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.