This classic crochet baby trapper hat is warm and cozy for baby! It looks cute with large buttons, or crochet your own. Be sure to finish this cute hat with a big poofy pom-pom on top! This post contains affiliate links (for more info, click here) Thanks for your support!
Does it feel like Autumn yet? In Vegas, not quite yet, but I am pretending my crocheting some cozy crochet stuff. Apparently my toddler is no longer a baby, but I got the idea for this hat and had to make it anyway.
This Baby Crochet Trapper Hat will keep your little one warm all autumn and winter long. You can switch up the colors to make it for a boy or a girl.
Can you tell that I love buttons?
I also made a hat with crocheted buttons and I love how they look. I have included the small crochet buttons in the pattern as well.
And because a thoughtful reader suggested it, I made it in plaid! Get the pattern here.
BABY CROCHET TRAPPER HAT – FREE CROCHET PATTERN
Please remember: You are free to use this pattern to make and sell, but do not republish or distribute this pattern in any way. DO NOT use my photos in your listings. Please do share my blog links! It’s a quick and FREE way of supporting Whistle and Ivy and more free crochet patterns in the future.
What you need:
– Size G Hook
– Worsted Weight Yarn (Knit Picks Brava – Navy, Seashell, Dove Heather, Cornflower, Mint)
– 2 large buttons
Abbreviations: (American Terms)
Sk – Skip
St – Stitch
Ch – Chain
Sc – Single crochet
Dc – Double Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Sc decrease – Sc2tog
Dc decrease – Dc2tog
Sl st – Slip Stitch
Gauge: See Step 4
Note: The free pattern is for size 3-6 months. However, if you are interested in other sizes (0-3 months, 6-12 months and toddler) you can get an ad-free PDF from my pattern shop!
TRAPER HAT PATTERN: 3-6 MONTHS
Start with Magic Ring or 3-ch loop.
1. Hdc 8 in ring. Join with sl st.
2. Ch 1. Work 2 hdc in same st. Work 2 hdc in next 7 sts.(16 sts) Join with sl st with your first ch.
3. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Work 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc in next st. Work 2 hdc in next st* repeat around the hat. (24 sts) Join with a sl st.
4. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc in next st. Work 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc in next 2 sts, work 2 hdc in next st* repeat around the hat.(32 sts) (your piece should have a 3” diameter) Join with sl st.
5. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc in next 2 sts. Work 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc in next 3 sts, work 2 hdc in next st* repeat around the hat. (40 sts) Join with sl st.
6. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc in next 3 sts. Work 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc in next 4 sts, work 2 hdc in next st* all around the hat. (48 sts) Join with sl st.
7. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc in next 10 sts. Work 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc in next 11 sts, work 2 hdc in next st* work 3 times. (52 sts) Join with sl st.
8. -14. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc in each st around. (52 sts) Join with sl st. Tie off.
FRONT FLAP:
1. With your seam in the middle back of the hat, lay your hat flat and find a stitch that 2-3 sts from the side on the front (it doesn’t have to be exact) . Use this st at your starting point. Join your new color with a sl st. Work from the inside. Ch 1. Sc in same st. Sc 18. Turn.
2. – 7. Ch 1. Sc in same st. Sc in next 18 sts. (19 sts) Turn.
8. Ch 1. Sc in same st. Sc in next st. Ch 2. Sk 2 sts and sc into next st. Sc in next 10 sts. Ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc into next 2 sts. (19 sts) Turn.
9. Ch 1. Sc2tog. Sc in next 15 sts. Sc2tog.
(make sure to work 1 sc in each of the chs from the last round). (17 sts) Tie off.
BACK PIECE:
Start with your hat upside down, working from the outside. Join your yarn with a sl st on the left of the flap. Start in the last worked st. You will work all the way across the back until you meet the front flap:
1. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc in next 34 sts. (35 sts)Turn.
2. – 3. Ch 2. Dc in same st. Dc in next 5 sts. Hdc in next 23 sts. Dc in next 6 sts. (35 sts) Turn .
4. Ch 2. Dc2tog. Dc in next 4 sts. Hdc in next 23 sts. Dc in next 4 sts. Dc2tog. (33 sts) Turn.
5. Ch 1. Sc2tog. Sc in next 29 sts. Sc2tog. (31 sts)
Tie off.
CROCHET BABY TRAPPER HAT CONSTRUCTION:
Finish by sewing buttons on the hat, corresponding with your button holes. Be sure to sew them on very securely, and finish with a dot of super glue or nail polish to seal the threads.
