Super Easy Premie Hat Crochet Pattern

With Ear Flaps

There is something incredibly special about crocheting for the tiniest little humans. A handmade hat may seem small, but for a premature baby, it provides warmth, comfort, and a gentle reminder that someone cares.

When babies arrive earlier than expected, they often need extra help staying warm. Because premature babies can’t regulate their body temperature as easily, a soft, well-fitting hat can make a big difference, especially in the NICU. That’s why I love keeping a simple, go-to premie hat pattern on hand.

This Super Easy Premie Hat Crochet Pattern (With Ear Flaps) was designed with beginners in mind. It uses basic stitches, works up quickly, and creates a snug fit without being too tight. The added ear flaps provide extra warmth and help keep the hat securely in place, perfect for tiny heads that need just a little extra coverage.

You'll find this pattern is quick, practical, and full of heart.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the Start Crochet links. Please see my disclosure for more details.

Materials Needed

• DK weight yarn. I used Loops & Threads Heathered Tweed. 
• For hospital donations, choose ultra-soft, machine-washable yarn such as:
  Red Heart Soft
  Bernat Baby Sport
  Lion Brand Baby Soft
  Always check NICU guidelines before donating.
• Size 5.0mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Measuring tape or a copy of the FREE Hat Sizing Template Below.

Abbreviations Used in Pattern

• Ch = Chain
• MC = magic circle
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• dc inc = double crochet increase (work 2 dc sts into the same stitch)
• dc dec = double crochet decrease = dc2tog
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• fo = fasten off

Skill Level

Beginner

Measurements/Size

Approximate finished size:

• Circumference: 11.8 –12.5 inches (approx. 30 - 32 cm)
• Height (without flaps): 4 inches (approx. 10 cm)

Tip: Always check sizing requirements if making for hospital donation.

Yardage

I used about 46 m for this project (approx. 50 yards)

Gauge

15 sts and 7.5 rows in dc = 10 cm (4") with a 5 mm hook.

Notes

• This baby hat is worked in joined rounds.
• Ear flaps are worked in rows after the hat body is complete.

You can make the pattern larger or smaller by either: changing the yarn weight and/or hook size, adding or reducing the number of rounds. Please refer to the Hat Sizing Chart & Template below to adjust sizing.

- Numbers at the end of each round (in brackets) indicate the number of final stitches in that round. 

- Ch 2 at the beginning of a round does not count as a stitch.

- Please note that I use US crochet terms.

Super Easy Baby Hat With Bow & Flaps Crochet Pattern Instructions

R1: Start with a Magic Circle, Ch 2, Work 10 dc into a Magic Circle. (10)
Note: If you don't know how to work a Magic Circle, then tie a slip knot on your hook, ch 2, 10 dc into the 2nd chain from your hook. (10)

Pull your magic circle closed. Sl st to the top of your first st to join.

R2: Ch 2, dc inc into each st around. Sl st to join. (20)

R3: Ch 2, [dc inc, dc] x 10. Sl st to join. (30)

R4: Ch 2, [dc inc, dc into the next 2 sts] x 10. Sl st to join. (40)

Measure your hat at this point according to the hat sizing template. If you want to make it larger, add rounds as appropriate following the pattern for increasing rounds in a dc flat circle (free printable diagram below).

R5-8: Ch 2, dc around, sl st to join. (40 - 4 rounds) Do not cut yarn. Continue to Ear Flaps.

Note: If you made a larger size, you'll need to add more rounds as per measurements in the sizing chart.

Ear Flaps

R9: Ch 2, 6 dc, turn (6)

R10: Ch 2, dec, 2 dc, dec, turn (4)

R11: Ch 2, dec, 2 dc, turn (3)

Sl st to get to the center of this row, ch 30.

Leave a short tail, cut your yarn and fasten off. 

Fold your hat in half so that the ear flap is also folded in half on one side of the hat. Now count 15 sts from the first ear flap on R8 of the hat, join yarn.

R12: Ch 2, 6 dc, turn (6)

R10: Ch 2, dec, 2 dc, dec, turn (4)

R11: Ch 2, dec, 2 dc, turn (3)

Sl st to get to the center of this row, ch 30.

Leave a short tail, cut your yarn and fasten off. 

Bow

You can either continue with the same yarn or choose a contrasting color for the bow.

Leaving a 4" tail, tie a slip knot on your hook and Ch 15, sl st to join to the beginning of the chain to form a circle.

Note: Make sure your chain is not twisted.

R1-2: Ch 2, dc across, sl st to join. (15, 2 rounds)

Note: If you'd like to crochet into the back bumps of the chain, that will give a nicer finish. Otherwise, simply crochet into the top loops of the chain.

Leave a 4" tail, cut your yarn and fasten off. 

Keeping the seam of the bow in the back center, flatten your bow. You should have a yarn tail popping out of the top and bottom center of your bow.

Tie the bow's center with the remaining yarn tails and pull tightly to pinch the center of the bow. Continue to wrap the yarn tails around the bow center several times and tie a double knot in the back to secure. Make sure this is centered. Do not cut ends yet.

Finalizing Your Hat

Fold your hat in half so that the 2 ear flaps are to the right and left.

Position your bow on the front right side of the hat. Attach with your hook or yarn needle and tie a double knot on the inside of the hat. Weave in your ends to secure.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

Happy hooking!

May

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