A Santa hat is just a cone with a cozy brim. This free crochet Santa hat pattern is worked top-down in half double crochet, so you can try it on as you go and stop exactly when it fits. It comes in child, teen and adult sizes and is easy enough for a first wearable project.
In this tutorial
What You Need
- Worsted weight (#4) acrylic yarn: red (about 100 g for adult size) and white (about 30 g)
- Optional: bulky white yarn or faux-fur yarn for an extra-fluffy brim
- 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Stitch marker, tapestry needle and scissors
- Pom-pom maker or a piece of cardboard
Soft acrylic is ideal for a hat that gets washed and worn. Not sure what to buy? Our guide to the best yarn for beginner crochet explains what to look for on the label.
Abbreviations (US terms): MR = magic ring, ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, hdc = half double crochet, inc = 2 hdc in the same stitch, st(s) = stitch(es).
Gauge and Sizes
Gauge: 12 hdc and 9 rounds = 4 in / 10 cm. Gauge matters for a hat. If you have more stitches than this, go up a hook size; if you have fewer, go down.
The hat grows by 6 stitches on every other round, which makes a tall, floppy cone. You simply stop increasing at the stitch count for your size: 48 sts (child, 18–20 in head), 54 sts (teen / small adult, 20–21 in) or 60 sts (adult, 21–23 in).
Free Crochet Santa Hat Pattern
Work in joined rounds. At the start of every round, ch 1 (does not count as a stitch); at the end, sl st to the first hdc. Use red yarn.
Round 1: MR, ch 1, 6 hdc in the ring. Join. (6)
Round 2: Hdc in each st around. Join. (6)
Round 3: Inc in each st around. Join. (12)
Round 4 and every even round: Hdc in each st around. Join. (same count as the round before)
Round 5: (Hdc in next st, inc) ×6. Join. (18)
Round 7: (Hdc in next 2 sts, inc) ×6. Join. (24)
Round 9: (Hdc in next 3 sts, inc) ×6. Join. (30)
Round 11: (Hdc in next 4 sts, inc) ×6. Join. (36)
Round 13: (Hdc in next 5 sts, inc) ×6. Join. (42)
Round 15: (Hdc in next 6 sts, inc) ×6. Join. (48) – child size: stop increasing here
Round 17: (Hdc in next 7 sts, inc) ×6. Join. (54) – teen size: stop increasing here
Round 19: (Hdc in next 8 sts, inc) ×6. Join. (60) – adult size
Plain rounds: Hdc in each st around until the red part measures 10 in / 25 cm (adult), 9 in / 23 cm (teen) or 8 in / 20 cm (child) from the tip. Fasten off red.
Same cone idea, smaller scale: if you have made our crochet gnome hat, you will recognise the “increase every other round” rule.
Add the White Brim and Pom-Pom
Brim rounds 1–5: Join white in any st. Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join. Repeat for 5 rounds in total (about 2.25 in / 6 cm). Fasten off and weave in the ends.
For a thicker brim, use bulky white yarn and a 6 mm hook for these rounds, keeping the same stitch count.
Pom-pom: make a 2.5 in / 6 cm white pom-pom and sew it securely to the tip. Let the tip flop to one side, or tack it down with a few stitches so it stays put.
Free printable version
Prefer paper? Download this free tutorial as a printable PDF to keep next to your yarn.
Keep crocheting
Your next free pattern: Crochet Gnome Beard Tutorial (Free Loop Stitch Pattern) + How to Make Gnomes Stand. Crochet gnome beard tutorial: a free loop-stitch beard pattern plus 3 tricks to make any amigurumi gnome stand up straight.
Free pattern · step by step · US terms
Sizing Chart
| Size | Head | Stop increasing at | Red length from tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child | 18–20 in | Round 15 (48 sts) | 8 in / 20 cm |
| Teen / small adult | 20–21 in | Round 17 (54 sts) | 9 in / 23 cm |
| Adult | 21–23 in | Round 19 (60 sts) | 10 in / 25 cm |
Prefer a classic rounded hat instead of a cone? Use our easy crochet beanie pattern in red and add the same white brim and pom-pom.
Frequently Asked Questions
My hat is too wide at the bottom. What happened?
Your gauge is looser than 12 hdc per 4 in. Go down a hook size, or stop increasing one size earlier.
Why does the seam line slant?
Joined rounds in hdc naturally drift a little. Place the join at the back of the head and nobody will notice.
Can I make it in one color with a fluffy brim?
Yes. Work the whole hat in red, then add 3 rounds of faux-fur or bulky white yarn for the brim.
Can I sell hats made from this pattern?
Yes, you are welcome to sell finished hats you make yourself. Please link back to this page instead of sharing the written pattern.
Happy hooking! 🧶 Want more cozy hats? Try our easy crochet beanie and the crochet gnome hat.
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