Free Owl Hat Crochet Pattern
After making so many changes to owl hat patterns I’ve purchased on Etsy, I’ve finally come up with my own free owl hat crochet pattern that doesn’t resemble them at all (although the eyes are similar… how many ways are there to crochet circles?). Right now, I’ve only written the newborn size, so I’m offering it free on my blog. In the future, I’d love to write and sell some patterns on Etsy, but we’ll just have to see how that goes. Of course, if you don’t crochet, you can always purchase one from my Etsy shop :).
All sizes are now available in the Daisy Cottage Designs shop. It’s a slightly different pattern, but it’s the one I use for all of my owl hats in the shop 🙂
This hat should fit babies whose heads measure between 13 and 15 inches.
Materials:
-Worsted weight yarn (I used Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream Hot Green, Warm Brown, Tangerine, and Hot Blue)
–J hook (or whatever size necessary to achieve correct size)
–H hook for eyes
-Buttons for eyes
Pattern Notes:
Pattern is worked through both loops.
This pattern is worked in spiral until you reach the earflaps There will be no chains or slipstitches at the ends of a round unless otherwise noted.
Newborn:
This hat should fit babies whose heads measure between 13 and 15 inches.
Directions for Hat:
Ch 2.
Round 1: 12 HDC in second chain from hook. (12)
Round 2: *1 HDC in the next stitch, 2 HDC in the next stitch* around. (18)
Round 3: *1 HDC in the next 2 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch* around. (24)
Round 4: *1 HDC in the next 3 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch* around. (30)
Round 5: *1 HDC in the next 4 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch* around. (36)
Round 6: *1 HDC in the next 11 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch* around. (39)
Rounds 7-9: HDC in each stitch around. (39)
Round 10: HDC in each stitch around. Sl st in next. (39) Join a new color in the same stitch as the sl st.
Round 11: Ch 1., HDC in the next stitch and in each stitch around with the new color.
Rounds 12-14: HDC in the next stitch and in each stitch around. On round 14, sl st in next.
Stop here for a beanie and add one round of SC. If you’d like earflaps, keep going. I don’t chain at the end of a row. I work the first HDC of the next row in the last HDC of the previous row. If it makes you nervous to skip the chains, you can replace the first HDC of each row with 2 chains.
Round 15: 1 HDC in each of the next 10 stitches.
Round 16: Turn. 1 HDC in each stitch across.
Round 17: HDC decrease, HDC across to last two stitches, HDC decrease in last two stitches. (8)
Round 18: Turn. 1 HDC in each stitch across
Round 19: HDC decrease, HDC across to last two stitches, HDC decrease in last two stitches. (6)
Round 20: HDC in each stitch across. (6)
Round 21: HDC decrease, HDC across to last two stitches, HDC decrease in last two stitches. (4)
Round 22: HDC decrease, HDC across to last two stitches, HDC decrease in last two stitches (2).
I leave 8 stitches between the earflaps in the back and 11 between them in the front. You can play around with this and decide how you like them spaced.
Round 23: Single crochet around the entire hat.
Cut yarn and weave ends.
Facial Features (Leave long tails for sewing on):
Eyes (Make 2). Use an H hook.
Ch 3.
Round 1: 9 DC into the third ch from hook. Sl st in the first double crochet (not the chain 2).
Round 2: Ch 1, HDC in the same stitch. 2 HDC in each stitch around. I work in one extra HDC so I can sl st in the first HDC rather than in the ch.
Round 3: Ch 1, HDC in the same stitch *1 HDC in the next stitch, 2 HDC in the next* around.
Fasten off and weave ends. Sew a button in the center.
Beak:
Ch 6.
Row 1: 1 sc in second ch from hook, HDC in next, DC in next, DC in next, TC in next. Fasten off.
Ears:
Ch 2.
Round 1: Work 5 SC in the second ch from hook. (5)
Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch. (10)
Round 3 –8: SC in each stitch around.
Fasten off and sew on hat.
LuPreel Melster says
Thanks so much for sharing this pattern for free! I love it!
Kyrie says
Wow…looking at the pattern at least, it looks so clear. I've been reading some that give me a headache! So excited to try it! Thanks so much!
