Free Crochet Elf Hat Pattern

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is so appreciated!

Make this easy crochet elf hat this year and add a touch of magic to your Christmas photos. This long tail hat crochet pattern in candy cane stripes for the perfect holiday accessory.

Scroll down for crochet elf hat pattern in sizes newborn to 3 years.

Not just for Christmas think Halloween and candy corn!  This is such a fun pattern to make. Play with colours and striping to make it uniquely your own.

free crochet elf hat pattern

How to Crochet an Elf Hat

Just like a regular crochet hat you are going to start at the top!  So you will start by making the tail.  Most of the length of the tail is in the first number of rounds before you make the increases.

If you want to change the length of the tail this is the part you want to change.  Crochet less rounds for a shorter tail or crochet more for a longer tail.  This is another great way to customize this hat.

  • 💕   Skill Level is Easy
  • 💕   Skills Needed  half double crochet, single crochet
  • 💕   Sizes Newborn to 3 Years
  • 💕   Made with worsted weight yarn
  • 💕   All sizes written individually
  • 💕   Unisex crochet hat pattern
  • 💕   Written in Standard American terms
  • 💕   Easily sub bulky yarn 

Skill Level

Easy

Abbreviations

  • ch – chain
  • hdc – half double crochet
  • sc – single crochet
  • st – stitch
  • sts – stitches
  • sl st – slip stitch
  • rpt – repeat

Gauge 

3 single = 1 inch

Materials Needed

Finished Measurement

  • Newborn to 3 months – 15”
  • 3 to 6 months – 16 1/2”
  • 6 to 12 months – 18”
  • 12 months to 3 years – 19 1/2”

Colour Changes

Red and White Hat:  Colour changes are done every two rounds

Pink and Purple Hats:  Colour changes are done every round.

free crochet elf hat pattern

SPECIAL STITCH

2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc  in next*  rpt from * to * till end of rnd.

TWIRLY TAIL

Chain until desired length of tail.  1 hdc in 2nd ch from hook, *2 hdc in next, 1 hdc in next*.  Repeat from * to * the entire length of chain.  Fasten off and tie to top of hat.

BRAID 

Cut 9 lengths of yarn measuring 30 inches each. Hold a strand and fold in half.  Hold hat with right side facing you, using 6.00 mm hook draw the folded ends through the stitch from right to wrong side. Pull the loose ends through the folded section and draw the knot up firmly.  Do this until all 9 pieces are attached.  Braid and tie knot in end.  Trim.

Crochet Elf Hat Pattern for Newborn -3 Months

All rounds to be joined with slst unless otherwise noted.

Using 6.0 mm hook ch2 

Rnd 1: Work 8 hdc in to 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 2: Hdc in 1st st and each st around, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 3: 2 hdc in 1st  st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 4: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 5: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 6: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 7: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 8: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 9: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st * rpt from *to*, ch 1 turn (12)

Rnd 10: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (12)

Rnd 11: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (12)

Rnd 12: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to* ch 1 turn (16)

Rnd 13: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (16)

Rnd 14: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (16)

Rnd 15: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to* ch 1 turn (20)

Rnd 16: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (20)

Rnd 17: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (20)

Rnd 18: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (24)

Rnd 19: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (24)

Rnd 20: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (24)

Rnd 21: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (30)

Rnd 22: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (30)

Rnd 23: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (30)

Rnd 24: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (36)

Rnd 25: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (36)

Rnd 26: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (36)

Rnd 27: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (42)

Rnds 28-38: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (42)

Change to 5.5 mm hook

Rnds 39-42: Sc in 1st st and each st around, ch1 turn. (42) Fasten off and weave in ends.

Crochet Elf Hat Pattern for 3-6 Months

All rounds to be joined with slst unless otherwise noted.

Using 6.0 mm hook ch2 

Rnd 1: Work 8 hdc in to 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 2: Hdc in 1st st and each st around, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 3: 2 hdc in 1st  st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 4: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 5: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 6: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 7: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 8: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 9: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st * rpt from *to*, ch 1 turn (12)

Rnd 10: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (12)

Rnd 11: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (12)

Rnd 12: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to* ch 1 turn (16)

Rnd 13: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (16)

Rnd 14: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (16)

Rnd 15: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to* ch 1 turn (20)

Rnd 16: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (20)

Rnd 17: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (20)

Rnd 18: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (24)

Rnd 19: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (24)

Rnd 20: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (24)

