Looking for a free crochet hat pattern that you can make for almost anyone? The Ellis Beanie comes in 8 sizes from newborn to adult large and combines simple stitches to create gorgeous, cosy texture.

Perfect for gifting, donating or keeping for yourself, this unisex crochet beanie is a satisfying project for confident beginners and experienced crocheters alike.

There is something wonderfully useful about finding a crochet hat pattern that you know you can come back to again and again.

Need a quick baby gift? Make the newborn size. A new winter hat for one of the kids? No problem. Something cosy for yourself or your other half? There are adult sizes too.

The Ellis Beanie is written in 8 sizes from newborn all the way through to adult large, making this a true family crochet hat pattern.

But practical does not have to mean boring!

The Ellis Beanie uses the same beautiful stitch combination that you may recognise from the other patterns in my growing Ellis Collection. It creates plenty of visual texture without requiring a long list of complicated stitches or techniques.

And this particular hat has another purpose behind it.

I am releasing the Ellis Beanie as my contribution to this year’s Crochet Cancer Challenge, an annual event that encourages crocheters to use their skills to provide a little warmth and comfort to people undergoing cancer treatment.

So grab your hook and some lovely soft yarn. Let’s take a closer look at the Ellis Beanie.

The Inspiration Behind the Ellis Crochet Hat Pattern

The Ellis Collection started with a stitch combination that I absolutely loved.

It is one of those combinations that looks far more complicated than it actually is – always a win in my book!

By combining simple crochet stitches with single crochet two together (sc2tog) stitches, you get this fabulous texture that gives the finished fabric plenty of interest without being overly fussy.

After using it in the Ellis Preemie Mitts and the Ellis Preemie Beanie, I knew I wasn’t finished with it.

In fact, I suspect Ellis may be one of those collections that keeps quietly growing while I am supposedly working on something else. Funny how crochet patterns do that…

The preemie beanie was originally designed in four sizes especially for premature babies. But once I had made it, expanding the design into a complete family-sized crochet hat pattern seemed like the natural next step.

So this version of the Ellis Beanie has 8 sizes covering newborn, babies, children, teens and adults.

That means you can use the same pattern to make matching family hats, whip up gifts throughout the year or keep it handy when you want to crochet hats for charity.

And charity crochet is particularly important for this design because the Ellis Beanie is being released as part of the Crochet Cancer Challenge.

The Crochet Cancer Challenge

The Crochet Cancer Challenge is an annual event hosted by Christine from Sweet Potato 3 and one that Sunflower Cottage Crochet has been proud to participate in for several years.

The idea behind the challenge is wonderfully simple.

Throughout the event, different crochet designers feature a crochet hat pattern. For a limited time, you can download the featured PDF pattern for free using the information provided for that day.

But there is a little more to it than simply collecting free crochet patterns.

When you download a free PDF as part of the Crochet Cancer Challenge, you are pledging to make at least one hat from that pattern to donate to someone affected by cancer.

That might be through a local cancer treatment centre, hospital, charity or another organisation accepting handmade hats.

So your free pattern becomes something much bigger: a handmade hat that can provide a little comfort and warmth to someone going through an incredibly difficult time.

Before donating, I always recommend checking the current requirements of your chosen organisation. Different hospitals and charities can have different rules regarding fibres, laundering, sizing and how donations should be packaged.

Choosing Yarn for a Chemo Hat

If you are making your Ellis Beanie specifically for someone undergoing cancer treatment, please take a little extra care when choosing your yarn.

Softness matters.

Cancer treatments can make skin particularly sensitive, and someone experiencing hair loss does not have that extra layer between their scalp and the hat.

Choose a yarn that feels genuinely soft against the skin rather than simply looking lovely in the skein.

Avoid anything scratchy, heavily textured or irritating. You may also want to avoid fibres that the organisation you are donating to does not accept.

A good test is to rub the yarn or finished fabric against the inside of your wrist or neck. If you find it even slightly scratchy there, I would choose something softer for a chemo hat.

