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Looking for the cutest free crochet baby hat pattern? The Star Stitch Baby Bear Hat combines beautiful texture, adorable bear ears, and a cozy stretchy fit into one quick and satisfying project.
Designed in my signature Timeless Tones DK yarn line, created in collaboration with Mary Maxim, this hat works up quickly and makes the perfect handmade gift for baby showers, hospital visits, newborn photography sessions, and holiday gifting.
Whether you’re making one special keepsake or crocheting a whole basket for your next craft market, this free crochet pattern is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Project Overview
The Star Stitch Baby Bear Hat is a cozy, textured baby hat featuring the classic star stitch pattern, a stretchy front-post and back-post ribbed band, and adorable bear ears. The pattern includes sizes from Preemie through Child, making it perfect for babies and growing little ones.
The sample is made with Timeless Tones DK weight yarn, my signature yarn line created in collaboration with Mary Maxim, offering a soft and cozy fabric that is gentle for baby.
The star stitch creates beautiful texture and may be new to some crocheters, and a full video tutorial is included to help guide you through the newborn (0–3 month) size.
Skill level: Easy
Sizes: Preemie (0-3, 3-6, 6-12, 12-18, Toddler, Child)
Yarn Weight: DK Weight #3
Yarn: MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Timeless Tones
Hook Sizes: 5 mm and 5.5 mm
Construction: Top-Down in Rounds
Video Tutorial: https://youtu.be/vrrsmLAk1m4
Why You’ll Love This Free Crochet Baby Bear Hat Pattern
- Free crochet pattern on the blog
- Full step-by-step YouTube video tutorial included
- Sizes from Preemie to Child
- Beautiful textured star stitch design
- Stretchy front and back post ribbed brim for the perfect fit
- Quick project that works up in approximately 30 to 90 minutes
- Perfect for baby showers and handmade gifts
- Great stash-busting project using DK-weight yarn
- Part of the Timeless Tones Signature Collection
About the Star Stitch Baby Bear Hat
This adorable crochet baby hat is worked top-down in the round, beginning with simple increase rounds before transitioning to the gorgeous star-stitch texture. The cozy ribbed brim keeps the hat snug and comfortable, while the little bear ears add the sweetest finishing touch.
Although the star stitch creates an impressive textured fabric, this pattern is designed for adventurous beginners and intermediate crocheters alike. A full video tutorial walks you through the newborn size, making it easy to learn the stitch as you go.
About Timeless Tones Yarn
The Star Stitch Baby Bear Hat was designed using Timeless Tones DK, my signature yarn line created in collaboration with Mary Maxim. Its soft feel, beautiful stitch definition, and anti-pilling fibres make it the perfect choice for cozy baby projects and treasured handmade gifts.
Design Inspiration
This little hat was inspired by my newest grandson! After designing the Star Stitch Big Bow Hat for my granddaughter, I knew I needed a sweet boy version to match. The adorable bear ears were the perfect finishing touch, creating a timeless design that can be cherished for generations.
Join Our Timeless Tones Summer Crochet Along
The Star Stitch Baby Bear Hat is part of our Timeless Tones Summer Crochet Along starting June 15th, 2026, where you can crochet at your own pace alongside our wonderful community.
This pattern is also included in the Timeless Tones Star Stitch Collection Ebook, featuring four coordinating star stitch designs, and the Timeless Tones Signature Collection Ebook, which includes all seven patterns in the collection:
- MJ’s Signature Sweater
- MJ’s Signature Cardigan
- Timeless Star Stitch Cardigan
- Mini Star Stitch Cardigan
- Timeless Star Stitch Blanket
- Star Stitch Baby Bear Hat
- Sailboat Mosaic Baby Blanket
Whether you make one pattern or the entire collection, we’d love to have you crochet along with us!
Perfect For
This crochet bear hat pattern is ideal for:
- Baby shower gifts
- Newborn photography props
- Pregnancy announcements
- Hospital welcome home outfits
- First birthday keepsakes
- Holiday gift baskets
- Craft fairs and handmade markets
- Matching sibling sets
- Charity and donation projects
- Quick weekend crochet projects
Video Tutorial
Yarn Requirements
MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Timeless Tones (CDN)
DK Weight #3, 100% Premium Acrylic
273 yds /100 g, Shown in Sweet Peony, Oat Milk, Eucalyptus, Warm Cocoa, Seabreeze, Toasted Almond, Petal Pink & Driftwood
Sizes: Preemie (0-3mth, 3-6mth, 6-12mth, 12-18mth, Toddler, Child)
55 (65, 75, 85, 100, 115, 135) yards
Crochet Hook
or the size needed to obtain the gauge
Supplies
Gauge
Pattern: 9 sts and 5 rows equal to 2″ in star stitch pattern with 5.5 mm hook
Construction
This hat is worked from the top down in the round, beginning at the crown with increase rounds to shape the hat. The textured star stitch pattern is then continued to form the body of the hat. A front-post and back-post ribbed band is added for a stretchy, comfortable fit. The bear ears are crocheted separately and sewn to the top of the hat to finish the design.
