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Crochet Hatimals Pattern

Crochet Hatimals Pattern
4.4★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.2K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧣

Snug Essential

Everyday comfort with practical charm, designed for both functionality and style through changing seasons.

About This Crochet Hatimals Pattern

This pattern collection teaches you how to crochet playful animal hats with earflaps and character features. Youll work mainly in single crochet to create a tight, warm fabric that holds its shape. Detailed rounds, scale and ear instructions, and trim guidance make each hat customizable and fun. Perfect for gifts, photoshoots, or everyday wear.

Crochet Hatimals Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Includes full materials and gauge information plus step-by-step instructions for several animals. Follow the facial features and assembly notes to personalize each hat to your liking.

Why You'll Love This Crochet Hatimals Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a simple beanie into a playful, character-filled hat that kids and adults adore. I enjoy how the single crochet fabric creates a warm, durable hat that works well in cold weather. The patterns are flexible, so I can change colors and facial details to create many unique variations. Sewing on the scales, ears, and facial features is one of my favorite parts because it brings each hat to life.

Crochet Hatimals Pattern step 1 - construction progress Crochet Hatimals Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Crochet Hatimals Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Crochet Hatimals Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to personalize these Hatimals by swapping colors; try pastels for a softer baby look, or bold contrasts for a cartoon effect.

I often change the yarn weight and hook size to make tiny keychain hats or oversized cozy versions; adjust the number of rounds to maintain proportions.

I sometimes replace the crocheted eyes with safety eyes for a glossier finish, or embroider eyelashes and smile lines for more expression.

I like to add tiny accessories like a crocheted bow, felt glasses, or miniature scarves to give each hat a distinct personality.

You can experiment with different trim styles: a simple single-color edging, striped trims, or picot edges for a decorative touch.

I recommend trying a fuzzy or boucle yarn for trim only to add tactile contrast without changing the hat body structure.

Want more texture? Substitute alternating front loop and back loop rounds to create ridges or ribbing that give a unique visual effect.

I sometimes add a wire in the snout or scales for slight posability, but only if the hat is for display or older children due to safety concerns.

If youre making a set, I like to coordinate color schemes across multiple hats to make a fun themed gift set for siblings.

For quicker makes, skip the smallest facial features or use felt cutouts glued and sewn on to speed up assembly while still keeping great visual impact.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch marker when working continuous rounds will cause you to lose track of the beginning of rounds; place a marker at the start of every round and move it as you go. ✗ Not measuring the recipients head before starting can result in an ill-fitting hat; always take an accurate head circumference measurement and choose the size to match. ✗ Using the wrong hook for gauge makes the hat too small or too loose; make a gauge swatch with the recommended hook and adjust hook size until you obtain the specified gauge. ✗ Overstuffing attached features like snouts or scales makes them misshapen and hard to sew; stuff gradually with small amounts of fiberfill until the shape looks natural and even. ✗ Crocheting with inconsistent tension leads to uneven rounds and mismatched stitch counts; maintain a steady moderate tension and count stitches frequently during increases and decreases.

Crochet Hatimals Pattern

Create whimsical animal earflap hats that bring playful personality to every outfit. This pattern collection gives you clear instructions to make dinosaur, bear, puppy, wolf, panda, and giraffe hats with fun facial features. Youll enjoy step-by-step rounds, scale and ear instructions, and helpful tips for sizing and assembly. Make memorable gifts or cozy accessories for all ages with these charming hat designs.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Crochet Hatimals Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Red Heart Super Saver yarn, worsted weight 4 ply (use 7oz skeins for ease of yarn shopping)
  • 02
    Dinosaur: Tea Leaf - Main Color (1 7oz skein); Warm Brown - Trim Color (1 7oz skein); Red, White, Black (less than 1 oz each)
  • 03
    Bear: Coffee - Main Color (1 7oz skein); Warm Brown - Trim Color (1 7oz skein); Red, White, Black (less than 1 oz each)
  • 04
    Puppy: Warm Brown - Main Color (1 7oz skein); Coffee - Trim Color (1 7oz skein); Red, White, Black (less than 1 oz each)
  • 05
    Panda: White - Main Color (1 7oz skein); Black - Trim Color (1 7oz skein); Red (less than 1 oz)
  • 06
    Wolf: Light Grey - Main Color (1 7oz skein); Heather Grey - Trim Color (1 7oz skein); Red, White, Black (less than 1 oz each)
  • 07
    Giraffe: Cornmeal - Main Color (1 7oz skein); Coffee - Trim Color (1 7oz skein); White, Black, Warm Brown (less than 1 oz each)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook sizes F, G, and H (or size needed to obtain gauge)
  • 02
    H hook (5.0mm) specified for gauge
  • 03
    Yarn needle for sewing
  • 04
    Fiber fill (polyester stuffing) for features
  • 05
    Stitch markers
  • 06
    Measuring tape for head measurements
  • 07
    Scissors

