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Christmas Curly Elf Hat Free Crochet Pattern

ByCrystal Marin

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The Curly Elf Crochet Hat Pattern is the perfect accessory for all your holiday festivities. This free crochet hat pattern includes sizes for the whole family!

Whether you are baking delicious homemade cookies in your kitchen, or “decking the halls” at home, your little elves will enjoy wearing this festive elf hat this holiday season.

Or maybe you’ve got a full party schedule lined up. This crochet hat pattern is a fun project for your next Christmas event!

picture of side view crochet curly elf hat christmas free pattern

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Yarn, hooks and needles on white table.

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You can purchase the ad-free, well formatted PDF Pattern in one of my shops. Scroll down for the free pattern!

ETSY
RAVELRY

My kids love it when I crochet them things. And they love Christmas time. This cute hat was born from those loves.

I made with the Curly Elf Hat with the appropriately named “Metallic Christmas” color from Hobby Lobby. This hat crochets up right quick in this self striping Christmas yarn!

The Curly Elf Crochet Hat has two wearing options. First, wear it with the tail down and long like a stocking cap. Or you can curl it over the top of the head for a true elf style!

Boy smiling in Christmas crochet hat curly elf hat in red, green, and white with yarn Pom Pom.

I think it’s simply the cutest either way. If you want really festive hats, then add a jingle bell to the tip too.

To make this a crochet Santa hat pattern crochet it in red and white. The newborn baby size hat is looks so cute with a white yarn pom pom on the top of the hat.

These hats would be perfect for family Christmas photos. The kids love helping to make their own poms with my Clover pom pom maker.

Red crochet Santa hat with white yarn Pom Pom curled over next to succulent and red yarn.

You might also like this Sparkle Snowflake Crochet pattern. This little crochet pattern appliqués on to crochet hats, or add a loop to hang in on the tree or gifts.

Pin it

picture of pin image crochet elf hat pattern in red and white

Some of my lovely and talented testers made this hat in non-Christmas colors and they looked amazing! Team colors, favorite colors you name it, it’s possible. Isn’t that the fun of crochet-choosing colors and customizing it for you and yours?

Materials

150 yd/137m – 350yd/320m #4 medium worsted weight yarn, I use I Love This Yarn (97% acrylic, 3% glitter, 252 yd/231m, 5oz/142g), colors: Christmas Sparkle Metallic* (Color B) & white (Color A).

  • 5mm US Size H-8* crochet hook for hat
  • 4mm US Size G-4 crochet hook for band trim
  • yarn needle
  • measuring tape
  • scissors

Notes

  1. Pattern is written for multiple sizes where the first number given is the smallest size and the larger sizes are inside parenthesis: NB-6 mos (6-12 mos, toddler, preschooler, child, tween/sm adult, med adult, lg adult). Where no size is indicated the instructions apply to all.
  2. Stitch counts are given at the end of the instructions and all numbers are inside the parenthesis.
  3. Ch 3 counts as a stitch, I highly recommend using a ch 3 alternative.
  4. Ch 2 does not count as a stitch.

Stitches / Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch – chain

sl st – slip stitch

sc – single crochet

blo – back loop only-crochet into the back loop of the st only 

dc – double crochet

dc2tog – double crochet two together

Dc3tog -*{yo insert hook into st, yo & pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo & pull through 2 loops} rep from * in next two stitches ending with 4 loops on hook, yo and pull through all 4 loops.

Skill Level

Easy

Gauge

Dc swatch (worked flat): 2” / 5 cm x 2” / 5 cm = 7 dc x 4.25 rows of dc

In pattern (in the round):

4″ / 10 cm x 4″ / 10cm = 14 dc x 9 rounds of dc

Fit

Please check gauge for best fit.

The band length is based on average head size for the age minus 2” for negative ease. So the finished hat band is smaller and will stretch to fit.

For a custom fit: measure the circumference of the head and subtract 1-2” for negative ease, follow the pattern below, but crochet to your calculation length instead. 

The tube of the hat is taller than the head (or typical beanie), with the tail narrowing down quickly so that it can curve over the head, to give it the “curly” look.

How to Crochet this Elf Hat

This hat starts from the bottom up.

You will work the band (white in the picture below) in back and forth rows.

Then you sew the short ends (your first and last rows) together to form a circle.

