Crochet Santa Hat

A crochet santa hat can dress a baby, a child, a grown-up, or even a bottle and the tree. Start with the tiny ornament for the quickest small make here: it uses just a little red and white yarn. Below, you’ll find hats grouped by their wearer, from baby beanies to long adult tails, plus a pet-sized option. The grown-up section also holds our own free pattern written on this page, followed by designer alternatives with different yarn textures.

Before You Start: Head Size, Yarn and Hook

Measure around the widest part of the head, above the ears and eyebrows, then use the chosen pattern’s gauge and sizing. The table follows Melissa Hassler’s hat sizing chart; its heights describe standard beanies, while Santa tails follow their individual patterns. “Baby” uses the chart’s younger baby range, and “adult” uses adult medium. A smooth #4 worsted yarn keeps stitches visible; fur trim and chenille change both the texture and how you find the next stitch. Match the listed yarn and hook before substituting. For other silhouettes, explore our hats and beanies guide.

For Babies and Toddlers

Long-Tail Baby Santa Hat

A long, slender red point gives this baby hat its storybook shape, while fancy white yarn softens the narrow edging and pompom. Jane’s beginner pattern uses sc in continuous rounds, growing from the tip toward the opening. It is written for babies aged 3–6 months, with a stated fit of 14–17 in (36–43 cm). Choose this design when you want a clearly defined crochet body with a little fluff at the edges. The slim tail is the detail that sets it apart from a rounded baby beanie.

You'll need: Panda Magnum Soft 8 ply, a #3 DK equivalent: the source lists 3.5 oz (100 g), 207 yd (189 m), in red; white fancy yarn for trim and pompom, amount and weight unstated; E/4 (3.5 mm) hook, yarn needle, and stitch marker.

Free pattern by Jane Chan, Jenny & Teddy

Santa Belt Baby Beanie

For a baby santa hat crochet project with a different silhouette, try this red beanie styled like Santa’s suit. A black belt and yellow buckle sit above the white ribbed band, and the page offers beanie, slouch, and messy bun finishes. The baby size fits a 16 in (41 cm) head; toddler, child, and adult sizes are also included. This Easy pattern starts with a band worked in rows, then moves into joined hdc rounds. The loop-placement techniques give the trim its defined ridges.

You'll need: #4 worsted acrylic: 110 yd (101 m) red, 55 yd (50 m) white, 55 yd (50 m) black, and 10 yd (9 m) yellow. Use an I/9 (5.5 mm) hook, yarn needle, and scissors. These are the page’s listed allowances, shared across its size options.

Free pattern by Sonya Blackstone, Blackstone Designs

Deep-Ribbed Toddler Santa Hat

A substantial white band anchors this classic red hat, with a yarn pompom at the drooping tip. Rhondda works the band in back-loop sc rows and continues upward in dc rounds, so you establish the stretchy opening before shaping the crown. The Easy pattern covers newborn through teen/adult sizes. Its toddler/child version targets a 20 in (51 cm) head, while the relaxed hat circumference is 14.5 in (37 cm). That unusually stretchy fit belongs to this particular yarn and band construction; use the pattern’s own gauge.

You'll need: #4 worsted Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red and White; the toddler/child sample uses 3 oz (84 g), 155 yd (142 m), including its pompom. Use an H/8 (5 mm) hook, yarn needle, scissors, and an optional pompom maker.

Free pattern by Rhondda Mol, Oombawka Design Crochet

For Kids

Faux-Fur Santa Hat With an Optional Bell

Red Heather yarn and a generous white fur brim make this a plush-looking choice for children. Jess’s pattern grows from the point downward in joined dc rounds and finishes with the contrasting trim and pompom; a jingle bell is optional. Sizes run from newborn/infant through adult, with the child version fitting an 18–20 in (46–51 cm) head. The designer calls it suitable for an advanced beginner, with feeling the stitches through the fur as the main challenge. The free page includes an account signup notice.

You'll need: For the child size, #4 worsted Lion Brand Basic Stitch: 3.5 oz (100 g) red; #6 super bulky Go for Faux: 3.2 oz (90 g) white. Use H/8 (5 mm) and I/9 (5.5 mm) hooks, a yarn needle, stitch markers, a pompom maker or cardboard, and an optional bell.