Project Tips
Project Time: Approximately 30 to 90 minutes per hat. Time will vary based on speed and skill level.
- Measure for the best fit. Babies and children do not always match standard sizing, so measure the child’s head when possible or try the hat on as you work.
- Adjusting the length: If extra length is needed, add an additional star stitch and half double crochet round before the ribbed band, or work an extra round of ribbing.
- Joining the star stitch rounds. When completing the final star of the round, insert your hook into the next stitch and the slip stitch join from the previous round.
- Slip stitch into the starting ch-3 when joining each round to help prevent gapping.
- Adjusting the size: If a larger circumference is needed, add additional increases.
- Attaching the ears. Lay the hat flat and position the ears on each side of the crown. Fold the sides of the ear slightly inward to create a rounded shape, then sew through both layers across the bottom edge.
- Check placement before finishing. Attach both ears first and adjust as needed before weaving in the yarn tails.
Abbrevations
Ch – Chain
Beg – Beginning
Dc – Double Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Lp – Loop
Rep – Repeat
RS – Right Side
Sc – Single Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sp(s) – Space(s)
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Yo – Yarn over
( ) – Work step in parentheses in indicated stitch
Special Stitches
Beg Star – Pull up a lp in the 2nd ch from hook, pull up a lp in next ch, pull up a lp in the base st, pull up a loop in the next 2 sts, 6 loops on the hook, yo, pull through all 6 loops, ch 1 (creates the eye of the star).
Star Stitch – Pull up a lp in the eye of the previous star, pull up a loop by going through the leg of the last loop of previous star, pull up a lp in the base st of the previous star, pull up a loop in the next 2 sts, 6 loops on the hook, yo, pull through all 6 loops, ch 1.
Beg 5 Lp Star – Pull up a lp in the 2nd ch from hook, pull up a lp in next ch, pull up a lp in the base st, pull up a loop in the next st, 5 loops on the hook, yo, pull through all 5 loops, ch 1.
5 Lp Star – Pull up a lp in the eye of the previous star, pull up a loop by going through the leg of the last loop of previous star, pull up a lp in the base st of the previous star, pull up a loop in the next st, 5 loops on the hook, yo, pull through all 5 loops, ch 1, turn.
Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc): Yo, insert your hook from back to front to back around the post of the next stitch; yo, pull up a loop; yo, pull through 2 loops on your hook, yo, pull through remaining two loops on your hook.
Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): Yo, insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the next stitch; yo, pull up a loop; yo, pull through 2 loops on your hook; yo, pull through the remaining two loops on your hook.
Check out these helpful tutorials from our Learn Hub:
- How to Hold Yarn and a Crochet Hook
- Crochet Abbreviations for Beginners
- How to Read a Crochet Pattern
- Understanding Stitch Multiples and Repeats
- Crochet Gauge Explained
These resources will help build confidence and improve your crochet skills for future projects.
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Digital PDF Download
Digital pattern only. No physical item will be shipped.
Free Baby Bear Hat Pattern
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“Pattern by MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Inc.”
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Pattern
Notes: Pattern is worked in multiples of 2.
Preemie (0-3mth)
Round 1 (RS):
With larger hook, magic ring, ch 1, work 10 (11) hdc in the ring, pull ring tight, sl st in first hdc to join—10 (11)sts.
Round 2:
Ch 2, work 2 hdc in each st around, sl st in first hdc to join—20 (22) sts.
Round 3:
Ch 3, Beg 5 lp star, work a 5 lp star across each st around, work last star into the sl st join from the previous round, sl st in ch-3 to join—20 (22) stars.
Round 4:
Ch 2, work 1 hdc in first eye, 2 hdc in each eye around to last eye, 1 hdc in the last eye, sl st in first hdc to join—40 (44) sts.
Round 5:
Ch 3, beg star, star st next 2 sts around to the last st, last star worked across the last st and sl st join of the previous round, sl st in ch-3 to join—20 (22) stars.
Round 6-8 (10):
Rep Rounds 4 & 5, ending on the rep of Round 4.
Band
Round 1:
With smaller hook, ch 2, work 1 dc in each st around, sl st in first dc to join—40 (44) sts.
Round 2:
Ch 2, 1 fpdc first st, 1 bpdc next st, * 1 fpdc next st, 1 bpdc next st; rep from * around, sl st in first fpdc to join—40 (44) sts.
