Easy Crochet Toddler Sun Hat Pattern + Photo Tutorial
The Crochet Toddler Sun Hat is an easy crochet pattern perfect for sunny days. This easy top down hat pattern also includes a photo tutorial. For the ultimate in comfort and crochet this little hat in cotton yarn.
My fair little lady needed a crochet sun hat with a brim for the summer. When she was born, we were amazed she was a girl (after three boys).
We were equally surprised, if not more so, that she had red hair! Alas, this olive skinned mama felt wholly inadequate to keep her fair skin well protected from the sun.
Scroll down for the crochet sun hat free pattern here on the blog!
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Once she started walking, (an official toddler!) it wasn’t long until I knew she needed her own crochet sun hat.
I share the free pattern with you here. This crochet summer hat easily fits toddler ages 1-3 years.
If you’re looking for more sizes, this free sun hat pattern has been updated to include all the 0-3 mos baby through large adult hat sizes.
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You can find the full pattern with tutorial in the Summer Sun Hat crochet pattern post. The toddler sun hat pattern is down below!
What kind of yarn do you need to make this sun hat?
I recommend using a #4 medium worsted weight cotton yarn. It is so very soft. I love that it’s breathable, for a light fit.
The best part about cotton yarn is that its washable, which is a must for our household of kids.
How much yarn do you to make a toddler size hat?
I use less than one skein of cotton yarn that I had left from another project. The toddler hat uses 90 yd / 83 m of #4 medium yarn.
I love fast projects that don’t require a lot of yarn and are functional! The openness of the sides on this hat allows the air in, while blocking those harsh rays.
Read on to get the free crochet sun hat pattern for toddlers, with photo tutorial below. If you’re looking for more sun hats to crochet, you might also like my Lunette Sun Hat pattern.
Get 33 gorgeous patterns in this crochet pattern bundle!
The Lunette crochet sun hat also features a brim and open side work. The free crochet pattern is written for all sizes, so you can crochet baby one and the adults too.
We did this one in my Facebook group as a Crochet Along (CAL) a few years ago. It’s fun to see everyone’s makes!
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More Free Crochet Patterns
Crochet hats are such a staple! These free patterns will keep you busy. All these patterns crochet up quickly too.
The Pumpkin Hat is always a fav during the fall season! Which you could match to the kids fingerless gloves crochet pattern.
And when it’s cold again, the Chunky Bear Beanie is cute and cozy! Or if you just want to add bears to a hat to a kids crochet hat you can check that tutorial out.
More Hat Crochet Patterns
If you’re looking for an adult size sun hat, you might enjoy Alysha’s Floppy Brim Hat from LittleJohn’s Yarn. I love the bright sunny yellow she chose.
Looking for a more solid crochet hat? I love these Crochet Texture Beanies from Traverse Bay Crochet. And the pattern includes three sizes!
Want a little something to make your handsome little guy even cuter? I’ve got a simple sewing tutorial for a toddler bow tie right here.
The Bobble Cocoon Shrug, which is a free shrug pattern in children’s sizes.
This is a fun pattern that uses the same crochet mesh stitch that the Toddler Sun Hat features. Plus bobbles, because who doesn’t love bobbles?
If you love working with cotton yarn you might also enjoy working up the Aria crochet summer headband pattern. It’s a quick, scrap busting pattern in 5 sizes.
The premium PDF Pattern includes sizes 0-3 mos through large adults for this sun hat pattern.
Materials you’ll need to crochet this hat!
- 1.25oz/50g 90 yd / 83 m of #4 worsted weight cotton yarn, I used Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton!* Yarn in Periwinkle
- 4mm-US size G/4 hook* or hook needed to meet gauge
- 1/4″ ribbon about 30″/76cm long-enough to wrap around the hat and tie into a bow.
- yarn needle for weaving in ends
- scissors
Toddler Crochet Sun Hat Sizing
This hat fits ages 1-3 years, or head circumference 18″ / 45.5 cm – 19″ / 48.5 cm.
Find more sizes in the Simple Summer Sun Hat crochet pattern.
Gauge:
3 DC x 2 rows = 1″ / 2.5 cm x 1″ / 2.5 cm
Rounds 1-6 = 5.75″ in diameter
Since this pattern is worked in the round, to check your gauge you can work Rounds 1-6 and then measure the diameter across your circle.
Crochet Abbreviations:
Ch – chain
DC – double crochet
MC – magic circle
Rd – Round
SC – single crochet
sk – skip a stitch
sl st – slip stitch
sts – stitches, given in ( ) at the end of the round.
*{ } – your pattern repeat
Finish off – cut yarn and weave in tail(s) with a yarn needle.
A Note About The Toddler Sun Hat Brim Size:
My little lady is in the “I don’t want to wear anything on my head stage.” With this in mind, I made the brim as small as I could manage. I know it would bother her if she noticed it too much!
