Crochet Hat Size Chart by Age
This crochet hat size chart includes all sizes by age from preemie baby to adult large. It includes three hat lengths to help you adjust crochet hat sizes from caps to beanies and slouchy hats. Also included in this chart are the head circumference, the hat circumference, and crown diameter to help you crochet top-down hats as well as bottom up hats.
It is always best to take exact measurements of the person you are making hats for, but when that’s not possible, this hat sizing guide can come in handy.
How Much Stretch Do I Need?
Generally speaking, crochet hats are worked about 1-3 inches smaller than the actual head circumference.
The amount of stretch you need will depend on the hat size, the yarn, and the stitch pattern that you are working with.
Size. Bigger hats generally need more stretch than smaller hats, which means a baby hat might only need about 1 inch of stretch, whereas a large hat using the same yarn and stitch pattern might require anywhere from 2-3 inches of stretch.
Another thing to consider is the length of your hats. If making cancer caps and other slouchy hats, or if you want to fold the brim over you might want to add an additional 1-3 inches to the final length given here.
Yarn. In terms of yarn, not all yarns have the same amount of stretch even though they are made from the same material. For example, Vanna’s Choice and Red Heart Super Saver are both acrylic yarns, but Vanna’s Choice has a lot more stretch. With that said, acrylic yarn has more stretch than cotton. Thus, if working with a 100% cotton yarn, you might need to make your hat circumference the same as the head circumference.
Stitch Pattern. Crochet stitches and stitch patterns can vary in the amount of stretch they have. A test swatch can help to give you a good idea of how much stretch you will need.
Simply measure and calculate how many stitches per inch, then times that by the total circumference that you need. That should give you the number of stitches you need to make your hat.
Taking Measurements of Your Head
To get started, you will need to take measurements of your head using a flexible measuring tape. (If you don’t have one, you can use a string of yarn and measure that up against a ruler.) Place the measuring tape (or string) in the middle of the forehead and guiding it just above the ears, measure around the head.
Getting Started
Bottom Up Hat. It’s very straightforward if you’re crocheting your hat from the bottom up. Simply make your circumference slightly less than the head circumference and continue in pattern until you’ve reached your desired hat height.
Top-Down Hat, But if you’re working from the crown down, you will need to know your diameter. To calculate the diameter, take your hat circumference and divide it by 3.14.
Then simply crochet a flat circle, making increases in each round by the same number of stitches that you started with. For example, if you start off with six stitches in the first round, then you’ll need to increase by six in each round in order to keep it flat. Likewise, if you start with eight stitches, increase by eight in each round, and so on.
Below I started mine with single crochet stitches, but you can also use half double and double crochet stitches to work the crown of your hat.
If your hat is not coming out to the size you need, you can experiment wth a different hook size or yarn weight.
Below is the hat size chart by age, which includes one size per age including a preemie, baby, toddler, child, teen, and adult small, medium and large.
Please note that everyone’s head size is different, and thus you may need to add or minus anywhere from a half-inch to several inches to your measurements.
There you have it! You are now set to start crochet hats for different age groups and gift them during holidays, birthdays or just for fun.
This is a great idea . It will be a big help . I make a lot of hats . Thank You Very much . Gwen
Thank you all for so many nice patterns . I really enjoy looking at all of your patterns and I have made some things and learned some new stitches . Thanks again . Gwen
I probably just missed the reference, but what size crochet hook do you recommend for the Single Crochet Beanie Pattern. I thought the size chart might reference the hook size as well, but I couldn’t find it.
I used an I 5.5mm :)
Excellent ideas .I would love to have the chart of ponchoes to crochet for my Gdaughters .
Hi Sonia, I will see what I can do. :) Thank you for the request.
Thank you very much for sharing the method of making hats. I want to know which yarn is more suitable for weaving hats
Hi Amy, You can use many yarns to make hats, but if you like something super stretchy, then you could try Lion Brand. Vanna’s Choice or Pound of Love are good choices for stretch.
Thanks for covering such practical methods especially for me. Most of the time I am looking for a method of making hats.
It helps me a lot thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks for these easy to follow guides. I made one out of yarn for practice. Will do another with another type of thread.
Sorry my first question had too many typos! Are you measuring height from the very start, top of the beanie or from the row where you stopped doing increases and started crocheting straight?
Hi Diana, That’s a good question. The hat is measured from the very top. I like to lay the hat flat and then simply measure top to bottom.
I am making hats for a family of seven that lost everything in a fire.
There are children of different ages, so this chart has been really helpful .
Thanks for sharing, I can make the right hat for my child now.
I’ve never made a hat, so this chart is so valuable. My hair is falling out because of kidney disease, so I need some stylish hats for different times of the year to hide my bald spots. Thank you!
Hi Elizabeth, I’m so sorry to hear about your disease. Wish they would have a cure already.
Thank you so much for the feedback. :)
I have made and donated over 500 caps to cancer patients who have lost their hair during chemo treatments. The caps for day wear have tight stitches. With your permission, I would like to try to adapt your newsboy brim pattern to fit women and men’s sizes caps that I crochet. I try to make different colors and vary the style a bit so that the people will have a choice and be able to find something they like. I have a friend who is making and donating scarves to the same facility. I have been blessed with donations of yarn. Please contact me, if I have your permission.
What does it meantocrchet in even pattern for hat
Hi Gloria, to work in even pattern simply means that work one stitch into each stitch in the round below so that you don’t make any increases or decreases. Stitch counts remain the same after each round.