3-6mth (6-12mth, 12-18mth, Toddler, Child)
Round 1 (RS):
With larger hook, magic ring, ch 1, work 10 (11, 10, 11, 12) hdc in the ring, pull ring tight, sl st in first hdc to join—10 (11, 10, 11, 12)sts.
Round 2:
Ch 2, work 2 hdc in each st around, sl st in first hdc to join—20 (22, 20, 22, 24) sts.
Round 3:
Ch 3, Beg 5 lp star, work a 5 lp star across each st around, work last star into the sl st join from the previous round, sl st in ch 3 to join—20 (22, 20, 22, 24) stars.
Round 4:
Ch 2, work 1 hdc in first eye, 2 hdc in each eye around to last eye, 1 hdc in the last eye, sl st in first hdc to join—40 (44, 40, 44, 48) sts.
Round 5:
Ch 3, beg star, star st next 2 sts around to the last st, last star worked across the last st and sl st join of the previous round, sl st in ch-3 to join—20 (22, 20, 22, 24) stars.
3-6mth (6-12mth) 3076.46
Round 6:
Ch 2, work 1 hdc first eye, 3 hdc in next eye, *2 hdc in next eye, 3 hdc in next eye; rep from * around to last eye, 1(3) hdc in the last eye, sl st in first hdc to join—50 (56) sts.
12-18mth (Toddler, Child)
Round 6:
Ch 2, work 1 hdc first eye, 3 hdc in each eye around to last eye, 2(3,2) hdc in the last eye, sl st in first hdc to join—60 (66, 72) sts.
3-6mth (6-12mth, 12-18mth, Toddler, Child)
Round 7:
Ch 3, beg star, star st next 2 sts around to the last st, last star worked across the last st and sl st join of the previous round, sl st in ch-3 to join—25 (28, 30, 33, 36) stars.
Round 8:
Ch 2, work 1 hdc in first eye, 2 hdc in each eye around to last eye, 1 hdc in the last eye, sl st in first hdc to join—50 (56, 60, 66, 72) sts.
Rounds 9 – 12 (12, 14, 14, 16):
Rep Rounds 7 & 8.
Band
Round 1:
With smaller hook, ch 2, work 1 dc in each st around, sl st in first dc to join—50 (56, 60, 66, 72) sts.
Round 2:
Ch 2, 1 fpdc first st, 1 bpdc next st, * 1 fpdc next st, 1 bpdc next st; rep from * around, sl st in first fpdc to join—50 (56, 60, 66, 72) sts. Stop for 3-6mth, 12-18mth and Child sizes.
6-12mth (Toddler)
Round 3: Ch 2, 1 fpdc first st, 1 bpdc next st, * 1 fpdc next st, 1bpdc next st; rep from * around, sl st in first fpdc to join—56 (66) sts. Work an additional round if needed to increase band length for other sizes.
Ears
Round 1:
With smaller hook, magic ring, ch 2, work 6 (6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8) hdc in ring, pull ring tight, (don’t join, turn—6 (6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8) sts.
Round 2:
Ch 1, 2 sc in each st across, turn—12 (12, 14, 14, 14, 16, 16) sts.
Round 3:
Ch 3, beg star, star st next 2 sts around to the last st, 5 lp star, turn—6 (6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8) stars.
Round 4:
Ch 1, work 1 sc in first eye, 2 sc in each eye across to last eye, 1 sc in top of the last eye, turn—12 (12, 14, 14, 14, 16, 16) sts. Stop for Preemie and 0–3 mth sizes. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Weave in the starting tail.
3-6mth (6-12mth, 12-18mth, Toddler, Child)
Round 5:
Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st across—14 (14, 14, 16, 16) sts. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Weave in the starting tail.
Attaching the Ears
Lay the hat flat with the front facing you. Position the ears evenly on each side of the crown.
For most sizes, center the ears around Rounds 3–6 from the crown, depending on the size of the hat. For the Preemie size, position the ears slightly higher, around Rounds 2–4.
To shape the ears, fold the outer corners of the ear slightly inward to create a rounded shape. Using the yarn tail and a yarn needle, sew across the bottom edge of the ear, stitching through both layers to secure it to the hat.
Attach the second ear on the opposite side of the hat, adjusting the placement so both ears sit evenly. Once you are happy with the placement, weave in all remaining ends securely.
More Star Stitch Patterns
- Chunky Star Stitch Throw
- Little Star Baby Hat
- Sahara Stripes Afghan
- Star Stitch Dishcloth
- Star Stitch Towel Holder
More Baby Patterns
- Mini Pop Pullover
- Baby Sand Sunhat
- Rainbow Peaks Alpine Stitch Blanket
- Rainbow Hugs Hoodie
- Easiest Children’s Pullover
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This pattern is designed by Michelle Moore of MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Inc., based in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada. Your go-to source for modern, easy crochet patterns. Published on June 7, 2026.
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