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Crochet Hatimals Pattern

Crochet Hatimals Pattern
4.7★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.2K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧣

Snug Essential

Everyday comfort with practical charm, designed for both functionality and style through changing seasons.

About This Crochet Hatimals Pattern

This pattern collection creates cute animal earflap hats, designed in single crochet for a warm, secure fabric. Youll find full instructions for a basic beanie, earflaps, trims, and multiple animal facial features like scales, snouts, ears, teeth and nostrils. Sizes range from newborn (14") up through adult (24"), and the design is easy to customize with color choices and trims.

Crochet Hatimals Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Patterns are written in rounds with stitch counts included for each round to make following simple. Photographed examples and clear instructions help you place facial features and assemble pieces with confidence.

Why You'll Love This Crochet Hatimals Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines straightforward single crochet construction with playful, creative finishing details that let your personality shine. I enjoy that the hats are practical and warm while also being whimsical — perfect for kids and adults alike. The clear, sized instructions make it easy to scale the hats up or down, and I find the separate facial feature pieces let me mix and match designs for endless variety. Making these hats feels fast and rewarding, and giving one as a gift always brings smiles.

Crochet Hatimals Pattern step 1 - construction progress Crochet Hatimals Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Crochet Hatimals Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Crochet Hatimals Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize these hats with different color palettes; try pastel tones for a softer nursery look or high-contrast brights for playful kids hats.

I often change yarn weight and hook size to create minis for keychains or larger cozy adult versions — just remember to check gauge each time.

I like to embroider extra details such as freckles, eyebrows, or whiskers to give each hat more personality and unique expression.

I also add felt or safety eyes for a different look, but when making hats for babies I stick to embroidered or crocheted eyes for safety.

Swap out the braids on the earflaps for tassels, pompoms, or long twisted cords to change the silhouette and tie options.

Try creating seasonal versions: add a small Santa hat trim for holidays or autumn leaves stitched around the trim for fall themes.

To make a reversible hat, work a second beanie and join trims together, or crochet facial features as removable appliques that button on.

I sometimes stuff the snouts or scales more or less to change how pronounced the features sit on the hat; light stuffing gives a flatter look while more stuffing makes features pop.

Consider adding a thin wire inside horns or ears for posability if youre making display pieces rather than childrens wear.

Experiment with color placement in the trim and main body to create stripes, ombre effects, or color-blocked looks for unique Hatimals.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch marker for continuous rounds causes you to lose track of the start of rounds; place and move a marker at the beginning of each round to stay accurate. ✗ Not checking gauge leads to hats that are too large or too small; make a small swatch with the suggested hook to confirm your gauge before starting the hat. ✗ Forgetting to fasten off and leave sewing tails on small pieces makes assembly difficult; always leave the instructed long or small tails for sewing and finishing. ✗ Adding too much stuffing to small facial features will distort shape and make sewing awkward; stuff sparingly and adjust as you sew the piece into place.

Crochet Hatimals Pattern

Make playful animal-themed earflap hats using simple single crochet construction. This pattern collection gives you clear, sized instructions and fun facial feature pieces so you can customize hats for babies through adults. Youll enjoy the step-by-step rounds and charming finishing details that bring each creature to life.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Crochet Hatimals Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Red Heart Super Saver yarn or any worsted weight 4-ply yarn, 7 oz skeins recommended for main hat colors
  • 02
    Dinosaur: Tea Leaf - Main Color (1 7oz skein); Warm Brown - Trim Color (1 7oz skein); Red, White, Black - less than 1 oz each for details
  • 03
    Bear: Coffee - Main Color (1 7oz skein); Warm Brown - Trim Color (1 7oz skein); Red, White, Black - less than 1 oz each for details
  • 04
    Puppy: Warm Brown - Main Color (1 7oz skein); Coffee - Trim Color (1 7oz skein); Red, White, Black - less than 1 oz each for details
  • 05
    Panda: White - Main Color (1 7oz skein); Black - Trim Color (1 7oz skein); Red - less than 1 oz for details
  • 06
    Wolf: Light Grey - Main Color (1 7oz skein); Heather Grey - Trim Color (1 7oz skein); Red, White, Black - less than 1 oz each for details
  • 07
    Giraffe: Cornmeal - Main Color (1 7oz skein); Coffee - Trim Color (1 7oz skein); White, Black, Warm Brown - less than 1 oz each for details

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hooks: F, G, and H hooks (or the size needed to obtain gauge) - H hook (5.0mm) recommended for main gauge
  • 02
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 03
    Stitch markers to mark the beginning of rounds and earflap placement
  • 04
    Fiber fill for stuffing facial features and scales
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Measuring tape or ruler to measure head and hat depth

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— Special Notes :

Info :

These hats are all made in Single Crochet. I do this for two reasons. The first reason is that it makes the hats easier to make for beginners. The second reason is that it makes all my hats functional as well as a fun fashion statement! Since these hats are all done in Single Crochet, they do take longer to make especially in the adult sizes.

