Elf Hat Crochet Pattern

I love cute elf hats around the Christmas season. It's a change from the traditional Santa hats. I had a hard time finding a cute elf hat that gradually tapered off the way that I wanted it to, so I decided to take a stab at it and create my own.

Elf Hat Free Crochet Pattern

I made these cuties last year for my kids and my two nephews. We had a blast taking pictures of them wearing them before they opened presents. I'm thinking that this year I might have my kids wear them for their pictures with Santa since they still fit. How cute will that be? I can just imagine them being real little elves and running around Santa's workshop with him, LOL!


Without further ado, here is the pattern. I took the liberty of writing out a quick and simple version for those that are more intermediate/advanced at their pattern reading before the round by round instructions. When in doubt just go straight for the full pattern. This post contains affiliate links to help you get the materials you need easily!


Size:
This pattern is written for a toddler/small child size ranging from sizes 2T-6, and an extension for a big kid/adult size ranging from sizes 8 kids to adult.

Materials Needed:
  • worsted weight yarn of your choice (in 2 or more colors of your choice)
  • H crochet hook
  • tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  • pom pom maker and left over yarn (I used the cardboard circle method in the video below, or you can wind it on your hand)
Gauge:
15 sts and 12 rows should create a 4x4 square.


Tip: I’ve started out with my first color for three rounds then changed colors every two rounds to create my stripe. You can do this or create your own stripes.

Special Stitches:
dcFP (double crochet front post): With your crochet hook, instead of going through the normal space of the stitch, put your crochet hook (on the side you’re working on) in the space on the right of the post of the stitch you are working in, around the post, and then back through the space on the left of the post. Yarn over and draw up a loop around this post. You should be on the front of the work and should have 3 loops, finish off the double crochet normally.

dcBP (double crochet back post): With your crochet hook, instead of going through the normal space of the stitch, put your crochet hook (on the backside of your work) in the space on the right of the post of the stitch you are working in, around the post, and then back through the space on the left of the post. Yarn over and draw up a loop around this post. You should be on the back of your work and should have 3 loops, finish off the double crochet normally.

Let’s get started! 

Elf Hat Crochet Pattern

Tip: You will join at the end of every round and work every round in the same direction.

Quick Instructions:
Make a Magic Ring
Rnd 1: 6 hdc into loop, slst to beginning (6 sts)

Rnd 2: (hdc inc, hdc next 2) 2 times (8 sts)

Rnd 3-4: hdc around

Rnd 4-19: Repeat Rnds 2 through 4 respectively, alternating a round increasing two times evenly and then two hdc rounds.

Rnd 20: hdc inc 2 times evenly

Rnd 21: hdc around

Rnd 22-51: Repeat Rnds 20-21 respectively, alternating a round increasing two times evenly and then hdc around one round.

Rnd 52: hdc inc 4 times  evenly

Rnd 53: hdc around

Rnd 54-63: Repeat Rnds 52-53 respectively, alternating a round increasing four times evenly and then hdc around one round.

Rnd 64-73: hdc around (74 sts)


Band
Rnd 74: ch2, dc around (74 sts)

Rnd 75-77: ch2, (dcFP, dcBP) around, slst to the first dc (74 sts)
Fasten Off


Full Written Pattern:
Using your H hook and your first choice of color (this will also be the last color worked), make a magic loop/magic ring , pull up a loop and chain 1.

Rnd 1: work 6hdc into the loop, pull the loop closed, slst to the first hdc (6 sts)

Rnd 2: ch 1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 2 sts) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (8 sts)

Rnd 3: ch1, hdc in each st around, slst to the first hdc (8 sts)

If you are creating a stripe then change color now.

Rnd 4: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (8 sts)

Rnd 5: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 3 sts) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (10 sts)

Change color for stripe patter, and change color every 2 rounds from here on out. (I won’t be prompting you to do so anymore, *wink*.)