Rnd 21: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (30)

Rnd 22: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (30)

Rnd 23: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (30)

Rnd 24: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (36)

Rnd 25: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (36)

Rnd 26: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (36)

Rnd 27: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (42)

Rnd 28: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (42)

Rnd 29: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (42)

Rnd 30: 2 hdc in 1st st, * 1 hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (48)

Rnd 31: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (48)

Rnd 32: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (48)

Rnds 33-42: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (48)

Change to 5.5 mm hook

Rnds 43-46: Sc in 1st st and each st around, ch1 turn. (48) Fasten off and weave in ends.

free crochet elf hat pattern

💕💕 Check out more Christmas Patterns Here 💕💕

Crochet Elf Hat Pattern for 6 – 12 Months

All rounds to be joined with slst unless otherwise noted.

Using 6.0 mm hook ch2 

Rnd 1: Work 8 hdc in to 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 2: Hdc in 1st st and each st around, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 3: 2 hdc in 1st  st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 4: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 5: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 6: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 7: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 8: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 9: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st * rpt from *to*, ch 1 turn (12)

Rnd 10: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (12)

Rnd 11: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (12)

Rnd 12: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to* ch 1 turn (16)

Rnd 13: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (16)

Rnd 14: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (16)

Rnd 15: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to* ch 1 turn (20)

Rnd 16: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (20)

Rnd 17: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (20)

Rnd 18: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (24)

Rnd 19: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (24)

Rnd 20: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (24)

Rnd 21: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (30)

Rnd 22: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (30)

Rnd 23: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (30)

Rnd 24: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (36)

Rnd 25: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (36)

Rnd 26: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (36)

Rnd 27: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (42)

Rnd 28: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (42)

Rnd 29: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (42)

Rnd 30: 2 hdc in 1st st, * 1 hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (48)

Rnd 31: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (48)

Rnd 32: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (48)

Rnd 33: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 7 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from *to*, ch 1 turn (54)

Rnd 34: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (54)

Rnd 35: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (54)

Rnds 36-48: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (54)

Change to 5.5 mm hook

Rnds 49-52: Sc in 1st st and each st around, ch1 turn. (48) Fasten off and weave in ends.

More fun free patterns for kids!

newborn crochet newsboy cap made in taupe worsted weight yarn
crochet double pom pom hat

💕💕 Check out more Christmas Patterns Here 💕💕

Crochet Elf Hat Pattern for Toddler 12 Months – 3 years

All rounds to be joined with slst unless otherwise noted.

Using 6.0 mm hook ch2 

Rnd 1: Work 8 hdc in to 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 2: Hdc in 1st st and each st around, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 3: 2 hdc in 1st  st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 4: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 5: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 6: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 7: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 8: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (8)

Rnd 9: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st * rpt from *to*, ch 1 turn (12)

Rnd 10: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (12)

Rnd 11: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (12)

Rnd 12: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to* ch 1 turn (16)

Rnd 13: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (16)

Rnd 14: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (16)

Rnd 15: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to* ch 1 turn (20)

Rnd 16: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (20)

Rnd 17: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (20)

Rnd 18: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (24)

Rnd 19: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (24)

Rnd 20: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (24)

Rnd 21: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (30)

Rnd 22: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (30)

Rnd 23: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (30)

Rnd 24: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (36)

Rnd 25: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (36)

Rnd 26: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (36)

Rnd 27: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (42)

Rnd 28: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (42)

Rnd 29: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (42)

Rnd 30: 2 hdc in 1st st, * 1 hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (48)

Rnd 31: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (48)

Rnd 32: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (48)

Rnd 33: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 7 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from *to*, ch 1 turn (54)

Rnd 34: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (54)

Rnd 35: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (54)

Rnd 36: 2 hdc in 1st st, *1 hdc in next 8 sts, 2 hdc in next* rpt from *to*, ch 1 turn (60)

Rnd 37: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (60)

Rnd 38: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (60)

Rnds 39-57: 2 hdc in 1st st, *sk next st, 2 hdc in next* rpt from * to *, ch 1 turn (60)

Change to 5.5 mm hook

Rnds 58-61: Sc in 1st st and each st around, ch1 turn. (60) Fasten off and weave in ends.

Gain access to my Freebie Library!

Dive into my Freebie Library for cute crochet tags, whimsical planners, crochet patterns and essential resources—all available for free download! Access these playful and practical tools to make every stitch a little bit special and more fun.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *