Crocheting Adorable Berry Hats For Babies: A Pattern Guide

The berry stitch is a popular crochet pattern for baby hats, with many creators offering free patterns online. The stitch is often used to make baby shower gifts, with matching blankets also being crafted. The stitch is worked in a spiral after joining the band with a tapestry needle and making an initial row of mesh stitch. The berry stitch is then worked into each chain space, with a single crochet stitch worked into each single crochet space. The pattern is often customisable, with different sizes and colours available.

Materials and tools

To make a baby berry hat, you will need the following materials and tools:

For the yarn, you will need 1 skein each of Bernat Roving in Rice Paper, Putty, Squashed, Rose Quartz, and Low Tide. Bernat Roving is a soft brushed acrylic with a touch of wool, giving it a matte finish. It is similar to Patons Roving Wool but with added acrylic for a fluffier appearance. You will also need 4 yards of yellow yarn for the 'seed' embroidery.

For the hook, a size K/6.5mm hook is recommended. However, you can go up one size to an L hook, and the hat will fit a nine-month-old baby with no adjustment to stitch counts.

Other tools include a tapestry needle, scissors, and a 4-inch pom-pom maker.

Additionally, you will need to know some basic crochet stitches:

• Half Double Slip Stitch (HDSS): Yarn over (YO), insert your hook, YO, pull up a loop, and pull directly through loops on the hook.
• Single Crochet (SC): Insert your hook, yarn over (YO), pull up a loop, YO, and pull through two loops on the hook.
• Berry Stitch: YO, insert hook, YO, pull up a loop, YO pull through one loop on the hook, YO, insert hook into the same space, YO, pull up a loop, YO, pull through all five loops left on the hook.

Stitching techniques

The Even Berry Baby Hat is an advanced beginner stitch suitable for blankets, hats, scarves, and bags. It is a variation on a cluster stitch that creates a great texture.

To begin, use a slip knot and create a foundation chain with an even number of chains. For this example, we will use 18. In the second chain from the hook, single crochet (sc) in each chain back to the beginning. Chain 1 and turn work, then sc in the first stitch.

Now, make your first "berry". Yarn over (yo), insert the hook, yo, and pull through (you should have 3 loops on the hook). Next, yarn over and pull through the first loop only. Yarn over, insert the hook, yarn over, and pull through (you should now have 5 loops on the hook). Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops. The "berry" will form on the back side of the work.

After the "berry", place a sc stitch, alternating between sc and berry. The last stitch in the row should be a sc. Chain 1 and sc in each stitch to the end.

If you want a heavy berry look, alternate between a sc row and a berry row. If you prefer more space between the berries, create more sc rows. The sc rows need to be an odd number so that the berries stay on the same side of your work.

For the crochet baby hat, you can use any worsted weight yarn. Wool-based worsted weight yarns are a good option, as are other natural and synthetic fibres. You will also need a size H 5mm crochet hook.

The Parker Crochet Baby Hat is a beginner-friendly pattern that uses very simple stitches. It is part of a set that includes matching baby booties and a diaper cover. The pattern includes hats for all baby sizes, from newborn to preschooler and child.

To begin, use a magic ring, 11 double crochet (DC) in the magic ring, join to first DC, chain 2. For the second round, 2 DC around, join, chain 2 (22). For the third round, 2 DC in first, DC in next; repeat around, join, chain 2 (33). For the fourth round, 2 DC in first, DC in next 2, repeat around, join, chain 2 (44). Rounds 5-7 are simple: DC around, join, chain 2 (44).

Rounds 8-10 are as follows: DC in first, front post double crochet (FpDc) in next, repeat around, join, chain 2 (44). For round 11, sc around, join, finish off (44). Repeat rounds 2-11 for the larger sizes, increasing the number of stitches as necessary.

For the berry stitch baby hat, begin with a band using a back loop only, half double crochet slip stitch. The hat is worked in a spiral after you join the band with a tapestry needle and make an initial row of mesh stitch (alternating SC, CH, skip over one chain, SC, repeat). On the next row, work your SC into a SC and a CH over the chain space.

The berry stitch is as follows: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through one loop on the hook, yarn over, insert hook into the same space, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all five loops left on the hook.

Chain 6, leaving a fairly long tail that you can use to sew the band together. Work in the second chain from the hook and each stitch across a half double slip stitch (HDSS). Chain 1 and turn. In the next 4 stitches, work in the back loop only the half double slip stitch. In the very last space, go under both loops (this will make a neater appearance when you work around the band for the hat part). Chain 1 and turn.

Repeat the half double slip stitch in the back loops (except for the last stitch, work under both loops) for 30 rows. Match the ends together and sew them together neatly. Work 36 SC around the edge of the band, getting them as evenly spaced out as possible. Do not join. Chain 1 and skip the first SC, SC into the second one. Chain 1, skip the next stitch, SC into the next. This is the mesh stitch.

Continue with this pattern around, and when you get back to the 36th space, it should be an SC. Pull through with Putty just before you finish the stitch. The next space should be a chain space, and that is where you will work the first berry stitch. Work a berry stitch into each chain 1 space and an SC into each SC space around. In the last SC of the round, pull through with Rice Paper (18 berries).