Rnd 6-7: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (10 sts)

Rnd 8: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 4) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (12 sts)

Rnd 9-10: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (12 sts)

Rnd 11: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 5) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (14 sts)

Rnd 12-13: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (14 sts)

Rnd 14: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 6) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (16 sts)

Rnd 15-16: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (16 sts)

Rnd 17: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 7) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (18 sts)

Rnd 18-19: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (18 sts)

Rnd 20: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 8) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (20 sts)

Rnd 21: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (20 sts)

Rnd 22: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 9) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (22 sts)

Rnd 23: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (22 sts)

Rnd 24: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 10) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (24 sts)

Rnd 25: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (24 sts)

Rnd 26: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 11) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (26 sts)

Rnd 27: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (26 sts)

Rnd 28: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 12) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (28 sts)

Rnd 29: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (28 sts)

Rnd 30: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 13) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (30 sts)

Rnd 31: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (30 sts)

Rnd 32: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 14) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (32 sts)

Rnd 33: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (32 sts)

Rnd 34: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 15) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (34 sts)

Rnd 35: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (34 sts)

Rnd 36: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 16) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (36 sts)

Rnd 37: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (36 sts)

Rnd 38: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 17) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (38 sts)

Rnd 39: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (38 sts)

Rnd 40: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 18) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (40 sts)

Rnd 41: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (40 sts)

Rnd 42: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 19) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (42 sts)

Rnd 43: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (42 sts)

Rnd 44: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 20) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (44 sts)

Rnd 45: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (44 sts)

Rnd 46: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 21) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (46 sts)

Rnd 47: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (46 sts)

Rnd 48: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 22) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (48 sts)

Rnd 49: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (48 sts)

Rnd 50: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 23) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (50 sts)

Rnd 51: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (50 sts)

Rnd 52: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 24) 2 times, slst to the first hdc (52 sts)

Rnd 53: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (52 sts)

Rnd 54: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 12) 4 times, slst to the first hdc (56 sts)

Rnd 55: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (56sts)

Rnd 56: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 13) 4 times, slst to the first hdc (60 sts)

Rnd 57: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (60 sts)

If you’re making a toddler hat, stop here and work 10 rounds of hdc around. Once finished jump to the band section.

Rnd 58: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 14) 4 times, slst to the first hdc (64 sts)

Rnd 59: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (64 sts)

Rnd 60: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 15) 4 times, slst to the first hdc (68 sts)

Rnd 61: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (68 sts)

Rnd 62: ch1, (hdc inc, hdc in next 16) 4 times, slst to the first hdc (72 sts)

Rnd 63-73: ch1, hdc around, slst to the first hdc (72 sts)
Join your band color for an adult hat.

Band
Rnd 74: ch2, dc around, slst to the first dc 

Rnd 75-77: ch2, (dcFP, dcBP) around, slst to the first dc 
Fasten Off and weave in end.

Make a pom pom any way you like to sew to the pointed end. I chose not to pack it with too much yarn so it wouldn’t be too heavy.


And you’re all done! Enjoy your elf hat!

Update!
I got a request for directions on how to make a pom pom, so I decided to find a video from youtube to show you how I make them. This video says to print their template to use, but you can trace anything circular and cut a circle in the center like I did. However wide your circle is is "about" how big your pompom should be, probably smaller once you start trimming it up! :)

TERMS :: You may sell whatever you make with my pattern, but please link back to my blog. Please DO NOT alter my pattern and repost it in any way, claiming it as your own.


Happy crocheting!
Chassity O.

