Crochet a classic Santa Claus hat with this easy free pattern. With sizes for newborns, babies, kids, and adults, you can make crochet Christmas hats for the whole family.
Get the free Santa hat crochet pattern below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF.
This Santa beanie pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarns. This post contains affiliate links.
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Free Crochet Santa Hat Pattern
Whether you're gearing up for some holiday photos or preparing for a ride on the Polar Express, this cheerful Santa Claus hat is a winter essential for every member of the fam.
Crocheted from the top down using straightforward increases, it comes together quickly and requires very little finishing work. Attach a jingle bell to the pom-pom for an extra dash of Christmas enchantment!
Skill Level
This Christmas beanie is made with easy skills and is appropriate for an advanced beginner. The most challenging part of the pattern is using fur yarn for the brim. It takes some practice to feel for your stitches within the fluff.
If you're just learning how to crochet, I suggest substituting a super-bulky yarn such as Lion Brand Wool-Ease for the white yarn. This eliminates the fur-factor as a challenge when you're crocheting your Santa hat.
Crochet Techniques to Know
Skills you'll practice in this pattern:
- Working in the round
- Double crochet
- Increasing
- Weaving in ends
- Reading a crochet pattern
- Making a DIY pom pom (optional)
Best Yarn for This Santa Hat Pattern
You can crochet Santa hats with any worsted-weight yarn (category 4) that meets the pattern gauge. The brim uses a super-bulky (category 6) yarn.
Red Yarn:
For the sample, we used Lion Brand Basic Stitch. This acrylic yarn is billed as anti-pilling, which, of course, I had to test for myself.
After washing and drying a swatch five times, there was indeed very little wear and tear on the surface of the yarn fibers. I love the idea that your Santa hats will be durable enough to enjoy for many seasons.
White Yarn:
The brim of the Santa hat uses Lion Brand Go for Faux, which is an unbelievably soft faux fur yarn. As I mentioned above, you can substitute another category 6 yarn, such as Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, for a non-fur option.
Tips for Crocheting With Fuzzy Yarn
Watch the brief video tutorial below for my best tips on working with furry, fluffy, and boucle yarn.
Sizes and Yarn Amounts:
When meeting the pattern gauge, the finished Santa hat will fit loosely. If a more snug fit is desired, size down.
| Santa Hat Size | Circumference of Actual Head | Color A yarn needed | Color B yarn needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn/Infant* | 14-15” | 70 g (1 skein) | 60 g (1 skein) |
| Baby* | 15-16” | 80 g (1 skein) | 70 g (1 skein) |
| Toddler* | 16-18” | 90 g (1 skein) | 80 g (1 skein) |
| Child | 18-20” | 100 g (1 skein) | 90 g (1 skein) |
| Tween | 20-22” | 120 g (2 skeins) | 100 g (1 skeins) |
| Adult | 22-24” | 145 g (2 skeins) | 120 g (2 skeins) |
* Please do not leave babies and young children unsupervised while wearing.
Print this Pattern
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Santa Hat - Free Pattern
Supplies + Materials
• Color A: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Red Heather (202 - 400G)- (Weight: 4/Medium - 185 yds, 3.5 oz, 100 g)
• Color B: Lion Brand Go for Faux Baked Alaska (322 - 098AJ)(Weight 6/Super Bulky - 65 yds, 3.5 oz)
• Tapestry needle
• Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook or size to obtain gauge
• Size I (5.5 mm) standard crochet hook
• Stitch markers or safety pins
• Scissors
• Pom Pom maker or piece of cardboard
• Jingle Bell (optional)
Gauge
14 dc = 4”
8 rows = just over 4”
Abbreviations + Glossary (US Terms)
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
RS – right side
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
WS – wrong side
Overall Pattern Notes
- Pattern is worked from the top down in one piece. Each increase round adds three stitches. The number of stitches each round should have is listed in parenthesis at the end of that round's instructions.
- Each round joined with slip stitch to the top of the chain three from the beginning of the round. Do not turn at the end of each round.
- For a less noticeable join, work the beginning chain three fairly tightly. This chain three (ch 3) counts as the first stitch (double crochet) throughout.
Print This Pattern: purchase the ad-free, printable PDF
Main Santa Hat - All Sizes
With Color A and smaller hook:
Foundation: Make a magic ring. (Alternatively, ch 4 and slst to first ch to join into a circle.)
Round 1 : Ch 3, 5 dc in ring, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (6 dc)
Round 2: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (6 dc)
Round 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (9 dc)
Round 4: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (9 dc)
Round 5: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (9 dc)
Round 6: Ch 3, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (12 dc)
Round 7: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (12 dc)
Round 8: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (15 dc)
Round 9: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (15 dc)
Round 10: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (18 dc)
Round 11: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (18 dc)
Round 12: Ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (21 dc)
Round 13: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (21 dc)
Round 14): Ch 3, dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (24 dc)
Round 15: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (24 dc)
Round 16: Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (27 dc)
Round 17: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (27 dc)
Round 18: Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (30 dc)
Round 19: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (30 dc)
Round 20: Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (33 dc)
Round 21: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (33 dc)
Round 22: Ch 3, dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (36 dc)
Round 23: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (36 dc)
Round 24: Ch 3, dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 11 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (39 dc)
Round 25: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (39 dc)
Round 26): Ch 3, dc in next 11 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 12 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (42 dc)
Round 27: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (42 dc)Round 28: Ch 3, dc in next 12 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 13 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (45 dc)
Procceed to the instructions for the Santa hat size you're making:
- Infant (0-6 months)
- Baby (6-12 months)
- Toddler
- Child
- Teen
- Adult
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Infant Size (0-6 Months)
Round 29: Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 4 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (50 dc)
Round 30: Ch 3, dc in next 23 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 24 dc, 2 dc in last dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (52 dc)
Round 31: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (52 dc)
Fasten off Color A.