Meagan says
thank you so much. Do you generally just change the hook size for larger sizes? I want to make an owl hat for each member of the family:)
Lauren says
Meagan, you could try increasing the number of HDCs in the first round and see how it goes from there. I haven't written the pattern for all the sizes yet, but as I do, I'll be sharing those, too. 🙂
Meagan says
yay:)thank you
Sarah @ Sarahndipities says
SOOOO CUTE!<br /><br />Just wanted to let you know that I gave you a little award today! <br /><br />http://sarahndipities.blogspot.com/2011/07/this-morning-i-found-out-i-had-been.html<br /><br />~ Sarah
needlekrafter says
this is so pretty– thanks for sharing this adorable pattern. 🙂 God bless…
sue_bear10 says
I made this for a friend's baby shower. She loved it! Thanks so much for sharing. My daughter (2 years old) thought it was for her the whole time I was making it so I guess I better figure out how to alter it to make it bigger. hee hee…
pawsma says
Thank-you so much for this pattern! I have 2 nephews and a niece on the way, as well as several friends have babies this fall! This will make an adorable gift and it will also make for some adorable photos! <br />Thanks again!
Amarette says
This pattern is so great… and so cute! All I have to do to finish mine is find some buttons and sew on those and the eyes. It was so easy to follow. I just needed to make sure I used a stitch marker for the first stitch of each row. Can't wait for the larger ones!
Candice says
How many HDCs do you recommend for a hat for a 6-12 month old? I love this pattern by the way. Super cute!
JessieMomma says
Ooooh THANK YOU!!!!! I have been coveting these hats and I am suit to make one for my 1st grader and some sweet babies we know! Love it!
fedricsonya says
I apperceive that Lauren is planning on announcement chargeless patterns for all the sizes, but I just couldn't delay to accomplish these hats for our accomplished family. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.hatcountry.com/Hats/Cowboy+Hats/" rel="nofollow">Cowboy Hats</a>
Rjoy says
Thank you for the pattern! It is coming out so cute! I have a question about the ear portion. What does -8: mean? Thank you!!!
J & T Ward and kids says
I am having a hard time understanding how to do the earflaps. Do I do the earflaps seperately or at the same time? if I do them at the same time do I single crochet in between the earflaps?
Cami @ You Seriously Made That says
Thanks for sharing your pattern! I featured you on my blog today! Come over and check it out! youseriouslymadethat.blogspot.com
deb says
Thanks for sharing this! It is adorable and would look so cute on my grandson! Am I missing the link to the pattern? When I click on it in the tutorials section, it just takes me to a photo. Thanks!
Rebecca Majewski says
I am also having a difficult time following how to do the earflaps. I need a little help on it, please. Also a recommendation on changes needed for a 2.5 year old. I'm trying to make a matching set for a pair of siblings. Bekka97455@aol.com
Melinda Ford says
Love this! I made two for my kids for this Halloween. I apparently don't crochet as tightly as you do, because I had to use a size F hook to get it small enough for my newborn. It turned out adorable! Thanks so much for sharing. I've posted it at this site: http://stayathomemomcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-owls.html
Prince heriston says
I am also a difficult time after the atria. I need help on it, please. Also a recommendation on the necessary changes for a year of 2.5 years. I try to make a matching game for a couple of brothers.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.biomarproducts.com/index.php/tratamientos/remedios-prostata.html" rel="nofollow">remedios prostata</a>
c says
Anyone figured out the ear flap instruction? Not sure what the instrucion means after the previous row said to turn. Also the earflaps are not separated pieces, right?
Lauren says
Sorry I just noticed all these earflap comments! The earflaps are done separately! The first is attached to the hat because you just start working in rows rather than rounds. For the second, you'll have to detach yarn and attach it again on the other side! : ) <br /><br />So sorry for the confusion. I haven't been keeping up with my Etsy shop or my blog lately. My excuse is
AIM Photography says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Miss Becky says
Thanks for the pattern. Our high school mascot is the owls! So I made mine in our school colors of black and gold. I used the same size hook but somehow added an extra stitch or two and made it a little bigger. It will fit a 2-4 year old! I also was confused on the -8 instruction on the ears but realized it meant rounds 3-8! I also had to watch some YouTube videos for a few of the stitches and
Lizzy @My Mind..My Life says
Just Fabulous! Thanks so much.
lmuzinic2000 says
I just finished my first from your pattern and LOVE it!!!!<br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/pages/Midnight-Stitches/143603745729595
ShoppingFreak says
I suck at reading patterns.I am better at visual video tuts. But i will try this one. TYFS its so cute.
theHomespun says
This is so adorable! My friend just had a little girl and made a special request for something like this. She's going to love it! Check out my blog, I'll post it when I finish!
Sâmela Araújo says
The clearest free pattern I've seen so far! This is perfect! Thank you so much! I messed up tho, I didn't read the part where it said spiral… so I've stopped to think about the 6 rounds I'm going to have to undo! =( Oh Jeez!
