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Crochet Hatimals Pattern

Crochet Hatimals Pattern
4.0★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.4K 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 creates whimsical animal-themed hats — "Hatimals" — that combine a warm beanie base with playful facial features and trims. Each hat is worked in single crochet for a tight, warm fabric and includes instructions for sizes from baby to adult. The book includes a basic beanie, earflaps and a range of animal add-ons like scales, ears, teeth, and nostrils so you can mix and match.

Crochet Hatimals Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Clear round-by-round instructions make it easy to follow and customize, while color tables and materials lists ensure you pick the correct yarns. Photos show finished examples to guide placement and assembly.

Why You'll Love This Crochet Hatimals Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it blends simple construction with big personality — a basic beanie becomes a playful animal in just a few extra steps. I enjoy how single crochet makes each hat both warm and durable, perfect for everyday wear and active kids. The variety of facial features allows me to experiment with character and expression, so no two hats have to look the same. I also appreciate the clear size options that let me make matching hats for the whole family with confidence.

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 many ways you can customize these hats — changing yarn colors can totally transform the character, so I often swap the main and trim colors for a fresh look.

If you want a chunkier hat, I recommend using a bulkier worsted yarn and a larger hook to get a plush, cosy version; conversely a smaller hook and lighter yarn makes adorable minis.

I sometimes add embroidered freckles, whiskers, or felt patches to give extra personality — these small details make each Hatimal feel hand-crafted and special.

Try different eye styles: crocheted circles for cartoon eyes, safety eyes for a shiny look, or embroidered pupils for a softer finish — placement will change the expression dramatically.

For a more rugged or posable hat, you can insert a small length of wire into braided ties or inside ears, but secure it carefully and avoid using wire for baby hats for safety reasons.

Make sets by matching hats with simple accessories like mittens or small scarves in the same yarn; they make great gifts that feel professionally coordinated.

Consider swapping the trim stitch for a picot, reverse single crochet, or a simple slip-stitch edge to create visual contrast and texture on the brim.

I sometimes mix scales and spikes from the dinosaur set in different sizes to create a whimsical ridge down the back — play with spacing to get the silhouette you love.

Try felting small details from wool yarn for a soft, non-fraying finish on adult hats, or use yarn glue on felt pieces for secure application when sewing is difficult.

Lastly, I suggest making a gauge swatch every time you experiment so you can predict finished size changes and keep your customizations consistent across multiple hats.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not using a stitch marker when working continuous rounds causes lost beginning-of-round; place a marker at the first stitch of every round and move it each round. ✗ Skipping gauge checks results in hats that are too large or too small; make a 1" square swatch with recommended hook sizes and adjust hook size until gauge matches. ✗ Stuffing facial features unevenly leads to lumpy, misshapen pieces; stuff gradually with small amounts of fiberfill and shape as you go for smooth results. ✗ Forgetting to count stitches during increase rounds creates incorrect stitch counts; count your stitches at the end of each round and mark every 12 or 24 stitches for accuracy. ✗ Pulling yarn too tight for trim rounds causes the border to pucker; use relaxed tension for decorative trim to lay flat and even.

Crochet Hatimals Pattern

Make playful animal-themed hats with this Crochet Hatimals pattern. You'll find full instructions for a basic beanie, earflaps, trims, and multiple animal facial features so you can customize hats for all ages. The patterns use single crochet for a warm, snug finish and include size options from newborn to adult. Follow the clear rounds and step-by-step sections to build each hat and add charming details like scales, ears, teeth, and nostrils.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Crochet Hatimals Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Red Heart Super Saver yarn, worsted weight (#4), 7 oz skeins for main and trim colors (used throughout the book)
  • 02
    Dinosaur: Tea Leaf - Main Color (1 7oz skein), Warm Brown - Trim Color (1 7oz skein), Red, White, Black (less than 1 oz each) for facial details
  • 03
    Bear: Coffee - Main Color (1 7oz skein), Warm Brown - Trim Color (1 7oz skein), Red, White, Black (less than 1 oz each) for details
  • 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) for mouth detail
  • 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 size F (3.75mm)
  • 02
    Crochet hook size G (4.0mm)
  • 03
    Crochet hook size H (5.0mm)
  • 04
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends
  • 05
    Fiber fill (polyester stuffing) for facial pieces and scales
  • 06
    Stitch markers to mark beginning of round and earflap placement
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Measuring tape or ruler for gauge and head measurements
  • 09
    Optional: safety eyes or buttons for features (if desired)

Progress Tracker

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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 aren't very functional in cold weather. Here in Colorado where the wind gets to whippin' about 50 mph and the temperature is in the 20's 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 recipient's head prior to beginning your project. Hat sizes do not go by one's age but by how big one's 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 string with a ruler or measuring tape.