To make crocheted buttons, start with a magic ring. Hdc 12 into the ring. Join and tie off. Using your second color, stitch an X pattern across the top of the circle. Sew on where the button holes meet the hat, or apply with a small dab of hot glue.
To make tassels, cut 6 arm-length pieces of yarn (from your chin to your extended arm). {You can go shorter for the smaller hat} Pull the six pieces through the corner stitch on your hat (you now have 12 pieces to work with) Braid them together and tie a knot. Trim the ends. Repeat for the other side.
Want to add a pom-pom on top? Use this tutorial.
You might also like these other hats:
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So cute. thank you
I just love this pattern, so stinkin’ cute! I did a baby boy hat & it’s adorable! 💖💖💖
Thank you!! So glad you like it!
I would love to make this pattern but would need a pattern for size 18 months. Do you have suggestions on how to re-size this?
They are SO adorable!!
Hi Megan! I have a toddler size here:
https://www.whistleandivy.com/toddler-eskimo-hat/
I want to make this hat but i need a 36 month size? how would i adjust this?
I have a toddler size here:
https://www.whistleandivy.com/2014/12/toddler-eskimo-hat.html
I keep getting an extra stitch while I’m working around the circle! Maybe I’m just confused on how to work into the chain but someone please help! At the end of the repeated parts (all of them) I always have an extra half double crochet to do. What am
I doing wrong??
I am not sure! Are you counting the total stitches in each row?
I love this pattern it’s so adorable! I’ve made a few and wanted to post them on my Etsy page but I was confused on what to do. Do I post this link to my post? or is there another way you’d like me to share who the pattern was written by? Sorry for the confusing questions I just want to make sure I’m doing this right 🙂 thank you!
Thanks! You can just post “Pattern by Bethany from Whistle and Ivy” or something to that effect. A link would be a bit clunky in your listing I think. Thanks so much!
To start how many do I need for the magic ring?
You hdc 8 into the magic ring.
Omg thank you! I was reading it wrong!! Now it makes sense lol!!
Haha! no problem!
Hello Bethany!
I am quite confused about how to start the back piece for the 0-3 month hat.
I’ll try to explain what I’m having difficulty with the best I can!
I started by holding my hat upside down, should the flap be facing toward me or away from me?
Next you say to begin in the last worked stitch, my last worked stitch is in my flap I don’t completely understand where to start! If I slip stitch on the left of the flap how do I get to my last worked stitch?
Next you say work all the way across the back until you meet the front flap, what kinda stitch are you doing across the back?
Sorry I just bombarded you with questions! This is such a wonderful pattern an I’m absolutely thrilled to make it for my little nephew! I’m loving your patterns so far!
Eayaira
Yes, so you will be working is stitch which is also worked in by the front flap. So 2 stitches worked there, but it works because one folds upwards, and the other folds downward. Holding your hat down with loops facing up, you will begin to work like any other row, from the outside, going through the loops. The instructions for which stitch begin in the 1st round. You will be working a hdc. Hope this helps! Let me know if you need more assitance.
Thank you Bethany! Just one more question I came across now, going across the back piece the very first time you say you should have 30 stitches then turn, but that leaves me one stitch not worked in and the stitch only worked in once by the front flap. Should I go just all the way around? Or turn after just 30? Thanks for your patience with a beginner like me:)
Never mind figured it out! Thank you so much for all your halo though!
I’m confused on something, why for the flap and bottom portion of the hat does the pattern call for SC when in the pictures the rows are HDC? it’s very small and doesn’t look right with SC. Is it supposed to be SC or HDC?
I used a sc for the top flap. The hat in the photo is worked in sc as well. Did you work 9 rows? It should come halfway up the hat. The back piece is worked in various stitches, not just sc or hdc. Feel free to send me a photo and I can try to help if I can.
Thank you for sharing this pattern. It was so easy to follow. I made it in 2 hours with a few phone interuptions. Love it
Great! You are very welcome!!
Very adorable hat! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Jane!!
Hi
I am half way through making this hat for my niece’s new baby and just wanted to say thank you for such a lovely pattern and for making it so easily available!
You are very welcome!! <3 <3
Just wonderimg, what is the approximate height for this hat in all the sizes?
About 5″, the smaller hats are shorter than the larger hat.
In the 3-6 on number 8.) what is the -14 for?