25 comments:

  1. Awesome elf hat! Thank you! :)
    _____
    Lee Ann
    Http://Crochetgottaloveit.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like it. :)

      Delete
  2. Love this hat! I'm just a little over half way done with it! Directions are great too! Could you add how to make a Pom pom to this?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you Sarah G for your comment! I've updated the post with a video I found for pom poms that best describes how I make them! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you! Finishing up the band now! Love this hat so much!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for this pattern! Wondering if there is a written pattern for adult size.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The pattern IS written with an adult size. The child 8 year to adult should fit an adult. I sometimes put my daughter's hat on and it fits just fine. :) If you wanted to make it for someone with a fairly large head you could work two more sets of increase rounds (Rnd 63- hdc around, Rnd 64- (hdc 17,inc) around, Rnd 65- hdc around, Rnd 66- (hdc 18, inc) around, then work 10 rounds of hdc's and make your band. I hope that helps! :)

      Delete
  6. Thanks for the pattern!! I'm stuck at row 52. I'm only coming up with 52 stitches, I am using the written out long version of the instructions. Help!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It kinda sounds like you might have increases 2 times evenly as in the previous rounds instead of increasing 4 times as the pattern calls for. In round 52 you should start increasing 4 times around evenly. If you did increase 4 times and you are still getting 52 stitches then there's a chance that there is a problem in one of your previous rounds. I would suggest counting your stitches in your previous rounds to see if there was a problem, OR keep going and just add 2 increases in the next round instead of hdc-ing around. :)

      Delete
    2. Is it possible you made a mistake in round 52 as I'm also not coming out with the correct number as you have written and I have the 50 stitches from the previous round but I'm coming up shy a couple to make your 54 stitches in round 52

      Delete
  7. I have also gotten stuck at round 52 I have the 50 stitches from previous round but I am now coming up shy a couple stitches for your written 54 on round 52. Is it possible there is a mistake in the pattern here?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Round 52.. 4 counts of inc,11 does not add up to 54 it counts to 52 sooo what should your count have been instead of 11? It's throwing off the whole rest of the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm sorry! I believe I've fixed the problem now! Sorry about the confusion. I wrote the pattern a year after I had already created the hats and don't think I counted the rows and stitches correctly. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great pattern, thank you. I am confused tho. It says that the pattern is written for a toddler to small child with an extension for the 8 to adult; however, I see just one pattern. Could you please clarify? What am I missing. If I follow these directions, will I have the small child or the adult?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Follow the pattern to row 57 and then read the instructions there for the toddler hat. You'll go on to 73 for the adult hat. :)

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  11. Not sure if you still read these comment sections, I have made 2 of these hats for my 1 yr old and 3 yr old, but now attempting one for a newborn...not sure how best to wing it, which increase round would stop at prior to the last 10hdcs & band to fit a 0-3month old?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your inquiry! For a 0-3 month hat you would stop at round 49, when you've reached 48 stitches around. :)

      Delete
  12. I am using your pdfs pattern, which looks different still from what you have here. Row 52, 54, 56, the counts are a bit off. Because the increase plus 11 stitches(times 4, so 13 stiches x 4)equals up to only 52 stitches, you just need to add "hdc in last 2 hdc" 54 cannot be divided by 4 evenly, so you have add remainder. And yes it makes the rest a bit out of whack. But as an experiance crocheted I was able to work it out. :) looks great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I recently had updated the pattern written here because of some input from comments, but didn't update the PDF. The counts should all be fixed now in this post, but I'll be taking the PDF down until I can fix it. Thanks so much!

      Delete
  13. How would you adjust this pattern for a newborn size? A friend of mine is due on December 10th. I can't wait to make one for her! :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can stop at round 49 when you've reached 48 stitches around for a 0-3 month hat. :)

      Delete
  14. The increases doesn't make sense. If I do the increases as stated, the stitch counts are not as stated

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My stitch counts may be off. If you read the Quick Instructions it should help you more with how the hat should be. Sorry for the confusion.

      Delete
  15. How do you hdc inc? I'm very confused and kkin of new at the lingo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hdc inc: yarn over, insert hook in the next stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop (you'll have 3 loops on hook), yarn over and insert hook in the next stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop (now you should have 5 loops on your hook and worked in 2 stitches), yarn over and draw through all 5 loops on your hook.

      That's how a half double crochet increase is worked. I know the explanation can be confusing, especially if you've never done anything like it before. I definitely suggest checking out youtube for some awesome demonstrations on how it's done. :D

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