The Crochet Snowman Hat

I am super excited to introduce this year’s seasonal crochet project – the snowman hat! This was a really fun crochet project to design and to make.

It’s a simple beanie hat with a 3d snowman head topper with a hat and scarf of its own. I love the meta vibe of the hat on hat situation.

Keep reading for the free adult sized crochet pattern.

Purchase the full PDF pattern in 4 sizes from Etsy, Ravelry or Love Crafts

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Materials

Crochet Hook:

4mm crochet hook I used my trusty clover amour

3.5mm crochet hook for the brim of the hat, the eyes and nose

Yarn:

Double knit acrylic yarn was used throughout.

I used Stylecraft Special DK for the Black, White and Orange (Shade colour Jaffa), 100% acrylic, 100g = 295m / 323 yds, 

For the Snowman’s beanie and scarf, you can choose your preferred colour. I refer to this as the ‘beanie colour’. I used red and pink leftover dk yarn from my stash (with no ball bands) for the two samples.

Yarn quantities

White: <100g will be enough for the head and hat.

Black: a small amount for the eyes and buttons

Orange: a small amount for the nose

Beanie colour: Approximately 20-40g or 60-100m for hat and scarf depending on the size you choose.

Substitution Options

Any acrylic or wool yarn (or a blend of the two) which meets gauge should be suitable for this pattern.

You may find this post useful in choosing a substitute yarn.

Other Materials

• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Stitch markers (optional)
• Stuffing for the head – I used Toy Filling (please make sure your stuffing meets safety regulations)
• Small pom pom maker for the snowman’s beanie (optional) – I used a 35mm, the smallest clover pom pom maker in this set. Please see pom pom safety notice below.

Measurements & Finished Size

The adult hat pattern measures 48cm in circumference and is designed to fit a head of 55cm. The main hat body measures 19.5cm from hat to the bottom of the brim.

Remember that hats should be made with negative ease so they stretch to fit. This hat should be fitted with no slouch so it can support the weight of the snowman’s head. This has a little more negative ease than some hats to ensure it is a snug fit to hold the snowman head. However, it should not be uncomfortably tight and should not be worn if that is the case.

You can make adjustments to the fit of the hat by adding or removing stitches as desired in the increase section of the pattern.

This post on hat sizing may help.

The snowman’s head measures approximately 42cm in circumference and 14cm tall without the mini beanie. This will vary depending on how full you stuff it!

Pattern Notes

General Notes

• Please read all the pattern notes before starting your project
• This pattern uses standard US crochet terms (UK equivalents are given in brackets in the abbreviations list)
• Numbers at the end of a row / round indicate the number of stitches in that row / round and are only given at the start of a section or where there is a change
• Turning chains do not count as stitches throughout
• Instructions written after *asterisks should be repeated as indicated 
• Instructions written between [square brackets] should be worked the specific number of times instructed
• This pattern is not intended to be used as a toy

Construction

• The main hat is made top-down in joined rounds, turning at the end of each round
• The snowman’s head is made separately, the ‘coal eyes’ and ‘carrot nose’ are attached, the head is stuffed and then sewn securely to the top of the main hat
• ‘Coal buttons’ are added to the front of the main hat which represents the snowman’s body
• A mini hat and scarf are made for the snowman and added at the end

Skills Used

You’ll need knowledge of basic crochet stitches and terminology

The pattern is made using mostly single crochet (UK double crochet) and half double crochet (UK half treble). You will need to know how to work in rows and rounds, make simple increases and decreases and be able to securely sew on features and join pieces together.

You’ll also work in the front loops only for the main hat brim and the front 3rd loop of a half double crochet for the mini beanie. This is illustrated in that part of the pattern.

Stitches & Abbreviations: US terms 

(UK Equivalent in Brackets)

• ch = chain
• dec = decrease – denotes decrease round
• FLO = front loop only
• hdc = half double crochet (UK half treble crochet)
• MR = magic ring – see special stitches
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• sc = single crochet (UK double crochet)
• sc2tog = single crochet 2 together (UK double crochet 2 together) – see special stitches
• sk = skip (UK miss)
• ss = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• WS = wrong side
• yo = yarn over

Special Stitches 

Magic Ring (MR)

You can find a photo and video tutorial on how to create a magic ring here.  If you are not familiar with the magic ring for working in the round or prefer not to use it, then you can ch2 and work the first round into the second chain from hook.