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— Special Notes :

Info :

These hats are all made in Single Crochet. I do this for two reasons. The first reason is that it makes the hats easier to make for beginners. The second reason is that it makes all my hats functional as well as a fun fashion statement! Since these hats are all done in Single Crochet, they do take longer to make especially in the adult sizes.

Info :

Using larger stitches like Double and Triple Crochet in patterns can complete projects faster and may look great but they arent very functional in cold weather. Here in Colorado where the wind gets to whippin about 50 mph and the temperature is in the 20s and below, a hat made with Double Crochet does not keep the noggin very warm as the wind will cut right through those larger stitches.

Info :

With Single Crochet stitches, the hats are tight, secure, and the smaller stitches cut out much of the wind so your head stays nice and warm as well as keeping you looking cute! My hats are also great for the ski slopes and have been field tested by my family in remote Alaska!

— Head Measurements :

Info :

For the best fit it is very important to measure the recipients head prior to beginning your project. Hat sizes do not go by ones age but by how big ones head is. Some people have BIG heads, some people have SMALL heads, and some have average heads. This includes babies and children.

Info :

To measure the head, a sewing tape measure is always best. Wrap the tape measure around the head going OVER the top half of the ear not above, coming across the front of the head at the eyebrows. Once you have an accurate head measurement, make that size hat and not the hat size by age.

Info :

If you do not have a sewing tape measure, you can do this same measurement with a piece of string or yarn. Mark the spot on the string where the measurement is complete then measure the sting with a ruler or measuring tape.

— General Instructions :

Infos :

Abbreviations: CH Chain. Rnd(s) Round(s). SC Single Crochet. SP Space. ST(s) Stitch(s). SC DEC Single Crochet Decrease. SLST Slip Stitch. YO Yarn Over. Exact gauge is essential for proper size. Before beginning, make a sample swatch with hook specified to ensure you dont need to go up or down a hook. If gauge is too small, go up a hook. If too big go down a hook. Continue until you find the hook that works best for you. With H hook (5.0mm) 4 SC rows of 4 SC = 1 square.

Info :

* * - Work enclosed instructions as many times as specified by the number immediately following or contains explanatory remarks. (#) - The number in between parentheses at the end of a line indicates how many stitches you should have at the end of that line of instruction.

Info :

Markers: Markers are used to help distinguish the beginning of each round being worked. Place a 2 scrap piece of yarn before the first stitch of each round, moving after each round is complete. Remove marker when no longer needed. You can also purchase stitch markers at your local yarn store that are a bit more secure and dont fall out so easily.

— Materials :

Info :

Each hat in this book is made using Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in 7oz skeins for ease of yarn shopping. You can use any worsted weight 4 ply yarn but ensure you pay attention to gauge as each yarn manufacturer is different with the thicknesses of their yarns. For your convenience, the colors used for the photography models are listed below.

