a total of 70 (78, 84, 92, 98, 104, 112, 120, 126, 132) rows.

For #3 Light Yarn:

With size G / 4.0 mm hook, loosely ch 36 (41, 44, 53, 57, 60, 62, 66, 68, 69) sts.

Row 1: Sk 1st ch, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch st across. You should have 35 (40, 43, 52, 56, 59, 61, 65, 67, 68) sts, not including ch that was skipped at beg of row.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO of same st and in ea st across. You should have 35 (40, 43, 52, 56, 59, 61, 65, 67, 68) sts, not including the ch-1 at beg of row.

Continue repeating Row 2 until you have worked a total of 66 (72, 78, 86, 92, 96, 104, 112, 118, 124) rows.

For #4 Medium Yarn:

With size I / 5.5 mm hook, loosely ch 25 (28, 30, 36, 40, 42, 43, 46, 47, 48) sts.

Row 1: Sk 1st ch, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch st across. You should have 24 (27, 29, 35, 39, 41, 42, 45, 46, 47) sts, not including ch that was skipped at beg of row.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO of same st and in ea st across. You should have 24 (27, 29, 35, 39, 41, 42, 45, 46, 47) sts, not including the ch-1 at beg of row.

Continue repeating Row 2 until you have worked a total of 46 (52, 56, 62, 66, 70, 74, 80, 84, 88) rows.

For #5 Bulky Yarn:

With size K / 6.5 mm hook, loosely ch 18 (20, 22, 26, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35) sts.

Row 1: Sk 1st ch, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch st across. You should have 17 (19, 21, 25, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34) sts, not including ch that was skipped at beg of row.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO of same st and in ea st across. You should have 17 (19, 21, 25, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34) sts, not including the ch-1 at beg of row.

Continue repeating Row 2 until you have worked a total of 36 (38, 42, 46, 50, 52, 56, 60, 64, 66) rows.

For #6 Super Bulky Yarn:

With size M / 8.0 mm hook, loosely ch 15 (16, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 27, 28) sts.

Row 1: Sk 1st ch, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch st across. You should have 14 (15, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 26, 27) sts, not including ch that was skipped at beg of row.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO of same st and in ea st across. You should have 14 (15, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 26, 27) sts, not including the ch-1 at beg of row.

Continue repeating Row 2 until you have worked a total of 26 (28, 30, 34, 36, 38, 42, 44, 46, 48) rows.

All Yarn Weights: Once you have finished crocheting your rectangle according to the instructions, tie off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Before we begin assembling our hat, it’s important to block our rectangle at this point. Blocking helps relax the fabric, and get it to its final look and feel. For more information on how to block your crochet, click here for a video tutorial.

To Block

For natural fibers, pin project out to finished measurements (below) on foam blocking mats. Spray with water until fully saturated, allow to dry.

OR

For acrylic fibers, pin project out to finished measurements (below) on an ironing board or several layers of towels. Hold a steaming iron 2-3” over the surface of the fabric, making sure all of the fabric is penetrated by the steam. Allow to cool / dry.

Finished Width of Panel:

Preemie: 6”, or 15.2 cm

0-6 Months: 6.75”, or 17.1 cm

6-12 Months: 7.25”, or 18.4 cm

12-18 Months: 8.75”, or 22.2 cm

Child Small: 9.5”, or 24.1 cm

Child Medium: 10”, or 25.4 cm

Child Large: 10.25”, or 26 cm

Adult Small: 11”, or 28 cm

Adult Medium: 11.25”, or 28.5 cm

Adult Large: 11.5”, or 29.2 cm

Finished Length of Panel:

Preemie: 9.25”, or 23.5 cm

0-6 Months: 10.25”, or 26 cm

6-12 Months: 11”, or 28 cm

12-18 Months: 12.25”, or 31.1 cm

Child Small: 13”, or 33 cm

Child Medium: 13.75”, or 34.9 cm

Child Large: 14.75”, or 37.5 cm

Adult Small: 16” , or 40.6 cm

Adult Medium: 16.75”, or 42.5 cm

Adult Large: 17.5”, or 44.5 cm

Assembly

Lay your rectangle out so the rows are running vertically. The foundation chain edge should be at one side, and the last row at the other side.

Bring the two short edges to the center. Thread the long yarn tail through your yarn needle.

Beginning at the corners, stitch the two short ends of the rectangle together. I use a whip stitch for this. To make the seam as invisible as possible, make sure the back of the first row and the front of the last row are facing you as you stitch. As you take each stitch, insert the needle into one chain from the foundation edge, and the front loop of a stitch from the last row. Once you have finished the seam, take one more stitch at the end of the seam, wrap the yarn around the needle, and pull the needle through to make a knot.

We will now cinch the top of the hat closed. Your rectangle is now sewn into a tube. With your yarn needle, make your way around the top edge of the tube, picking up one strand of yarn from every other row.

Once you have picked up stitches all the way around the edge, pull on your yarn to tighten, and cinch the hat closed.

Bring the yarn needle through to the inside of the hat. Pull on the yarn to make sure the top of the hat is cinched tightly. Then, take a small stitch on the inside of the hat, right next to the hole, wrap the yarn around the needle, and pull the needle through to make a knot.

If the hole is not tight enough at this point, you can go back around the edge of the hole, and pick up a few of those cinched strands around the hole with your needle. Then, cinch closed again, and make another knot to secure.

If you are not adding a pom pom, or if you are using Super Bulky yarn, weave in the yarn tails. (If using Super Bulky, use embroidery floss to add remaining details.)

If you would like to add a pom pom, you can use what’s left of the current yarn tail to attach the pom pom. I used faux fur pom poms, and the ones I use have an elastic loop on the bottom with which to attach them. I chose to sew a button to the inside of the hat, and pull the loop through the top of the hat and around the button. This makes the pom pom removable so the hat can be washed.

To add a pom pom in this manner, use the remaining yarn tail to sew a button to the inside of the top of the hat, right next to the little hole at the top. Then, make a small knot on the inside of the hat, and weave in the yarn tail. To add the pom pom, use your crochet hook or your fingers from the inside of the hat to grab the elastic loop on the pom pom and pull the loop through the hole at the top to the inside of the hat, and stretch it around the button to secure.

Now, you can add a leather or faux leather tag if you like. I chose to fold my tag around the edge of the hat.

If you are using Super Bulky yarn, you will need to use embroidery floss to sew on the tag, as the yarn will likely be too thick to fit through the holes in the tag. If you are using a thinner yarn, you can use a length of your project yarn to sew on your tag.

Weave in any remaining yarn tails.

Ta-Da! You’ve just made a simple hat out of a crocheted rectangle. Now all that’s left to do is to wear it.

Be sure to post your project photos on Instagram! Tag me @yayforyarn and use the hashtag #easiestcrochethat. I can’t wait to see your cozy, handmade creations!

This pattern is intended for your personal use only. You may not share it, copy it, sell it, give it away, or mass-produce the finished product. However, you may sell the finished items on a small scale, as long as you convey in your item description that you used a Yay For Yarn pattern.

Yay For Yarn Copyright© 2020 – Current. All patterns and photos are owned by Yay For Yarn.

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