Introduction to Crochet Hats for Adults
Crochet hats are one of the easiest and quickest crochet projects that even beginners can make. Check out these free crochet hat patterns for adults that will surely keep your hands busy.
Crochet hats are perfect all-purpose, any-occasion gifts for anyone. Crochet hats not only keep your head warm during winter, but they also help shield your face during the summer.
Crocheting is not only fun, but it can also be very rewarding. They make great projects to donate to charities for the homeless, or for those who are undergoing chemotherapy. Crochet hats are also a popular item at craft fairs.
Is Crocheting a Hat Hard?
A crochet hat is one of the first projects you can make as a beginner crocheter. There are a lot of easy crochet hat patterns that are beginner friendly.
To be able to follow most of these free crochet hat patterns, you will need to know your basic crochet stitches – chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet stitch (sc), half double crochet (hdc), and double crochet (dc).
You will also need to know how to make a magic circle (magic ring) as many crochet hat patterns are crocheted in the round from the top down.
Supplies Needed to Make a Crochet Hat
To crochet these free patterns, you will need some yarn and a crochet hook. The pattern you are considering will tell you what weight of yarn and size of hook you need, though you should ensure you are getting the same gauge as called for in the pattern so that your hat will fit as intended.
You may also need some stitch markers, scissors, a tape measure, and a yarn needle (tapestry needle).
Some hats will have the option to add a faux fur pom pom on top. You can get these at your local craft stores, or you can make yarn pom-poms yourself.
What is the Best Yarn for Crochet Hats?
The type of yarn you will need will depend on the kind of hat you will be making. Hats made for summer are best made with cotton or linen yarn because these fibers are breathable and absorb moisture. Winter hats are best made with a bulky or super bulky yarn. Acrylic or wool-blend yarn will keep your head warm.
Crochet hats can be made with any yarn weight. Make sure to consult your pattern for the recommended yarn weight and crochet hook size.
Here are some of our favorites:
- (2) Fine: Knit Picks Brava Sport, Lion Brand LB Collection Merino Camel, Knit Picks Heatherly Sport, Knit Picks Andean Treasure
- (3) DK: Patons Grace, Bernat Softee Cotton, Knit Picks Swish DK, Premier Yarns Basix DK
- (4) Worsted: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Knit Picks Dishie, Lion Brand Pima Cotton, Lion Brand Basic Stitch, Knit Picks Comfy Worsted, Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Lily Sugar’n Cream, Red Heart Soft
- (5) Bulky: Lion Brand Hue+Me, Bernat Maker Home Dec, Knit Picks Swish Bulky, Red Heart Hygge
- (6) Super Bulky: Lion Brand Hometown, Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, Lion Brand Go For Faux, Bernat Softee Chunky
What are the Best Stitches for Crochet Hats?
Crochet hats use many different stitch patterns to give them a unique look. Most of these free crochet hat patterns use these basic stitches below or a variation of them.
Crochet patterns often explain what stitches are being used, so it is best to go over your pattern first so you can familiarize yourself with the stitches you will be using.
If you want to play with different stitches and design your own crochet hat patterns, our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library has 45 different stitch patterns for you to learn and use in all your projects.
How Do You Crochet the Perfect Hat Size?
Crochet hats come in different sizes, just as heads do. The height or length of your crochet hat will vary depending on the type of hat you are making. For example, a slouchy beanie will be taller than a fitted beanie.
To be able to get a perfectly fitting hat, you should take measurements of your head circumference across your forehead, over your ears and around the back of the head. Ideally, you should make your crochet hat around two inches smaller than your head circumference measurement to allow for some stretch.
Most crochet hat patterns will have a size guide that you can take a look at. If there is none, you may consult this crochet hat size chart below (referenced from the Craft Yarn Council’s industry guidelines for pattern designers). If you’re stitching for charity or for a gift and don’t have the recipient’s head handy, you can use these general guidelines as well.
Free Crochet Hat Patterns for Adults
There are so many options out there for free crochet hat patterns. This collection includes summer hats and beanies, with patterns for women, men, and options that work well for anyone!
Crochet Hat Patterns for Women
From sun hats to messy bun hats to beanies free crochet hat patterns for adults, these women’s hats are a stylish addition to any wardrobe, for any season!