Remember: this hat is intended to provide comfort.

The Ellis Beanie – Construction, Sizing and Pattern Information

One of the things I love about this crochet hat pattern is that you get plenty of texture without needing an enormous stitch repertoire.

It is a great project for a confident beginner who is comfortable with the basic crochet stitches and would like to practise sc2tog (single crochet two together).

If you haven’t tried sc2tog before, don’t let it put you off. Once you understand where your hook needs to go, it is a straightforward technique to learn.

I also have a full How to Crochet SC2tog – Single Crochet 2 Together Step-by-Step tutorial on the blog, including more information about why designers use this stitch for both shaping and texture.

Sizes

The Ellis Beanie is written in 8 sizes:

• Newborn
• 0–6 months
• 6–12 months
• 1–3 years
• 4–10 years
• Teen / Adult Small
• Adult Medium
• Adult Large

With such a wide size range, this is a useful pattern to keep in your crochet library. You can make one for practically every member of the family without having to hunt down a different hat pattern each time.

Yarn

The Ellis Beanie uses #4 weight / worsted / Aran weight yarn.

For everyday hats, you have plenty of freedom to raid your stash and play with different colours.

If you are making your hat for the Crochet Cancer Challenge or another charity, remember to check their yarn requirements before you start and prioritise softness and easy care.

Materials

You will need:

• #4 weight / worsted / Aran yarn
• Crochet hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers if required

5mm (H) Hook (or hook to meet gauge)

Gauge

15 sts wide and 12 rows of pattern repeat in 4”. 

Note: I do give you crown measurements from round 5 to make sure that you are on track.

Gauge is particularly important when making a fitted item such as a crochet beanie.

A centimetre or two may not seem like much when you are working your swatch, but it can make quite a difference to how the finished hat fits – especially in the smaller baby and children’s sizes.

Take the few minutes to check your gauge before getting too far into your hat. Future You will be grateful.

Skills Used

To make the Ellis Beanie you will need to know how to:

• Chain
• Work basic crochet stitches
• Work single crochet two together (sc2tog)
• Work into stitches from the previous row/round
• Follow a simple stitch repeat
• Finish and weave in your ends

The texture makes this hat interesting enough for more experienced crocheters while still providing a manageable project for confident beginners wanting to develop their skills.

Sizing: 

This pattern is written for 8 sizes from newborn to adult large.

Abbreviations used:

• CH(s) – chain(s)
• MR – Magic Ring
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• Rep – repeat
• Sk – skip
• hdc –half double crochet
• sc2tog – single crochet 2 together
• fphdc – front post half double crochet
• bphdc – Back post half double crochet
• SS – slip stitch
• YO – yarn over
• FO – fasten off 

Pattern Notes:

• Written in US Terms
• Ch1 stitches at the beginning of a round do not count as a st unless otherwise stated. 
• Ch1 sts following a sc2tog stitch do count as a st.
• The stitch count remains the same for each round on the main body of the beanie.
• Where pattern is different per size this will be shown as newborn/6mth/12mths/1-3 yrs/4-10 yrs/ teen/ adult med/adult large.
• The crown widths are provided according to my gauge from round 5 onwards. If you cannot / do not meet gauge when working the crown of your hat, take a note of the size it should be and stop when you reach the correct size – the pattern will still work for you! By doing this, it gives you the freedom to use 5 weight yarn and a 6mm hook if you prefer.
• Stitch counts are given at the end of each row. 
• Where the stitch count is the same for each size only one count will be given.
• Please read the pattern and ensure you are comfortable with it before starting your project.
• When measuring the length of your hat when working the main body, you do so from the top of the crown.

Special Stitches:

Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog):
This is worked over 2 sts. Insert hook into first st, YO and pull through, insert hook into next st, YO and pull through. YO and pull through all 3 loops on hook. 

