Easy Baby Hats With Ears: Free Step-by-Step Pattern
Soft wool against a baby’s cheek brings a special kind of warmth to winter afternoons spent in the nursery. These tiny headpieces with rounded ears sit gently on a newborn’s head, providing both snug comfort and an endearing look that keeps family members smiling. Because you work the main section in simple rows before shaping the crown, the project moves quickly through your fingers during nap times or quiet evenings. You will build confidence using basic increases and decreases, making it a satisfying choice for anyone wanting to create something functional and cute for a little one.

Why You’ll Love This Pattern
This beginner-friendly crochet coaster pattern uses simple single crochet stitches and a tight tension to create a sturdy, heat-resistant surface for your favorite mugs. The project works up in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for using up leftover cotton yarn from larger projects. Because it uses basic stitches, it offers a relaxing, repetitive rhythm that is easy to pick up and put down. You will find that these coasters make thoughtful, handmade gifts for housewarmings or coffee lovers when tied together with a simple twine ribbon.
I managed to whip up a set of four in a single afternoon using just one skein of cotton. The instructions were easy to follow and the final result lays perfectly flat on my coffee table.
— Sarah, casual crafter
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Approximate Time: 20-30 minutes per coaster
- Construction: Worked in joined rounds, starting from a center point and increasing to form a perfect circle
- Finished Dimensions & Sizing: 4 inches in diameter
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) 100% cotton yarn, approximately 15-20 yards per coaster. Cotton is preferred over acrylic for its heat-absorbent properties and durability.
- Hook Size: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
- Notions needed: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and a pair of sharp scissors.
- Safe yarn substitutions: You may use a bamboo-cotton blend for a softer feel, though it may be slightly less heat-resistant. Avoid wool, as it can felt if exposed to hot, wet mugs repeatedly.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (work 2 sc into the same stitch)
- sl st = slip stitch
- st/sts = stitch/stitches
- MR = magic ring (or alternatively, ch 2 and work first round into the second ch from hook)
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Coaster Body
- Rnd 1: Start with a MR, ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring, join with a sl st to the first sc. (6 sts)
- Rnd 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each st around, join with a sl st to the first sc. (12 sts)
- Rnd 3: Ch 1, *1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to the first sc. (18 sts)
- Rnd 4: Ch 1, *1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to the first sc. (24 sts)
- Rnd 5: Ch 1, *1 sc in each of the next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to the first sc. (30 sts)
- Rnd 6: Ch 1, *1 sc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to the first sc. (36 sts)
- Rnd 7: Ch 1, *1 sc in each of the next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to the first sc. (42 sts)
Finishing
After completing Rnd 7, fasten off your yarn, leaving a 4-inch tail. Pull the yarn tail through the final loop to secure it. Thread the tail onto your tapestry needle and weave it through the stitches on the back side of the coaster to hide it securely. Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water using a mild detergent.
- Lay the coaster flat on a clean towel to air dry, ensuring it stays in its original circular shape.
- If the coaster becomes slightly warped over time, lightly dampen it and block it flat on a hard surface until completely dry.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Maintain consistent tension throughout the project to ensure the coaster remains flat. If your stitches are too loose, the coaster will ripple rather than lie flush. Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to avoid losing your place, especially when working the increase rounds. When weaving in your ends, always work in the direction of the stitches to make the finish invisible. You can easily adjust the size of the coaster by adding more or fewer rounds; remember that each additional round requires an increase of 6 stitches total to keep the circle flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a larger hook for this pattern?
Yes, using a larger hook will result in a larger, less dense coaster. If you do this, you may need more yarn to complete the same number of rounds.
Is this project suitable for absolute beginners?
Yes, this is an ideal starter project as it uses only single crochet and increases, which are the fundamental building blocks of almost all crochet projects.
Why is my coaster curling up into a bowl shape?
Curling usually happens if your tension is too tight or if you have skipped an increase. Check your stitch count at the end of every round to ensure you have the correct number of increases.
Can I sell the finished coasters I make from this pattern?
You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern as long as you credit the original design and use your own photographs for your listings.

Seeing your handmade hat sitting on a shelf or tucked away in a diaper bag provides a quiet sense of accomplishment for any maker. You can create different personalities by changing the ear shape into triangles for a kitten look or using a variegated yarn for a playful spotted effect. Please share a photo of your finished work on social media so others can see your color choices. Browse the rest of the blog for more baby accessories that match this specific style and skill level.





