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Leopard Hat Pattern

Leopard Hat Pattern
4.0★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
4.1K Made This
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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.

🎀

Playful Twist

Fun patterns meet timeless design in pieces that express personality while remaining wonderfully wearable.

About This Leopard Hat Pattern

This pattern creates a warm leopard-themed earflap hat with playful spots and a sculpted nose. It includes instructions for both child and adult sizes and uses chunky and DK yarns for textured results. The pattern features worked-in earflaps, optional facings, separate ears, nose and spots for applique.

Leopard Hat Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Detailed round-by-round instructions and charts are provided for clarity. Buttons are used for eyes and small amounts of stuffing shape the ears for a finished look.

Why You'll Love This Leopard Hat Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple crochet into a fun, characterful accessory you can wear with pride. I enjoy the mix of techniques—working in rounds for the crown, rows for the earflaps, and small motifs for the spots—because it keeps the project interesting. The design is versatile so I can easily adapt colors and sizes for kids and adults, which makes gifting really enjoyable. The finishing touches, like the sewn-on spots and stuffed ears, always bring a big smile when I see the finished hat.

Leopard Hat Pattern step 1 - construction progress Leopard Hat Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Leopard Hat Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Leopard Hat Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to personalise this hat — I often swap the colour A to a bright coral or deep teal for a modern twist.

I sometimes use a bulkier yarn and a larger hook to make a super chunky, cosy version that takes less time to finish.

I like adding a soft fleece lining for extra warmth; if I do this I omit the crocheted facings and stitch the fabric in neatly before finishing the edging.

For a whimsical look I switch the spots to small pompoms or embroidered spirals instead of crocheted motifs.

I also experiment with eye buttons — wooden or shiny black eye buttons change the hat's mood dramatically, so I always try a few options before attaching them permanently.

If I want a more realistic animal, I adjust ear placement and size, or reduce the number of spots for a sleeker finish.

I sometimes add a chin tie by braiding three lengths of yarn from the earflap corners and knotting them with a decorative bead at the end.

To make a mini keychain hat I use thinner yarn and a small hook, following the same rounds but stopping earlier to create a tiny version.

I recommend trying different spot layouts — clustered, random or symmetric — and I often map them out with pins before sewing them on.

When gifting, I personalise the hat by sewing a small fabric label inside with the recipient's name or date to make it extra special.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the turning chain instructions can distort row starts and shaping; always work the specified 1 ch at the beginning of rounds and rows so stitch counts remain correct. ✗ Failing to change hooks for different sections affects tension and fit; check the tension guide and switch to the recommended hook sizes to achieve the correct gauge. ✗ Not fastening off with a long yarn tail leaves you short for sewing pieces on later; leave long lengths where instructed for easy attachment and neat finishing. ✗ Joining wrong color too early can create visible joins on the right side; always rejoin yarn with right side facing when the pattern specifies to keep neat color edges.

Leopard Hat Pattern

Make a cosy, stylish leopard earflap hat with spotted details and a cute crocheted nose. This pattern includes child and adult sizes, full stitch-by-stitch instructions and charted diagrams to guide your work. Youll enjoy shaping the crown, forming triangular earflaps and adding spots and ears for a playful finish. Perfect as a fun gift or a statement winter accessory.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Leopard Hat Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    King Cole Merino Blend Chunky, 100% superwash wool (74yd/67m per 50g ball) - 3[4] x 50g balls in 928 Old Gold (A)
  • 02
    King Cole Merino Blend DK, 100% superwash wool (123yd/112m per 50g ball) - 1[1] x 50g ball in 048 Black (B)
  • 03
    King Cole Baby Alpaca DK, 100% pure baby alpaca (110yd/100m per 50g ball) - 1[1] x 50g ball in 500 Camel (C)
  • 04
    Small amount of toy stuffing for ears
  • 05
    Thin card to make pom-poms (optional)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    3mm crochet hook (UK11:US -)
  • 02
    5mm crochet hook (UK6:USH/8)
  • 03
    6mm crochet hook (UK4:US/J/10)
  • 04
    2 x brown 3/4[7/8]in (2[2.25]cm) diameter buttons
  • 05
    2 x black 1/2[5/8]in (1.25[1.5]cm) diameter buttons
  • 06
    Darning needle
  • 07
    Sewing needle
  • 08
    Black sewing thread
  • 09
    Scissors
  • 10
    Stitch markers (optional)

Progress Tracker

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— Method :

Info :

The main part of the hat is crocheted in rounds, starting from the top and increasing the stitches to shape the crown.

Info :

The earflaps are crocheted in rows and decreased to form the triangular shape.

Info :

The leopard's ears are worked in rounds. They are lightly stuffed and attached to the hat along with a crocheted nose and leopard spots.

Info :

The number of spots can be increased to create a denser pattern, if preferred. Buttons are stitched on for eyes.