Info :

F, G, and H hooks (or size needed to obtain gauge) Yarn Needle, Fiber Fill, Stitch Markers

Info :

Dinosaur: Tea Leaf - Main Color (1 7oz Skein). Warm Brown - Trim Color (1 7oz Skein). Red, White, Black (Less than 1 oz)

Info :

Bear: Coffee - Main Color (1 7oz Skein). Warm Brown - Trim Color (1 7oz Skein). Red, White, Black (Less than 1 oz)

Info :

Puppy: Warm Brown - Main Color (1 7oz Skein). Coffee - Trim Color (1 7oz Skein). Red, White, Black (Less than 1 oz)

Info :

Panda: White - Main Color (1 7oz Skein). Black - Trim Color (1 7oz Skein). Red (Less than 1 oz)

Info :

Wolf: Light Grey - Main Color (1 7oz Skein). Heather Grey - Trim Color (1 7oz Skein). Red, White, Black (Less than 1 oz)

Info :

Giraffe: Cornmeal - Main Color (1 7oz Skein). Coffee - Trim Color (1 7oz Skein). White, Black, Warm Brown (Less than 1 oz)

— Basic Beanie :

Info :

Hat is made in continuous rounds so do not join at the end of rounds. Use a stitch marker.

Info :

All Sizes Perform the Following Rounds

Round 1 :

With Main Color (from table on page 3) and H hook, CH 2, 6 SC in 2nd CH from hook. (6 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in each SC around. (12 SC)

Round 3 :

*1 SC in next SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (18 SC)

Round 4 :

*1 SC in each of the next 2 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (24 SC)

Round 5 :

*1 SC in each of the next 3 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (30 SC)

Round 6 :

*1 SC in each of the next 4 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (36 SC)

Round 7 :

*1 SC in each of the next 5 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (42 SC)

Round 8 :

*1 SC in each of the next 6 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (48 SC)

Info :

Proceed to the section of choice for the size hat you wish to make

— Size Sections :

Round 9 (14" - 16" 0-3 month) :

1 SC in each SC around. (48 SC)

Info :

Repeat Rnd 9 until hat measures approximately 5 from top to bottom, SLST to join, fasten off.

Info :

Option 1: If you do not want earflaps, continue with the trim round below.

Info :

Option 2: If you want earflaps, continue on to the earflaps section.

Round (Trim) :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3), join with SC in back of hat, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off. (48 SC)

Round 9 (16" - 18" 3-6 month) :

*1 SC in each of the next 7 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (54 SC)

Round 10 :

1 SC in each SC around. (54 SC)

Info :

Repeat Rnd 10 until hat measures approximately 6 from top to bottom, SLST to join, fasten off.

Round (Trim) :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3), join with SC in back of hat, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off. (54 SC)

Round 9 (18" - 20" Toddler, Child) :

*1 SC in each of the next 7 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (54 SC)

Round 10 :

*1 SC in each of the next 8 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (60 SC)

Round 11 :

1 SC in each SC around. (60 SC)

Info :

Repeat Rnd 11 until hat measures approximately 7 from top to bottom, SLST to join, fasten off.

Round (Trim) :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3), join SC in back of hat, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off. (60 SC)

Round 9 (20" - 22" Child, Pre-Teen, Adult) :

*1 SC in each of the next 7 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (54 SC)

Round 10 :

*1 SC in each of the next 8 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (60 SC)

Round 11 :

*1 SC in each of the next 9 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (66 SC)

Round 12 :

1 SC in each SC around. (66 SC)

Info :

Repeat Rnd 12 until hat measures approximately 8 from top to bottom, SLST to join, fasten off.

Round (Trim) :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3), join SC in back of hat, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off. (66 SC)

Round 9 (22" - 24" Large Teen / Adult) :

*1 SC in each of the next 7 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (54 SC)

Round 10 :

*1 SC in each of the next 8 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (60 SC)

Round 11 :

*1 SC in each of the next 9 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (66 SC)

Round 12 :

*1 SC in each of the next 10 SC, 2 SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (72 SC)

Round 13 :

1 SC in each SC around. (72 SC)

Info :

Repeat Rnd 13 until hat measures approximately 9 from top to bottom, SLST to join, fasten off.