Infant Santa Hat Brim:
With Color B and larger hook:
Round 32: Ch 3, dc in next two sts, sk 1 st, *dc in each of next three sts, sk 1 st, rep from * to end of round, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (39 dc)
Rounds 33-36: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (39 dc)
Fasten off leaving a 35” tail of Color B. Proceed to Finishing instructions.
Baby Size (6-12 Months)
Round 29 : Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 4 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (50 dc)
Round 30: Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 4 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (55 dc)
Round 31: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (55 dc)
Fasten off Color A.
Baby Santa Hat Brim:
With Color B and larger hook:
Round 32: Ch 3, dc in next two sts, sk 1 st, *dc in each of next three sts, sk 1 st, rep from * to end of round, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (42 dc)
Rounds 33-36: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (42 dc)
Fasten off, leaving a 35” tail of Color B Proceed to Finishing instructions.
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Toddler Size
Round 29: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (45 dc)
Round 30: Ch 3, dc in next 13 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 14 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)
Round 31: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)
Round 32: Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (54 dc)
Round 33: Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (60 dc)
Round 34: Ch 3, dc in next 18 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 19 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (63 dc)
Rounds 35-37: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (63 dc)
Fasten off Color A.
Toddler Santa Hat Brim:
With Color B and larger hook:
Round 38: Ch 3, dc in next two sts, sk 1 st, *dc in each of next three sts, sk 1 st, rep from * to end of round, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)
Rounds 39-42: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)
Fasten off, leaving a 35” tail of Color B. Proceed to Finishing instructions.
Child Size
Round 29: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (45 dc)
Round 30: Ch 3, dc in next 13 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 14 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)
Round 31: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)
Round 32: Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (54 dc)
Round 33: Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (60 dc)
Round 34: Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (66 dc)
Round 35: Ch 3, dc in next 20 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 21 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (69 dc)
Rounds 36-39: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (69 dc)
Fasten off Color A.
Child Santa Hat Brim:
With Color B and larger hook:
Round 40: Ch 3, dc in next two sts, sk 1 st, *dc in each of next three sts, sk 1 st, rep from * to end of round, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (52 dc)
Rounds 41-45: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (52 dc)
Fasten off, leaving a 35” tail of Color B. Proceed to Finishing instructions.
Tween/Teen Size
Round 29: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (45 dc)
Round 30: Ch 3, dc in next 13 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 14 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)
Round 31: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)
Round 32: Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (54 dc)
Round 33: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (54 dc)
Round 34: Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (60 dc)
Round 35: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (60 dc)
Round 36: Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (66 dc)
Round 37: Ch 3, dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (72 dc)
Round 38: Ch 3, dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 11 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (78 dc)
Rounds 39-43: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (78 dc)
Fasten off Color A.
Tween/Teen Santa Hat Brim:
With Color B and larger hook:
Round 44: Ch 3, dc in next two sts, sk 1 st, *dc in each of next three sts, sk 1 st, rep from * to end of round, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (59 dc)
Rounds 45-50: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (59 dc)
Fasten off, leaving a 35” tail of Color B. Proceed to Finishing instructions.
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Adult Size
Round 29: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (45 dc)
Round 30: Ch 3, dc in next 13 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 14 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)
Round 31: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (48 dc)
Round 32: Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (54 dc)
Round 33: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (54 dc)
Round 34: Ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (60 dc)
Round 35: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (60 dc)
Round 36: Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (66 dc)
Round 37: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (66 dc)
Round 38: Ch 3, dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (72 dc)
Round 39: Ch 3, dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 11 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (78 dc)
Round 40: Ch 3, dc in next 11 dc, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next 12 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (84 dc)
Rounds 41-43: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (84 dc)
Fasten off Color A.
Adult Santa Hat Brim:
With Color B and larger hook:
Round 44: Ch 3, dc in next two sts, sk 1 st, *dc in each of next three sts, sk 1 st, rep from * to end of round, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join. (63 dc)
Rounds 45-50: Ch 3, dc in each dc, sl st to 3rd ch at beginning of round to join.
Fasten off, leaving a 35” tail of Color B. Proceed to Finishing instructions.
Finishing
Our crochet Santa hats are almost complete! Let's add some finishing touches.
Seaming Brim:
With RS of hat facing out, fold over bottom Color B brim toward the outside of hat until brim section is folded in half. Using a yarn needle and attached yarn tail, whip stitch around hat to secure.
Adding Pom Pom:
Use a storebought fluffy pom pom or make a large pom-pom using Color B yarn.
Pro Tip: It can be helpful to add a few dabs of hot glue at the center of the pom-pom to make it more durable.
For an extra bit of Christmas magic, tie a jingle bell inside the pom-pom. (Avoid adding a jingle bell if the recipient is under 3-years-old due to risk of choking.)
Sew pom-pom to top of Santa hat.
Don't be a Secret Santa! Head out and spread some Christmas joy!
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