She’s on the young end for this size hat. If you’re crocheting a sun hat for an older toddler I would suggest increasing your brim a few more rounds. We do want some coverage over your little one’s face.
If you’re looking for more sizes, this pattern has been updated to include all the sizes. You can find it in the Summer Sun Hat crochet pattern post.
Download the Hat Sizing Chart
Get this handy dandy chart so you can crochet perfectly fitting hats!
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Purchase the ad-free, well formatted printable PDF Pattern from my shop. Scroll down for the free pattern!
Scroll down for the Crochet Toddler Sun Hat Pattern:
Easy Toddler Sun Hat Crochet Pattern
The Crochet Toddler Sun Hat is an easy crochet pattern perfect for sunny days. This easy top down hat pattern also includes a photo tutorial. For the ultimate in comfort and crochet this little hat in cotton yarn.
Materials
- 90yds/83m (1.25oz/50g)of #4 worsted weight cotton yarn, I used Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton! Yarn in Periwinkle
Tools
- 4mm (G) hook
- 1/4″/.64cm ribbon 30"/76cm long
- yarn needle for weaving in ends
- scissors
Instructions
Begin with a magic circle.
Rd 1: DC 11 into MC,
slip stitch back to first DC and pull the tail to close. (11 sts)
Rd 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1st DC here & throughout)-I’ve used a standing stitch here
& DC in same stitch,
2 DC in each around,
join last dc to 3rd ch with a sl st. (22 sts)
Rd 3: Ch 3 & DC in same stitch, DC in next, *{2 DC in next stitch, 1 DC in next stitch} repeat from * til end of round, join with a sl st to 3rd ch. (33 sts)
Rd 4: Ch 3 & DC in same st, *{1 DC, 1 DC, 2 DC} repeat from * til end, join with a sl st to 3rd ch. (44 sts)
Rd 5: Ch 3 & DC in same, *{DC 3 times, 2 DC} repeat from * til end, join with a sl st to 3rd ch. (55 sts)
Rd 6: Ch 3 & DC in same, *{DC 4 times, 2 DC} repeat from * til end, join with a sl st to 3rd ch. (66 sts)- Rd 7: Ch. 4 (counts as 1st DC + ch 1),
sk 1, DC in next st, Ch 1, sk 1,
*{DC in next st, Ch 1, Sk 1} repeat from * til end,
join with a sl st to 1st stitch in round. (66 sts)
Rd 8: Slip stitch to first chain space, Ch 4 (counts as 1st DC +Ch 1), *{sk next dc, DC into Ch 1 space, Ch 1} repeat from * til end, join with a sl st to 3rd ch. (66 sts)
Rds 9-12: Slip stitch to first chain space, Ch 4 (counts as 1st DC +Ch 1), *{sk next dc, DC into Ch 1 space, Ch 1} repeat from * til end, join with a sl st to 3rd ch. (66 sts)
Rd 13: Ch 3 (counts as 1st DC), DC in each DC AND into each Chain space til end, join with a sl st to 3rd ch. (66)- Toddler Sun Hat Brim:
Rd 14: Ch 1, in same stitch, working in Back Loop only SC and repeat in each stitch around til end, sl st to first sc to join. (66 sts) 
Working in the back loop helps our brim start to flare out. Rd 15: Ch. 1, 2 SC in same stitch, 1 SC, *{2 SC, 1 SC} around til end, sl st to first sc to join. (99 sts)
Rd 16: Ch. 1, 2 SC in same stitch, 1 SC in next 3 stitches, *{2 SC, SC 3 times} til end, sl st to first sc to join. (124 sts)
If your brim is large enough skip to Trim.
For a larger brim
Add a round or two here, if you would like a large brim. Follow the increase pattern:
Next round: {2 SC, SC 4 times},
Next round: {2 SC, SC 5 times},
Etc. until the brim is the desired size.
Be aware that the larger your brim the floppier it will become. If you would like a large and stiffer brim, try crocheting 2 strands together for the brim.- Trim:Rd 17: Ch. 1, SC around til end, sl st to first sc to join. (124 sts)
- Rd 18. Ch 3,
sk 2, slip stitch to next,
*{Ch 3, sk 2, slip stitch to next} repeat from * around til end, join with a sl st to 3rd ch. Finish off. 
Feed a 1/4″ ribbon through the bottom row of DC & Ch spaces. Tie into a bow.
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Very nice project ! Congratulations from Uruguay. I would like to ask you one question, Is this hat for 1-3 years old ? As the instructions I have for crocheting a hat for these ages are : Magic ring
using dc and make increases until you have a circunference with a diameter of 14-16 cm .
Thanks and kind regards.
