Crochet Child’s Hat Pattern: Whip My Hat

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This playful child’s crochet hat combines a shaped crown, two ear flaps, long ties, colorful yarn braids, and a spiral flower finished with beads. The hat is worked in the round, then completed with separate flaps and decorative details. It makes a cheerful handmade accessory for chilly days and a fun gift for a child.

Why you’ll love this pattern

The hat uses familiar stitches—half double crochet, double crochet, and single crochet—while giving you practice shaping a crown and adding pieces to a finished project. The ear flaps and ties help give it a distinctive look, and the contrasting braids and flower make it easy to personalize with color.

The main hat is worked in joined rounds, so you can take it along as a portable project. The crown shaping and decorative assembly take a little extra attention, but the steps are manageable if you keep track of your stitches and follow the round counts.

“I enjoyed watching the crown take shape, and the flower and braids made the finished hat feel extra special. Marking the start of each round helped me keep everything on track.”

Before you begin

You’ll crochet the hat body first in color A, beginning with a chain joined into a ring. The body is worked in joined rounds, with decreases near the crown to close the top. Next, you’ll make two ear flaps, add an edging and chain ties, and attach nine yarn braids. Finally, you’ll crochet six petals in each of two colors for each spiral flower, arrange and sew them together, and add beads to the flower on the right ear flap.

The pattern uses basic stitches, but joining rounds neatly, shaping the crown, and sewing on small decorative pieces require care. Allow time for finishing as well as crocheting; the beadwork and flower assembly are part of the project.

Materials you’ll need

• Yarn, color A: 1 skein RED HEART® Super Saver®, shade 235 Lemon
• Yarn, color B: 1 skein RED HEART® Kids, shade 2945 Bikini Multi
• Crochet hooks: 5.5 mm (US I-9), 5 mm (US H-8), and 6.5 mm (US 10.5-K)
• Pink round beads
• Matching thread and needle for sewing on the beads
• Stitch marker
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together

The source pattern does not specify yarn weight or fiber content. Check the yarn labels for care information, and use yarn with a similar thickness if substituting. A different yarn thickness can change the hat’s size, drape, and yarn requirements.

Step-by-step instructions

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• st(s): stitch(es)

The beginning chain counts as a stitch where stated. Join each round as directed, and use the stitch marker to identify the beginning of the hat rounds.

Hat

With color A and the 5.5 mm (US I-9) hook:

1. Chain 54. Slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
2. Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as a half double crochet here and throughout). Work 1 hdc in each chain around. Slip stitch into the beginning chain to join. 54 hdc.
3. Rounds 2–3: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in each hdc around. Slip stitch into the beginning chain to join.
4. Round 4: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet here and throughout). Work 1 dc in each hdc around. Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain.
5. Rounds 5–6: Chain 3. Work 1 dc in each dc around. Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain.
6. Round 7: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in each dc around. Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain.
7. Round 8: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 4 hdc. Repeat skip the next hdc, work 1 hdc in each of the next 5 hdc to the last stitch. Skip the last stitch. Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain. 45 hdc.
8. Round 9: Chain 3. Work 1 dc in each hdc around. Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain.
9. Rounds 10–11: Chain 3. Work 1 dc in each dc around. Slip stitch into the beginning chain to join.
10. Round 12: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 3 dc. Repeat skip the next dc, work 1 hdc in each of the next 4 dc around to the last stitch. Slip stitch in the last stitch, then slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain. 36 stitches.
11. Round 13: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 2 hdc. Repeat skip the next hdc, work 1 hdc in each of the next 3 hdc around to the last stitch. Skip the last stitch. Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain. 27 stitches.
12. Round 14: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in the next hdc. Repeat skip the next hdc, work 1 hdc in each of the next 2 hdc around to the last stitch. Slip stitch in the last stitch, then slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain. 18 stitches.
13. Round 15: Chain 2. Skip the next hdc. Repeat work 1 hdc in the next hdc, skip the next hdc around. Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain. 9 stitches.
14. Round 16: Chain 1. Repeat work 1 sc in the next hdc, skip the next hdc around. Slip stitch into the first stitch. 4 stitches.
15. Round 17: Repeat slip stitch in the next sc, skip the next sc around. Slip stitch to the first stitch. 2 stitches. Fasten off.

Right ear flap

Mark the center front of the hat.

1. With the wrong side facing and the 5.5 mm (US I-9) hook, join color A in a stitch 3 inches to the left of the marked center front.
2. Row 1: Chain 3. Work 1 dc in each of the next 9 stitches.
3. Rows 2–6: Chain 3 and turn. Work 1 dc in each of the next 9 dc.
4. Row 7: Chain 1 and turn. Skip the first dc, work 1 hdc in each of the next 6 dc, skip the next stitch, then slip stitch in the last dc. Fasten off.

Left ear flap

1. With the right side facing and the 5.5 mm (US I-9) hook, join color A in a stitch 3 inches to the left of the marked center front.
2. Row 1: Chain 3. Work 1 dc in each of the next 9 stitches.
3. Rows 2–6: Chain 3 and turn. Work 1 dc in each of the next 9 dc.
4. Row 7: Chain 1 and turn. Skip the first dc, work 1 hdc in each of the next 6 dc, skip the next stitch, then slip stitch in the last dc. Fasten off.

Edging and ties

With the right side facing and the 5.5 mm (US I-9) hook, join color B in any stitch along the back edge of the hat.

1. Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in each stitch around.
2. At each ear flap, work 3 hdc in each skipped stitch on Row 7. Continue to the center of the ear flap.
3. Chain 60 for the first tie. Slip stitch into the same space along the hat edge.
4. Work 1 hdc in each stitch along the hat edge to the center of the opposite ear flap.
5. Chain 60 for the second tie. Slip stitch into the same stitch along the hat edge.
6. Work 1 hdc in each stitch around to the first stitch. Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain to join.

Whipper braids

Make 9. Hold one strand of color A and one strand of color B together. Use the 6.5 mm (US 10.5-K) hook.

1. Join the held strands in any stitch of Round 15 at the top of the hat.
2. Chain 50. Fasten off.
3. Make 8 more braids, joining one in each remaining stitch around Round 15.

Swirly flowers

Make 2 flowers. For each flower, make 6 petals in color A and 6 petals in color B. Use the 5 mm (US H-8) hook.

For each petal:

1. Chain 4. Slip stitch into the first chain to form a loop.
2. Round 1: Chain 2. Work 7 hdc in the ring. Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain 2 to join. Fasten off.
3. Round 2: Join yarn as needed, then chain 1 (counts as a sc). Work 1 sc in the same stitch. Work 2 sc in each hdc around. Slip stitch into the beginning chain. 16 sc. Fasten off.

To assemble each flower, arrange its petals in a counterclockwise spiral, alternating colors. Sew them together through the center with color A. Sew one flower to the center of the right ear flap. Use matching thread and a needle to sew 6–10 pink beads into the flower’s center. Weave in the ends.

Ways to use your finished project

Wear the hat on cold or breezy days when ear coverage is welcome. The long ties can be fastened under the chin, while the bright braids and flower give it a playful, costume-inspired look. It can also make a thoughtful handmade gift; check the recipient’s head measurements before gifting, since the pattern does not provide a finished size.

How to care for your crochet project

Care depends on the exact yarn fibers, so follow the care instructions on both yarn labels. If the labels allow washing, use gentle handling and cool or lukewarm water. Avoid twisting or wringing the hat, which can stretch the crown, ear flaps, and ties.

Reshape the hat and lay it flat to dry. Keep the flower and bead area from snagging on other items. Store the hat clean and dry, with the ties arranged loosely rather than pulled tight. Check that the beads remain securely attached before each wear.

Tips for success

• Mark the round starts. Move the stitch marker as you work so you can see where each joined round begins.
• Count after shaping rounds. The hat should have 45 stitches after Round 8, then 36, 27, 18, 9, 4, and 2 at the stated crown rounds.
• Join into the correct chain. The pattern sometimes specifies the beginning chain and sometimes the top of the beginning chain. Follow the instruction for each round to keep the join consistent.
• Avoid adding stitches at joins. Work the round’s stitches into the actual stitches, not into the joining slip stitch, unless the instruction says otherwise.
• Check flap placement. Mark the center front before attaching the ear flaps. The pattern gives their placement relative to that center, so use the same reference point for both sides.
• Keep the braids even. Hold both yarn strands together and make each chain with steady tension. Very tight chains may pull at the crown.
• Secure the embellishments. Sew the flower firmly to the ear flap and attach beads with matching thread. For a child’s hat, check all beads and sewn-on details regularly for security.

Customize your project

• Change the colors: Use a different main color and a contrasting color for the edging, ties, braids, and alternating petals. Color changes should not affect the construction.
• Coordinate the flowers: Make both flowers in the same color arrangement, or reverse the petal colors for a matching but varied look.
• Adjust the fit: A different yarn thickness or hook size may change the finished size, but it can also alter the fabric’s drape and the length of the ear flaps. Check the fit as you work rather than changing hook size without testing.
• Change the braid length: Longer or shorter chains create a different look and may use more or less yarn. Keep the braids securely attached and away from anything that could catch them.
• Choose embellishments carefully: Beads are part of the pattern’s finish, but securely sewn buttons or embroidered details are possible alternatives. Any change in embellishments should be appropriate for the wearer and firmly attached.

Frequently asked questions

Is this crochet hat beginner-friendly?

It uses common stitches, but the crown decreases, joined rounds, ear flaps, and flower assembly require careful counting. A beginner who is comfortable with chains, slip stitches, hdc, dc, and sc can work through it step by step.

What yarn should I use?

The pattern specifies one skein of RED HEART® Super Saver® in 235 Lemon for color A and one skein of RED HEART® Kids in 2945 Bikini Multi for color B. The source does not state the yarn weight or fiber content, so check the labels and choose a substitute with a similar thickness if needed.

Can I use a different hook size?

You can, but a different hook may change the hat’s size and fabric density. A larger hook generally makes looser stitches and a larger fabric; a smaller hook generally makes tighter stitches and a smaller fabric. Check the fit as you go.

How do I make the hat larger or smaller?

The pattern does not provide alternate sizes or gauge information. Changing the starting chain or stitch counts can affect the circumference and the later crown shaping, so treat size adjustments as alterations and check the fit frequently. Changing yarn or hook size can also affect the fabric and fit.

How much yarn do I need?

The listed materials are one skein each of color A and color B. The source does not give yardage, so check the skein labels and allow for differences if you use another yarn or alter the braids or flower details.

Why is my crown not closing evenly?

Check that you have followed each decrease round and reached its stated stitch count. Also make sure you have not accidentally worked into joining slip stitches or skipped a decrease. Uneven tension can make the crown pucker or leave a gap.

Can I wash the finished hat?

Follow the yarn-label instructions. If the yarn permits washing, use a gentle method and reshape the hat flat to dry. Take extra care around the sewn-on flower and beads.

Can I sell hats made from this pattern?

The pattern details provided here do not state whether finished items may be sold. Check the original designer’s usage terms before selling finished hats.

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