These adorable baby plaid trapper hats are perfect for cool months and look super cute on Baby! The free crochet pattern includes 3 sizes for different aged babies. Everyone will love these cute hats!
Today’s project is probably my most favorite. The brilliant idea to add plaid to my Baby Trapper Hat was sent to me by a very clever reader, Brandi! I love the idea so much, and I love EVEN MORE how adorable they turned out. Seriously, this crochet baby plaid trapper hat is SO CUTE. I have a nephew coming soon, and it even though his due date is a ways away, I have one of these tucked away especially for him.
Feeling intimidated by crochet plaid? You can do it! I made a course just for you. Learn plaid from start to finish, PLUS both my Plaid Collection ebooks are included in the course! Enroll here.
CROCHET BABY PLAID 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: (affiliate)
Medium Weight Yarn in 4 colors
(Knit Picks Brava in Red, Wine, Black and Dove Heather)
G hook
Darning Needle
Faux Fur Pom-pom (You can make your own!)
Abbreviations: American Terms
Ch – Chain
Sc – Single Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Dc – Double Crochet
Tc- Triple Crochet
Sl st – Slip Stitch
Click here to watch a video tutorial for the Plaid Stitch.
It includes all 13 plaid patterns!
0-3 Months
Start with a magic ring or 3-ch loop.
1. Hdc 8 in ring. Join with sl st.
2. Ch 1. 2 hdc in same st. 2 hdc in next 7 sts. (16 sts) Join with sl st with your first ch.
3. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc. 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. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc 2, 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 2. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc 3, 2 hdc in next st* repeat around the hat. (40 sts) Join with sl st.
6. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc 3. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc 4, 2 hdc in next st* all around the hat. (48 sts) Join with sl st.
7. – 13. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc in each st around. (48 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 upside down. Find a stitch that 3 sts from the side on the front (it doesn’t have to be exact) . Use this st at your starting point. Work from the outside. Join black with a sl st. Ch 2. Work the plaid stitch across, 18 total stitches, alternating between black and wine. Finish your last st with light. Turn.
2. Work a plaid stitch all the way across, alternating between red and wine. Be sure to carry the yarn you aren’t working with, as well as the black yarn from the previous row. Turn. (18 its)
3. – 4. Repeat the plaid stitch sequence, alternating between and black and red each row. (18 sts)
5. Ch 2. Dc in same st. Ch 1. Sk next st. Dc in next st. Work 4 more plaid stitch sets. Change color and dc in next st. Ch 1. Sk next st. Dc in last st. (18 sts)
Break yarn.
Back piece:
Start with your hat upside down, working from the outside. Join your dark yarn with a sl st in the st left of the flap.
1. Ch 2. Work Plaid Stitch across the back of the hat, alternating between dark and mid for a total of 10 sets, and 30 sts. Finish the last st with light. Turn.
2. Ch 2. Work plaid st all the way across, alternating light and mid. Finish last st with dark. Turn.
3. Ch 2. Work Plaid st for 3 sets (9 sts). Work a hdc, and sc 2 for next set. Work next 2 sets in sc sts. For the next set, work 2 sc and then a hdc. Finshed out the row with regular 3-dc plaid stitch sets. Tie off.
Weave in all ends before moving on.
Using black and starting anywhere, sc all around the hat, going all around the sides of the back piece and front flap. Work 3 sts in each corner.
3-6 Months
Start with Magic Ring or 3-ch loop.
1. Hdc 8 in ring. Join with sl st.
2. Ch 1. 2 hdc in same st. 2 hdc in next 7 sts.(16 sts) Join with sl st with your first ch.
3. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc. 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. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc 2, 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 2. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc 3, 2 hdc in next st* repeat around the hat. (40 sts) Join with sl st.
6. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc 3. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc 4, 2 hdc in next st* all around the hat. (48 sts) Join with sl st.
7. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc 10. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc 11, 2 hdc in next st* work 3 times. (52 sts) Join with sl st.
8. – 13. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc in each st around. (52 sts)Join with sl st.