Free pattern by Jess Coppom, Make & Do Crew

Bobbles and Stripes Santa Hat

White bobbles scattered across red stripes give this long hat a snowy, textured surface. The contrasting white stripes continue along the taper, and post stitches form the ribbed edge. Erangi’s Intermediate design works from the top down using hdc, color changes, and bobbles, with sizes for babies aged 6–12 months through adults. The child hat measures 18–19 in (46–48 cm) around and 21.5 in (55 cm) high. Pick this one for a child who likes a long, playful tail and a more decorative crochet christmas hat.

You'll need: #4 worsted yarn, approximately 200 yd (183 m) each of red and white, or 400 yd (366 m) total; I/9 (5.5 mm) hook and a tapestry needle. The source gives this yarn allowance for the pattern rather than a separate amount for every size.

Free pattern by Erangi Udeshika, Crochet For You

Easy Santa Hat in 6 Sizes

A plain red body, white post-stitch brim, and white yarn pompom give Kylee's hat its classic Santa shape. This Easy / Beginner design starts at the brim with foundation double crochet for stretch, then works upward in joined rounds. The six sizes cover newborn, 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months, child (3-10 years), and adult. Use the pattern's gauge to choose your fit; the designer warns that replacing the foundation stitches with a chain makes the opening less stretchy.

You'll need: I Love This Yarn in red and white, or a similar #4 worsted yarn such as Brava Worsted; yarn amount unstated. Use an H (5.00 mm) hook, a 2-inch pompom maker, yarn needle, and optional stitch marker.

Free pattern by Kylee Keller, OkieGirlBling'n'Things

For Grown-Ups

Choose your adult hat by its overall shape and the finish you enjoy making. Our own free pattern appears first, with the designer alternatives below offering a deep folded brim or plush chenille. These are useful choices when you want the red-and-white tradition with a noticeably different fabric. Plan a coordinated holiday pair with a crochet Christmas stocking: repeating the hat’s red and white in your mantel decorations gives the handmade pieces a shared look.

Our Free Pattern: Classic Flat-Panel Santa Hat

A classic Santa hat with two flat red panels, an unfolded white brim and a soft white pompom. US crochet terms.

Checked by our pattern checker, not yet tested in yarn. Stitch arithmetic is checked; fit, drape and yarn use still need a yarn test.

Materials

• #4 worsted yarn: red, approximately 260 yd (238 m); white, approximately 100 yd (92 m), including pompom.
• H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook, yarn needle, scissors and a pompom maker or cardboard rings.
• Yardage is an estimate: stitches × yards per sc, derived from yarn used in a 14 sc × 16 row gauge area. We used the common rule of thumb of about 1 yd of worsted per square inch of single crochet, so 16 yd (14.6 m) per 4 in (10 cm) square; if your swatch uses more, buy more. Add 20% for seams and waste, plus 20 yd (18.3 m) for the pompom, and round up to the next 10 yd.

Gauge

14 sc × 16 rows = 4 in (10 cm). Make and measure a swatch before starting; check the BLO band separately.

Finished Size

• Adult body: approximately 21.1 in (53.7 cm) around before the brim and seams; each panel is 10.6 in (26.9 cm) wide and 13.0 in (33.0 cm) tall. The long tip can flop over.
• Unfolded brim: 2.9 in (7.3 cm) deep, 21.2 in (54.0 cm) long before joining. At this gauge, the specified 10 sc measure about 2.9 in, rather than 2.5 in (6.4 cm).
• Pompom: approximately 3 in (7.5 cm) across. Seaming and individual tension may change finished fit.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain; sc = single crochet; st(s) = stitch(es); BLO = back loop only.
• sc2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together: insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop; repeat in following st, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. This makes 1 st from 2.
• Turning ch 1 never counts as a stitch. Work through both loops unless BLO is specified.

Panel (make 2)

With red, work from the lower edge toward the tip. Work 23 rows straight, decrease at both ends every other row through Row 48, then every row to Row 52.

