Crochet a sweet baby bear hat with this free crochet pattern in two sizes.
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My little guy is four months old already! How did this happen? It’s going by really fast, as I’m sure any of you who have ever had little ones knows. With four boys under the age of 9 life is really hectic for us all the time. I once heard a quote “the days are long but the years are short” and I already think that is so true. My oldest is 8. Eight!! He is so mature and doesn’t even really need me much anymore. As much as I am longing to have more time to myself and not be needed so much, I’m really trying to slow down and cherish this time.
Another great thing I read said that “you will never be more loved than you are now” and I also think that is true. Tonight while I was lying in bed with my 2 1/2 year old wishing he would fall asleep I was thinking of that saying. I was absolutely exhausted from the kiddos needing me all day and he was tossing and turning and I just really wanted the kids to sleep. He turned towards me and snuggled close and put his arm around me and my heart melted. I know without a doubt I am more loved right now than I will ever be in my life. And I don’t want to lose sight of that. <3
Design Story and Inspiration for the Baby Bear Hat
Even when we don’t have babies in the house I can’t imagine not designing baby things. I designed this hat as part of a set of baby bear things for baby. The hat is the first in this series, then the mitts, and finally a pair of matching booties. I decided to add the little felt claws to make it more bear-like and I really like the way they turned out. I’m glad I was able to get these pictures of him wearing them because he’s almost outgrown them already! Time – slow down!!
About the Yarn
I really love all the colors of Lion Brand Heartland. The subtle color variations are amazing and it makes such great projects.
It’s also super easy to care for, which is a big plus when making baby things!
If you would like to substitute yarn, any worsted weight that gets gauge should make an adorable baby bear hat.
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Pattern Details
This hat is worked from the top down. If you like the magic ring, you can use that instead of the starting ch 2.
The ribing is attached at the bottom of the hat using a technique where you will sc2tog in the last st of the ribbing and the next st of the hat.
Here is a helpful video for attaching ribbing.
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Baby Bear Hat
What You’ll Need
Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland (100% Acrylic; 251 yards [230 meters]/142 grams): 125 Mammoth Cave, 1 skein
Hook: US size F/5 (4.0mm); US size I/9 (5.5mm)
Notions: Tapestry needle; stitch markers
Skill Level: Easy
Size: Preemie (6 months), 12 (14 ½)” circumference
Gauge: 20 sts and 24 rows = 4” [10 cm] in sc with smaller hook; 18 sts and 20 rows = 4” [10 cm] in sc with larger hook
Stitch Descriptions and Abbreviations:
Ch (chain)
Sc (single crochet)
Blo (back loop only): Work in the back loop of the stitches indicated.
Notes:
Rounds are not joined unless noted. Place stitch marker in first st of each round to keep track. If only one number is given that number applies to both sizes.
Baby Bear Hat Pattern
With larger hook, ch 2.
Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook – 6 sts.
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st – 12 sts.
Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around – 18 sts.
Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around – 24 sts.
Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around – 30 sts.
Rnd 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around – 36 sts.
Rnd 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around – 42 sts.
Rnd 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around – 48 sts.
Rnd 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around – 54 sts.
Rnd 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around – 60 sts.
Size 6 Months Only
Rnd 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around – 66 sts.
Both Sizes
Work 15 (18) rnds even.
Ribbing
Change to smaller hook, ch 7.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 4 ch, sc2tog last ch and first st of last round – 6 sts.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc blo in each st.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc blo in first 5 sts, sc2tog blo of last st and 2nd st of last round.
Rep Rows 2-3 around.
Fasten off.
Sew seam in ribbing.
Ear (make 2)
Ch 6.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, turn – 5 sts.
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st, turn – 10 sts.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, (sc2tog) twice, sc in next 3 sts, turn – 8 sts.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, sc3tog, sc in next 3 sts, turn – 6 sts.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog, turn – 4 sts.
Row 6: Ch 1, (sc2tog) twice – 2 sts.
Fasten off.
Sc evenly around outer edge.
Finishing
Sew Ears on Hat using photos as a guide. Weave in ends.
That’s it! I hope you’ve enjoyed this free crochet pattern. Be sure to visit my other free baby crochet patterns, too!
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He is just too darn CUTE !
I have a question. I don’t know what I did wrong, but the ribbing made the hat look more like a bucket hat than a beanie. Any advice?
Hi Brooke, when that happens it usually means there are too many ribbing rows. Take the ribbing out and space the rows out more so there are fewer rows. 🙂
Very cute gate. Pro tip: be sure to check your gauge at the beginning and along the way. I did it at the beginning only, and my hat was two inches bigger. Poor kid won’t be able to to wear it until it’s 2! Don’t hesitate to switch to a smaller hook if your stitches lean larger.
Do you attach ribbing as you go along or sew on separately?