How to Crochet a Ruffled Baby Hat with Ties and Pom-Pom

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Work the hat crown with increase rows

Using your first colour of worsted weight yarn and the G/6 (4.5mm) hook, begin the crown of the hat at the very top and work downward with a series of increase rounds that expand the stitch count at regular intervals to create the domed crown shape. Start with a magic ring or a short foundation chain joined into a circle, then work single crochet stitches into the ring and pull it tight. In each subsequent round, place increase stitches — two single crochets worked into the same stitch — at evenly spaced points around the round to grow the diameter steadily. Place stitch markers at each increase point so you can track where to increase in each new round without losing count. Continue working increase rounds until the crown is wide enough to fit comfortably over a baby's head, checking the diameter against the intended head size periodically. Once the crown reaches the correct width, work a few straight rounds without any increases to build the depth of the hat down toward the brim.

Step 2 — Crochet the ruffled brim

Switch to your second colour of yarn at the brim edge and work the ruffled border using an alternating pattern of single crochet and double crochet waves. For the single crochet wave sections, work one single crochet into the next stitch, chain one, then skip two stitches before working the next single crochet, and repeat this sequence around the brim. For the double crochet wave sections, work one double crochet into the next stitch, chain three, then skip four stitches before working the next double crochet, and repeat. Alternating between the two wave patterns creates the characteristic layered ruffle — the double crochet waves arch out further than the single crochet sections, giving the brim a flowing, scalloped edge with built-in texture and movement. Continue the alternating wave pattern all the way around the brim, joining at the end of the round with a slip stitch, and fasten off the second colour.

Step 3 — Join the sections and add the ties

With the hat body and ruffled brim complete, join the two sections together by working a round of single crochet around the entire project — along the brim edge and up through the crown — using a slip stitch join to connect the brim to the hat body securely and neaten the join line. As you work this joining round, add the crocheted ties at two symmetrical points on either side of the hat, typically positioned at the lower brim edge where the hat would sit just above the ears. To create each tie, chain a length of stitches — approximately 20 to 30 chains gives a tie long enough to tie a comfortable bow under the chin — then single crochet back down the chain to form a firm, flat tie strip before continuing the joining round. Work both ties in the same colour as the hat body or the brim, whichever you prefer, keeping the tension consistent so the ties hang evenly on both sides.

Step 4 — Make the pom-pom

Wrap your chosen yarn around your hand 20 to 30 times — more wraps produce a fuller, denser pom-pom while fewer wraps give a lighter result. Once you reach the desired thickness, cut the yarn and set the wraps aside without letting them unravel. Cut a separate length of yarn approximately 12 inches long and tie it tightly around the centre of the wrapped bundle, knotting it securely two or three times and leaving the two long tails free for attaching the pom-pom to the hat. Carefully slide the wrapped bundle off your hand, then cut through all the loops at both ends of the bundle with your scissors. Fluff the cut strands outward in all directions to form a round ball shape, then trim any uneven strands with the scissors to neaten the pom-pom into a tidy sphere. The tying tails should remain long and uncut — these are used to attach the pom-pom to the hat in the next step.

Step 5 — Attach the pom-pom and finish

Thread one of the long pom-pom tails onto the tapestry needle and insert it down through the centre hole at the very top of the hat crown, pulling the pom-pom snug against the outside of the crown. Bring the second tail through a neighbouring stitch at the top of the crown in the same way, then tie both tails together firmly on the inside of the hat with a secure double knot. Adjust the pom-pom's position so it sits centred and upright on top of the hat, then trim the remaining tail ends close to the knot on the inside. Weave in all remaining yarn ends throughout the hat using the tapestry needle, threading each tail through the backs of several nearby stitches in at least two directions before trimming. Give the ruffled brim a gentle tug to open it out evenly and the finished hat is ready to wear or gift.

Frequently asked questions

What yarn weight and hook size should I use for a crochet ruffled baby hat?
Medium-weight (worsted weight) yarn on a G/6 (4.5mm) hook is the recommended combination for this hat. You will need approximately 100 yards of each colour — one for the hat body and crown, one for the ruffled brim. Choosing a soft, washable yarn such as a superwash wool or acrylic blend is especially practical for baby items.

How do I make a pom-pom for a crochet baby hat?
Wrap yarn around your hand 20 to 30 times — more wraps produce a fuller, denser pom-pom, fewer wraps give a lighter, airier one. Cut the yarn once you reach the desired thickness, then tie the wrapped bundle tightly in the centre with a separate length of yarn, leaving long tails for attachment. Slide the bundle off your hand, cut through all the loops at both ends, fluff the pom-pom into a round shape, and trim any uneven strands to neaten it.

How can I customise a crochet ruffled baby hat with ties and pom-pom?
The most straightforward customisation is swapping the yarn colours — try a neutral body with a bright contrasting ruffle, or match the hat to an existing outfit. The pom-pom can be made in a third colour for extra visual interest, or omitted entirely for a simpler finish. The tie chains can be lengthened for a more generous bow or shortened if you prefer a snug fit without excess length.

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