Always make sure you pull the tail of your MR tight to secure the centre stitches and sew it in securely.

Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)

Insert hook, yo, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 3 loops to complete the stitch.

Stitch Pattern

This pattern uses ‘paired’ single crochet. That is you skip 1 stitch then work 2 single crochet in the next stitch and repeat.

When working in pattern (and not making increases or decreases), you will work the 2sc in the second of the pair (as the work faces you) from the round below. I clarify this as a helpful tip to check you haven’t skipped an extra stitch somewhere in the round!

It is important to turn at the end of each round so that you create the texture you see pictured. The stitch pattern will look very different if you do not turn.

Additional stitch instruction notes

• When beginning a round, ensure you do not work into the slip stitch used to join the previous round
• When instructed to ‘sk next st’  at the start of a round, you skip the last stitch of the previous round (which would be the first stitch of the current round)
• You may wish to use stitch markers to mark the first or last stitch in each round

Gauge

Gauge for body of hat and snowman’s head

21 sts and 22 rows in 10cm of paired single crochet using a 4mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.

The gauge must be tight enough that the stuffing stays securely inside the head. If necessary, go down a hook size or two for the head section.

Gauge for Snowman’s beanie and scarf

21 sts and 14 rows over 10cm of half double crochet worked in the front third loop using a 4mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.

Note that I explain where the front third loop when you come to make the beanie and scarf.  Gauge is less important for the beanie and scarf as I instruct you to repeat the rows until the appropriate length is reached, but I include it for completeness.

Learn how to make and measure a gauge swatch here

Getting your hat to fit

It is important you meet gauge to ensure that your hat fits. 

Whilst you can (and ideally should) swatch in advance, the size of the piece means you may wish to check your gauge as you go. I recommend measuring gauge only once you have started the non-increase round sections of the hat.

To check you are on track to get the size right, you can measure the circumference of the circle just before you start the non-increase rounds. This should be the same as the circumference of the finished hat. You can then adjust as needed by adding more increase rounds, or by frogging back and removing some of the increases.

You can also adjust the tension of the ribbed brim to tighten up the fit a little if needed.

If you can, try on the main hat body before adding the head.

Disclaimer

Whilst I endeavour to ensure all patterns are error free, occasional typos or errors may slip through. No liability is accepted for this or subsequent variation in finished projects. However, please do contact me if you think the pattern contains an error or you are unsure about interpreting the instructions. 

Information on this website, in this crochet pattern and in associated products is for reference only. Any reliance on information given in this document and associated reference materials is at your own risk. This pattern falls under Dora Does Terms of Service.

Pom pom safety warning

Pom poms can be a choking hazard, especially if the small pieces of yarn come loose. Do not add pom poms to hats or other items intended for use by babies, infants, toddlers or children.

Children, toddlers, infants and babies should never be left unattended with pom poms. The safety of babies, infants, toddlers and children is paramount. Use caution.

Purchase the PDF crochet snowman hat pattern from Ravelry, Etsy or Love Crafts

The Snowman Hat Pattern

Main hat body

Using white yarn and a 4mm crochet hook, make a MR;

Round 1 (RS): Ch1 (does not count as a st throughout), make 6sc in MR, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 6 sts

Round 2: Ch1, 2sc in each st to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 12 sts

Round 3: Ch1, *2sc in next 2 sts, sk next st, 2sc in next st; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 18 sts

Round 4: Ch1, *[sk next st, 2sc in next st] twice, 2sc in next 2 sts; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 24 sts

Round 5: Ch1, *2sc in next 2 sts, sk next st, 2sc in next st; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 36 sts

Round 6: Ch1, *sk next st, 2sc in next st; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn

Round 7: Ch1, *[sk next st, 2sc in next st] twice, 2sc in next 2 sts; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 48 sts

Round 8: As Round 6

Round 9: Ch1, *2sc in next 2 sts, [sk next st, 2sc in next st] 3 times; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 60sts

Round 10: As Round 6

Round 11: Ch1, *[sk next st, 2sc in next st] 4 times, 2sc in next 2 sts; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 72 sts

Round 12: As Round 6

Round 13: Ch1, *2sc in next 2 sts, [sk next st, 2sc in next st] 5 times; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 84 sts

Round 14: As Round 6

Round 15: Ch1, *[sk next st, 2sc in next st] 6 times, 2sc in next 2 sts; rep from * to end ss to top of first st to join, turn. 96 sts

Rounds 16 – 34: As Round 6

Do not fasten off, continue to brim

Adjusting hat length

You can change the length of your hat by adding or removing Round 6 repeats after you finish increasing. In order to support the snowman head, the hat should fit closely to the head it’s intended for. There should be no ‘slouch’.