Mom in Michigan says
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
Amarette says
I just made this hat for a teenager/adult. Here's what I changed:<br /><br />-Used a size K hook<br />-Round 1: 16 HDC instead of 12<br />-Added 2 rows where it says "Rounds 7-9"<br />-Added 2 rows where it says "Rounds 12-14"<br /><br />Everything else remained the same, including the size of the facial features.
Rusti Casale says
I am making this hat for my 13 year old daughter for Christmas. I am so excited about this pattern! Thank you for sharing!
A says
Thank you for posting this!!!<br />I adjusted it just a touch for my 2-month old niece! This was so much fun! My kids want their own. I just wanted to say thanks! Blessings!
Erin says
I adjusted the pattern and made the CUTEST red and brown one for my 3 year old niece! I can't wait for her to open it at Christmas!! Thanks so much for sharing the pattern.
BreeAnna says
Lauren, just wanted to thank you so much for sharing this for free! HOW ADORABLE!!! I really respect people that can write their own patterns. May God continue to bless you and your family, Merry Christmas!<br />BreeAnna
Melissa says
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!
Abigail says
Made one myself! I can't wait to see it on my nephew! It's made with Lion Brand homespun in barley and rococo using a J hook. Since it's a bulky yarn I had to cut the number in the first round to 10 and adjust accordingly. Thank you for the pattern! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10101572736650024&l=b487be6b9d
Gail says
Thanks for sharing this easy free pattern. Can't wait to experiment with yarns for a lightweight cap for grand-baby #7 due in May!
Amber says
Thank you so much for sharing for free! Would you happened to have figured out the pattern for larger sizes yet? I want to make one to fit my 6 month old's 17" head!
~Today is the first and last day of forever~ says
I have a request I have been trying to make a little baby firehat they have one on etsy for sale but I cannot match it. Just wondering if you could maybe give it a try?
Lauren says
I will have to put that on my to-do list!!
Kathy says
Thank you so much for this pattern. I made this hat for a baby shower and it was a hit! I had many requests for directions and my 22 year old who is a fan of animal hats now wants one as does her 27 year old sister!
Lauren says
Glad you enjoy it!!
Aadoria says
Love this pattern. So easy. I now have requests to make this hat from my daughter's pre-school! Such a hit. Thanks.
Lauren says
Woo hoo! You might just have a little business starting up 🙂
Amber says
These ear flap instrctions are very vague. How do you go about attaching the 2nd ear flap or how do you start on the other side of the hat to make the 2nd ear flap? Please HELP I have a hat with one ear flap and no where to go from here?!
Lauren says
You join your yarn either 8 stitches from the back of the ear flap or 11 stitches from the front of the earflap and work the second one the exact same way as the first.
Zookeeper Trisha says
THANK YOU – as a beginner crochet-er, this was a PERFECT way to start things off. I really appreciate it!
Lauren says
Welcome to the addictive world of crocheting 🙂
Unknown says
did you make the tassels on the flaps from the same yarn and if so how much yarn do you use?
Lauren says
I do… I usually use three strands of each color. Usually about 18 – 24 inches, I guess. 🙂
Suttonrath says
I have made TWO of these, and LOVE them. Thank You! Do you happen to have a pattern for the Elephant Hats?
Lauren says
I'm glad you love the hats!! I do not have a pattern for the elephant hats. : ( Etsy is a great source, though!
shehippie says
This pattern is absolutely awesome!!! This is the third time i've made one, and i love it!!! Thank you soooooo much for posting this for free! Do you have any other funky cool patterns????!
Lauren says
Thanks! Glad you love it. I actually don't have any written out, but I've got some ideas up my sleeve! Stay tuned because when I come back from maternity "leave," they might just appear on the blog!
cynh says
I love this!! Am almost done with my first one but have a question or two. How do you do the braiding on each side of ear flaps? How are they attached, how many strands of each color and what is the length. Also same for the tassels on ears. Are they attached to the ears before the ears on sewed onto the hat??
Lauren says
Sorry, just saw this. I fold the strands for the braids in half and pull the loop end through. Then, you'll take the loose ends and pull them through the loop (does this make sense?? It's late :/ )<br /><br />I actually attach the tassels after I sew the ears on the hat but you could do it either way. They are attached the exact same way.
debbie says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Knitty Girl says
Thank you very much for the pattern! I made an Owl hat using your pattern, please view it in my blog http://tiffanysknittingcloset.blogspot.com.au/<br />I used a different colour combination, pink and green which I think turned out quite well. Thanks again!