It means rows 8 through 14
After step 1 should we join with a slip stitch? Do we need to chain before starting the half double crochets?
Yes. Sorry about the mistake. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Hello,
Maybe i missed it somewhere but what size hook did you use for the 9-12 month size hat? Do we use G as stated at the very beginning?
Yes, you use the same hook for all the sizes.
Eskimo is a derogatory word to the Inuit.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I had another commenter a few days ago who also let me know, but I was out of town and unable to make changes. I apologize for any offense, and apologize for my own ignorance of the term. I assure you, I meant nothing derogatory toward the Inuit people, but I made changes to the name of the hat as soon as I had access to my computer. Again, thank you for commenting and letting me know.
Why is it called a button Baby Eskimo hat? I’ve never seen any Eskimos using that type of hat before. I’ve seen pilots and rcmps use that type of hat pattern. An Eskimo is a different language means raw meat eaters. We consider ourselves Inuit meaning lots of people or inuk as in 1 person.
When I seen this hat I thought of an aviator hat right away. Very cute. I considered making it until I seen the title.
I named it because I was under the impression that “eskimo hat” was a style of hat, with the flap coming up on the front, and ear flaps on the sides. I am terribly sorry if it has offended you.
How many rows does the 0-3 month hat get before switching colors? The pattern is only showing me rows 1-7 and that seems small.
Oh dear! That is a typo. You will go 13 rounds total.
Hello I had a question, on Pintrest (that’s where I found your pattern)the pattern says to use a knit Picks Brava, but when I searched up your pattern on your blog from Google it says to use Caron Simply Soft? Which brand are we suppose to use?
You can use either. The hats in the photo are made with Knit Picks Brava.
I would love to make this hat! When I open patter your sign is over pattern throughout. Is that normal or am I doing something wrong?
I’m sorry! Sometimes the watermark doesn’t display correctly, so try opening in Adobe Reader.
Hello Bethany,
i love this pattern and made it for two time yet.
Really, you did great work with this pattern!
I am from Germany, so I want to ask, if it would be ok, that I translate the 3-6 months pattern with a link to your website and your original pattern?
I want to ask you before sharing it. And a lot of people can´t read english patterns, so it would help a lot of people.
Please let me know, if it´s okay or not!
Greetings from
Sani Hachidori
sanihachidori.com
Hi Sani,
Thanks for asking! Please don’t translate and republishing my patterns. If you are interested, though, you can translated it, and guest post it on my blog and link to your own blog. Anything else will violates the copyright. Let me know if you are interested!
Hello Bethany!
I would be really pleased, to make a guest post on your blog :)
So I will translate the pattern, if I find time. Should I send you the result per mail?
greetings,
Sani
Great! Yep, send me an email, be sure to include any links or social media links you would like.
Hello, thank you so much for making these Button Eskimo Baby Hats available to us! I love them, and am attempting to make one for my newborn! I was very excited as this looks like it should be an easy pattern, but I seem to be getting stuck very early. #4 calls for 32 st once we finish that row, yet I’m finishing with much more. I chain 1, hdc in same st. Hdc in the next st. Then I make 2 HDCs in the next st. Then your instructions include (Hdc 2,hdc 2 in next st) all around the hat. So my understanding is that I do what’s in the parentheses which easily means doing 2 hdc’s all around until the ch 1 correct? Why in the parentheses do you say (hdc 2, hdc 2 in the next st)? Isn’t that saying to make 2 hdc in the next ch, then make 2 hdc in the next chapter again, or am I misunderstanding and supposed to be doing something different? And am I even supposed to be repeating what’s in the parentheses, or what are they used for and what exactly am I supposed to be doing for the rest of that row, to get to 32st. If I do repeat what’s in the parentheses, when I get to 3 hdc in one st, or 4 hdc in one stitch and 2 hdc in the following st, it’s not working out too well for me. It starts making a ruffle and also getting tighter and tighter, making it very difficult to put 3 (or 4) hdc in 1 st, the follow with 2 hdc in the next stitch and keep repeating the two.
I apologize that this is so long and I hope my questions make sense. I am really excited for this project as these hats are adorable, but I’m just so confused right now…
Thanks!!
Thanks! I am sorry you are having trouble1 For step 4 you SHOULD be repeating the parenthesis, but you are misunderstanding the instructions. You will work 2 hdc separately, followed by an increase (2 hdc worked in the same st). So a total of 4 stitches will be worked, the first 2 are worked regularly, each in their own st, followed by 2 worked in the same st. You will repeat this all around the hat. Does that make sense?
