Looking for an easy crochet baby hat that's quick to make, beautifully textured, and available in sizes for the whole family? You're in the right place!
The Willow Ridge Beanie is a beginner-friendly crochet pattern featuring the gorgeous piqué stitch, which creates subtle raised ridges and a wonderfully squishy texture.
Want the printable version? If you'd prefer to crochet without the ads, you can purchase the beautifully formatted ad-free PDF pattern. It includes all 8 sizes and is easy to print or view on your tablet.
Why Crocheters Love the Willow Ridge Beanie
- Beginner-friendly construction
- Made using a simple one-row repeat
- Beautiful textured piqué stitch with raised ridges
- Available in 8 sizes from newborn to adult
- Quick project that's perfect for gifts and charity makes
- Optional faux fur pom pom for a modern finishing touch
- Video tutorial available to guide you every step of the way
What's New?
If you've visited this pattern before, you'll notice a few exciting updates!
The original version of this design was made using a yarn that has since been discontinued. I've completely refreshed the pattern using readily available substitute yarns, making it easier than ever to recreate this cozy beanie.
I've also expanded the sizing so you can now make the Willow Ridge Beanie in eight sizes:
- Newborn
- 0-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- 6-12 Months
- 1-3 Years
- 3-10 Years
- Adult Medium
- Adult Large
Whether you're crocheting for a new baby, a growing child, or yourself, there's a size to suit everyone.
Construction
The Willow Ridge Beanie is worked from the top down in continuous rounds, making it an enjoyable and beginner-friendly project.
You'll begin by crocheting the crown, using double crochet increases to create a smooth, flat circle. Once the crown reaches the required size, you'll continue straight down the sides of the hat, switching to the beautifully textured piqué stitch that gives the beanie its signature raised ridges.
To complete the project, the hat is finished with a simple one-round brim of single crochet stitches, creating a neat, clean edge that complements the textured body perfectly. The result is a cozy, modern beanie that's quick to make and comfortable to wear.
Optional Faux Fur Pom Pom
For an extra cozy touch, you can finish your beanie with a faux fur pom pom.
For the larger sizes, I like using a 4.72-inch faux fur pom pom attached with a sew-on snap fastener, or one with an elastic loop and 20mm button, so it can be removed for washing. For the smaller sizes, a 4-inch faux fur pom pom secured with snap fasteners that are sewn directly onto the hat works really well.
Of course, the beanie looks just as lovely without one if you prefer a classic finish.
Perfect for Gifts
This easy crochet baby hat makes a thoughtful handmade gift for baby showers, birthdays, holidays, or simply keeping loved ones warm during the colder months.
Thanks to the expanded size range, you can even make matching hats for siblings or the whole family.
Part of a Collection
Love coordinated crochet projects? The Willow Ridge Beanie pairs perfectly with the matching Willow Ridge Blanket, creating a timeless handmade gift set.
It also complements the Ella Cardigan and Cozy Steps Booties, making it easy to crochet an adorable outfit for little ones.
Yarn Information
Because the original yarn used for this design is no longer available, the pattern has been updated with new recommended yarns that produce the same cozy finish and excellent stitch definition.
The textured piqué stitch really shines when worked in smooth DK or worsted weight yarns, allowing the raised ridges to stand out beautifully.
For the newborn, 0-3 months, and 3-6 months sizes, I used Stylecraft Bambino DK, a soft, premium acrylic DK-weight yarn that's perfect for delicate baby projects.
For the larger sizes-6-12 months, 1-3 years, 3-10 years, Adult Medium, and Adult Large- I used Caron Simply Soft, a smooth worsted weight yarn with excellent drape and stitch definition that really shows off the textured piqué stitch.
Whichever size you're making, be sure to follow the recommended yarn and hook size listed in the pattern below to achieve the correct fit.
Yarn Substitutes
If you can't get hold of the yarns I used, there are plenty of excellent alternatives that will work beautifully for this pattern.
For the DK-weight sizes (newborn, 0-3 months, and 3-6 months), I recommend:
- Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday DK
- Paintbox Yarns Anti-Pilling DK
- Nako Elit Baby (available on Etsy)
For the worsted weight sizes (6-12 months through Adult Large), great substitutes include:
Whichever yarn you choose, be sure to check your gauge before starting to ensure the finished hat has the correct fit and size.
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Ready to Get Started?
Grab your favourite yarn, settle in with your crochet hook, and enjoy creating your very own Willow Ridge Beanie. Once you've finished, I'd love to see your version-be sure to share a photo in the Maisie and Ruth Facebook Group and inspire fellow crocheters!
Free Pattern: Easy Crochet Baby Hat
Please carefully read all the information below.
Level
Easy. For details of project levels, please see the Craft Yarn Council.
Pattern Notes
- Instructions are written in standard US crochet terminology.
- The beanie is worked top down in rounds.
- Numbers given are for smallest size, with numbers for larger sizes in ( ) brackets . E.g. newborn (0-3 mos: 3-6 mos: 6-12 mos) (1-3 yrs: 3-10 yrs: Adult Medium: Adult Large).
