Crochet a Baby Beanie

These adorable baby beanies are one of my favorite crochet projects because they are relatively simple and once you understand the basic pattern and a few easy crochet stitches, then you can take it a step further and get creative. Add a decorative edging to the bottom as seen in the top image where I added a loopy row in lavender. You can also use different colors, adding stripes, pom poms or sew on a button about an inch from the bottom to either fold the edge up and button it as seen in the 3rd image or leave down as seen in the 2nd image. I made this one for my Granddaughter Alyssa who had a duck theme.

There are so many different baby beanie patterns available, I have tried only a handful of them and with a few minor adjustments, this is my all time favorite that I finally found scribbled in my yarn basket. These make great Baby Shower gifts that you can personalize to warm the head of any lucky new arrival. Use your imagination, crocheting is a great way to eliminate stress or nervous energy while at the same time create something uniquely beautiful and useful so it gives one a feeling of accomplishment.

Materials you will need

Size (H) (depending on how tightly you crochet) Crochet Hook

1 ounce of baby yarn in color(s) of your choice

Tapestry needle to tuck in loose ends

Abbreviations-See videos for demo

ch: chain

sl st: slip stitch

sc: single crochet

dc: double crochet

Instructions -

(Note: This pattern is for a newborn cap and should measure about 5-5.5 inches tall and 5.25-5.75 inches across)

Round 1: This is the very top of your hat. Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form ring. Chain 3, remember this will count as 1 dc-double crochet, then make 14 dc-double crochets inside ring. Join with slip stitch in top of 1st actual dc-double crochet (not the chain 3). You should have 15 dc-double crochets.

Round 2: Chain 3, dc-double crochet into the base of the chain 3. (1 double crochet into the next dc, 2 double crochet into next dc.) Repeat from () making sure to dc into the base of the chain 3. Should be 23 stitches including the chain 3. Join with a slip stitch in top of 1st dc of previous round.

Round 3: Do the same as the 2nd. Should be 35 dcs including ch 3.

Rounds 4-10: Chain 3 and make a dc-double crochet in the same stitch then dc in each dc around including into base of ch 3 of the previous row, joining with a slip stitch in top of the 1st dc of the round you just finished. Please note the stitch counts at this point: round 4=36, round 5=37, and will continue to increase by 1 each round, gradually making cap larger as you move down.

Finishing Touches:

Loopy Edge: After completing 10 rows you can add a final loopy row to get the effect seen in the top beanie image. For row 11, chain 4, skip a double crochet, single crochet into the next dc, chain 4, skip a dc, sc in the next dc, etc. I used lavender yarn but you can use any contrasting color or even keep it the same shade if you like.

Single Crochet Edge: Single Crochet around the bottom for an eleventh row in an alternate color.

Stripes: Use your imagination to experiment with different colors by using an alternate shade on the very top of beanie or further down the cap to sport a few stripes. Make sure to use an embroidery needle to finish the edges of yarn where you have switched colors.

PomPoms: Whether you want 1, 2 or more, these are an adorable addition to a baby or child's beanie. Pompoms are used frequently in some of the popular animal beanies. Be sure to view the video for step by step directions on how to make pompoms!

Buttons: As seen in the 2nd and 3rd images, you can easily sew on a cute button that is a part of the newborn baby's nursery theme or significant in some way. Use the embroidery needle and matching yarn to attach to the outside of beanie. You can use to anchor the bottom of the hat by folding up and buttoning the lower edge or leave the beanie down if you prefer.

Flower: Chain 8 and join with a slip stitch in the 1st sh. Chain 8 and join again in that first chain. Repeat to make a total of 6 loops/petals. Thread the starting and ending yarn end pieces into the hat, about 1 dc apart. Tie them together 3 times inside the hat and conceal.