1. Row 1: Ch 38. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (37 sts)
2. Rows 2–23: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (37 sts)
3. Row 24: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 33 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (35 sts)
4. Row 25: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (35 sts)
5. Row 26: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 31 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (33 sts)
6. Row 27: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (33 sts)
7. Row 28: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 29 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (31 sts)
8. Row 29: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (31 sts)
9. Row 30: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 27 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (29 sts)
10. Row 31: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (29 sts)
11. Row 32: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 25 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (27 sts)
12. Row 33: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (27 sts)
13. Row 34: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 23 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (25 sts)
14. Row 35: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (25 sts)
15. Row 36: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 21 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (23 sts)
16. Row 37: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (23 sts)
17. Row 38: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 19 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (21 sts)
18. Row 39: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (21 sts)
19. Row 40: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 17 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (19 sts)
20. Row 41: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (19 sts)
21. Row 42: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 15 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (17 sts)
22. Row 43: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (17 sts)
23. Row 44: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 13 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (15 sts)
24. Row 45: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (15 sts)
25. Row 46: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 11 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (13 sts)
26. Row 47: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (13 sts)
27. Row 48: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 9 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (11 sts)
28. Row 49: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 7 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (9 sts)
29. Row 50: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (7 sts)
30. Row 51: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (5 sts)
31. Row 52: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 1 st, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (3 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming. Make the second panel identically.

Assembly

1. Lay panels together with lower edges and matching rows aligned. With red, whipstitch corresponding row ends along both side edges, from the lower edge to the tip. Continue each seam along the straight lower side sections; leave the entire foundation edge open.
2. Sew the two 3-stitch tip edges together to close the top. Turn the seams inside and weave in ends. Avoid pulling seams tight.

Brim

With white, work a sideways band. Its 10 stitches form the depth; its 85 rows go around the hat. This is round(21.14 in × 16 rows ÷ 4 in) = 85 rows.

1. Row 1: Ch 11. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (10 sts)
2. Rows 2–85: Ch 1, turn. Sc in back loop only of each st across. (10 sts)

1. Fasten off with a long tail. Join the foundation edge to the final row with a flat whipstitch, aligning all 10 stitches to form a ring.
2. Keep the brim unfolded. Divide the ring and body opening into quarters. Align the brim seam with a body side seam and pin quarter marks together.
3. With white, sew one long row-end edge of the brim to the lower body edge, distributing 85 brim row ends evenly over the 74 foundation stitches (about 1–2 brim row ends per body stitch). Keep the join flexible and weave in ends.

Pompom

1. Make a full white pompom approximately 3 in (7.5 cm) across with a maker or cardboard rings. Tie the center firmly, leaving long tying tails; cut the loops and trim evenly.
2. Use the tying tails to sew the pompom securely through both panels at the tip. Knot on the inside and weave in the ends.

If you make this hat, tell us how it went in the comments, including your yarn, gauge and any fit adjustments.

Cranberry Santa Hat With a Double Brim

Deep cranberry yarn gives this adult hat a rich color, with a thick folded Hepplewhite brim and a full white pompom. Jillian begins with a wide hdc strip, joins its short ends, then works the body upward in continuous rounds. The written adult version starts from ribbing measuring about 22 in (55 cm) unstretched; smaller sizes receive adjustment guidance rather than separate instructions. The page leaves skill level unlabeled, and the techniques include hdc decreases and joining the brim. Choose it for the substantial folded edge and softly draping crown.

You'll need: #4 worsted Loops & Threads Impeccable in Cranberry, one 3.5 oz (100 g) skein; #5 bulky Lion Brand Homespun in Hepplewhite, approximately 4.1 oz (115 g); H/8 (5 mm) hook and tapestry needle. The Homespun supplies both the brim and the white pompom.

Free pattern by Jillian Hewitt, Spin a Yarn Crochet

Chenille Santa Hat With a Crocheted Pompom

Velvety chenille changes the whole surface of this Santa hat, including its rounded white tip. May’s Beginner design uses joined dc rounds from the top down, a white sc brim, and a separately crocheted stuffed ball instead of a cut-yarn pompom. The sample measures about 20.5 in (52 cm) around and 20.8 in (53 cm) long; the page explains adjusting its size. It also shows the brim worn down or folded. Choose this version for plush stitch definition and a smooth, rounded finish at the end of the tail.

