Crochet Hat Size Guide Chart & Templates (No Maths!)

Get this amazing free crochet hat size guide. Choosing the right pattern for that perfect crochet hat is often difficult, but nothing is more annoying than creating a beautiful hat, only to find that it doesn’t fit you! Knowing the right crochet hat sizes is important for both comfort and style! Say goodbye to hats that are too tight or so loose that they keep slipping off your head! Your hat is made just for you,(or for someone you love), so be sure it fits perfectly!

Crochet Hat Size Guide Tutorials

This tutorial will give you all the measurements you need to make a crochet hat from the top down. This easy method of crocheting hats and beanies means you can make a custom hat in any size with a few simple measurements, including your head circumference and the length from the top of your head to mid-ear. These charts and guides can be used for both crochet or knit hats.

If you love making crochet hats, don’t miss this collection of free beginner-friendly crochet beanie patterns: crochet beanie patterns for beginners

Crochet Hat Measurements

To crochet a hat that fits, you need two measurements: head circumference and hat length. How do you take these measurements? Read on.

To measure head circumference:

Wrap your tape measure around the center of your forehead, ensuring it is straight, not at an angle or twisted. It must be snug but not too tight and not sagging. Record that measurement precisely. Of course, if you make the hat as a gift, you will measure the recipient’s head circumference!

To measure the length of the hat:

Place the tape measure in the center of your crown and run it down one side to the bottom of the ear. Record that number as the hat length.

If you are following a pattern for your hat, you can find the closest size to your measurements on the pattern and choose that. Don’t forget to check your crochet gauge, though, as if your gauge is not right, your hat will still not fit, even after all that measuring!

Standard Crochet Hat Measurement Chart

If you are making the hat for someone else, and you can’t take measurements, your best bet is to use standard crochet hat measurements. Below are tables of measurements for various age groups.

Terms Used In Crochet Hat Size Guide

• Head Sizes – This is the circumference around your head.
• Hat Circumference – This is the circumference of the hat. You will notice it is 1-2 inches smaller than the actual head size. This is so the hat fits snuggly without falling off.
• Crown Diameter – This is the diameter of the circle you will crochet for the crown of the hat or beanie. (If you are making a bottom-up hat, you will not need this)

This chart provides size ranges, so you must decide where the recipient fits within the range. For example, an older child will need to have the upper size in the range and a young teen will need to have the lower size in the teenager range. You’ll have to use your own judgment to a certain extent!

Please note, cm measurements have been rounded off.

Age	Head Circ	Hat Circ	Crown Diameter	Length Mid-Ear	Length Below-Ear
Preemie	12	11	3.75	4.0	4.25
Newborn	14	13	4.25	5	5.25
3-6 months	16	15	5	5.5	5.75
6-12 months	17	16	5.25	6	6.5
1-3 yrs	18	17	5.5	6	6.75
Child 3-6	19	17	5.5	6.5	7.25
Child 6-10	20	18	5.75	7	8
Adult Small/Teen	21	19	6.25	7	8
Adult Medium	22	20	6.5	7.5	8.5
Adult Large	23	21	6.75	8	9

Negative Ease and Crochet Hat Measurements

It is important to note that the hat size is not exactly the same as that of your head! Your hat will need to stretch slightly to fit comfortably on your head. If it doesn’t stretch and is the same as your head circumference, it would be very loose, fall off easily, and not be very warm at all! Allowing for this “ stretch” is called negative ease.

How to Make a Custom Crochet Hat Fit Perfectly

Generally speaking, if you follow a set hat pattern, you can use the different age groups or measurement for that hat. Here are some crochet tips to help you make top-down hats and your own crochet pattern.

Step 1 – Crochet a Circle

Start by crocheting a flat circle the diameter of your head circumference. Then, use the crochet hat calculator or crochet size chart above to measure your head circumference.

You must determine your crown diameter if you crochet your hat in the round. This crown diameter is the part of the hat that is the flat circle you will be starting with before you work the ‘tubular’ part to get the length of the hat. The crown diameter is the widest part of the flat circle before you stop increasing!

Depending on the stitch, it may be difficult to get within a reasonable range of the crown diameter. This happens especially when you are using half double, double crochet stitches, or taller stitches. Try using a different hook size instead for increased accuracy. Alternatively, try a different yarn weight for the crown or adjust the number of stitches.

Formula for Crochet Hat Crown Size

To calculate your crown diameter, you must divide the hat’s circumference by pi, which is 3.14. Remember to include the negative ease in your hat before you divide by pi.

DIAMETER = CIRCUMFERENCE / 3.14

So, for example, if you want a hat to fit an average woman’s head, your head circumference could be 22” First, subtract the negative ease, i.e. 2.5”, to make it 19.5”. This will be the final circumference of the hat band. Then divide that 19.5″ by 3.14, and you will get 6.2” (rounded off). That measurement is the flat circle diameter.

Step 2 – Crochet Hat Length

Work your hat as a flat circle, then stop increasing to get the length of the body of the hat.

The length of the hat’s body will be the length you have measured (see above). If you wish to add a band to your hat edge, these are the standard measurements for hat bands.

Measurements for Crochet Hat Bands

Crochet hats often have slightly narrower brims because a crochet ‘rib’ doesn’t pull in as tightly as a knit rib. This brim table is just a guideline. You do need to add a slightly tighter crochet ribbing, though, to keep the hat in place!

Age	Hat Band Height
Preemie	1″ (2.5cm)
0-3 months	1.3″ (3cm)
3 -6 months	1.4″ (3.5cm)
6 – 12 months	1.6″ (4cm)
Toddler	1.8″ (4.5cm)
Child	1.9 (4.8cm)
Teenager	2 (5cm)
Woman	2.2 (5.5cm)
Man	2.3″ 5.8cm)

Crochet Hat Size Guide FAQs

How Do I Make a Slouchy Crochet Hat?

Slouchy hats have become increasingly fashionable lately. Luckily, it is easy to modify any crochet hat to become a slouchy hat. All you need to do is add 2” (5 cm) to the length of the hat to make it slouchy.

In Conclusion

Now you have a comprehensive guide to designing and making crochet hats! When choosing your stitch pattern be sure to select one which has a bit of stretch.

If all this math is a little too much for you, simply make a rectangle to fit the circumference of your head, sew it up the short side (with negative ease), and gather the top! Of course, this hat won’t be as stylish as a shaped hat, but it will still keep your head warm! Have fun making those cozy hats!

Free Crochet Hat Patterns

Here are some free crochet hat and beanie patterns:

• Wave Beanie Crochet Pattern
• Granny Stitch Beanie Pattern
• Ribbed Beanie Pattern
• How to Crochet Baby Hats