— Main piece :

Info :

Both sizes: Starting at the top of the hat, with 6mm hook and A, make 4 ch and sl st to first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 :

1 ch (does not count as a st), work 6 dc into ring, sl st into first dc (6 sts).

Round 2 (inc) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (12 sts).

Round 3 (inc) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 1 dc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (18 sts).

Round 4 (inc) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 2 dc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (24 sts).

Round 5 (inc) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 3 dc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (30 sts).

Round 6 (inc) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 4 dc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (36 sts).

Round 7 (inc) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 5 dc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (42 sts).

Round 8 (inc) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 6 dc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (48 sts).

Round 9 (inc) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 7 dc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (54 sts).

Round 10 (inc) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 8 dc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (60 sts).

Round 11 (inc) :

Adult size only: 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 9 dc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (66 sts).

Next :

Both sizes: 1 ch (does not count as a st), work 1 dc in each dc, sl st into first dc.

Repeat :

Rep last round 16 [18] times more.

— Earflaps and edging :

First earflap :

Next: Starting at the centre back, 1 ch (does not count as a st), work 1 dc in next 5[6] dc. The following is worked in rows:

Row 1 (RS) :

Adult size only: Work 1 dc in next 15 dc, turn.

Row 2 (WS) (dec) :

Adult size only: 1 ch (does not count as a st), dc2dec, 1 dc in next 11 dc, dc2dec, turn, 1 ch (does not count as a st).

Next :

Both sizes: Work 1 dc in next 13 dc, turn.

Next (dec) :

Both sizes: *1 ch (does not count as a st), dc2dec, 1 dc in next 9 dc, dc2dec, turn (11 sts).

Next :

1 ch (does not count as a st), work 1 dc in each dc, turn.

Next (dec) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), dc2dec, 1 dc in next 7 dc, dc2dec, turn (9 sts).

Next :

1 ch (does not count as a st), work 1 dc in each dc, turn.

Next (dec) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), dc2dec, 1 dc in next 5 dc, dc2dec, turn (7 sts).

Next :

1 ch (does not count as a st), work 1 dc in each dc, turn.

Next (dec) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), dc2dec, 1 dc in next 3 dc, dc2dec, turn (5 sts).

Next :

1 ch (does not count as a st), work 1 dc in each dc, turn.

Next (dec) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), dc2dec, 1 dc in next 1 dc, dc2dec, turn (3 sts).* Fasten off.

Second earflap :

Next: With right side facing, rejoin A to the front of the hat. Work 1 dc in each of the 24 dc across the front of the hat. The following is worked in rows:

Row 1 (RS) :

Adult size only: Work 1 dc in next 15 dc, turn.

Row 2 (WS) (dec) :

Adult size only: 1 ch (does not count as a st), dc2dec, 1 dc in next 11 dc, dc2dec, turn, 1 ch (does not count as a st).

Next :

Both sizes: Work 1 dc in next 13 dc, turn.

Next :

Both sizes: Work from * to * of first earflap. Fasten off.

— Earflap facings (Make 2) :

Info :

Omit if you plan to add a crocheted lining.

Both sizes :

Using 6mm hook and A, make 14[16] ch. Row 1 (RS): Work 1 dc in second ch from hook, 1 dc into the next 12[14] ch, turn (13[15] sts).

Row 2 (dec) :

Adult size only: 1 ch (does not count as a st), dc2dec, 1 dc in next 11 dc, dc2dec, turn (13 sts).

Row 3 :

Adult size only: 1 ch (does not count as a st), work 1 dc in each dc, turn.

Next :

Both sizes: Work from * to * of the first earflap in the main piece pattern. Fasten off.

— Edging :

Edging :

Using 5mm hook and A, with right side of work facing and starting at row 1 of the earflap facing, work 1 dc into each stitch down the edge of the next 10[12] rows, work dc2inc, 1 dc, dc2inc in the next 3 dc along the lower edge of the earflap facing, work 1 dc into each stitch at the edge of the next 10[12] rows up the other side of the earflap facing (25[29] sts). Fasten off, leaving a long length of yarn at the end.

— Ears (Make 2) :

Both sizes :

Starting at the top of the ear, with 6mm hook and A, make 4 ch and sl st to first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 :

1 ch (does not count as a st), work 5 dc into ring, sl st into first dc (5 sts).

Round 2 (inc) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc) 5 times, sl st into first dc (10 sts).

Round 3 (inc) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 1 dc) 5 times, sl st into first dc (15 sts).

Round 4 (inc) :

1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 2 dc) 5 times, sl st into first dc (20 sts).

Next (inc) :

Adult size only: 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 4 dc) 4 times, sl st into first dc (24 sts).

Next :

Both sizes: 1 ch (does not count as a st), work 1 dc in each dc, sl st into first dc.