Round (Trim) :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3), join SC in back of hat, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off. (72 SC)

— Earflaps :

Info :

Lay hat flat on hard surface with the tie off in the center of the back of the hat. Count 3 stitches in from the left side and place a marker. Count 3 stitches in from the right side and place a marker. If you dont have stitch markers, you can use a piece of yarn.

— Left earflap :

Info :

With right side facing, opening at the top, attach main color (from table on page 3) with a SC in the same SC the stitch marker is in.

Row 1 :

14" - 16" SC in next 7 SC, CH 1, turn. (8 SC) 16" - 18" SC in next 7 SC, CH 1, turn. (8 SC) 18" - 20" SC in next 9 SC, CH 1, turn. (10 SC) 20" - 22" SC in next 11 SC, CH 1, turn. (12 SC) 22" - 24" SC in next 11 SC, CH 1, turn. (12 SC)

Row 2 :

Skip first SC, SC in each SC across, CH 1, turn. Repeat Row 2 until only 1 SC remains. Fasten off. Remove marker.

— Right earflap :

Info :

With right side facing, opening at the top, count to the right of the remaining stitch marker the number of stitches that will be needed to work the earflap for desired size and attach yarn with a SC. The space the stitch marker occupies is counted as the first stitch.

Row 1 :

14" - 16" SC in next 7 SC, CH 1, turn. (8 SC) 16" - 18" SC in next 7 SC, CH 1, turn. (8 SC) 18" - 20" SC in next 9 SC, CH 1, turn. (10 SC) 20" - 22" SC in next 11 SC, CH 1, turn. (12 SC) 22" - 24" SC in next 11 SC, CH 1, turn. (12 SC)

Row 2 :

Skip first SC, SC in each SC across, CH 1, turn. Repeat Row 2 until only 1 SC remains. Fasten off. Remove marker.

— Trim :

Info :

Attach Trim Color (from table on page 3) to the back of the hat in the same stitch where hat was fastened off. CH 1, SC in each stitch and row end around the hat. Do 3 SC in the tip of each earflap. SLST to join, fasten off. Continue on to the animal hat of choice for the facial features.

— Dinosaur :

Section :

Large Scale (make 1)

Round 1 :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3) and an H hook, CH 2, 4 SC in 2nd CH from hook. Use a stitch marker as needed. (4 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in each SC around. (8 SC)

Round 3 - 4 :

SC in each SC around. (8 SC)

Round 5 :

*2 SC in next SC, SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (12 SC)

Round 6 - 7 :

SC in each SC around. (12 SC)

Round 8 :

*2 SC in next SC, SC in next 2 SC*, repeat from * to * around. (16 SC)

Round 9 - 11 :

SC in each SC around. (16 SC)

Round 12 :

SC in each SC around, SLST in next SC, fasten off leaving an 8 tail for sewing. (16 SC)

Section :

Medium Scale (make 1 or more)

Round 1 :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3) and an H hook, CH 2, 4 SC in 2nd CH from hook. Use a stitch marker as needed. (4 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in each SC around. (8 SC)

Round 3 - 4 :

SC in each SC around. (8 SC)

Round 5 :

*2 SC in next SC, SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (12 SC)

Round 6 - 7 :

SC in each SC around. (12 SC)

Round 8 :

*2 SC in next SC, SC in next 2 SC*, repeat from * to * around. (16 SC)

Round 9 :

SC in each SC around, SLST in next SC, fasten off leaving an 8 tail for sewing. (16 SC)

Section :

Small Scales (make 2 or more)

Round 1 :

With Trim Color (from table on page 3) and an H hook, CH 2, 4 SC in 2nd CH from hook. Use a stitch marker as needed. (4 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in each SC around. (8 SC)

Round 3 :

SC in each SC around. (8 SC)

Round 4 :

*2 SC in next SC, SC in next SC*, repeat from * to * around. (12 SC)

Round 5 :

SC in each SC around. (12 SC)

Round 6 :

*2 SC in next SC, SC in next 2 SC*, repeat from * to * around. (16 SC)

Round 7 :

SC in each SC around, SLST in next SC, fasten off leaving an 8 tail for sewing. (16 SC)

Section :

Teeth (Make 2 or more)

Round 1 :

With White and F hook, CH 2, 3 SC in 2nd CH from hook. Do not join. (3 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in first SC, 1 SC in next 2 SC. (4 SC)

Round 3 :

1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join. fasten off leaving small tail to sew. (4 SC)

Section :

Nostrils (Make 2)

Round 1 :

With Black and F hook, CH 2, 3 SC in 2nd CH from hook, SLST to join, fasten off leaving a small tail to sew with.