You can find my informative blog post (including video and photo tutorials) on the sc2tog stitch at https://sunflowercottagecrochet.com/how-to-crochet-sc2tog-single-crochet-2-together-step-by-step/

Back Loop Only:

You will be working the SC2Tog into the back loop only. Here is a reminder of how to identify the back loop. The front and the back loops will sit at the top of your work.

Back post:

To work a bpdc you work a dc, but instead of inserting your hook into the next stitch through the front and back loops,  you insert your hook around the post of the stitch below from the back to the front and then out of the back again. 

You can see this in my bpdc video

Right handed video tutorial – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTPKAPQblkE

Front post:

To work a fpdc you work a dc, but instead of inserting your hook into the next stitch you insert your hook around the post of the stitch below from the front to the back and then out of the front again. 

You can see this in my fpdc video 

Right handed – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmWe76Y4v08

Left handed – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biHxNSKo5Vw&t=2s

You make it once, enjoy it, and then realise you can think of another five people who would probably like one too.

With 8 sizes from newborn to adult large, you can use this one crochet hat pattern for baby gifts, children’s winter hats, matching family sets, Christmas presents and charity donations.

The stitch combination also gives you that lovely balance between interesting to crochet and easy enough to relax with.

There is enough going on that you won’t feel as though you are endlessly working the same basic stitch, but once you settle into the repeat you can enjoy watching that Ellis texture appear.

It is also a relatively small project, making it a great choice between blankets or garments when you fancy the satisfaction of actually finishing something!

Make the Ellis Beanie Your Own

Although I designed the Ellis Beanie with the texture doing most of the talking, there is still plenty of room to make yours unique.

Try making it in a solid colour to really show off the stitch definition, or experiment with colour changes to emphasise different sections of the pattern.

You could use favourite team colours, make matching family hats in everyone’s preferred shade, or choose colours that are meaningful to the recipient.

For everyday hats you can also add a pompom if you fancy one.

If you are donating your hat, however, check the requirements of the organisation first. Sometimes the simplest finish is the most practical.

And don’t forget your stash!

Smaller sizes can be particularly useful when you have partial skeins left from other projects. Just make sure you have enough of your chosen yarn to finish the size you need before enthusiastically declaring that you are “using up scraps” and discovering you are six rows short.

Ask me how every crocheter learns that lesson…

The Growing Ellis Crochet Pattern Collection

If you enjoy the texture of the Ellis Beanie, there are already other Ellis patterns for you to try.

The Ellis Preemie Beanie uses the same gorgeous stitch combination and is available in four premature baby sizes. It was designed especially for the Preemie Crochet Challenge, so it is a lovely option if you enjoy making tiny hats to donate to neonatal units.

You can also make the Ellis Preemie Mitts, which are available in three preemie sizes.

Those little mitts are particularly useful for premature babies because they can help prevent tiny but surprisingly sharp fingernails from scratching delicate skin or catching at tubes and wires.

And, of course, I have more plans for the Ellis Collection.

Apparently one pattern is never enough around here!

• Ellis Preemie Beanie (in 4 sizes)
• Ellis Preemie Mitts (in 3 sizes)
• SC2tog tutorial
• Ellis Blanket (from lovey to throw size)

Prefer the Ad-Free PDF Crochet Hat Pattern?

The complete Ellis Beanie pattern is available free here on the blog, so you can make your hat directly from this page.

But if you prefer to crochet without scrolling past photos, tutorials and blog content, you can also purchase the ad-free PDF version of the Ellis Beanie.

The PDF is ideal if you like to print your patterns, save them to your device or keep them neatly organised in your digital crochet library.

It includes all 8 sizes from newborn through adult large in one convenient pattern.

You can purchase the Ellis Beanie PDF from:

Taking Part in the Crochet Cancer Challenge?

If you are visiting during the Ellis Beanie’s featured Crochet Cancer Challenge period, make sure you follow the event instructions before purchasing the pattern.

For the specified promotional period, you may be able to download the PDF version free as part of the challenge.

Remember that by claiming the free Crochet Cancer Challenge PDF, you are pledging to make at least one Ellis Beanie to donate.