Main Hat Brim

Change to 3.5mm hook, turn to work at right angles to the base of the hat and switch to working in rows;

Row 1 (RS): Ch8, 1hdc in second ch from hook and next 6 ch, ss into next 2 sts on last round of hat body, turn. 7 hdc, 2 ss

Row 2 (WS): Without chaining, sk 2 ss, 1ss into each hdc across, turn. 7 ss

Row 3: (RS): Ch1 (does not count as a st), 1hdc in FLO of each ss from previous row, ss into next 2 sts on last round of hat body, turn. 7 hdc, 2 ss

Rep Rows 2 and 3 around the bottom of the hat to form the brim, finishing on a Row 3 rep

With WS facing, turn to join two sides, ss through last row of hdc and corresponding starting ch from Row 1.

If you want to tighten or loosen the brim, you can slip stitch into more or fewer stitches on the last round of hat body on your Row 3 repeats. Change the cadence of your slip stitches to create a tension you are happy with.

Fasten off, sew in ends

Snowman’s Head

The head will start the same way as the main hat body, so I have referred you back to that part of the pattern.

Using white yarn and a 4mm crochet hook, make a suitable size head to match your main hat;

Rounds 1 – 13: As adult size hat body pattern. 84 sts

Round 14 (WS): Ch1, *sk next st, 2sc in next st; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn

Rounds 15 – 21: As Round 14

Round 22 (dec): Ch1, *[sk next st, 2sc in next st] 5 times, sc2tog twice; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 72 sts

Round 23: As Round 14

Round 24 (dec): Ch1, *sc2tog twice, [sk next st, 2sc in next st] 4 times; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 60 sts

Round 25: As Round 14

Round 26 (dec): Ch1, *[sk next st, 2sc in next st] 3 times, sc2tog twice; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 48 sts

Round 27: As Round 14

Round 28 (dec): Ch1, *sc2tog twice, [sk next st, 2sc in next st] twice; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 36 sts

Round 29: As Round 14

Round 30: (dec): Ch1, *sk next st, 2sc in next st, sc2tog twice; rep from * to end, ss to top of first st to join, turn. 24sts

Round 31: As Round 14

Fasten off leaving a long tail (about 30cm) to join the head to the top of the hat body

Next you will make all the facial features and build your snowman. The images used to illustrate this use a smaller version of the hat and are for demonstration only.

Nose

Make 1

The ‘nose’ is made in continual rounds, do not join or turn at the end of each round

Using orange yarn and a 3.5mm hook, make a MR;

Round 1 (RS): Ch1, (does not count as st), 4sc in MR, do not join or turn. 4 sc

Round 2: 1sc in next 3 sts, 2sc in next st. 5 sc

Round 3: 1sc in next 2 sts, 2sc in next st, 1sc in next 1 sts. 6 sc

Round 4: 1sc in next 5 sts, 2sc in next st. 7 sc

Round 5: 1sc in each st around

Fasten off leaving leave a long tail to sew on the nose

Joining suggestion: Pull your yarn tail through the last stitch and thread onto a yarn needle. Join the final round using the invisible join method: 

Skip the next stitch, thread the yarn needle through the top of the second stitch from inside to out and then back into the centre of the last stitch of the last round.

You can see a written, photo and video tutorial for the invisible join method here.

Eyes / Buttons

The ‘eyes’ and ‘buttons’ are made in the same way. I made 2 ‘coal’ eyes for the head and 3 buttons to go down the front of the main hat but you can adjust the quantity as desired.

Make 5

Using black yarn and a 3.5mm hook, make a MR;

Round 1 (RS): Ch1, (does not count as st), 7sc in magic ring, do not join

Fasten off

Joining suggestion: Pull your yarn tail through the last stitch and thread onto a yarn needle. Join the round by threading the yarn needle through the top of the first stitch and back into the centre of the last. 