Next crochet onto the top of the band to work the rest of the hat in rounds (join and continue in the same direction).

To create the long, narrow tail you will use decreases.

Finally, sew the Pom Pom on top.

Full pattern instructions in all sizes below!

picture of crochet elf hat with white pom

Download the Hat Sizing Chart

Get this handy dandy chart so you can crochet perfectly fitting hats!

You can purchase the ad-free, well formatted PDF Pattern in one of my shops. Scroll down for the free pattern!

ETSY
RAVELRY

Scroll down for the free crochet elf hat pattern!

Red crochet Santa hat with white yarn Pom Pom curled over next to succulent and red yarn.

Curly Elf Hat Crochet Pattern

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $2

Free Curly Elf hat crochet pattern for baby through adult sizes! This Curly Elf hat can curl over or hang down. It looks great in variegated yarn, or that classic Santa red!

Materials

  • 150 yd/137m - 350yd/320m #4 medium worsted weight yarn, I use I Love This Yarn (97% acrylic, 3% glitter, 252 yd/231m, 5oz/142g), colors: Christmas Sparkle Metallic (Color B) & white (Color A).

Tools

  • 5mm US Size H-8 hook for hat
  • 4mm US Size G-4 for band trim
  • yarn needle
  • measuring tape
  • scissors

Instructions

  1. The Band Pattern:
    White crochet ribbing laid out to form hat band.
    In Color A:

    Row 1. Ch 7, sc in the 2nd ch and in each across, turn. (6 sts)
  2. Row 2. Ch 1, in blo, sc in in each sc across, turn. (6 sts)
  3. Repeat Row 2 until your band reaches:

    12”/30cm for NB-6 mos

    13″/33cm for baby 6-12 mos

    15″/38cm for toddler 12-24 mos

    16″/41cm for preschooler 2-5 yrs

    18″/46cm for child 5-10 yrs

    19″/48cm for tween

    20″/51cm for small adult

    21″/53cm for large adult
  4. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.
  5. Sew the short ends together with the yarn tail and yarn needle to form the band.
  6. Picture of red crochet elf hat in progress.Crochet Elf hat in red from bottom up halfway done with white trim.

    The Hat Pattern:
  7. NB-6 mos (6-12 mos, toddler, preschooler, child, tween/sm adult, med adult, lg adult)
  8. Rnd 1. Attach Color B yarn with a sl st and ch 1, sc 48 (48, 56, 56, 64, 64, 64, 72) evenly around the band, join to first sc with a sl st to join.
  9. Rnd 2. Ch 3, dc in the next sc and in each sc around, sl st to top of 3rd ch to join. (48, 48, 56, 56, 64, 64, 64, 72 sts)
  10. Rnd 3. Ch 3, dc in the next dc and in each dc around, sl st to top of 3rd ch to join. (48, 48, 56, 56, 64, 64, 64, 72 sts) dc
  11. Repeat last round 5 (8, 9, 9, 12, 12, 12, 15) more times.

    Begin to decrease:
  12. Rnd 9. (12, 13, 13, 16, 16, 16, 19) Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st *{Dc2tog, dc in the next 6} rep from * around, sl st to top of first st to join. (42, 42, 50, 50, 58, 58, 58, 66 sts)
  13. Rnd 10. (13, 14, 14, 17, 17, 17, 20) Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st *{Dc2tog, dc in the next 5} rep from * around, sl st to top of first st to join. (36, 36, 44, 44, 52, 52, 52, 60 sts)
  14. Rnd 11. (14, 15, 15, 18, 18, 18, 21) Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st *{Dc2tog, dc in the next 4} rep from * around, sl st to top of first st to join. (30, 30, 38, 38, 46, 46, 46, 54 sts)
  15. Rnd 12. (15, 16, 16, 19, 19, 19, 22) Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st *{Dc2tog, dc in the next 3} rep from * around, sl st to top of first st to join. (24, 24, 32, 32, 40, 40, 40, 48 sts)
  16. Rnd 13. (16, 17, 17, 20, 20, 20, 23) Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st *{Dc2tog, dc in the next 2} rep from * around, sl st to top of first st to join. (18, 18, 26, 26, 34, 34, 34, 42 sts)
  17. Rnd 14. (17, 18, 18, 21, 21, 21, 24) Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st *{Dc2tog, dc in the next} rep from * around, sl st to top of first st to join. (12, 12, 20, 20, 28, 28, 28, 36 sts)

    Baby elf hat crochet pattern flat on wood table in red and white with succulent.