For the mesh stitch round, continue in the same direction. Chain 1 and begin the mesh stitch by alternating SC, chain 1, skip over one, SC. This time, you will be skipping over the berry you made. Make sure you are working the SC into the SC and chaining one and skipping over the berry. When you get to the end of the round, continue on and work one more round. There are 2 rounds of mesh stitch in between each berry round. In the last SC, pull through with Squashed.

Repeat the berry round with Squashed. Work two rounds of mesh stitch in Rice Paper, pulling through with Rose Quartz in the last SC. Start the berry stitch round in Rose Quartz, pulling through the last SC with Rice Paper. Work 2 more rows of mesh stitch in Rice Paper, then work one row of berry stitch in Low Tide.

Finally, work two more rows of mesh stitch in Rice Paper, tying off with a long tail that you will use to gather the top of the hat with your tapestry needle. Just work in and out of the chain spaces and gently pull the top of the hat together. Weave in all the ends.

Sizing

Baby Head Measurements:

When crocheting a baby berry hat, it is important to consider the average head circumference for babies. The circumference of a baby's head can vary depending on their age, ranging from newborn to 12-18/24 months. A standard 6-month-old head circumference is approximately 14 inches. It is always a good idea to measure the baby's head or refer to their age to ensure the hat will be the correct size.

Hat Sizing in Patterns:

When following a crochet pattern, pay attention to the sizing information provided. Some patterns may offer multiple size options, such as preemie, newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months. Choose the size that best fits the baby you are crafting for, or make a range of sizes for different ages.

Yarn and Hook Size:

The choice of yarn and hook size can also affect the sizing of your baby berry hat. Using a chunky yarn with a bigger hook will result in a larger hat. If you want to adjust the size without changing the stitch pattern, you can try using a different weight yarn or adjusting your hook size. For example, using a larger hook can make a hat for a 9-month-old without changing the stitch count.

Gauge Swatch:

To ensure your baby berry hat turns out the correct size, it is crucial to make a gauge swatch before starting your project. A gauge swatch is a small sample of your crochet work that helps you determine if your stitches match the specified gauge in the pattern. By crocheting a swatch first, you can adjust your hook size or yarn tension if needed to achieve the correct sizing.

Stretchy Fabric:

When crocheting a baby berry hat, keep in mind that the fabric should have some stretch to ensure a comfortable fit. The deep rolled bottom of the hat, for example, allows for stretching to accommodate larger head sizes. This feature ensures that the hat will stay put and not be too tight for the baby.

Customization:

If you are crafting a baby berry hat for a specific baby, you can customize the sizing to ensure a perfect fit. Measure the baby's head circumference and adjust your pattern accordingly. You can also add features such as a pom-pom or folded brim to enhance the cuteness and style of the hat.

Colour options

Classic Colours

If you want to stick to classic and traditional colours, soft neutrals such as beige, cream, and grey are always a good choice. These colours are versatile and can easily match a variety of outfits. Pale pink and baby blue are also classic choices for baby hats and can add a subtle touch of colour.

Bright and Fun

For a more playful and vibrant look, consider using bright and bold colours such as red, yellow, or orange. These colours can make the hat stand out and be a fun accessory. You can also use multiple colours to create stripes or colour-block designs, adding an extra pop of colour.

Pastel Palette

Pastel colours like mint green, lavender, and peach can give the baby berry hat a soft and whimsical look. These colours are perfect for spring and summer, creating a light and airy feel. Combining different pastel shades can also result in a beautiful, subtle gradient effect.

Berry-themed Colours

To emphasise the berry theme, you can opt for colours that resemble different types of berries. For example, use a deep red or maroon colour for strawberries or cherries, or a rich purple for blackberries or blueberries. You can even add small details, such as embroidered seeds or leaves, to enhance the berry theme.

Gender-neutral Options

If you're looking for gender-neutral colour options, consider shades like mint, yellow, or light grey. These colours are perfect if you're not sure of the baby's gender or if you want a more versatile hat. Gender-neutral colours can also be mixed and matched to create interesting combinations.

When choosing colours for your baby berry hat, feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations. You can also consider the baby's existing wardrobe and choose colours that will complement their outfits. Adding a pom-pom or other embellishments in contrasting colours can also make the hat more fun and unique.

Similar patterns

There are several similar patterns to the berry stitch baby hat, with some even having matching booties and blankets. Here are some similar patterns:

The Simple Baby Hat Pattern

This pattern is super easy and simple, with five different sizes: preemie, newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months. You can crochet a hat for each stage of your baby's first year of life.

The Puff Stitch Baby Hat

This pattern is perfect for winter, with a cute little pom-pom on top.

The Star Stitch Baby Hat

This pattern includes a video tutorial and a big bow, making it perfect for newborn photos.

The Cozy Pom-Pom Beanie

This pattern can be made in any size, from preemie to adult XL. The smaller sizes, like the newborn size, are especially adorable.

The Chunky Baby Bear Hats

This pattern is perfect for those who want a baby bear hat made with thicker, bulkier yarn. It comes in two sizes: newborn and 0-3 months.

In addition to these patterns, there are also a variety of other baby hat crochet patterns available online, including the Derby Summer Baby Hat, the Baby James Beanie, the Classic Baby Bonnet, and the Little Textures Newborn Beanie. Many of these patterns offer multiple sizes, so you can make matching hats for older children or even adults.

Frequently asked questions