Repeat :

Rep last round 4[6] more times. Fasten off, leaving a long length of yarn at the end.

— Nose :

Both sizes :

With 3mm hook and B, make 4 ch and sl st to first ch to form a ring. Next: 1 ch (does not count as a st), work 6 dc into ring, sl st into first dc (6 sts).

Child size only :

Next round: 1 ch (does not count as a st), work 1 dc in each dc, sl st to first dc.

Next round (inc) :

Child size only: 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (12 sts).

Next round (inc) :

Child size only: 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc) 12 times, sl st into first dc (24 sts).

Adult size only :

Next (inc): 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (12 sts).

Next round :

Adult size only: 1 ch (does not count as a st), work 1 dc in each dc, sl st to first dc.

Next round :

Adult size only: Rep last round.

Next round (inc) :

Adult size only: 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc) 12 times, sl st into first dc (24 sts).

Next round :

Adult size only: 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 2 dc) 8 times, sl st into first dc (32 sts).

Finishing :

Both sizes: Fasten off, leaving a long length of yarn at the end.

— Spots :

Tiny (make 10[10]) :

With 3mm hook and C, make 4 ch and sl st to first ch to form a ring. Round 1: 1 ch (does not count as a st), work 5 dc into ring, sl st into first dc (5 sts). Join in yarn B. Round 2 (inc): With B, make 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc) 5 times (10 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long length of B at the end.

Small (make 10[6]) :

With 3mm hook and C, make 4 ch and sl st to first ch to form a ring. Row 1: 1 ch (does not count as a st), work 6 dc into ring, turn (6 sts). Row 2 (inc): 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc) 3 times, join and continue in yarn B, (dc2inc) 3 times, turn (12 sts). Row 3 (inc): With B, 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc, 1 dc) 6 times (18 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long length of B at the end.

Medium (make 6[6]) :

With 3mm hook and C, make 4 ch and sl st to first ch to form a ring. Round 1: 1 ch (does not count as a st), work 5 dc into ring, sl st into first dc (5 sts). Round 2 (inc): 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc) 5 times, sl st into first dc (10 sts). Round 3 (inc): 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc,1dc) twice, join and continue in yarn B, (dc2inc,1dc) 3 times, sl st into first dc (15 sts). Round 4 (inc): With B, 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc,2dc) 4 times, sl st to next dc. Fasten off, leaving a long length of B at the end.

Large (make 0[6]) :

With 3mm hook and C, make 4 ch and sl st to first ch to form a ring. Round 1: 1 ch (does not count as a st), work 6 dc into ring, sl st into first dc (6 sts). Round 2 (inc): 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc) 6 times, sl st into first dc (12 sts). Join in yarn B. Round 3 (inc): With B, make 1 ch (does not count as a st), (dc2inc,1dc) 6 times, turn (18 sts). Next: With B, miss first dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc, (dc2inc,2dc) 3 times, sl st to next dc. Fasten off, leaving a long length of B at the end.

Assembly Instructions

  • Lightly stuff each ear and sew them to the top of the hat, spacing them evenly on the crown and securing with the long yarn tails left from fastening off.
  • Sew the crocheted nose to the centre front of the hat using the long tail, positioning it just above the front edge of the earflap opening.
  • Stitch spots to the hat in a balanced arrangement using the long yarn tails; secure each spot on the wrong side and weave in ends neatly.
  • Attach buttons for eyes on either side of the nose, ensuring even spacing and secure with black sewing thread through both shanks for safety and durability.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use the tension guide (13 sts and 14 rows to 4in/10cm over double crochet on 6mm hook) to check gauge and adjust hook size if necessary for correct fit.
  • 💡Omit earflap facings if you plan to add a crochet or fabric lining; the pattern notes this as an option for a cosier finish.
  • 💡Leave long lengths of yarn when fastening off motifs (ears, nose, spots) so you have ample yarn for sewing pieces securely in place.

This leopard hat pattern is a playful and cozy project that makes a wonderful handmade gift. The combination of chunky and DK yarns gives great texture while the spots and ears add delightful character. Make one in bold colours or natural tones for a stylish winter look. 🐆🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished hat fit?

The pattern includes sizes to fit a child up to 20in (51cm) head circumference and an adult up to 22in (56cm) head circumference.

What skill level do I need to make this hat?

This pattern is rated intermediate due to shaping, working in rounds and rows, and assembling multiple pieces — basic knowledge of dc increases/decreases and reading charts is helpful.

Can I make the hat without earflap facings or a lining?

Yes — the earflap facings are optional; omit them if you plan to add a crocheted or fabric lining instead, as noted in the instructions.

Do I need to follow the charts to make this hat?

Charts are provided for clarity on shaping and edging; you can follow the written instructions alone, but the charts help with stitch placement and visual reference.