Thank you to Cascade Yarns for providing the yarn for this sample!
If you follow me on Facebook or subscribe to my e-newsletter, you probably already know my good news: we’re adding another little monkey to our family in December! Our baby boy will join us right around Christmastime, and we are beyond excited.
Believe it or not, I didn’t even know how to crochet when my other two boys (now 6 and 4) were born. Luckily, some of the wonderful women in our church made beautiful crocheted items for both of them when they were born. Now, it’s my turn!
Oh, and – side note – that’s my oldest monkey up there in the photo holding his future baby brother’s hat. How adorable is that!?
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About the Yarn
For this hat pattern, I used Cascade Longwood, one of my all-time favorite #4 worsted weight yarns. (It also has a thinner version, Longwood Sport, which just so happens to be one of my all-time favorite #3 light yarns.) It is soooo soft, and works up soooo beautifully. I had a few balls of it from another pattern project, so I used what was left to work up baby hats in newborn – 1 year sizes. I’ve turned my business focus so much to adult patterns over the last couple of years that sitting down to make baby hats for a few days was refreshing (they work up so quick!) and Cascade Longwood makes it all that much more enjoyable.
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About the Herringbone Stitch
This pattern uses a beautiful stitch called the Herringbone Half Double Crochet. I tend to get fixated on a certain stitch each season (last year was the SC+HDC combo), and this year, you’ll be seeing the Herringbone in a lot of my pattern releases. There are so many variations of this stitch that change its look drastically. In this pattern, we’ll be using the Herringbone HDC variation in a continuous, unturned spiral, resulting in a great texture that is a welcome change from the typical HDC hat.
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This pattern is also available as an ad-free, printable PDF! And if you love PDFs, you might want to check out my All Access Pass. It’s an awesome deal! (Or, scroll down for the free version!)
HERRINGBONE BABY HAT
Difficulty: Easy
Hook: I (5.50mm)
Yarn: Cascade Longwood (a #4 medium yarn). Yardage will be listed under individual pattern sizes.
Gauge: Upon completion of Round 5 (in all sizes), your flat circle should measure 3.75″ across. For best results, adjust your hook size to match this gauge.
You’ll also need: Yarn needle, stitch marker
Abbreviations Used:
MC (magic circle – view tutorial here)
ST (stitch)
SL ST (slip stitch)
SK (skip)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
HDC (half double crochet)
HHDC (herringbone half double crochet; see “special stitch” below)
SC2TOG (single crochet two together)
BLO (back loop only)
Special Stitch:
HHDC – Herringbone Half Double Crochet. Here’s how you do it:
HHDC: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch. Yarn over, pull loop through stitch AND through first loop on hook (this is similar to a slip stitch motion). Two loops remain on hook. Yarn over and pull through both loops.
(If you need additional help, Moogly has an excellent video tutorial here.)
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) Pattern is worked in a continuous, seamless round until the band. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of rounds and do not join unless instructed to do so.
(3) Measurements and yarn totals are included on individual sizes and do not include the optional pom pom.
(4) Several people have noted that the pattern comes out too large; however, I stand by it. PLEASE CHECK YOUR GAUGE.
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NEWBORN
Measurements: 5″ tall x 6″ wide (when laid flat)
Yards of yarn used: 55
To begin: With I hook, make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 9 HHDC in MC. (9)
Round 2: 2 HHDC in each ST around. (18)
Round 3: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in next ST) around. (27)
Round 4: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 5: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (45)
Round 6: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 8 STS) around. (50)
Rounds 7-11: HHDC in each ST around. (50)
Round 12: HHDC in each of the first 48 STS. SC in next ST. SL ST in final ST. (50)
If you are using a different color for the band of the hat, change colors now.
Round 13: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (50)
Switch to H hook.
Next we’re going to make the band of the hat, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching it to the final round of the hat with SL STS as we go.
Row 1: CH5. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (4, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS, SC in BLO of each of the next 4 STS. (4)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in BLO of each of the next 4 STS. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (4, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Repeat Rows 2-3 all the way around the hat (50 rows). Fasten off and use your tail to whip stitch the first and last rows together. Weave in all ends.
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0-3 MONTHS
Measurements: 5.5″ tall x 6.5″ wide (when laid flat)
Yards of yarn used: 65
To begin: With I hook, make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 9 HHDC in MC. (9)
Round 2: 2 HHDC in each ST around. (18)
Round 3: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in next ST) around. (27)
Round 4: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 5: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (45)
Round 6: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 4 STS) 8 times; 5 STS remain unworked. HHDC in each of the remaining STS. (53)
Rounds 7-14: HHDC in each ST around. (53)
Round 15: HHDC in each of the first 51 STS. SC in next ST. SL ST in final ST. (53)
If you are using a different color for the band of the hat, change colors now.
Round 16: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (53)
Switch to H hook.