— General Instructions :

Infos :

Abbreviations: CH Chain. Rnd(s) Round(s). SC Single Crochet. SP Space. ST(s) Stitch(es). SC DEC Single Crochet Decrease. SLST Slip Stitch. YO Yarn Over. Gauge: Exact gauge is essential for proper size. Before beginning, make a sample swatch with hook specified to ensure you don't 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 don't 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. 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. 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 14" – 16" (0-3 month) :

Round 9 :

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)

— Size 16" – 18" (3-6 month) :

Round 9 :

*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.

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. (54 SC)

— Size 18" – 20" (Toddler, Child) :

Round 9 :

*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.

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 SC in back of hat, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off. (60 SC)

— Size 20" – 22" (Child, Pre-Teen, Adult) :

Round 9 :

*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.

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 SC in back of hat, 1 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off. (66 SC)

— Size 22" – 24" (Large Teen / Adult) :

Round 9 :

*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.

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 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 don't have stitch markers, you can use a piece of yarn.

Info :

Left earflap: 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 :

Row 2 is the same for all sizes.

Row 2 :

Skip first SC, SC in each SC across, CH 1, turn.

Info :

Repeat Row 2 until only 1 SC remains. Fasten off. Remove marker.

Info :

Right earflap: 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.

Info :

Repeat Row 2 until only 1 SC remains. Fasten off. Remove marker.

Round - Trim :

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.

Info :

Continue on to the animal hat of choice for the facial features.

— Dinosaur (Scales, Teeth, Nostrils) :

— Large Scale (make 1) :

Rnd 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)

Rounds 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)

Rounds 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)

Rounds 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)

— Medium Scale (make 1 or more) :

Rnd 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)

Rounds 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)

Rounds 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)

— Small Scales (make 2 or more) :

Rnd 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)

— Teeth (Make 2 or more) :

Rnd 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)

— Nostrils (Make 2) :

Rnd 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!

— Bear :

— Inside Ears - Make 2 :

Rnd 1: With Trim Color (from table on page 3) and an "H" hook, CH 2, 6 SC in 2nd CH from hook, SLST to join, CH 1. (6 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, CH 1. (12 SC)

Round 3 :

2 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, fasten off and set aside. (24 SC)

— Outside Ears - Make 2 :

Rnd 1: With Main Color (from table on page 3) and an "H" hook, CH 2, 6 SC in 2nd CH from hook, SLST to join, CH 1. (6 SC)

Round 2 :

2 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, CH 1. (12 SC)

Round 3 :

2 SC in each SC around, SLST to join, CH 1, turn. (24 SC)

Round 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! This is your chance to make your hat unique!

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew facial features (eyes, nose, nostrils, mouth) onto the beanie with matching yarn tails, using photos as a reference for placement and spacing for symmetrical appearance.
  • Attach earflaps by sewing the finished earflap edges securely to the hat body, then trim and weave in ends; add braided ties by grouping three strands and braiding securely.
  • Position and sew scales along the center back of the hat for dinosaur hats, spacing large, medium, and small scales evenly and secure with a whipstitch through the tail left for sewing.
  • Assemble ears by pairing inside and outside ear pieces wrong sides together and sewing around edges, then attach ears to the top sides of the hat where indicated by photos.
  • Sew teeth and nostrils to the snout or muzzle piece using leftover tails; ensure teeth are positioned evenly and secure with several stitches so they withstand play.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of the start of each round and the placement of earflaps for accurate shaping and symmetry.
  • 💡Make a gauge swatch with the recommended hook to ensure finished hat sizes match the measurements; adjust hook size if necessary.
  • 💡Stuff facial pieces like snouts and scales lightly and evenly to maintain shape without distorting the hat's silhouette.
  • 💡Always fasten off and weave in ends securely to prevent pieces from coming loose during wear or washing.

These delightful Hatimals are designed to bring a smile and keep heads cozy all season long. Mix colors and facial features to craft unique animal personalities for family and friends. Whether you make a dinosaur, bear, puppy, or wolf, each hat is warm, wearable, and full of handmade charm. 🧶 Keep crocheting and spreading joy with every stitch! 🧵

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished hat sizes range from 14"–16" (0-3 months) up to 22"–24" (large teen/adult) depending on the size instructions selected and using the recommended yarn and hook sizes.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but changing yarn weight will affect the final size and gauge; adjust your hook size and make a gauge swatch to ensure the hat fits as intended.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate — basic knowledge of single crochet, increases, decreases, and working in continuous rounds is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete a single hat in about 5-7 hours for a standard beanie with trims and earflaps, though adding facial features and assembly can take additional time.

Are the hats machine washable?

Yarn care depends on the yarn manufacturer; the pattern uses Red Heart Super Saver which is machine washable on gentle, but always check yarn label instructions and consider hand washing delicate hats with glued or sewn-on embellishments.