Floppy Sun Hat
Designer: Heart Hook Home
Yarn weight: (0) Lace
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Thread Fashion 3
Imagine yourself laying on a towel on the beach, wearing your favorite swimsuit and this big, floppy sun hat. This pattern uses chains, double crochets, and reverse single crochet or crab stitch. You will also need some heavy starch to stiffen it up and help it get into shape.
Cleo Fedora Crochet Sun Hat
Designer: Make and Do Crew
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Rewind Tape Yarn
The most comfortable, functional, and stylish crochet hat you will ever wear on your head. Unlike hats made from raffia or straw, you don’t have to worry about destroying this hat when you pack it in your beach bag. Tape yarn makes this hat packable yet durable, you can take it anywhere you go.
June Sun Hat
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Rewind Tape Yarn
A versatile, lightweight, and breezy hat is what you will need when the sun is up and shining. You can style this with a pretty sundress, or even with your favorite swimsuit. Add some appliques or embroidery, or even just a pretty ribbon on the crown to show some personality.
Upper Cross Women’s Crochet Beanie
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: PremierYarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
Here’s a crochet beanie that keeps you warm without overheating. The open stitches in this crochet beanie allow for some air to circulate while the tight stitches on the band keep your ears warm. Add a fun faux fur pom pom on top and wear it with a matching cowl for a stylish day out even in winter.
Patons To the Peak Hat
Designer: Patons for Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Patons Classic Wool Worsted
Make this unique, textured topper with 100% wool yarn for a soft and warm crochet hat. The button detail gives it a classic, vintage look, while front post stitches provide some texture. It makes a great gift for anyone who wants to add some flair to their winter wardrobe.
November Twilight Crochet Slouch Hat for Women
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Textured stitches add an element of interest, and the faux fur pom pom adds a touch of elegance to this rustic but feminine winter slouch hat. It has a loose and stretchy band that fits comfortably on your head. Pair it with the matching scarf for a truly classic winter look.
Malia Messy Bun Beanie
Designer: Yarn and Chai
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
More than just a style trend, messy bun hats are a practical, regular part of a winter accessory lineup. This messy bun hat is made just like a beanie, except that it is worked around an elastic ponytail at the top. A combination of bean stitches and half double crochets in the third loop adds an element of texture to this cute bun hat.
Positano Crochet Hat
Designer: Christaco Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
This free crochet pattern comes in four sizes, from toddlers to adults. It is crocheted from the bottom up, then topped with a fun faux fur pom pom.
Elizabeth Beanie
Designer: Rich Textures Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Patons Canadiana
The Elizabeth stitch, or the “mini bean” stitch, gives this hat its very textured look. The crisscross design is done by working in turned rounds instead of a continuously joined round. Slip stitches are used to make the ribbing on the brim, but you can use single crochet or half double crochet if you prefer.
Men’s Crochet Hats
Beanies, slouch hats, and more. Crochet hats for men are great gift ideas. These free crochet hat patterns are classy and stylish and designed so that the men in your life will actually wear them.
Crochet Classic Men’s Hat
Designer: Sirin’s Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
This simple crochet hat is a great beginner project to practice post stitches. Made with soft wool yarn, it is soft, warm, and packable enough that you can keep it in your pocket.
Men’s Classic Beanie
Designer: Rich Textures Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Swish Worsted
This knit-look crochet hat can be made in two variations – one with a brim and one without. It is crocheted in rows instead of rounds. Coordinate with the matching scarf to create a classic, stylish look.
Easy Striped Beanie
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron One Pound
You have two options for making this crochet beanie pattern. The first option uses three yarn colors to create the stripe pattern while the second hat uses only one-color yarn and uses back loop and third loop stitches to create ridges that make the stripes. This crochet hat pattern is great for making gifts for family and friends, or for donating to homeless shelters or organizations that help patients with cancer.
Red Heart Buffalo Plaid Hat for Him
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
This classic, cozy plaid hat is perfect for cooler outdoor temperatures. This slouch hat uses post stitches and color changes to create the classic buffalo plaid pattern. Choose three different shades of your favorite worsted weight yarn to make the perfect slouchy beanie.
Hyland Men’s Hat
Designer: Yarn and Chai
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
This crochet hat has just the right amount of slouch. Make it in one color or use two (or more!) colors to make it more fun. This free pattern has an option for a kid’s size hat as well so you can make matching hats for any little boy in your life.
