Crochet hats: free patterns, explanations and the guide to yarns and models

The hat is one of the most-made handmade accessories of all, by beginners and experts alike. In this guide you will find everything you need for yours: a free pattern, video tutorials for every style, tables with yarn grams for every age, the right yarns season by season and tips to choose the model that suits your face.

The free pattern: the basic beanie

Let's start with the gift: a simple, quick pattern, perfect for beginners too. All you need is a yarn you love, the right hook and a free afternoon.

• Start with a magic ring and work 3 chains (they replace the first double crochet);
• work 11 double crochets into the magic ring and close with a slip stitch into the third starting chain;
• work 3 chains and 2 double crochets into the same stitch, *skip 2 double crochets, 3 double crochets into the next stitch*;
• repeat from * to * to the end of the round, closing with a slip stitch into the third starting chain;
• repeat round 2 another 5 times, changing colour whenever you like;
• work 3 chains, 2 double crochets into the space between the double crochets of the previous round, *3 double crochets into the next space*;
• repeat from * to * to the end of the round and close as above;
• repeat round 4 another 4 times;
• cut the yarn leaving a long tail, thread it through the remaining stitches and pull to gather the top;
• weave in the ends on the wrong side: your hat is ready!

The video tutorials: a model for every style

If you prefer video explanations, Tessiland Studio has over 60 hat tutorials from our makers (in Italian). Four models to get you started:

Want to see them all? Buckets, flat caps, cloches, mosaic crochet and much more await you on Tessiland Studio.

How much yarn does a hat need? The tables by age

The amount depends on measurements, stitch, yarn, tension and twist. But with a basic stitch these tables give you the right reference so you never run out halfway.

Hats for children

Hats for teens and adults

Want the exact figure for your stitch and measurements? The Tessiland Studio Yarn Calculator is free and works for hats too (interface in Italian):

Calculate the yarn you need →

Which yarn to choose for your hat

Winter hat

The cold season calls for thick, warm yarns: merino wool, alpaca, cashmere or quality acrylic. Soft to the touch, warm and long-lasting. They work up with crochet, knitting needles, spool knitter or loom. You will find the soft wools in the merino and baby wool category and the warm blends in alpaca and blends.

Justin Baby — extrafine merino wool
Supersoft and hypoallergenic: perfect for hats that touch the skin, even the littlest ones.
Discover Justin Baby →

Other great winter picks: West (shaded wool blend), Verve (pure roving wool), Gloria (alpaca blend), Swollen (chunky for quick beanies) and Chuck Batik (shaded acrylic).

Summer hat

Warm weather calls for fresh, light fibres: Iggy (pure cotton), Lynyrd (cotton and linen) and Drake (eco cotton). And for the beach there is natural raffia.

Structured hats and cloches

The Twenties-style cloche is one of makers' favourite models: it calls for thin cords with a touch of stiffness like Thai Skinny, Thai Slim and Thai Sublime. For a wide brim, the secret is regilene, the flexible tape that shapes the brim:

Newborn crochet hat

The first little hat is often the first handmade gift. The golden rules: circumference 35 cm, height 16 cm, 30-50 g of yarn (see table) and above all a hypoallergenic extrafine merino wool that will not itch delicate skin. You will find the right ones in the baby wool category. Here is the step-by-step tutorial:

How to choose the model for your face shape

• Long oval face (like Sarah Jessica Parker): medium or wide brim, no volume on top; a soft beret works great;
• Inverted triangle face (like Madonna): beret or fitted model, perfect worn to the side too;
• Round face (like Kirsten Dunst): structured hats that build height, with a stiffer body;
• Square face (like Demi Moore): soft, gentle lines — a wool beanie, beret or cloche to soften the jawline;
• Oval face (like Monica Bellucci): the easiest to flatter — every model works.

Knitting or crochet?

There is no single answer: it depends on preference and skill. Knitting is usually faster and gives a soft, stretchy fabric — often easier for beginners. Crochet gives a denser, sturdier fabric, ideal for winter and structured hats, with endless pattern possibilities. Whichever you choose, you will find the right crochet hooks and knitting needles, plus the essentials: stitch markers, a measuring tape and yarn needles for finishing.

The hat family on the blog

Looking for the trend of the moment? Here is the bucket hat, the fisherman's hat turned style icon by artists and influencers. And soon the men's hat guide and the summer mesh hats too.

Frequently asked questions

Now you have it all: pattern, tutorials, yarn amounts and fibres. All that's left is to pick your model and let creativity loose — your handmade hat will add personality to your wardrobe and to that of the people you love.

Rosaria Tessiland®