Info :

Proceed to the Facial Features section to determine what type of eyes you want your hat to have! It can have cartoon eyes, serious eyes, or mix and match the eyelids from the serious eyes with the cartoon eyes or give it the serious eyes without the eyelids! This is your chance to make your hat unique!

— Panda, Bear, Puppy, Wolf, Giraffe and Other Animals :

Info :

Inside Ears - Make 2 (Bear example) Rnd 1: With Trim Color and an H hook, CH 2, 6 SC in 2nd CH from hook, SLST to join, CH 1. (6 SC) Rnd 2: 2 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, CH 1. (12 SC) Rnd 3: 2 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off and set aside. (24 SC)

Info :

Outside Ears - Make 2 (Bear example) Rnd 1: With Main Color and an H hook, CH 2, 6 SC in 2nd CH from hook, SLST to join, CH 1. (6 SC) Rnd 2: 2 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, CH 1. (12 SC) Rnd 3: 2 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, CH 1, turn. (24 SC) Rnd 4: Pick up inside ear and with wrong sides facing each other, working through both thicknesses, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off leaving a tail to sew with. (24 SC)

Info :

Proceed to the Facial Features section to determine what type of eyes you want your hat to have! It can have cartoon eyes, serious eyes, or mix and match the eyelids from the serious eyes with the cartoon eyes or give it the serious eyes without the eyelids! This is your chance to make your hat unique!

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach trim to hat by joining trim color with a SC at the back where hat was fastened off, then work 1 SC in each stitch around and SLST to join; work 3 SC in the tip of each earflap and fasten off.
  • Sew inside ear and outside ear together by aligning wrong sides, then work 1 SC around both thicknesses or whipstitch around the edge and fasten securely leaving a tail for sewing if required.
  • Position scales, snout, nostrils, and teeth on the hat referencing photos; use yarn tail to sew pieces in place and stuff small features lightly before closing for a natural shape.
  • Place safety stitch markers or pins to mark facial feature placement before sewing to ensure symmetry and correct spacing between eyes and snout.
  • Weave in all ends and fasten off securely; trim excess yarn and block lightly if desired to even out the shape of the hat and features.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers when working continuous rounds to mark the beginning of each round and prevent miscounting.
  • 💡Measure the recipients head accurately and choose the hat size based on head circumference rather than age for the best fit.
  • 💡Work in single crochet as specified to create a dense, warm fabric — larger stitches will change the finished size and warmth of the hat.
  • 💡Stuff small features lightly and evenly as you go to keep shapes smooth and avoid lumps; overstuffing can distort the final look.

This collection of Crochet Hatimals brings playful animal personalities to everyday hats with charming features and earflaps. Whether youre making a dinosaur, bear, puppy, panda, wolf, or giraffe, each design is fully customizable and fun to assemble. Handcrafted hats like these make perfect gifts, photo props, or cozy winter accessories. 🧵🧶

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished hats measure according to the size section you choose; follow the head measurement guidance and pick the hat size that matches the recipients head circumference for best fit.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will affect final size and gauge. Make a gauge swatch and adjust hook size to match the pattern gauge for accurate sizing.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and uses continuous rounds, stitch markers, and assembly steps; basic knowledge of single crochet, increases, and finishing techniques is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete one hat in about 5-7 hours, though time may vary depending on experience level, chosen animal features, and assembly complexity.

Are safety eyes or embroidering recommended for the facial features?

The pattern uses crocheted facial features like nostrils, eyes, and teeth; you can substitute safety eyes or embroidery but ensure they are securely attached if the hat will be used by young children.