Men’s Thermal Beanie
Designer: Rich Textures Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Superwash Merino
This classic, snug-fitting crochet hat is made from the bottom up in a striped pattern using the crochet thermal stitch. The thermal stitch creates a thick, dense fabric that is perfect with wool yarn.
Wanderlust Beanie
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
A simple men’s beanie that is soft and cozy, yet cool enough for summer evenings. You can take this crochet beanie on camping or hiking trips or donate it to organizations that provide chemo caps for cancer patients.
Red Heart Men’s Vintage Golf Hat
Designer: Katy Petersen for Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Show your love with a hat that fits his personality and sense of style. This classic, retro golf hat will make a distinctive gift for any gentleman who loves playing golf, or just cruising around in a convertible. Go the whole nine yards and make it in his favorite color!
Ripple Beanie
Designer: Crochet Therapy
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Mighty Stitch
A crochet hat that is not too “girly” or “preppy,” this stretchy crochet hat has a ribbed brim and a textured stitch pattern. This hat is made in rows, not rounds, and the sizes are made to be a little snug for a fitted look.
Billow Beanie
Designer: Rohn Strong
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Super Value
This texture-rich crochet hat might look complicated but is actually easy enough that even a beginner can make it. A video tutorial is available to walk you through every row. This crochet hat is light and airy, and super comfy despite looking like it is packed with stitches.
Crochet Hat Patterns for Everyone
These easy and free crochet hat patterns for adults are perfect for crocheters of every level. Make matching hats for each member of your family or your whole circle of friends.
Grid Slouch Unisex Slouchy Hat
Designer: Heart Hook Home
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Twill
This comfy slouchy hat is perfect for anyone, anywhere. You will use the grid stitch, which is made up of double crochets, single crochets, and chain stitches to get the open-work look of this crochet slouch hat. It’s the perfect thing for people with a lot of hair or who like a lot of slouches!
Simple Seed Stitch Beanie Hat
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron One Pound
This easy crochet hat project works up quickly and is perfect to stitch for last-minute gifts or donations to charities that help the homeless. It uses the seed stitch, which adds texture and warmth to the crochet beanie, and helps protect heads of all sizes from the cold.
Crochet Plaid Hat
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
This free crochet hat pattern was originally designed to use the color blue in support of the #HatNotHate anti-bullying campaign. You can recreate the plaid or gingham look in any color – just use a light, medium, and dark shade of your favorite color yarn (for a gingham look, use white as your light color). The color changes become easy after the first few rounds, and you won’t have as many ends to weave in by the time you are done!
Snow Country Ski Hat
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
This cozy crochet ski hat has a double-layer diamond pattern that provides extra warmth. You can use a larger hook to be able to line it with fleece or fur to make it even warmer. This versatile crochet hat is the perfect accessory to wear on the slopes in the winter.
Easy Everyday Tapered Crochet Beanie
Designer: For the Frills
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Swish Worsted
A beginner-friendly free pattern, this quick and simple crochet hat has an easy two-row repeat. It features a ribbed, fold-over brim, and a tapered crown to give a classic look that will easily become a staple in your fall and winter wardrobe. Add a faux fur pom pom on top or leave off the pom-pom for a chic and minimalist look.
Red Heart Cozy Crochet Trapper Hat
Designer: Red Heart for Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Hygge and Red Heart Hygge Fur
Add some style and flair to your outdoor winter adventures with this fur-trimmed crochet hat. It has a nice, dense texture, and its fur-lined ear flaps give added comfort and warmth. This super soft crochet hat will surely keep you warm and toasty through the cold winter.
Patons Crochet Colorwork Hat
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash
Learn how to do simple Fair Isle colorwork with this fun crochet hat pattern. Choose any two colors that match your style and have good contrast to make this toasty crochet hat. Add a pom-pom on top to complete this cute beanie.
1.5 Hour Beanie
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Tonal
If you can crochet a rectangle, you can make this easy peasy beginner-friendly crochet beanie. The knit look is achieved by crocheting in the back loops only. The free pattern also gives you suggestions for different variations of this basic crochet hat.
Fun and Quirky Crochet Hats
These fun hats are sure to make any adult feel young at heart. Most of these crochet hat patterns are available in all sizes (from newborn to adult) so you can make one for every family member for maximum fun!