14. Ch 1. Hdc 51. 2 hdc in last st. Join with sl st. (53 sts) 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 outside. Start with black and alternate with wine. Ch 2. Work Plaid Stitch for 6 sets. Finish last set with red. Turn. (18 sts)
2. – 4. Ch 2. Work Plaid Stitch all the way across. Turn. Be sure to carry the yarn you aren’t working with, as well as the black yarn from the previous row. (18 sts)
5. Ch 2. Dc in same st. Ch 1. Sk next st. Dc in next st. Work 4 more plaid stitch sets. Change color and dc in next st. Ch 1. Sk next st. Dc in last st. (18 sts) Tie off.
Back piece:
Start with your hat upside down, working from the outside. Join your yarn with a sl st in the st just left of the flap. You will work all the way across the back until you meet the front flap:
Start with black.
1. Ch 2. Dc in same st. Work Plaid Stitch for 11 sets (33 sts). Dc in last st. Turn. (35 sts)
2. Continuing with black, Ch 2, dc in same st. Work plaid stitch for 11 sets. Switch to black and dc in last st. Turn. (35 sts).
3. Ch 2. Dc2tog. Dc 2 (switch color). Work 2 more plaid stitch sets. Work a hdc, sc, sc for next st. Sc next 2 plaid sets. Sc, sc, hdc next set. Work next 2 sets with dc. Dc 2. Dc2tog. Tie off. (33 sts)
Weave in all ends before moving on.
Using black and starting anywhere, sc all around the hat, going all around the sides of the back piece and front flap. Work 3 sts in each corner.
6-12 Months
Start with Magic Ring or 3-ch loop.
1. Hdc 8 in ring. Join with sl st.
2. Ch 1. 2 hdc in same st. 2 hdc in next 7 sts.(16 sts)
3. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc. 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. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc 2, 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 2. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc 3, 2 hdc in next st* repeat around the hat. (40 sts) Join with sl st.
6. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc 3. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc 4, 2 hdc in next st* all around the hat. (48 sts) Join with sl st.
7. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc 4. 2 hdc in next st. *Hdc 5, 2 hdc in next st* all around the hat. Join with sl st. (56 sts)
8. – 17. Ch 1. Hdc in same st. Hdc in each st all around the hat. (56 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 is 2-3 sts from the side on the front (it doesn’t have to be exact) . Use this st at your starting point. Work from the outside. Join black with a sl st. Ch 2. Work Plaid Stitch across alternating black and wine, 7 sets (21 sts). Finish last st with wine. Turn.
2. – 4. Ch 2. Work plaid stitch all the way across. Turn. Be sure to carry the yarn you aren’t working with, as well as the black yarn from the previous row. (21 sts)
5. Ch 2. Dc in same st. Ch 1. Sk next st. Dc in next st. Work 5 plaid stitch sets. (change color). Dc in next st. Ch 1. Sk next st. Dc in last st. Tie off. (21 sts)
Back Piece:
Start with your hat upside down, working from the outside. Join your yarn with a sl st in the st just left of the flap. You will work all the way across the back until you meet the front flap:
Start with black.
1. Ch 2. Dc in same st. Work Plaid Stitch for 11 sets (33 sts). Dc in last st. Turn. (35 sts)
2. Continuing with black, Ch 2, dc in same st. Work plaid stitch for 11 sets. Switch to black and dc in last st. Turn. (35 sts).
3. Ch 3. Tc2tog (triple crochet decrease). Tc 2. Work next Plaid Stitch set with tc. Work a dc, dc, hdc in next set. Work next 5 sets with hdc. Work hdc, dc, dc for next set. Work next Plaid Stitch set with tc. (switch color). Tc 2. Tc2tog. Tie off.
Weave in all ends before moving on.
Using black and starting anywhere, sc all around the hat, going all around the sides of the back piece and front flap. Work 3 sts in each corner.
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 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.
Isn’t this faux fur pom-pom fab? (Get it on Etsy here)
You can also make one with yarn with this tutorial.
I hope you enjoy this adorable little pattern!
Meet you back here tomorrow for Day Three of PLAID WEEK!
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More plaid awesomeness:
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- Chunky Pillow
Happy crocheting!
Hi there do you have a video for making a pom pom I’m having some trouble. I’ve made 2 and they are not turning out round I can see the yarn in the middle I used to tie around it… I love the hat it turned out great, thank you for sharing it.