That makes much more sense! Thank you for explaining. I just finished adifferent project and I think I got a little mixed upwith how the other directions explained to do things, so I just need to learn how to adjust to how different people write their directions. Now that you cleared up what I was confused at, I think it will make a huge difference. I’m extremely grateful though for not only your response, but for your quick response!! I’m really excited to get back to working on the hat!
You are very welcome! I am so glad I could help!
Hi Bethany, this hat is very cute. How would you modify the pattern to fit a child 6-8 years of age?
Hi Sadie,
I don’t have specific instructions for you, since I have never made this hat in that size, but you want the hat to be about 19″, so work another row or two of increases at the beginning, working 1 extra hdc in between (does the make sense?) so you would work 5 hdc, then an increase, and for the next round you would work 6 hdc, then the increase.
Yes it does — thank you so much!
Hi Bethany! If we add one or two increase rows to make for a child, would we follow the same instructions for the front and backflaps or would we need to add a couple extra stitches on the earflaps to make them wider?
I would make them slightly wider and maybe one or two more rows longer.
This hat pattern is very cute! Do you by chance have an approximate measure of what the final hat should measure for each of the sizes? I am making these for some christmas gifts and would really like to make sure I am getting the right size.
Thanks so much!! The 0-3 has about a 12″ circumference, 3-6 is about 13.5″, and 6-12 is about 16″.
How do you do the pom pom on the top of the hat?
Sorry! You can get a tutorial here:
https://www.whistleandivy.com/2015/11/how-to-make-and-attach-a-pom-pom.html
Having problems with the 6-12 months number 5.
Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc 2. Hdc 2 in next st.
*Hdc 3, hdc 2 in next st* work 7 times. (40 sts)
Join with sl st.
Can you explain what problem you are having? This round is an increase. Work 3 single hdd, followed by an increase, then repeat the entire sequence.
Thank you that helped
Hey Bethany! Love the hats they are so cute!! Was just wondering, how do you do the ear flaps like the grey and green picture?
Thanks so much! The ear flaps are a full piece, I call the “back piece” in the pattern.
The pattern mentions g hook or what ever size to obtain gauge, however I’m not seeing a gauge. I’m working the 6-12 mo. Size. How many stitches per inch do we need – or what are the measurements?
Hello,
My gauge is rather unorthodox .Your circle should have a diameter of 3″ after round 4 (see step 4).
I keep getting stuck on the 4th row. When I measure it, it is too small. I am using Lion Brand Wool Ease Yarn. I first began with the size G hook. It was too small when I got to the 4th row. Then I started over again with a size H hook. Still too small. Then I began once again, but with a size J hook. It was 3 inches in its diameter, but the it seemed thinner than before. Would it help to use two skeins of yarn? If not, any suggestions?
Oh no! By thin, do you mean lots of space between the stitches?
Yes
And if it helps, I’m making the 6-12 months size
I am not sure what is wrong! If it’s 3″ I can’t imagine whey the spaces would be so large. I have even made these hats with thinner yarn like Caron Simply Soft and I thought they turned out great. Would you like to send me a photo via Facebook? Maybe our perception of space between the stitches is different.
Would I be able to email you the picture? I don’t have Facebook. I think we do have a different perception of spaces between the stitches.
I a m trying to make this hat for the second time. the first time the first 7 steps turned out looking like a yarn flower because each additional round was curling, and I followed every step to the T. Anyhow on one of the steps it says “Hdc in same st. Hdc 2. Hdc 2 in next st.” where does the “Hdc 2” go, it doesn’t say same stitch or next stitch. The first time I assumed it was the next stitch.
It sounds like you are working too many stitches. Hdc 2 means you work 2 hdc, each in their own stitch.
Are you following the stitch counts for each row?
I am trying to do your Eskimo hat for babies and for so me reason I can’t see rounds 3 to 7. It is in your logo. Help please?
Make sure you open it in the latest version of Adobe Reader. The watermark is light gray.
Hi, thank you for sharing so many great patterns! How do you make the tassel on this baby eskimo hat?
And by tassel i mean that ball on the top of the hat.
Thanks! I’m sorry! I forgot to include a tutorial for that. Here is a good one though:
http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/12/pom-poms-a-very-simple-tutorial.html
Would you please explain row 5 on the 0-3 mos. Eskimo toddler hat? I’m confuse with the 3hdc. Do you put 3 Hdc in one st and 2 Hdc in the next st.