Red Heart Lovable Monster Hats
Designer: Michele Wilcox for Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
These too-cute-to-spook monster hats are a fun way to keep your head warm. Whether you make it for Halloween or for an ordinary day out, these light-hearted crochet hats will turn heads everywhere you go.
Crochet Santa Hat
Designer: Spin a Yarn Crochet
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Homespun
Level up your holiday cheer game with this adorable crochet Santa hat. The cranberry-red color gives it a rich, classic Santa Claus look. It has a thick folded brim, and a super fluffy pom-pom that makes it perfect to wear for all your holiday festivities.
Dinosaur Crochet Hat
Designer: Traverse Bay Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Super Value
This cute crochet dinosaur hat will make the perfect gift for any dino-loving adult. Make it in green or any other color you prefer for a more fun looking dinosaur. The pattern is available for newborn to adult size so you can make matching hats for everyone.
Red Heart Team Cheers Earflap
Designer: Nancy Smith for Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Support your team in style with this cozy crochet earflap hat. This free pattern is so easy, you can crochet a hat for everyone cheering in the stands. So, grab your team colors and start stitching!
Pizza Slouchy Hat
Designer: Crafty Kitty Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart with Love and Red Heart Super Saver
Get ready for your next pizza party with this crochet pizza slouchy hat. This free crochet pattern is for a pepperoni pizza, but you can easily customize it to add your favorite pizza toppings. Make one for all your friends with all their favorite toppings and take lots of photos to share on Instagram.
Crochet Hat Video Tutorials
If you are a more visual learner or need a little extra help with the basics, you may want to check out these video tutorials for making crochet hats.
Easy Breezy Ribbed Beanie
Designer: The Turtle Trunk
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
This classic unisex hat is a perfect first crochet hat project. It uses one simple stitch to create a ribbed texture. You can even make it in different sizes and lengths to get the perfect fit.
Men’s Basic Beanie with Options
Designer: Jenni Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
This basic crochet beanie pattern uses only half double crochets and single crochets. It is a great pattern to use for making crochet hats for craft fairs or for charity donations. You have options to make additional rows to make a hat with a folded edge or a slouchy hat.
Bernat Granny Stripe Hat
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Super Value Stripes
It’s all about color with this cute little crochet hat. Self-striping yarn gives this crochet hat a pop of color with its gradual color changes. The classic granny stitch is used to get that granny stripe look that is trendy and perfect for any season.
Crochet Sun Hat with Bow
Designer: Sirin’s Crochet
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Alize Cotton Gold
Make this adorable sun hat in a size that fits you comfortably. The video tutorial shows you how to take measurements for your hat so you can make this crochet hat in any size. You can also use raffia or tape yarn instead of cotton yarn to make this cute crochet hat.
Honeycomb Beanie
Designer: Rich Textures Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Theory
This cozy, textured beanie is worked from the brim up using the Honeycomb Smock Stitch. This stitch pattern not only gives the beanie amazing texture, it also creates a thick, warm fabric. Add a cute pom-pom on top or leave it as is for a minimalist look.
Easy Crochet Beret
Designer: Winding Road Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
Double crochet and post stitches are all you need to make this crochet beret. It is the perfect pattern for making your first crochet beret. This crochet hat features a textured stitch pattern and a ribbed hatband, perfect for completing a stylish outfit.
Are You Tired of Crochet Projects That Take Too Long to Make?
Crochet hats are quick and easy projects that you can finish in about a day. If you are the type of crocheter who wants to get things done fast, check out our Done-in-a-Day Pattern Bundle. Here you will find 90 designer patterns that are super easy and fast to make. You’ll be making loads of them for your whole family and all your friends.
Are You a Beginner Who Needs More Help with Crochet Hats?
This collection of free crochet hat patterns for adults keeps things pretty easy, but if you need to brush up on your basics, our Crochet Fundamentals class is for you. This quick-hit collection of videos covers everything you need to crochet more confidently, from how to hold your hook to how to increase and decrease in your projects, and so much more.
If you’d like some more inspiration for crochet hat patterns, take a peek at some of my other blog pages here: 30 Free and Cute Crochet Hat Patterns for Girls, 30+ Dinosaur Crochet Patterns
