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Learn how to crochet a baby elf hat with my free step-by-step pattern and video tutorial. If you prefer, I have an ad-free PDF printable version of this pattern. This sweet little hat will turn your little one into a cute Christmas elf in no time. Perfect for festive photos and adding some Christmas cheer to your day!
The free pattern has been designed to fit babies roughly between 3-6 months. Included in the PDF you’ll find sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-12 months.
Materials & Tools
- Yarn: Stylecraft Special Chunky #5, 100% acrylic, 144m (157yds)/ 100g (3.5oz) one ball each of Cream (Colour A) & Lipstick (Colour B)
- Hook: 6mm
- Scissors
- Darning Needle
- Stitch Markers (optional)
- Tape Measure
Where To Shop Yarn
Pattern Notes
- Written in UK terms BUT switchable to US terms below.
- This hat is designed to fit babies between the ages of 3 and 6 months
- Video tutorial can be found further down the post
PDF Pattern
Shop Patterns Here
Convert Pattern Terms
Here you can quickly switch between UK and US crochet terms. This will make following the pattern easier as all terms will be converted to your preferred version.
Terms & Abbreviations
Chain (ch): Yarn over, pull through loop on the hook.
Double crochet(s): dc(s): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
Half Treble crochet(s): htr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining three loops.
Back Loop Only: BLO: Working the indicated stitch into the back loop only of a stitch.
Treble crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
Special Stitches
Treble Crochet two together (tr2tog): Yarn over, insert into chain space, yarn over, pull through, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops. Do not complete the stitch. Yarn over, insert into the next chain space, yarn over, pull through, you will have four loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over pull through all three loops on the hook.
*__*: Directions between the asterisk should be repeated for the indicated time
Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. Learn more about the eBook here.
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FREE Pattern: Crochet Baby Elf Hat Pattern
This hat is designed to fit babies between the ages of 3 and 6 months.
Rows 1-32
- Using Colour A, Chain 6
- Row 1: Htr in second ch from hook (missed ch does not count as st) and each st across. Turn. <5 sts>
- Row 2-32: Ch 2 (counts as a st throughout), BLOhtr in each st across. Turn.
- This section of work should measure roughly 15.5 inches.
Band Seam
- Fold work to have short ends together. Chain 1, ss through BLO of each stitch of final row and corresponding st on the underside of beg chain to join. Turn right side out.
Bottom Band Edging
- Turn to work down row ends. Work 3 dc per 2 row ends around. Work 2 dc in final row end. Join to first st with ss and fasten off. Sew in ends. <48 sts>
Main Hat Section
- Join Colour A with a ss to other side of the band. I would recommend joining to a st close to the band seam.
- Round 1: Ch 2, work 45 dc evenly around row ends changing to colour B in last pull through of last st. <46 sts>
- Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as tr here and throughout), tr in next 3 sts, tr2tog, (tr in next 5 sts, tr2tog) five times. Tr in last 5 sts. Join to first st with ss. <40 sts>
- From this point forward you will be alternating from colour A and B. Ensure you change colour in the last st of the round.
Rows 3-25
- Round 3: Ch 3, tr in each st around. Join to first st with ss.
- Round 4: Ch 3, tr in next 8 sts, tr2tog, (tr in next 9 sts, tr2tog) twice. Tr in last 7 sts. Join with ss to top of ch-3. <37 sts>
- Round 5: Ch 3, tr in next 6 sts, tr2tog, (tr in next 7 sts, tr2tog) three times. Tr in last sts. Join with ss to top of ch-3. <33 sts>
- Round 6: Ch 3, tr in next 4 sts, tr2tog, (tr in next 5 sts, tr2tog) three times. Tr in last 5 sts. Join with ss to top of ch-3. <29 sts>
- Round 7: Ch 3, tr in next 3 sts, tr2tog, (tr in next 4 sts, tr2tog) three times. Tr in next 3 sts, tr2tog. Join with ss to top of ch-3. <24 sts>
- Round 8: Ch 3, tr in next 2 sts, tr2tog, (tr in next 3 sts, tr2tog) three times. Tr in next 2, tr2tog. Join with ss to top of ch-3. <19 sts>
- Round 9: Ch 3, tr in next st, tr2tog, (tr in next 2 sts, tr2tog) three times. Tr in next st, tr2tog. Join with ss to top of ch-3. <14 sts>
- Rounds 10-13: Ch 3, tr in each st around. <14 sts>
- Round 14: Ch 3, tr in next 3 sts, tr2tog, tr in next 4 sts, (tr2tog) twice. <11 sts>
- Rounds 15: Ch 3, tr2tog, tr in next 8 sts. <10 sts>
- Round 16-25: Ch 3, tr in each st around. <10 sts>
Finishing
- Fasten off. Sew in ends and sew up the top opening seam. Make a 7cm pom pom and connect to the end of the hat. CLICK HERE for a tutorial on how to make a pom pom
Video Tutorial
Or you can watch on YouTube
Assisting Tutorial: Pom Pom
Or you can watch on YouTube
Crochet Christmas Patterns
Are you looking for more festive crochet patterns? If so, I think you’ll really enjoy these free patterns available on the blog:
Let’s Stay Connected!
I always love to see your makes so if you try any of my patterns or follow my stitch tutorials please tag me @bellacococrochet or use the #bellacococrochet
I love this! Row 3 39r….. what does this mean? Repeat previous row? Thanks.