After the promotional period ends, the free version of the crochet hat pattern will remain here on the blog, and the convenient ad-free PDF will continue to be available to purchase in my shops.

More Free Crochet Hat Patterns for Charity

If you enjoy crocheting hats to donate, you certainly don’t have to stop at the Ellis Beanie.

Sunflower Cottage Crochet has taken part in the Crochet Cancer Challenge for several years, which means there are quite a few previous designs waiting for you on the blog.

Try the Hannah Beanie if you fancy a warm unisex hat with a double brim, or take a look at Samantha’s Hope, one of my earliest Crochet Cancer Challenge designs.

There is also the Winterberry Beanie, Robin Beanie, Houndstooth Family Hat, Pomander Beanie and Gentle Kisses Beanie.

Each one gives you something slightly different to crochet, from interesting stitch combinations and texture to different construction methods.

That makes them useful patterns not only for charity crochet, but also for building your crochet skills while creating something genuinely useful.

More Helpful Crochet Tutorials

If the Ellis Preemie Beanie encourages you to develop your crochet skills, I have lots of tutorials here on the blog to help.

You may particularly find these useful:

How to Crochet SC2tog – Single Crochet 2 Together Step-by-Step
Perfect if this is your first time working the sc2tog stitch or you’d like a refresher.

Yarn Weight Chart: Understand Every Yarn Size with Confidence
A useful reference when choosing yarn or trying to understand the differences between yarn weights.

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Yarns for Baby Projects

The Free Ellis Hat Pattern:

** This is a free pattern on the Sunflower Cottage Crochet blog. If you are reading this anywhere else it is stolen content. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn will allow me to continue to create free content for you!**

Round 1: In MR, hdc 8.  SS to first hdc to join. (8) 

OR  CH3, ss to first ch to join (creates a ring), Ch1, in the center of the ring hdc 8. SS to top of first hdc to join.  (8)

Round 2: Ch1, work 2 hdc in each st around. SS to top of first hdc to join. (16)

Round 3: Ch1, hdc in first st, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 6 more times. SS to top of first hdc to join. (24)

Round 4: Ch1, hdc in first 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 6 more times. SS to top of first hdc to join. (32)

Round 5: Ch1, hdc in first 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 6 more times. SS to top of first hdc to join. (40)

Your crown should now measure 4”.

For size newborn move to round 13.

Round 6 : Ch1, hdc in first 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 6 more times. Hdc in the last 2 sts. SS to top of first hdc to join. (48)

Your crown should now measure 4.5”.

For size 0-6mths move to round 13.

Round 7: Ch1, hdc in first 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 6 more times. SS to top of first hdc to join. (56) 

Your crown should now measure 5”.

For size 6-12 mths move to round 13.

Round 8: Ch1, hdc in first 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 6 more times. Hdc in the last 3 sts. SS to top of first hdc to join. (64)

Your crown should now measure 5.5”.

For size 1-3 yrs move to round 13.

Round 9: Ch1, hdc in first 7 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 7 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 6 more times. SS to top of first hdc to join. (72)

Your crown should now measure 6”.

For size 4-10 yrs move to round 13.

Round 10: Ch1, hdc in first 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 8 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 6 more times. Hdc in the last 4 sts. SS to top of first hdc to join. (80)

Your crown should now measure 6.5”.

For size teen / adult small move to round 13.

Round 11: Ch1, hdc in first 9 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 9 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 6 more times. SS to top of first hdc to join. (88)

Your crown should now measure 7”.

For size adult medium move to round 13.

Round 12: Ch1, hdc in first 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 10 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 6 more times. Hdc in the last 5 sts. SS to top of first hdc to join. (96)

Your crown should now measure 7.5”. 