- If an instruction does not apply to a particular size then a - is used instead of a number. E.g. - (-: 3: 3) means that the newborn and 0-3 mos sizes do not apply to this instruction.
- Circle the size you wish to make beforehand (both stitch and row counts).
- The yarn weight and hook size vary depending on the size being made, so please refer carefully to the materials section below for the correct information for your chosen size.
- Yardage and ball quantities are based on Stylecraft Bambino DK and Caron Simply Soft yarn.
- I've made samples of the beanie using other brands: The beige and bright pink hat in the images was made with Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted in the colours Parchment and Carnation.
- For the crown section: the ch2 made at the beginning of the round counts as the first dc of the round. Therefore, you should join the round by making a slip stitch into the top of this beginning ch2.
- For the main body of the hat: the ch3 does not count as the first stitch of the round. Therefore, you should make the first stitch of the round in the same stitch (at the base of the ch3). At the end of rounds, slip stitch into the first stitch of the round to join.
Materials
- Yarn for sizes newborn, 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos: Weight 3 (DK / 8 ply). Stylecraft Bambino DK, 293 yds / 3.5 oz (268m / 100g). 100% acrylic. Colours used in samples are Denim Dungarees, Mellow Yellow and Vintage Pink.
- Yarn for sizes 6-12 mos, 1-2 yrs, 3-4 yrs, 5-6 yrs, 7-8 yrs: Weight 4 (worsted, aran, 10 ply). Caron Simply Soft, 315 yds / 6 oz (288m / 170g). 100% acrylic. Colours used in samples are Blackberry and Robin's Egg.
- Yarn amounts for sizes newborn (0-3 mos: 3-6 mos: 6-12 mos) (1-3 yrs: 3-10 yrs: Adult Medium: Adult Large): 1 ball for each size or 71 (78, 86, 92) (106, 116, 120, 138) yards
- Crochet Hooks: G/4mm (4.5mm, H/5mm, H/5mm) (H/5mm, I/5.5mm, I/5.5mm, I/5.5mm) or hook size to obtain gauge
- Extras: 1x stitch marker; yarn needle for weaving in ends; scissors; pom pom
- Pom pom for sizes newborn (0-3 mos: 3-6 mos: 6-12 mos): 4-inch faux fur pom pom
- Pom pom for sizes (1-3 yrs: 3-10 yrs: Adult Medium: Adult Large): 4.72-inch faux fur pom pom
Substitute Yarns
DK Yarn
- Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday DK
- Paintbox Yarns Anti-Pilling DK
- Nako Elit Baby (available on Etsy
Worsted Yarn
Finished Sizes
Sizes newborn (0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos) (1-3 yrs, 3-10 yrs, Adult Medium, Adult Large):
Finished width (IN): 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5) (8, 8.5, 9.5, 10)
Finished width (CM): 15 (16.5, 18, 19) (20, 22, 24, 25)
Finished height (IN): 5 (5.5, 6, 6.5) (7, 7.5, 8.5, 8.5)
Finished height (CM): 13 (14, 15, 16.5) (18, 19, 22, 22)
Gauge / Tension
Work the crown section of the pattern below. After working the crown, your work should measure as follows:
Newborn: →With a G (4mm) hook & DK yarn: the crown diameter after round 5 should measure 4.25" (11cm) approx.
0-3 mos: →With a size 7 (4.5mm) hook & DK yarn: the crown diameter after round 5 should measure 4.75″ (12cm) approx.
3-6 mos: →With a H (5mm) hook & DK yarn: the crown diameter after round 5 should measure 5.25″ (13cm) approx.
6-12 mos: →With a H (5mm) hook & worsted yarn: the crown diameter after round 5 should measure 5.5″ (14cm) approx.
1-3 yrs: →With a H (5mm) hook & worsted yarn: the crown diameter after round 5 should measure 6″ (15.25cm) approx.
3-10 yrs: →With an I (5.5mm) hook & worsted yarn: the crown diameter after round 5 should measure 6.5″ (16.5cm) approx.
Adult Medium: →With an I (5.5mm) hook & worsted yarn: the crown diameter after round 6 should measure 7″ (18cm) approx.
Adult Large: →With an I (5.5mm) hook & worsted yarn: the crown diameter after round 6 should measure 7.5″ (19cm) approx.
If work is too big, try a smaller hook. If work is too small, try a larger hook.
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)
beg - beginning
ch(s) - chain(s)
dc - double crochet
fasten off - To fasten off securely, work one chain, then cut the yarn leaving a 5 - 6" tail. Pull the tail through the loop that is on your hook. Tighten gently.
sc - single crochet
sl st - slip stitch
st(s) - stitch(es)
Turn: I prefer to turn my work clockwise
* to * - Repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed.
[ ] - The total number of stitches at the end of a row.
Special Stitches
SpCL - special cluster: 1 double crochet and 1 half double crochet worked together as follows: yarn over (yo), insert hook into stitch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hook), yo, insert hook into same stitch, yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 4 loops. 1 special cluster completed (see photo tutorial).