Info :

Using larger stitches like Double and Triple Crochet in patterns can complete projects faster and may look great but they arent very functional in cold weather. Here in Colorado where the wind gets to whippin about 50 mph and the temperature is in the 20s and below, a hat made with Double Crochet does not keep the noggin very warm as the wind will cut right through those larger stitches.

Info :

With Single Crochet stitches, the hats are tight, secure, and the smaller stitches cut out much of the wind so your head stays nice and warm as well as keeping you looking cute! My hats are also great for the ski slopes and have been field tested by my family in remote Alaska!

— Head Measurements :

Info :

For the best fit it is very important to measure the recipients head prior to beginning your project. Hat sizes do not go by ones age but by how big ones head is. Some people have BIG heads, some people have SMALL heads, and some have average heads. This includes babies and children.

Info :

To measure the head, a sewing tape measure is always best. Wrap the tape measure around the head going OVER the top half of the ear not above, coming across the front of the head at the eyebrows. Once you have an accurate head measurement, make that size hat and not the hat size by age.

— General Instructions :

Info :

Abbreviations shown in the pattern: CH Chain. Rnd(s) Round(s). SC Single Crochet. SP Space. ST(s) Stitch(es). SC DEC Single Crochet Decrease. SLST Slip Stitch. YO Yarn Over. Exact gauge is essential for proper size. With H hook (5.0mm) 4 SC rows of 4 SC = 1 inch square. Use stitch markers to distinguish the beginning of each round.

— Materials :

Info :

Each hat in this book is made using Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in 7oz skeins for ease of yarn shopping. You can use any worsted weight 4 ply yarn but ensure you pay attention to gauge as each yarn manufacturer is different with the thicknesses of their yarns. For your convenience, the colors used for the photography models are listed in the table on page 3. F, G, and H hooks (or size needed to obtain gauge). Yarn Needle, Fiber Fill, Stitch Markers.

— Basic Beanie :

Round 1 :

With Main Color (from table on page 3) and 'H' hook, CH 2, 6 SC in 2nd CH from hook. (6 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in each SC around. (12 SC)

Round 3 :

*1 SC in next SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (18 SC)

Round 4 :

*1 SC in each of the next 2 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (24 SC)

Round 5 :

*1 SC in each of the next 3 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (30 SC)

Round 6 :

*1 SC in each of the next 4 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (36 SC)

Round 7 :

*1 SC in each of the next 5 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (42 SC)

Round 8 :

*1 SC in each of the next 6 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (48 SC)

Info :

Proceed to the section of choice for the size hat you wish to make

— 14" - 16" (0-3 month) :

Round 9 :

1 SC in each SC around. (48 SC)

Info :

Repeat Rnd 9 until hat measures approximately 5" from top to bottom, SLST to join, fasten off.

Info :

Option 1: If you do not want earflaps, continue with the trim round below.

Info :

Option 2: If you want earflaps, continue on to the earflaps section.

Trim :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3), join with SC in back of hat, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off. (48 SC)

— 16" - 18" (3 - 6 month) :

Round 9 :

*1 SC in each of the next 7 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (54 SC)

Round 10 :

1 SC in each SC around. (54 SC)

Info :

Repeat Rnd 10 until hat measures approximately 6" from top to bottom, SLST to join, fasten off.

Info :

Option 1: If you do not want earflaps, continue with the trim round below.

Info :

Option 2: If you want earflaps, continue on to the earflaps section.

Trim :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3), join with SC in back of hat, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off. (54 SC)

— 18" - 20" (Toddler, Child) :

Round 9 :

*1 SC in each of the next 7 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (54 SC)

Round 10 :

*1 SC in each of the next 8 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (60 SC)

Round 11 :

1 SC in each SC around. (60 SC)

Info :

Repeat Rnd 11 until hat measures approximately 7" from top to bottom, SLST to join, fasten off.

Info :

Option 1: If you do not want earflaps, continue with the trim round below.

Info :

Option 2: If you want earflaps, continue on to the earflaps section.