Thanks Andrea. Yes, I made the hat for my daughter who was 18 mos at the time (she’s 2 today!), it also fit my 3 year old snugly. This pattern is specific to the yarn & hook used though so changes will effect how it turns out. My measurements are also in inches, but 14-16cm looks right for this style of hat. I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Is there a substitute for this yarn?
Hi Julie, great question! Here’s a list of substitutes and info about each of them!
https://yarnsub.com/yarns/hobby_lobby/i_love_this_cotton_solids
How much yarn is needed for this hat?
Hi Nancy! For this size hat I used about half a skein of this yarn which comes in 180yds/3.5oz, for an adult beanie in this same yarn I use almost the whole skein. I hope that helps!
Thanks, I hope I do it
Good luck! Please ask if you have any question!
Please provide instructions for making the magic ring. Thank you.
Here’s a photo tutorial for the magic circle https://christacodesign.com/2017/07/31/crochet-magic-circle-photo-tutorial/
Alternately you can chain 3, slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring and crochet into it to start the pattern.
I hope that helps!
Thank you!
Like the pattern! plan on going larger for a 5 year old, that should be easy enough right? LOL. Thanks for posting this!
Yes, absolutely! Just increase your crown circle to fit your five year old-about 6.5” and then the stitch multiple is 3. I hope that helps, let me know if you have more questions!
thank you for the pattern, Christa. I just made one for my 20 month old grandaughter. As you said it went fast. Took me maybe an hour but I didn’t really time myself. It’s so cute
You’re so welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you ?
I made one. It’s so cute. Thank you. I shared your link on Quilting Time in Dixie. pj
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for sharing ?
beautiful project. I just finished making this hat for my 1 year old granddaughter. I don’t know when I will see her due to quarantine but hoping pretty soon. Thanks for the tutorial.
Glad to hear you enjoyed it! I know it’s hard not right now, not seeing family. I hope you get hugs when you’re finally able to see her again ❤️
Does the ch 3 always count as a double crochet? I have one extra in my count for each row and I have counted each stitch at least 10 times? Help I want to make this hat!
Yes, the ch 3 always counts as your first dc.
Thank you for your quick reply. I don’t know why my count is off by one stitch starting with the third row. I am not new to crocheting and this has me baffled.
I’m sorry you’re having such trouble! Did you start with 11 dcs in the first round (not 12-like we typically would)? Also, double check that you’re not working extra stitches into the joining slip st at the end of your rounds-sometimes mine are too loose and it looks like a stitch to me. I hope you get it worked out, let me know!
I have never heard of a standing stitch and am thinking that may be my problem. I don’t usually give up but after about 10 tries I think I’m beat.
Sorry to hear it, but I understand. The standing stitch takes the place of chain 3, it’s a “fuller” way of filling the space. So you should do a ch 3 or a standing stitch, but not both.
I apologize for bothering you so much and thank you for being so patient with me. I have 4 great granddaughters that are 1 & 2 year old and wanted to make them this hat. I have made 50 to 75 hats using many patterns but give up. I tried one last time & still had 33 stitches in that 3rd row. I have checked my count numerous times. Guess I will try something else.
Oh my goodness Rhonda, that’s my mistake-it is 33 stitches. I didn’t think to ask your stitch count specifically. Row 3 should be 33 stitches, I will update it thank you. So sorry for your trouble!
It’s me again. On rows 14 – 17, you start the row with ch1, but at the end of each row you say to slip stitch to 3rd chain. Is this a typo? I’ve been doing fine after that glitch in row 3, but just wondered about this.
Yes, you are right, it should be sl st to first sc. I will update that. Thanks so much for letting me know!
Is there a typo error? From round 15 to round 16, how do you get from 99 stitches to 126 stitches?
I work out manually, it should only be 124 stitches.
Appreciate your clarification.
Hi Yan Yan,
Yes you are right, it’s 124. Thanks for asking so I could update it.
Thanks,
Crystal
Very adorable! I just made this for my toddler. I believe I will try a matching one for me. Thanks so much!
How do I crochet two strands to make the brim stiffer? Do I cut the yarn before round 14 & weave in the ends, then begin w/2 strands? Or do I tie on a second strand of yarn at the beginning of round 14 & start there?
Hi Deborah,
Yes you would add on a second strand of yarn at the beginning of Rnd 14 and work the brim holding two strands together.
Hello there!
This is my first real project I am making (for my daughter) and honestly it is going great, such a clear pattern!
One question, do I keep working in the back loop until the end or do I stop doing that at any point? Thank you!
Hi Eva,
I’m glad you’re enjoying the pattern! For Round 14 you will sc in the back loop of each stitch in that round. Once you move on to Round 15 you will stop working in the back loop and just work the stitches normally (under both loops). I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions!
Crystal