Darn I don’t, but I need to. I will put it on my list!
I am in the last row of the back flap 3-6 month and everything I try comes up short. This isn’t my first time working plaid so I feel like I understand the pattern clearly. I was wondering if you have any suggestions.
How many sts do you have?
Hi there im very confused on lots of parts on this hat. Its hard to explain. Im usaully really good at following patterns i like it better then watching videos. But for this hat a video would help big time!! Do u have a video tutorial for this hat??
I don’t have one, I am sorry. Can I talk you through it?
These hats are adorable! The one problem I’m having is carrying all of the other colors of yarn through the plaid pattern. When I carry them up to a new row, for example, the red and black yarn will show when I’m working with wine. Any tips?
I am crocheting the 3-6 month size hat. I’m confused on step 3. It says: *Hdc. 2 hdc in next st*. Does this mean 1 Hdc in next st then 2 Hdc in the next stitch and so on or just 2 Hdc in each st?
Sorry you are confused! Yes you will work one hdc in the next st, then you will work a hdc increase in the next st, repeating this around the hat.
Thank you so much, I understand it now. This is so absolutely cute, I love it. I’m making it for my daughter’s first baby, a boy. Her name is also Bethany. Thank you again for sharing.
You are very welcome! Congratulations :)
I fell in love with plaid. Thank you so much for sharing.
You are so welcome!
Am currently working on the hat but the confusing part is where u mention 18 sts on the front lap but when I see your hat they exceed 18. Please help
yes, the width of the flap is 18 sts. You don’t work all the way around when working the flap.
Hi I’m nischitha Iam a crocheted and I love ur patterns and designs and I heartily appreciate your effort and greatness to share your designs with us for free .thanks a lot . I definitely want to try out every patterns of yours . Kindly reply with the link to get to the free patterns thank you once again
Love whistle and ivy❤️❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am glad you like my patterns, I am so grateful for your support!
❤ Love these patterns! So far I’ve made a toddler & an adult plaid hat. My question : in the toddler the yarn is doubled – I’m not reading that anywhere for this size .. Just double checking with you ? Thank you
Thanks so much! No, this one isn’t doubled :)
Do you have a crochet plaid pattern for a diaper cover?
I don’t, but that is a good idea!
If I want to switch where the plaid and grey are what would be the easiest way to do this?
Hm. I would need to write a totally new pattern, haha! You could use my top-down plaid hat as a guide, but you will have that black circle at the top, so a fitted hat might look a bit off.
https://www.whistleandivy.com/2017/02/top-down-crochet-plaid-hat.html
Are you ok with people selling a finished product of this pattern if we list your website?
Absolutely!
They are absolutely adorable and I think they will be a big hit. Thank you 😊
How can I order one of these for my wife and I first baby ?
I don’t sell finished items, I am sorry!
Hello!
I do not make finished items, I am sorry!
these are adorable!!!!! will you have a pattern for older kids? like 2 and up!!! I have made the buffalo plaid slouchy hats for my kids and everyone compliments them❤️
Thank you! Yes I do!
https://www.whistleandivy.com/2016/12/toddler-plaid-trapper-hat.html
I’m finishing the 0-3 month hat, and I’m on the part where you sc around with black. In which corners do you do 3 sc, and also where do the button holes come from? Thanks! LOVE the pattern!
You work 3 sc in all the corners: the bottom two where the ears go, and the top 3 at the top corners of the earflaps. Oh it looks like is made a mistake! The last row on the front flap should have been the button holes, but I somehow omitted it. I am terribly sorry, I will get it fix right away.
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 outside. Start with black and alternate with wine. Ch 2. Work Plaid Stitch for 6 sets. Finish last set with red. Turn. (18 sts)
2. – 4. Ch 2. Work Plaid Stitch all the way across. Turn. Be sure to carry the yarn you aren’t working with, as well as the black yarn from the previous row. (18 sts)
I am working on a 3-6 mo hat and this is my first time making a plaid pattern. The entire first section for the flap part is confusing me. After you sl st the black, what kind of stitch are you using? Do is it hdc like the gray part of the hat or something else? how did you join the wine color? Did you sl st it and then stitch over the black yarn end so that you could start with black again as soon as you were done with wine or did you join them together everytime you switched? Please help I’m so confused!