Thanks
Hi Louann,
No, you will work 3 hdc each in their own stitch, and then hdc 2 on the next st.
Hi! I love the hat! I am trying to make one right now, but I’m confused on the pattern. When is says “hdc 1, hdc 2 in the next stitch” does that mean 3 hdc in the same stitch? Or when it says “hdc 2, hdc 2 in the next stitch” does that mean 4 in the same stitch or two in each stitch? Thanks!
Thanks! No, it means you work one hdc alone, and then 2 in the next st. The next round would be 2 hdc, each in their own stitch, following by 2 hdc worked in the same st. This is called an increase.
How many skeins of yarn do I need to make a 3-6mos hat? Also how do I make the adorable pompom?
I use caron simply soft, and I use about 1/4, or 1/3 of the ball. I have a bit more info on how to make a pom pom here:
http://www.prettyprovidence.com/shabby-chic-pom-pom-flowers/
Here a great tutorial too
http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/12/pom-poms-a-very-simple-tutorial.html
Hi,
Adorable hat! The 6-12 mos. seems to work up fine but I am having issues with the stitch counts on the other 2 available sizes. 0-3 mos. increases to 48 but then only 46 are mentioned to be used on the front flap and back piece and the 3-6 mos increases to 52 but then only 44 are mentioned to be used on the front flap and back piece. Can you assist me in what I might be doing incorrect?
Thanks Liz! It looks like I had an outdated, older version on here, I am terribly sorry! The correct one is now available.
I’d like to make the baby eskimo hat but don’t know how it starts. don’t you need to chain before doing a HDC ? to make the ring?
I start with a magic ring, it eliminates that hole at the top, but you are welcome to just start with a 3-ch loop if you prefer.
Hi! Love these hats!!! Wondering what size you would use to make one for a 12 month old??
Thank you! The size 6-12 month should work (their heads don’t grow as fast as their feet) but if you are worried, you can go up a hook size.
Thanks Bethany for the quick response!! :)
Just subscribed to your page. Will be making some of these starting today. My niece is going to be born very soon!! Going to surprise my sister with booties! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for subscribing!! You are welcome :) :)
Hi. I really want to make some of these, but you didn’t put the gauge in your pattern. You should tell us how many of the (design) stitches make how many inches. For example, say for the 0-3 months size, you say 20 stitches and 20 rows will = 2″ wide and 2″ high. So many online pattern designers leave this important step out. I don’t know how big a hat for a newborn should be, that why a gauge is necessary. Thanks.
I don’t have the gauge you are specifically asking for, but I added how many inches wide your circle should be after the steps. Did you try measuring the diameter of your circle to see if it matches my measurements ?
Hi I am a beginner and woul like to know what ya4n brand did u used ti do these? Thank u!
Hi Emma! I used Caron Simply Soft.
I could not find anything after opening the pdf file. it is just a blank page. wonder what is going on???
Hm. It’s just a PDF uploaded to Google Drive. Can you normally view documents there? If you can’t get it to work, email me and I will send it to you.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Yup, pretty much. I think a real eskimo hat was cut out of animal skins, and so it was easier to cut a round shape and then just fold up the front, then to cut an irregular hat shape with ear flaps. That is just my own personal speculation, though!
I’m not familiar with “Eskimo Hats”. What is the purpose of the button flap? Is it just decorative?
Super cute hats! I really like the pink and gray hat!
Navy Wifey Peters @ Submarine Sunday
These little Eskimos-hats are sooooooooooo adorable!!
These are so adorable – and yes, you definitely need to start selling your work, girl. If not on Etsy, then you should start a page on your blog with your goods! (Or Xmas is coming up, what about any craft shows/fairs in your area? You’d do so well!)
how cute! I wonder if I could get away with upscaling this and wearing it myself? ;0)
So cute! Thank you for sharing.
Following your blog now.xx
Hi, the hats that you made are adorable and you did a good job. I saw it on homemade ginger.
Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
Thank you, Julie!
I love these hats! I might need to make one for my little guy that is coming in November :)
Perfect! I have a niece coming in November, so I will be making one for her :)
So cute Bethany!! I want my own!! I’d love for you to link your hat to our Fall Clothing Party!!!
Are you going to sell these? I LOVE them!
Thank you! I need to, I just don’t know how :( Etsy is so saturated, and I am clueless about online sales. Maybe I will figure it out someday, lol!