How to Make a Double Crochet Baby Hat with Ruffles and Pom-Pom

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Create the foundation chain and first round

Make a slip knot and chain 50 stitches, then join with a slip stitch to form a circle — take care not to twist the chain before joining. Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet), then work double crochet stitches in the back loops only all the way around the ring. At the end of the round, chain 3 and join with a slip stitch into the third chain of the starting chain-3. Working this first round in back loops only establishes the foundation for the shingling effect that will develop as subsequent rounds are added. Keep your tension relaxed — tight stitches at this stage will make the hat too narrow and the ruffle rounds more difficult to work into.

Step 2 — Set up the ruffle pattern

Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet), then work the ruffle repeat across all stitches: skip one stitch, work 2 double crochets into the next stitch, skip one stitch, and repeat from the beginning all the way around. This pattern of paired double crochets separated by skipped stitches creates the open, lacy structure that will form the ruffles. The skipped stitches allow the fabric to flare outward slightly, giving each ruffle layer its characteristic frilled appearance. End the round with a slip stitch join. Count your stitch groups carefully at the end of this round to confirm the repeat is sitting evenly before moving on.

Step 3 — Work the shingling round

Chain 3, then work double crochet stitches in the back loops only all the way around — the same technique used in round 1. Chain 3 and join with a slip stitch into the third chain of the starting chain-3. Working into the back loops only leaves the front loops of the previous ruffle round exposed and pointing forward, creating the layered, overlapping appearance that gives the hat its shingling effect. Each time you repeat this round, a new layer of the shingle is added on top of the previous one, building up the textured, ruffled surface of the hat.

Step 4 — Repeat to the desired height

Continue alternating between the ruffle round (Step 2) and the shingling round (Step 3) until the hat reaches your desired height. Working approximately 6 additional rounds — for a total of 8 rounds including the foundation — produces a hat that is roughly 25 cm (10 in) tall, which suits most newborn to infant sizes. Measure regularly as you work and stop when the height looks right for the baby you are making it for. Because the shingling effect builds from the base upward, the hat will look progressively more textured and ruffled with each pair of rounds you add.

Step 5 — Work the final round

For the last round of the hat, chain 3 and work in back loops only around, then work the ruffle repeat one final time: skip the next stitch, work 2 double crochets into the next stitch, skip one stitch, and repeat around to the end, skipping the final stitch before the join. This closing round mirrors the ruffle structure of the body rounds and gives the top edge of the hat a neat, consistent finish that matches the rest of the fabric. Join with a slip stitch to complete the final round. Do not fasten off yet if you plan to add a pom-pom — leave a working length of yarn to use as the attachment tail.

Step 6 — Fasten off and weave in ends

Cut the yarn and pull the tail through the final loop to fasten off securely. Thread each loose end onto the tapestry needle and weave it through the back loops of several neighbouring stitches, working in at least two directions so the tails cannot pull free with wear or washing. Pay particular attention to the join points at the start and end of each round, as these are the most likely places for ends to work loose over time. Trim each tail close to the fabric once it is secured. Take a moment to check the hat from all sides and gently ease any uneven stitches into shape before adding the pom-pom.

Step 7 — Make and attach the pom-pom

To make the pom-pom, wrap yarn around two or three fingers repeatedly until you have a dense, full bundle — the more wraps, the fluffier the finished pom-pom. Slide the bundle off your fingers, tie a separate length of yarn tightly around the centre, and cut through all the loops on both sides of the tie. Fluff the pom-pom into a round shape and trim any uneven strands, leaving the two centre tails long for attachment. Thread the tails onto the yarn needle and sew through the seam at the top centre of the hat, pulling the pom-pom snugly against the crown. Knot the tails securely on the inside of the hat and weave in any remaining ends to finish. If you are adding chin ties, thread a length of yarn through the edge of the hat on each side at the brim level and knot the ends to prevent them pulling through.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to make a double crochet baby hat with ruffles and pom-pom?
You will need one skein each of two yarn colours (the sample uses green and pink), a crochet hook in size H (5mm) or I (5.5mm) depending on your yarn's gauge, scissors, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a yarn needle for attaching the pom-pom. A pom-pom maker is optional but helpful, and you can add chin ties to the finished hat for an adjustable, secure fit on a baby's head.

How does the shingling effect work in this baby hat pattern?
The shingling effect is created by alternating between two types of rounds. One round sets up the ruffle pattern by working pairs of double crochets with skipped stitches between them. The following round works in back loops only across all stitches. Working into the back loops only leaves the front loops free, which creates a layered, overlapping appearance similar to shingles on a roof. Repeating this two-round sequence builds up the ruffled, textured look of the hat.

How do I get a good fit on a baby's head with this hat?
The foundation chain of 50 stitches gives a standard fit for most babies. If the hat comes out slightly large, optional chin ties threaded through the edge of the hat allow you to gather and secure it snugly under the baby's chin, adjusting the fit without altering the crochet itself. To size up or down, adjust the starting chain count in multiples of 3 to keep the ruffle repeat consistent.

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