Trim :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3), join SC in back of hat, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off. (60 SC)

— 20" - 22" (Child, Pre-Teen, Adult) :

Round 9 :

*1 SC in each of the next 7 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (54 SC)

Round 10 :

*1 SC in each of the next 8 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (60 SC)

Round 11 :

*1 SC in each of the next 9 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (66 SC)

Round 12 :

1 SC in each SC around. (66 SC)

Info :

Repeat Rnd 12 until hat measures approximately 8" from top to bottom, SLST to join, fasten off.

Trim :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3), join SC in back of hat, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off. (66 SC)

— 22" - 24" (Large Teen / Adult) :

Round 9 :

*1 SC in each of the next 7 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (54 SC)

Round 10 :

*1 SC in each of the next 8 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (60 SC)

Round 11 :

*1 SC in each of the next 9 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (66 SC)

Round 12 :

*1 SC in each of the next 10 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (72 SC)

Round 13 :

1 SC in each SC around. (72 SC)

Info :

Repeat Rnd 13 until hat measures approximately 9" from top to bottom, SLST to join, fasten off.

Trim :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3), join SC in back of hat, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off. (72 SC)

— Earflaps :

Info :

Lay hat flat on hard surface with the tie off in the center of the back of the hat. Count 3 stitches in from the left side and place a marker. Count 3 stitches in from the right side and place a marker. If you dont have stitch markers, you can use a piece of yarn.

Left earflap :

With right side facing, opening at the top, attach main color (from table on page 3) with a SC in the same SC the stitch marker is in.

Row 1 :

14" - 16" SC in next 7 SC, CH 1, turn. (8 SC) 16" - 18" SC in next 7 SC, CH 1, turn. (8 SC) 18" - 20" SC in next 9 SC, CH 1, turn. (10 SC) 20" - 22" SC in next 11 SC, CH 1, turn. (12 SC) 22" - 24" SC in next 11 SC, CH 1, turn. (12 SC)

Row 2 :

Row 2 is the same for all sizes. Skip first SC, SC in each SC across, CH 1, turn.

Info :

Repeat Row 2 until only 1 SC remains. Fasten off. Remove marker.

Right earflap :

With right side facing, opening at the top, count to the right of the remaining stitch marker the number of stitches that will be needed to work the earflap for desired size and attach yarn with a SC. The space the stitch marker occupies is counted as the first stitch.

Row 1 :

14" - 16" SC in next 7 SC, CH 1, turn. (8 SC) 16" - 18" SC in next 7 SC, CH 1, turn. (8 SC) 18" - 20" SC in next 9 SC, CH 1, turn. (10 SC) 20" - 22" SC in next 11 SC, CH 1, turn. (12 SC) 22" - 24" SC in next 11 SC, CH 1, turn. (12 SC)

Row 2 :

Row 2 is the same for all sizes. Skip first SC, SC in each SC across, CH 1, turn.

Info :

Repeat Row 2 until only 1 SC remains. Fasten off. Remove marker.

Trim :

Attach Trim Color (from table on page 3) to the back of the hat in the same stitch where hat was fastened off. CH 1, SC in each stitch and row end around the hat. Do 3 SC in the tip of each earflap. SLST to join, fasten off.

Info :

Continue on to the animal hat of choice for the facial features.

— Dinosaur :

Large Scale (make 1) :

Rnd 1: With Trim Color (from table on page 3) and an 'H' hook, CH 2, 4 SC in 2nd CH from hook. Use a stitch marker as needed. (4 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in each SC around. (8 SC)

Round 3 - 4 :

SC in each SC around. (8 SC)

Round 5 :

*2 SC in next SC, SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (12 SC)

Round 6 - 7 :

SC in each SC around. (12 SC)

Round 8 :

*2 SC in next SC, SC in next 2 SC*, repeat from * to * around. (16 SC)

Round 9 - 11 :

SC in each SC around. (16 SC)

Round 12 :

SC in each SC around, SLST in next SC, fasten off leaving an 8" tail for sewing. (16 SC)

Medium Scale (make 1 or more) :

Rnd 1: With Trim Color (from table on page 3) and an 'H' hook, CH 2, 4 SC in 2nd CH from hook. Use a stitch marker as needed. (4 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in each SC around. (8 SC)

Round 3 - 4 :

SC in each SC around. (8 SC)

Round 5 :

*2 SC in next SC, SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (12 SC)

Round 6 - 7 :

SC in each SC around. (12 SC)

Round 8 :

*2 SC in next SC, SC in next 2 SC*, repeat from * to * around. (16 SC)

Round 9 :

SC in each SC around, SLST in next SC, fasten off leaving an 8" tail for sewing. (16 SC)

Small Scales (make 2 or more) :

Rnd 1: With Trim Color (from table on page 3) and an 'H' hook, CH 2, 4 SC in 2nd CH from hook. Use a stitch marker as needed. (4 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in each SC around. (8 SC)

Round 3 :

SC in each SC around. (8 SC)

Round 4 :

*2 SC in next SC, SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (12 SC)

Round 5 :

SC in each SC around. (12 SC)

Round 6 :

*2 SC in next SC, SC in next 2 SC*, repeat from * to * around. (16 SC)

Round 7 :

SC in each SC around, SLST in next SC, fasten off leaving an 8" tail for sewing. (16 SC)

Teeth (Make 2 or more) :

Rnd 1: With White and 'F' hook, CH 2, 3 SC in 2nd CH from hook. Do not join. (3 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in first SC, 1 SC in next 2 SC. (4 SC)

Round 3 :

1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join. fasten off leaving small tail to sew. (4 SC)

Nostrils (Make 2) :

Rnd 1: With Black and 'F' hook, CH 2, 3 SC in 2nd CH from hook, SLST to join, fasten off leaving a small tail to sew with.

— Bear :

Inside Ears - Make 2 :

Rnd 1: With Trim Color (from table on page 3) and an 'H' hook, CH 2, 6 SC in 2nd CH from hook, SLST to join, CH 1. (6 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, CH 1. (12 SC)

Round 3 :

2 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off and set aside. (24 SC)

Outside Ears - Make 2 :

Rnd 1: With Main Color (from table on page 3) and an 'H' hook, CH 2, 6 SC in 2nd CH from hook, SLST to join, CH 1. (6 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, CH 1. (12 SC)

Round 3 :

2 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, CH 1, turn. (24 SC)

Round 4 :

Pick up inside ear and with wrong sides facing each other, working through both thicknesses, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off leaving a tail to sew with. (24 SC)

Info :

Proceed to the Facial Features section to determine what type of eyes you want your hat to have! It can have cartoon eyes, serious eyes, or mix and match the eyelids from the serious eyes with the cartoon eyes or give it the serious eyes without the eyelids! This is your chance to make your hat unique!

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach trim by joining the trim color in the same stitch where the hat was fastened off; CH 1, then SC in each stitch and row end around the hat. Do 3 SC in the tip of each earflap, SLST to join and fasten off.
  • Mark earflap placement by laying the hat flat with the tail at the center back and counting 3 stitches from each side; place markers to locate left and right earflap centers before working earflaps.
  • Sew scales, ears, nostrils and other facial features using the long tails left when fastening off; use the 8" tails on scales and the small tails on teeth and nostrils to stitch securely and hide ends inside the hat.
  • For two-piece ears (bear), align inside ear and outside ear wrong sides together and single crochet through both layers to join, then fasten off leaving a tail for final sewing to the hat.
  • Position facial features before sewing: place eyes, snout, and nostrils in a balanced arrangement and pin or baste with safety pins or yarn before permanently stitching for symmetry.

Important Notes

  • 💡Work hats in continuous rounds and do not join at the end of rounds unless instructed; use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
  • 💡Check gauge with the recommended hook to ensure correct finished sizes; adjust hook size if your gauge differs from the pattern.
  • 💡Leave sewing tails of the length specified for each piece (for example, 8" tails for scales) to make assembly easier and cleaner.

These playful animal hats are designed to bring smiles and warmth to anyone who wears them. Mix and match colors and facial features to create a whole hat family for gifts and photos. Whether youre making a tiny newborn hat or a large adult size, each pattern includes clear rounds and counts so you can finish with confidence. 🧶 Have fun customizing your Hatimals! 🐾

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Finished hat sizes range from 14" (0-3 months) up to 24" (large teen/adult) when worked to the stated gauge with the recommended hook size.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will change the finished size. The pattern is written for worsted weight (4-ply) yarn; if you change weight, make a gauge swatch and adjust hook size to match the recommended gauge.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and assumes familiarity with single crochet, increasing, decreasing, and working in the round. The facial feature pieces and assembly require basic sewing and finishing skills.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crafters complete a single hat in about 5-7 hours, depending on size and how many facial features you add; making multiple hats or highly detailed faces will add time.