  18. NB-6mos & 6-12mos:
  19. Rnd 15. (18.) Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog around, sl st to top of first st to join. (6 sts)
  20. Rnd 16. (19.) Ch 3 (counts), dc in the next st and in each st around, sl st to top of 3rd ch to join. (6 sts) Rep this round 5 more times.
  21. Rnd 21. (24.) Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog around, sl st to top of first st to join. (3 sts)
  22. Rnd 22. (25.) Dc3tog.
  23. Go to Finishing.

    Toddler & Preschool:
  24. Rnd 19. Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st *{Dc2tog, dc in the next} rep from * around, sl st to top of first st to join. (14 sts)
  25. Rnd 20. Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog around, sl st to top of first st to join. (7 sts)
  26. Rnd 21. Ch 3 (counts), dc in the next st and in each st around, sl st to top of 3rd ch to join. (7 sts) Rep this round 4 more times.
  27. Rnd 25. Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog 3x, dc in the last, sl st to top of first st to join. (4 sts)
  28. Rnd 26. Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog 2x, sl st to top of first st to join. (2 sts)
  29. Go to Finishing.

    Child, Tween/Sm Adult & Med Adult:
  30. Rnd 22. Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog around, sl st to top of first st to join. (14 sts)
  31. Rnd 23. Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog around, sl st to top of first st to join. (7 sts)
  32. Rnd 28. Ch 3 (counts), dc in the next st and in each st around, sl st to top of 3rd ch to join. (7 sts) Rep this round 7 more times.
  33. Rnd 35. Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog 3x, dc in the last, sl st to top of first st to join. (4 sts)
  34. Rnd 36. Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog 2x, sl st to top of first st to join. (2 sts)
  35. Go to Finishing.

    Lg Adult:
  36. Rnd 25. Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog around, ss to top of first st to join. (18 sts)

  37. Rnd 26. Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog around, ss to top of first st to join. (9 sts)

  38. Rnd 27. Ch 3 (counts), dc in the next st and in each st around, ss to top of 3rd ch to join. (9 sts) Rep this round 7 more times.

  39. Rnd 34. Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog 4x, dc in the last, sl st to top of first st to join. (5 sts)

  40. Rnd 35. Ch 2 (doesn’t count) starting in the same st Dc2tog 2x, dc in the last, sl st to top of first st to join. (3 sts)

  41. Rnd 36. Dc3tog. Go to Finishing.

    Picture of crochet elf hat with white yarn pom. Elf hat crocheted in red with white trim and Pom Pom.
  42. All Sizes: Finishing
  43. Cut yarn and add a pom pom.
  44. Switch to 4mm G Hook and join Color B to other edge of the brim with a sl st, ch 1 and sc evenly around.
  45. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

    Picture of crochet elf hat with white pom. Crochet elf hat in red yarn and white trim with Pom Pom.

  46. I’d love to see your #curlyelfhat, tag me @christacodesign on Instagram if you post a pic. Or share it to my Facebook Group, I love to see your work.

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© ChristaCoDesign
Project Type: Crochet Hat / Category: Crochet

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Designer

Hi I'm Crystal, the designer and blogger here at ChristaCoDesign. I enjoy creating crochet and knit patterns that are simple to make and easy to love.

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6 Comments

  1. Crystal, I just purchased the curly elf hat pattern. I am a little con fused in how the hat gets so long and how it gets curly. I might ave missed it in the pattern directions, but please explain it to me. Thank you so much.
    Olivia

  2. Hi Olivia, the hat is worked bottom up, starting with the ribbed brim. Then you’ll work in the round forming the tube of the hat (that fits around the head), using the same number of dcs. The tube of the hat is longer/taller than your head. When you get to the decrease section you will decrease quickly forming a narrow tail. The portion that sticks up above the head is able to be folded toward the top of the head, with the narrow tail curving over the head. I hope this overview helps you. If you need more clarification or have any questions as you work through the pattern please feel free to email me directly at [email protected] or comment here. Thank you!

  3. Made this for my Grandson. I put elf ears on it. He went crazy over it! He wore it to buy our Christmas. Thank you so much!

  4. These hats are so cute, I wish I had seen this before I had made 4 other ones, the ones I made started at the tail yhough, but either way there all so cute and easy to make