Next we’re going to make the band of the hat, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching it to the final round of the hat with SL STS as we go.
Row 1: CH5. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (4, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS, SC in BLO of each of the next 4 STS. (4)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in BLO of each of the next 4 STS. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (4, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Repeat Rows 2-3 all the way around the hat (53 rows). Fasten off and use your tail to whip stitch the first and last rows together. Weave in all ends.
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3-6 MONTHS
Measurements: 6.25″ tall x 7″ wide (when laid flat)
Yards of yarn used: 90
To begin: With I hook, make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 9 HHDC in MC. (9)
Round 2: 2 HHDC in each ST around. (18)
Round 3: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in next ST) around. (27)
Round 4: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 5: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (45)
Round 6: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 4 STS) around. (54)
Round 7: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 26 STS) around. (56)
Rounds 8-16: HHDC in each ST around. (56)
Round 17: HHDC in each of the first 54 STS. SC in next ST. SL ST in final ST. (56)
If you are using a different color for the band of the hat, change colors now.
Round 18: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (56)
Switch to H hook.
Next we’re going to make the band of the hat, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching it to the final round of the hat with SL STS as we go.
Row 1: CH6. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (5, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS, SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (5)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (5, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Repeat Rows 2-3 all the way around the hat (56 rows). Fasten off and use your tail to whip stitch the first and last rows together. Weave in all ends.
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6-9 MONTHS
Measurements: 6.5″ tall x 7.5″ wide (when laid flat)
Yards of yarn used: 105
To begin: With I hook, make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 9 HHDC in MC. (9)
Round 2: 2 HHDC in each ST around. (18)
Round 3: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in next ST) around. (27)
Round 4: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 5: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (45)
Round 6: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 4 STS) around. (54)
Round 7: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 8 STS) around. (60)
Rounds 8-17: HHDC in each ST around. (60)
Round 18: HHDC in each of the first 58 STS. SC in next ST. SL ST in final ST. (60)
If you are using a different color for the band of the hat, change colors now.
Round 19: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (60)
Switch to H hook.
Next we’re going to make the band of the hat, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching it to the final round of the hat with SL STS as we go.
Row 1: CH6. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (5, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS, SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (5)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (5, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Repeat Rows 2-3 all the way around the hat (60 rows). Fasten off and use your tail to whip stitch the first and last rows together. Weave in all ends.
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9-12 MONTHS
Measurements: 6.5″ tall x 7.75″ wide (when laid flat)
Yards of yarn used: 110
To begin: With I hook, make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 9 HHDC in MC. (9)
Round 2: 2 HHDC in each ST around. (18)
Round 3: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in next ST) around. (27)
Round 4: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 5: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (45)
Round 6: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 4 STS) around. (54)
Round 7: (2 HHDC in next ST, HHDC in each of the next 5 STS) around. (63)
Round 8: 2 HHDC in next ST. HHDC in next 62 STS. (64)
Rounds 9-17: HHDC in each ST around. (64)
Round 18: HHDC in each of the first 62 STS. SC in next ST. SL ST in final ST. (64)
If you are using a different color for the band of the hat, change colors now.
Round 19: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (64)
Switch to H hook.
Next we’re going to make the band of the hat, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching it to the final round of the hat with SL STS as we go.
Row 1: CH6. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (5, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS, SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (5)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SL ST in next 2 STS of the hat. (5, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Repeat Rows 2-3 all the way around the hat (64 rows). Fasten off and use your tail to whip stitch the first and last rows together. Weave in all ends.
Rebecca,
I’ve made many of your crochet projects and will as long as you care to publish them. Every single one is brilliantly planned, l’ve made & donated many hats & ear warmers this winter, several of them your patterns. The last batch I took to a local children’s hospital. They particularly loved a darker pink one in the herringbone baby pattern and immediately asked if I could make it in multiple sizes in the same color. I explained I’m trying to use up my huge yarn stash and trying not to buy any more yarn until I get it down to a manageable level. A few days later now I’m thinking I’m finding that beautiful pink yarn and making as many as I can for them. I just wanted you to know how much they loved this particular pattern among the many I gave them. Thank you for sharing your creative ideas and your crochet knowledge!
Hey Rebecca! Quick question….a nurse from the hospital near me has requested that I make and donate some baby hats for the newborns (not preemies) in the hospital. I’ve never donated before because I felt crochet hats don’t stay on as well since it is less stretchy than knit and they lay in those bassinets so they POP off. (at least that was my experience when I tried to make hats for my own at that stage) But with the rib stitches (which is new to me) I thought maybe it would work. Have you ever used your newborn hat on a newborn laying in a crib? I plan to make a few different hats and let them “test” them to find the one that works best for the babies, but if you have a thumbs up or thumbs down for this particular hat, I’d love to know. I would really like to focus on hats that I think will work for the need. Thank you so much!
