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Maybe I’m biased, but I’m convinced that this easy, free crochet pattern for newborns works perfectly, both for charity crocheting and as a timeless baby gift! Just two simple crochet rows create this effortlessly stunning ribbing pattern that looks just like knit, with a twist.
The secret to this effortless ribbing pattern? Work through the back loop only! There are lots of great tutorials for working in the back loop, and it’s something even a beginner can manage.
Honestly, this hat nearly crochets itself! I enjoy working on my crochet projects in the car, at the park, or even while I watch TV, so sometimes I prefer patterns that don’t take much fussing or complicated stitching. This certainly fits the bill!
I’ve made quite a few for Little Hats, Big Hearts this year, but this one was my favorite! Completely effortless. I love the way it gently swirls!
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The perfectly stretchy texture of this hat comes from using a slightly lighter weight yarn. I chose Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn Sport, but a lighter worsted weight would be great as well! If you don’t have a Hobby Lobby in your area and are looking to order online, you can support my blog by shopping through these affiliate links. My personal recommendations to substitute would be Lion Brand Pound of Love for crocheting in bulk, Lion Brand Mandala for amazing self-striping projects, or Caron Simply Soft for a thrifty yet still deliciously soft yarn.
Materials
H / 5.0mm Crochet Hook – I prefer a metal hook with an ergonomic grip for slip stitching.
Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn! Sport (or approx. 120 yds (3) Sport weight yarn)
Scissors
Yarn Needle
Abbreviations
Ch- Chain
Sc- single crochet
Tbl – through back loop
Special Stitches
Through Back Loop: Insert your hook under the back loop of the stitch, instead of both sides.
Gauge / Finished Size
Newborn: 12” long and 6.5 inches wide (8.5” wide for folded brim) before seaming and cinching shut.
Fits an average newborn baby with a 13” head circumference, but is fairly stretchy!
Notes
Customize the size of this pattern by adjusting the length of the chain and the number of row repeats. Your starting chain should be just slightly shorter than the finished height of your hat, and you should continue on until the height is just an inch or so shorter than the head circumference.
Wondering how to size this for your older baby or even yourself? Here is a great crochet hat sizing chart for you to reference. Or, you could harass the recipient by measuring their head several times during the process. (On the plus side, this has taught my kids to leave my yarn alone!)
Before you get started, remember to pin this image on Pinterest, or add it to your Ravelry queue or favorites! If you prefer to work offline, you may purchase a conveniently portable ad-free PDF copy here.
Bias Ribbed Baby Hat
Ch 31. Your chain should be approximately half an inch longer than the desired hat height of 6.5”.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch, and across. [30]
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Working Tbl, Sl across. [30]
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Working Tbl, Sc across. [30]
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your hat is 12” long.
Holding both ends of the hat together, sl across to join.
Leaving a long tail, break yarn.
With your yarn needle, sew a running stitch around the top of the hat and cinch shut. Secure with several more stitches and a knot, then weave in ends securely.
Now you’re ready to mail it off to your local Little Hats Big Hearts Collection Center, or wash it to prepare for that last minute baby shower!
Thank you so much for supporting my blog. I have checked and double-checked this pattern, but I’m only human- please let me know if you have any questions or if I have missed anything at all so I can correct it for you all.
You are more than welcome to sell any finished items made from this pattern. Please use your own photos and credit Katie Clary as the designer. Links back to my blog post are greatly appreciated! Please feel free to share this pattern by directing others to this blog post or the Ravelry listing, NOT by distributing the pattern or photos as your own.
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Karen says
How do you get the swirl effect? Is there a special way that you sew the top when you cinch it? Thanks
Katie says
Great Question, Karen! When I made this hat, I thought it’d be just a plain ribbed rectangle, but it swirled all on its own. I think it’s something to do with the difference in the height of the single crochet stitching and the slip stitching. I also do have a fairly tight tension, so that might have helped mine swirl more than an average crocheter’s hat. I hope you have fun trying it!