You'll need: Katia Bambi Baby Love chenille in red and white (the page gives no weight category); approximately 156 yd (143 m) total. Use a J/10 (6 mm) hook, yarn needle, marker, scissors, and a little fiberfill or scrap yarn for the crocheted white ball.

Free pattern by May, Start Crochet

For Pets, Bottles and the Tree

Faux-Fur Cat Santa Hat

A miniature red cone, fluffy white border, and crocheted fur pompom give this cat hat a full Santa silhouette. Nicole works it from the top down in continuous sc rounds and adds red ties afterward. It is sized for an adult cat, with a stated diameter of 4.5 in (11 cm) and height of 7 in (18 cm), including the pompom. The page supplies basic stitch instructions without a formal difficulty label. For a December shelf display, put the finished hat on a plush toy cat or dog.

You'll need: #5 bulky WeCrochet Brava Bulky in Red and #6 super bulky Fable Fur in Eisbar, less than one skein of each; G/6 (4 mm) hook, scissors, and tapestry needle. The pompom is crocheted from the white fur yarn rather than made from cut strands.

Free pattern by Nicole Riley, Nicki’s Homemade Crafts

Striped Santa Hat Wine Topper

The photographed rust-red and white striped topper turns a wine bottle into a tall holiday character, finished with a broad folded white brim and a white pompom. Christine’s Intermediate beginner pattern uses waistcoat stitch in continuous rounds, with a separate back-loop slip-stitch band sewn onto the body. It fits a standard 25.4 fl oz (750 ml) wine bottle. The listed body measures about 17 in (43 cm) by 4.5 in (11 cm), excluding brim and pompom. The written color directions describe the solid version alongside the photographed striped example.

You'll need: #5 bulky Lion Brand Hue + Me in Salt and Spicy, half a skein of each; L/11 (8 mm) hook, stitch marker, yarn needle, scissors, and measuring tape. The source lists the color allowance by skein rather than a separate yardage for the photographed striped version.

Free pattern by Christine, Spotted Horse Design Co.

Tiny Folded Santa Hat Ornament

For a mini santa hat ornament crochet project, this little folded cone is the best place to start. Its finished measurement is approximately 2 in (5 cm), and the red body uses only 7 yd (6.4 m) of yarn. Nicole’s Beginner design works in sc rounds, then adds a small white sc-and-hdc edge. A white yarn pompom finishes the point, which is folded and sewn into place. Use the same tiny shape for tree decorations, car charms, keychains, or a garland, all uses suggested on the free pattern page.

You'll need: #4 worsted WeCrochet/Knit Picks Brava Worsted: 7 yd (6.4 m) red and 3 yd (2.7 m) white; G/6 (4 mm) hook, yarn needle, stitch markers, and scissors. The designer considers a gauge swatch unnecessary for this small decorative project.

Free pattern by Nicole Chase, The Nicole Chase

Brims, Pompoms and Bells

Choose the edge as carefully as the crown. The faux-fur child hat uses a different yarn weight for its white trim, while the toddler hat builds stretch into back-loop sc ribbing. Jillian’s adult brim is an extra-wide strip folded over itself, and Erangi’s stripes carry raised white bobbles. May finishes chenille with a crocheted stuffed ball because cut chenille makes an awkward traditional pompom. These details are part of their respective linked designs; follow the finish that belongs to your chosen hat.

A bell is an optional addition in Jess Coppom’s pattern, alongside the pompom, rather than a requirement for the Santa look. Her page also says babies and young children should be supervised while wearing the hat. Keep that instruction with the baby-sized versions when making family sets. For the tree, Nicole Chase’s little folded ornament uses a small yarn pompom and keeps the familiar red point and white edge at a miniature scale.

Next step: Continue the holiday yarn basket with Christmas ornaments for your tree, or choose another small wearable from our baby crochet hats.