Hello! No, I haven’t. I think a hat with a ribbed band (like this one) will be your best bet as far as crocheted hats go, but you’ll probably want to make one to be sure it fits your need.
Thanks! I’ll give it a go! 🙂
Hi there! I love this pattern! I used it for a couple of baby hats and turned out beautiful. I’m currently trying to make an aldult version (just increase a little bit more). I follow the sizing charts and everything. I’ve tried 3 times and it keeps turning out super big! Any idea what I’m doing wrong??
Hmm, not sure! If it helps, I do have an adult version, but it’s slouchy-style: http://littlemonkeyscrochet.com/carlyle-slouch-hat/ Also, this hat has a faux-cinched top (whereas the baby hat is a flat top).
Thank you for this pattern! The 6-9 month pattern fits my 8 month old perfectly! (I crochet tight and used I Love This Yarn). My husband wants one now that he’s seen how good the first one turned out and I’ve been able to merge together elements of the baby and adult versions to get him exactly what he wants. Thank you!!
I love this hat!! But I am also a beginner. I started making it and I’m unsure how many stitches are supposed to make up the magic circle? If I am making sense?
Hi! The magic circle isn’t made up of stitches. If you look up in the “Abbreviations” section, you’ll find a link to a video tutorial on how to make one. 🙂
Was wondering if you could adjust pattern to fit adult size head! Both male and female.
Hi! The adult match to this pattern is the Carlyle Slouch (measures 9.5″ wide). It’s slouchy style, but if you want a beanie, you can just do fewer rounds. ? http://littlemonkeyscrochet.com/carlyle-slouch-hat/
Hi, thanks for this adorable hat pattern! I’ve been a knitter most of my life but started crocheting a couple of months ago and am loving it. I make some baby hats for gifts, but would love to try this pattern to make adult-sized hats for Christmas gifts for friends. Would you happen to have this pattern in a couple of Adult sizes, maybe S, M, and L? I’m guessing they might be S – 8.5″ wide, M – 9.5″ wide, and L – 10.5″??? But I’m not sure.
Hi! The adult match to this pattern is the Carlyle Slouch (measures 9.5″ wide). It’s slouchy style, but if you want a beanie, you can just do fewer rounds. 🙂 http://littlemonkeyscrochet.com/carlyle-slouch-hat/
Thank you so much! You’re awesome. 🙂
Hi!
Do you know what the inside circumference of the hat would be of a 0-3 month’s hat? I’m guessing 12.5-13”? Thank you.
Yes it would probably be about 12.75″
Hi…love this herringbone hat but would like to make it for a 2 and 3 yr old. If I purchase the pattern is there a way to adjust for larger toddler/ childrens size? If not, is there a similar pattern you have? Thanks!
Hello! It starts with a flat circle so if you know how to do increases to achieve certain head sizes, you’ll be able to figure it out 🙂
Hi! So I wasn’t able to get the yarn you use in the pattern, so I’ve adjusted the needle I use to fit the gauge. When I go to make the band, do I just need to use the needle the size down? Or what would you recommend?
Yes that’s what I’d do 🙂
Thank you. My eyes must be playing tricks on me!
Is it just me, or are other 3 colors used? If so, when do you change colors? Every row? Super cute hats by the way!
Nope, just one color for the body and one color for the band, and that color change is indicated in the pattern (Row 19). 🙂
I did check my gauge and it was fairly close, I typically have standard tension. But I as well as others I see ended up with an incredibly large hat. I could see how large it was but thought maybe the band at the bottom brought the size back. I will try again reducing both my hook and size down. Very cute project if I can figure out the sizing issue. If anyone has insight please let me know!
There isn’t really such thing as “standard tension”; it’s completely relative (that’s why we have gauges). And in a hat like this that is so small to begin with, getting “fairly close” is not going to cut it.
Honestly I think part of the issue is the yarn. This is a thinner #4 yarn, and there isn’t really a solid substitute for it as far as thickness goes (if you look on yarnsub.com it doesn’t have many suggestions that are available in the big craft stores). So if you’re substituting something like I Love This Yarn or Vanna’s Choice, etc., that’s going to give you a larger hat.
Very cute but I’m thinking you have a very tight tension compared to some of us. I’m doing the 6-9m, I’m on row 13 and it’s loose on my 15mo as we speak. I have a pretty standard tension. I see a few others have had this problem as well. I’ve never checked my gauge on any project before, it is definitely necessary on this one. I may frog it and do the 3-6m for my 6mo nephew since I still do love it!
LOVE the look of this beanie!
i want to make this hat for 2.5 year child.. what should i do ??
You would need to look up the flat circle diameter for a hat for that age and adjust the pattern accordingly.
Hi! Cute pattern I am doing the 6-9 month pattern I am on row 13 and it looks huge? Any insight?
At this point it fits on my head….
Did you do a gauge check?