Working the main body of the hat:

 Round 13:  Turn, Ch1 (does not count), sc2tog BLO across the first 2 sts, (you may want to use a stitch marker to mark this st), Ch1 (counts) *sc2tog BLO across next 2 sts, ch1*. Rep from * to * around ending with a ch1. SS to top of first sc2tog BLO to join. (40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96 sts)

Rounds 14 on: Rep round 13 until your hat measures (from the top of crown to the bottom edge) 4.5 / 5 / 6 / 6 / 6.5 / 6.75 / 7.25 / 7.75”

Note: Remember to turn at the beginning of every round for this section – this is what creates the texture.

To work the brim:

Note: For some sizes you may end on the RS and other sizes on the WS before you start the brim. You can work the brim with either side facing you.

Round 15:    Ch1, hdc in each st around. Ss to top of first hdc to join. (40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96 sts)

Round 16:    Ch1, FPhdc in first st, BPhdc in next st, *FPhdc in next st, BPhdc in next st. Rep from * around. SS to top of first FPhdc to join. (40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96 sts)

For sizes Newborn – 4-10 yrs, FO and weave in ends.

For sizes Teen – adult large, continue with round 17

Round 17:    Rep round 16.

For sizes teen-adult medium FO and weave in ends.

For adult large continue to round 18.

Round 18:    Rep round 16.

FO and weave in ends.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ellis Crochet Hat Pattern

Is the Ellis Beanie suitable for beginners?

I would recommend the Ellis Beanie for confident beginners.

You will need to be comfortable with the basic crochet stitches and working a repeating stitch pattern. The pattern also uses sc2tog stitches, but these are not difficult once you know how they work.

If this technique is new to you, my step-by-step sc2tog tutorial will walk you through it.

What sizes are included in the Ellis Beanie pattern?

The pattern includes 8 sizes from newborn through adult large, covering babies, toddlers, children, teens and adults.

Is this a unisex crochet hat pattern?

Yes! The Ellis Beanie is designed to work beautifully for anyone.

Simply choose a yarn colour that suits your recipient – or let them choose their own if you don’t fancy playing the “apparently that’s not the right shade of blue” game.

Can I make the Ellis Beanie for charity?

Absolutely.

In fact, charity crochet is an important part of the story behind this design because the full-sized Ellis Beanie is being released as part of the Crochet Cancer Challenge.

You could also make these hats for other charities and organisations accepting handmade donations.

Always check their current donation guidelines before choosing your yarn or starting your project.

What yarn should I use for a chemo hat?

Choose something very soft, comfortable and easy to care for.

People undergoing cancer treatment can have extremely sensitive skin, particularly if they have experienced hair loss. Avoid scratchy or irritating fibres and always check the requirements of the hospital, cancer centre or charity you intend to donate to.

Can I add a pompom?

For a personal hat, absolutely!

For donated hats, I would check with the organisation first. A plain finish may be preferred for practical reasons.

Is there a printable PDF version?

Yes. The free Ellis crochet hat pattern is available here on the blog, and an ad-free printable PDF containing all 8 sizes will also available to purchase from my shops after the Challenge.

During the Ellis Beanie’s featured period in the Crochet Cancer Challenge, follow the event instructions to find out how to claim the promotional PDF.

A Crochet Hat Can Be More Than Just a Hat

One of the things I love most about crochet is that something made from a hook and a skein of yarn can become so much more than the sum of its stitches.

The Ellis Beanie might be a new baby’s first little winter hat.

It might be the hat your child grabs every morning before school.

It could become a Christmas present, a matching family set or that emergency gift you manage to finish the night before you need it. We’ve all been there!

Or it could be given to someone undergoing cancer treatment and provide a little warmth and comfort on a difficult day.

That is what makes events like the Crochet Cancer Challenge so special.

We’re taking something we already love doing and using it to remind another person that somebody, somewhere, cared enough to sit down with their hook and yarn and make something especially for them.

So whether your first Ellis Beanie is destined for someone you love or someone you may never meet, I hope you enjoy every stitch.

And once you’ve made one, don’t be surprised if another mysteriously appears on your hook.

Eight sizes does rather give you an excuse!