How to Crochet a Stretchy Newborn Hat with Back Loops Only Single Crochet

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Select your materials

Start by choosing a yarn that is both soft and breathable — this is especially important for a newborn hat, as the yarn will sit directly against delicate infant skin. A soft cotton or a gentle acrylic blend are both good choices that wash well and hold their shape. Select a crochet hook sized to match your chosen yarn weight; the yarn label will usually indicate the recommended hook size. Keep your tape measure close throughout the project so you can check the hat's circumference as you work and catch any sizing issues early.

Step 2 — Create the body of the hat

Using the back loops only single crochet (BLO SC) technique, work the body of the hat following your chosen pattern. For each stitch, insert your hook into the back loop only — the loop furthest from you — rather than through both loops as you would in a regular single crochet. Yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through two loops to complete the stitch. Working into the back loop only creates a distinct ribbed texture on the front of the fabric and, crucially, builds extra stretch into the hat so it can fit snugly on a range of head sizes without pulling. Continue until the body reaches the required height for your pattern.

Step 3 — Work the slip stitch edging

Once the body of the hat is complete, work a slip stitch edging around both the brim and the crown. A slip stitch border creates a neat, clean edge that lies flat without curling and gives the hat a professional, polished finish. Insert your hook into the first stitch of the edge, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook to form a slip stitch. Continue around the full circumference of the brim and then repeat for the crown, keeping your tension consistent so the edging sits evenly without puckering or pulling.

Step 4 — Join the rounds

After completing one round of edging on both the brim and the crown, join subsequent rounds by slipping the first stitch of each new round as a slip knot onto your hook, then continuing with the chosen stitch pattern. This joining method keeps the rounds seamless and prevents a visible step or jog where each round begins. Work as many edging rounds as your pattern calls for, checking regularly that the edges lie flat and the hat maintains its shape. A tape measure check at this stage confirms you're on track for the right finished size.

Step 5 — Finish off the edges

Once all rounds are complete for both the brim and the crown, fasten off the yarn securely. Thread each loose end onto your tapestry needle and weave it through several stitches in different directions to lock it in place, then trim close to the fabric. Work carefully around the edging so no tails are left exposed on the outside of the hat — for a newborn item especially, a clean interior finish matters as much as the exterior. Give the finished hat a gentle hand wash and reshape it while damp if needed to even out the stitches and settle the edging flat before gifting or using.

Frequently asked questions

What materials are needed to make a back loops only crochet newborn hat?
You'll need soft, breathable yarn (cotton or a soft acrylic blend works well), a crochet hook sized to match your chosen yarn, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing the edges.

Why is the back loops only single crochet technique good for newborn hats?
The BLO SC technique provides extra stretch, allowing the hat to fit snugly on various head sizes without restricting growth. Combined with soft, breathable yarn, it creates a comfortable hat that sits gently against delicate newborn skin.

How do I size a crochet newborn hat correctly?
Aim for a 13-inch circumference for a standard newborn fit. Use a tape measure as you work to check your progress. Adjust the stitch count and yarn thickness as needed — a thicker yarn will produce a larger hat with the same stitch count, while a finer yarn will produce a smaller one.

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