Are you familiar with the plaid stitch? I have a video, so please watch that, it may answer most of your questions. I have linked to it at the beginning of the pattern.
The regular plaid stitch is done in DC. Are we switching to DC for the plaid parts?
Yes, work the plaid st with dc stitches.
I am doing the 0-3 months and am confused – Back piece:
3. Ch 2. Work Plaid st for 3 sts (9 sts). Work a hdc, and sc 2 for next set. Work next 2 sets in sc sts. For the next set, work 2 sc and then a hdc. Finshed out the row with regular 3-dc plaid stitch sets. Tie off. Weave in all ends before moving on.
It says work plaid for 3 sts (9 sts) – is it 3 sts or 9?
Sorry, that should say SETS. 3 sets = 9 sts
Thank you!
Cute hat! Thanks for sharing! :)
Thank you!
In your instructions for the front, it states ” work from outside”. Am I correct in thinking that means front loop?
No, it means from the outside of the hat, as opposed to working from the inside of the hat and having the wrong side of the stitches facing out.
I love your patterns and your website! I need to make this hat in a true newborn size. The 0-3 months seemed too big for a newborn, but when I undid it and tried increasing to just 40 stitches, it seemed too small. Any suggestions? Should I just go with 0-3 months instructions? It’s going to be used for newborn photos, so it’s not really something to just grow into.
Thank you! I am not 100% sure on that, I am sorry! My son was almost 10 lbs when he was born, so the 0-3 month fit him, haha! You can go down a hook size and work it that way. The problem with changing the stitch count is it throws off the flaps. It normally wouldn’t matter, but they are worked in multiples of 3 to get the plaid design, so you would need to overhaul the whole pattern to make it work if you change the counts. Does that make sense? I would try a smaller hook first and see if it works for you.
Thank you! I’ll try that!
So cute! Thank you for linking with us at #HomeMattersParty . Happy Holidays :) We would love to have you again once the party starts next year on Jan 6.
Thank you!
So I just got done making the hat part. I used a size G hook and the 6/12 M hat is TINY! Half way thru I even switched to an H hook and it’s still way too small. I do not crochet tight either. Any suggestions??
Did you meet the gauge? The gauge is a measurement after step 4.
I had to go up to an I hook to meet the guage. Even after doing so, it still looks questionable if it will fit my 7M old nephew. Hat is super cute :) I just feel like the guage is wrong and adjustments should be made on the pattern.
If you met the gauge, the completed hat would have a circumference of 14 inches, with a standard size for a 6-12 month hat.
hi there! how would i change the sizing for a toddler?
I have a pattern here:
https://www.whistleandivy.com/2016/12/toddler-plaid-trapper-hat.html
How I change the size for 18 months-2t?
I have a pattern here: https://www.whistleandivy.com/2016/12/toddler-plaid-trapper-hat.html
Hi, I love the pattern and am having trouble with the back piece instructions. I am working the 6-12 month size.
on 2. continuing with black? I would have thought to start with wine then red then wine for the 2 row
Thanks for your reply.
So the count doesn’t allow for the plaid st to be working completely, it would need to be in multiples of 3. The backpeice is 35 total sts, so you need to work one black st on the ends, giving the sts between the two black outside ones a count of 33, which works for the plaid st. You should have fished row 1 with black, you will continue with black and work one black st at the beginning of row 2.
Love this so much!! Thank you for sharing with us at Merry Monday. Happy Christmas season to you.
Thank you!
OMG these are SO adorable!! I love the arm warmers as well. So festive
Thank you so much!
Will it work with half double crochet in multiples of 6? This is so adorable!!!
Thank you! Which part are you referring to? The hat or the flaps?
I love this hat! My sister is expecting a little boy and she is not the traditional Mom. She loves the outdoors and this hat should fit right into her son’s life. Thanks so much for sharing your talents!
Oh thank you! She will love it :)
OMGosh, the plaid items just get cuter and cuter. I’m dying to make this one for charity. Love it. Thank you so much!!!
You are so welcome!!!