Cute Crochet Pattern: Bear-Eared Baby Hat

If you're looking for an adorable, quick, and easy crochet project, look no further than the crochet baby bear hat with ears! This cute hat is perfect for newborns and makes for a delightful gift or craft fair item. The pattern is suitable for beginners and can be made in various sizes, from preemie to 6-12 months, using different types of yarn and hooks. The bear ears add a whimsical touch, and the hat can be made in different colours to resemble different bears, such as brown, polar, or black. With its simple stitches and fast completion time, this crochet baby bear hat is sure to be a favourite for crafters and new parents alike.

How to crochet a baby bear hat

Materials

To crochet a baby bear hat, you will need the following materials:

• Yarn (e.g. baby merino yarn, Red Heart Amore yarn, or any similar worsted weight yarn)
• A crochet hook (size H 5.0mm or 5.00 mm)
• A tapestry needle
• A pair of scissors

Steps

Step 1: Create a Magic Ring

To start your baby bear hat, you will first need to create a magic ring. This will form the base of your hat. Chain stitch 2 (ch 2) and then double crochet (DC) 12 times into the magic ring. Slip stitch (sl st) into the first DC to join the round. You should now have a total of 12 DC, including the ch 2.

Step 2: Start Building the Hat

In the second round, you will continue to build the hat by chaining 2 and then double crocheting 2 times in each stitch (DC INC) around. This will increase the number of stitches. Slip stitch into the first DC of the round and chain 2 again.

Step 3: Continue Building the Hat

Repeat the process of increasing the number of stitches in each round until you have reached the desired size for the hat. This will typically involve a combination of DC INC and DC stitches in each round. For example, in one round, you might DC INC in the first stitch and then DC in the next stitch, repeating this pattern around (slipping into the first stitch of the round and chaining 2 at the end). In the next round, you might DC INC in the first stitch and then DC in the next 2 stitches, repeating this pattern around. Continue in this manner until you have reached the desired circumference for the hat.

Step 4: Create the Ribbing

Once you have reached the desired circumference, you will create the ribbing of the hat. Chain 7 from the edge of the hat, and then single crochet (SC) in the second chain from the hook and in the next 5 stitches. Attach the first row of ribbing to the edge of the hat by slip stitching into the next 2 stitches. Turn your work and skip the 2 slip stitches. SC in the back loop only of the next 6 stitches, chain 1, and then turn your work again.

Step 5: Continue the Ribbing

Repeat the process of attaching the ribbing to the hat and slip stitching into the next 2 stitches. Turn your work and SC in the second chain from the hook and in the next 5 stitches. Continue this process for a total of 84 rows. Fasten off and leave a small tail for sewing. Sew the edges of the ribbing together using a mattress stitch.

Step 6: Create the Ears

To make the ears, start by chaining 2 and then DC 8 in the magic ring. Chain 2 and turn your work. In the next round, make 2 DC in every stitch (16 DC) and chain 1, turning your work again. In the final round, make 1 half double crochet (HDC) in every stitch (16 HDC) and then fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Repeat this process to make the second ear.

Step 7: Attach the Ears to the Hat

Lay your hat down flat with the back seam in the middle. Count down 3 rounds from the top of the hat and insert the needle with the ear attached. Sew the ear in place using a mattress stitch. Do the same for the other ear on the opposite side. Weave in all the yarn tails to secure them.

Congratulations! You have now completed your very own soft crochet baby bear hat. This cute and cozy hat makes a wonderful gift for a newborn baby and is a quick and fun project to work on. Feel free to experiment with different colors and types of yarn to create a variety of bear hats.

Yarn and colour options

When it comes to yarn and colour options, you have a lot of flexibility. You can use any yarn you like for your crochet baby bear hat, but some patterns will recommend specific types of yarn. For example, the pattern from Adorecrea uses Drops Baby Merino yarn, while 5 Little Monsters' pattern uses worsted weight yarn. You can also use leftover yarn from previous projects, as long as it's suitable for the pattern you're using.

If you're making a baby hat, it's important to use the right type of yarn to avoid irritating sensitive skin. Natural fibres like cotton and bamboo are good options, as they're breathable and gentle. Acrylic and acrylic blends are also suitable for warmer hats.

When choosing a colour, you can opt for traditional bear colours like brown or beige. Or, you could get creative and use any colour you like! You could even use multiple colours to create a dip-dyed effect or use different colours for the hat and the ears. Some patterns will specify the amount of yarn you need, so make sure you have enough before you start.

If you're looking for yarn and colour inspiration, sites like Ravelry and Pinterest are great resources. You can also find yarn suggestions and colour combinations in crochet groups on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

The crochet pattern

Materials

• Chunky yarn (e.g. Sirdar Number 1 Chunky or Paintbox Simply Chunky)
• Red Heart Amore yarn or similar medium #4 yarn
• H 5.0mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle

Abbreviations

• MC – Magic circle/magic ring
• CH – Chain
• DC – Double crochet
• SL ST – Slip stitch
• ST – Stitch
• SC – Single crochet
• HDC – Half double crochet
• FPHDC – Front post half double crochet
• BPHDC – Back post half double crochet

Instructions

Bear Ears (Make 2)

Ch 3, sl st to first ch 3 to form a ring.