Set the 3 ‘buttons’ aside as you will sew those on last (to make sure they align with the head) and proceed to adding the facial features.

Attaching the facial features

I suggest pinning or tacking all the features on to check that you’re happy with the spacing and then sewing them securely into place. (Remove all pins when done!)

Attach the eyes about half way down the head, maybe just above. They should be attached to the non-increase round section of the head. This allows space for the beanie to go on top. 

It may help you to partially stuff the head to help with this arrangement, but do not stuff it completely as this can make the sewing process pretty cumbersome!

Once you have added the facial features and are happy with the arrangement, then you can stuff and shape the head. Do not over stuff it – the stuffing should not stretch the fabric or be poking out of the holes!

Attach the head

Now you are ready to sew your snowman’s stuffed head onto the top of the hat.

Align the front of the head with the front of the hat. Using interlocking stitch markers to secure it so it doesn’t move about when sewing may help. The last row of the head should align nicely with Round 4 of the crown of the main hat (24 stitches).

Once you’re happy with the position, you can sew the head securely in place. You may want to add a little extra stuffing before you complete the attachment.

You may want to join Round 5 of the hat to the head add that bit of extra security and stop it from wobbling.

The neck will be hidden by the scarf so if, like me, sewing isn’t your strong point, don’t worry too much if it’s not the prettiest seam, Just make sure it is stable and secure.

Once the head is secured, make sure you have removed all pins / markers and sew the buttons onto the front of the hat, aligning them with the nose. Distribute them evenly, positioning before you sew, and leaving room for the scarf.

Snowman’s Mini Beanie

Next you will make a beanie hat and scarf for your snowman. The rib I used involved working rows of half double crochet into the front 3rd loop.

The photo below shows my yarn needle pointing to where the front third loop is located.

Using your beanie colour yarn and a 4mm hook;

Row 1: Ch27, 1hdc in the second chain from hook and each chain to end, turn. 26 hdc

The beanie should measure around 14cm tall, allowing for a small turn up. You can adjust your starting chain to suit your yarn, tension and preference.

Row 2: Ch1 (does not count as a st), 1hdc in front 3rd loop of each hdc to end, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until your hat piece reaches about 38cm long or about 4cm less than the widest part of the head.

To join the sides of your hat, slip stitch through the front 3rd loop of the hdc from the previous row and the corresponding starting chain as shown in the image over leaf. This will become the wrong side.

Fasten off and leave a long tail which you will use to pull the brim together

With the WS still facing, weave your yarn needle in and out of the row ends around the hat, then, when you reach the beginning, pull tight to create a gathered crown. 

Sew around this gather to secure it and fasten off

Turn the hat the right side out and securely sew on a pom pom if desired / suitable. Please ensure you heed the warning about the potential choking hazards posed by pom poms and never leave a baby, infant, toddler or child unattended with a pom pom.

Snowman’s Scarf

You will work the scarf using the same technique and sizing as the hat.

Using your beanie / scarf colour yarn and a 4mm hook;

Row 1: Ch 8, 1hdc in the second chain from hook and each chain to end, turn. 7 hdc

Row 2: Ch1, 1hdc in front 3rd loop of each hdc to end, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until your scarf is long enough to wrap and tie securely around the ‘neck’ of the snowman. 

This will be about 55cm long for the adult size, depending how long you want the scarf!

Fasten off and weave in ends (see tip below for managing ends if you’re adding a fringe)

Adding a fringe (optional / for adult sizes)

I added some fringe to my scarf for the adult size hat as follows:

• Cut enough 2 inch pieces of yarn to attach to each stitch on either end of the scarf
• Fold each piece individually, hook the loop of the fold through one of the stitches on the first / last row of the scarf
• Yarn over with the two ends and pull them through the loop to secure
• Repeat this for each stitch on either end of the scarf and trim the ends

Finishing

Add the scarf and beanie hat to the snowman’s head. I recommend securely stitching the beanie hat and scarf in place. For both safety and convenience, you don’t want small pieces coming off in wear, as per my earlier disclaimer.

Weave in any remaining ends and enjoy your snowman hat!

I tip my cap to you… now I’ll sew it on so I don’t loose it!

I hope you enjoy this pattern and have a winter wonder!

Happy Hooking

Dx

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