Pattern Instructions
See 'materials' section above for the recommended yarn weight and hook size for your chosen size.
Crown
Make a magic ring, OR ch4 and sl st to 1st ch to form a ring.
Round 1. Ch2 (counts as your 1st st here and throughout), 13 (13: 13: 13) (15: 15: 13: 15) dc into the centre of ring, sl st to top of beg ch2 to join [14 (14: 14: 14) (16: 16: 14: 16) sts].
Round 2. Ch2, 1dc in same st (at base of ch2), 2dc in next 13 (13: 13: 13) (15: 15: 13: 15) sts, sl st to top of ch2 to join [28 (28: 28: 28) (32: 32: 28: 32) sts].
Round 3. Ch2, 1dc in same st (at base of ch2), 1dc in next st, *2DC in next st, 1dc in next st*, repeat from * to * around, sl st to top of ch2 to join [42 (42: 42: 42) (48: 48: 42: 48) sts].
Round 4. Ch2, 1dc in same st (at base of ch2), 1dc in next 2 sts, *2dc in next st, 1dc in next 2 sts*, repeat from * to * around, sl st to top of ch2 to join [56 (56: 56: 56) (64: 64: 56: 64) sts].
Round 5. Round 5. Ch2, 1dc in same st (at base of ch2), 1dc in next 3sts, *2dc in next st, 1dc in next 3 sts*, repeat from * to * around, sl st to top of ch2 to join, [70 (70: 70: 70) (80: 80: 70: 80) sts].
For sizes Adult Medium and Adult Large ONLY:
Round 6. Ch2, 1dc in same st (at base of ch2), 1dc in next 4sts, *2dc in next st, 1dc in next 4 sts*, repeat from * to * around, sl st to top of ch2 to join, [ (-: -: 84: 96) sts].
Main Body of Hat
You will now continue to work in rounds but you will TURN at the end of each round (this creates the raised texture or 'ridges').
Round 1. Ch3 (does not count as your 1st st here and throughout), SPcl in same st (at base of ch3), sk next st, *SPcl in next st, sk next st*, repeat from * to * around, sl st to 1st SPcl to join, TURN [35 (35: 35: 35) (40: 40: 42: 48) sts].
Round 2. Ch3, SPcl in same st, SPcl in each st around, sl st to 1st SPcl to join, TURN [35 (35: 35: 35) (40: 40: 42: 48) sts].
Repeat the last round {round 2} 7 (7: 7: 6) (7: 7: 9: 9) times.
There should be a total of 9 (9: 9: 8) (9: 9: 11: 11) rows of SPcl stitches.
Brim
For sizes newborn, 0-3 mos and 3-6 mos ONLY:
Do NOT turn work at the end of last round worked.
Round 1. Ch1 (does not count as your 1st st), 1sc in same st (at base of ch1), 2sc in each st until 1 st remains, end with 1sc in last st, sl st to 1st sc to join, [68 sts].
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
For size 6-12 mos ONLY:
TURN work at the end of last round worked (to ensure stitches appear on right side of work).
Round 1. Ch1 (does not count as your 1st st), 2sc in same st (at base of ch1), *1sc in next st, 2sc in next st*, repeat from * to * around, sl st to 1st sc to join, [53 sts].
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
For sizes 1-3 yrs, 3-10 yrs, adult medium and adult large ONLY:
Do NOT turn work at the end of last round worked.
Round 1. Ch1 (does not count as your 1st st), 2sc in same st (at base of ch1), 1sc in next st, *2sc in next st, 1sc in next st*, repeat from * to * around, sl st to 1st sc to join, [(60: 60: 63: 72) sts].
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Finishing Touches
For a cozy finishing touch, you may wish to add a faux fur pom pom to the top of your beanie.
For the smaller sizes, I used a 4-inch faux fur pom pom attached with a sew-on snap fastener. Sew one half of the snap fastener securely to the top of the hat and the other half to the pom pom. This provides a more secure, lightweight attachment that is suitable for smaller beanie sizes. Make sure to go over the pom pom with cold air from your hairdryer for a fluffy look!
For sizes 3 Years through Adult, I used a 4.72-inch faux fur pom pom. Again, these are secured with a snap fastener. You can also purchase pom poms that are supplied with an elastic loop and button. To do this, sew a 20mm button securely to the inside crown of the hat. The pom pom can then be attached and removed easily by looping the elastic over the button (place your hook inside the hat, push it through the top of the hat to the outside, grab the elastic loop and pull it in and over the button). Using a snap fastener, or button and elastic loop method, makes it simple to remove the pom pom for washing or to swap it for a different colour.
If preferred, the beanie can be worn without a pom pom for a simple and classic look.
And that's your Willow Ridge Beanie hat all finished! I loved sharing this pattern with you, and I hope it brings you as much joy to make as it did for me. If you'd like a keepsake version to crochet from your favourite chair, you can purchase and download the pretty, ad-free PDF here
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