Round 1: Ch3 (=DC), place 11 DC into the ring (=12 DC total).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew the ear into the hat.

Pull on the loose end of the initial ch 3 to close off the ring. Snip off the loose end from the initial chain before stitching on the ears.

Hat

Ch 4, sl st to form a ring.

Round 1: Ch 3 (=DC), place 13 DC inside the ring (=14 DC total). Sl st to 1st ch 3 to close off the round.

Round 2: Ch 3 (=DC), turn your work, place another DC inside the first stitch (=2 DC together in one stitch). Place 2 DC inside next DC until the end of the round (=28 DC total). Sl st to 1st ch 3 to close off the round.

Round 3: Ch 3 (=DC), turn your work, place another DC inside the first stitch (=2 DC together in one stitch). Place DC in the next st, [2 DC in the next st, 1 DC in the next st] until the end of the round (=42 DC total). Sl st to 1st ch 3 to close off the round.

Round 4: Ch 3 (=DC), place a DC into the next st until the end of the round. Sl st to 1st ch 3 to close off the round.

Round 5-8: Repeat row 4.

Round 9: Ch 1 (=SC), place a SC into the next stitch until the end of the round, sl st to the first ch 1 to close off the round.

Fasten off, tidy up all loose ends.

Sewing the Ears

Lay your hat down flat, with the back seam precisely in the middle of the back.

Count down three rounds from the top of the hat, and insert the needle with the ear attached.

Sew the ear in place with the mattress stitch. Do the same for the other ear on the opposite side.

Weave in all the yarn tails.

How to sew on the bear ears

To sew on the bear ears for your crochet baby hat, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to crochet the ears. Using the same yarn as the hat, make 2 identical ears by crocheting a chain of 3, then slip stitch to form a ring. For the first round, chain 3 and place 11 double crochet stitches into the ring. Fasten off, leaving a long tail of yarn to sew the ear to the hat. Pull on the loose end of the initial chain 3 to close off the ring, then snip off the loose end before stitching the ears onto the hat.

Now you have your two ears, it's time to stitch them into place. Lay your hat down flat, with the back seam in the middle at the back. Place the ears on top of the hat, making sure they are symmetrical and approximately 3 inches apart. You can adjust the distance between the ears according to your preference. Once you are happy with their placement, thread your tapestry needle with the loose end of yarn from one of the ears and sew it into the hat using your preferred stitch. Make sure the ear is secure, tie a knot with the loose end, then fasten off and tidy up the loose end. Repeat this process for the second ear.

Your crochet baby bear hat is now complete! Weave in any remaining loose ends and you are ready to gift or sell your creation.

How to adjust the sizing

To adjust the sizing of your crochet baby bear hat, you can make adjustments to the circumference and the height.

Circumference Adjustments

The circumference of a hat refers to the measurement around a circle. For a fitted hat, the circumference of the hat should match the circumference of the head. To calculate the circumference, divide the desired hat size by 3.14 (Pi). For example, if you want a 22” circumference, divide by Pi, which gives you a diameter of about 7”.

Diameter Adjustments

The diameter of a hat is the measurement across a circle. When crocheting in centre-out increasing rounds, the diameter is the cross-section of the circumference. To calculate the circumference from the diameter, multiply the diameter by 3.14. For instance, a 7” diameter equates to a circumference of 21.98”.

Height Adjustments

The height of the hat is also important for a good fit. To determine this, measure from the centre of the crown to the bottom of the ear. For a more precise fit, divide the head circumference by 10 and multiply by 4. For example, a head circumference of 22 inches divided by 10, multiplied by 4, gives you 8.8 inches for the hat height.

Adjusting for Negative Ease

Negative ease is a term used to describe a hat that fits snugly. This is achieved by making the hat slightly smaller than the head circumference. Typically, you subtract 1 inch for head circumferences under 18 inches, and 2 inches for those over 18 inches.

Yarn and Hook Adjustments

The yarn and hook you choose will also impact the size of your hat. A thicker yarn will create a warmer, chunkier hat, and a larger hook will create looser stitches, making the hat more flexible. A smaller hook will produce tighter stitches and a denser fabric.

Stitch Pattern Adjustments

The stitch pattern you choose will also affect the fit of the hat. Tighter stitches like single crochet will create a more fitted hat, while looser stitches like double crochet will add stretch.

Remember, it is always better to check the fit as you go, rather than finishing the hat and finding out it doesn't fit. You can always add extra rows or rounds to increase the size, or decrease the number of stitches to make it smaller.

Frequently asked questions