If you love a crochet pattern that’s quick, customizable, and packed with personality, you’re going to adore this FREE Baby & Children’s Belt Buckle Hat Pattern! This design takes a classic ear flap beanie and gives it a playful twist with a contrasting “belt” stripe and a sewn-on buckle that transforms the hat into so many different looks.
This is one of those patterns that becomes a go-to in your handmade gift stash—whether you’re crocheting for holiday photos, seasonal dress-up, or just everyday cuteness.
One Pattern, Endless Looks
The magic of this design is all in the yarn color you choose:
- Red instantly gives you Santa vibes for Christmas! 🎅
- Green transforms it into a Buddy the Elf–inspired hat or a sweet St. Patrick’s Day accessory. 🍀
- Blue resembles a classic denim “farmer” hat—perfect for everyday wear or farm-themed outfits. 🚜
- And of course, you can use any color to create your own festive or playful style!
Sizes for Baby Through Children
Whether you’re making a cozy newborn hat for holiday photos or crafting a fun winter accessory for your school-age kiddo, the pattern includes multiple sizes so every little one can enjoy the charm. The ear flaps keep those tiny ears warm, while the buckle adds a delightful finishing touch.
- Newborn (12 ¼ ” around & 5” high – fits up to 14” circumference)
- 3 to 6 Months (14” around & 5 ½ “ high – fits up to 15″ or 16″ circumference)
- 6 to 12 Months (16″ around & 6” high – fits up to 18″ circumference)
- 12 to 24 Months (17″ around & 6 ½ “ high – fits up to 19″ circumference)
- Child (18” around & 7 ½ “ high – fits up to 20″ circumference)
Simple Construction + Fun Details
The hat is worked in basic stitches, making it beginner-friendly and fast. The contrasting belt stripe is crocheted right into the hat, and the buckle—made separately and sewn, bringing the design to life.
Materials Needed for your Belt Buckle Hat
- Crochet Hook size H (5.00 mm), & Crochet Hook K (6.50 mm)
- 60-150 yards Worsted (#4) weight yarn (in desired color) + 5-10 yard contrasting belt color + scrap buckle color
- Yarn Needle, scissors, measuring tape
Stitches and Abbreviations Used in Pattern
- Hdc = Half Double Crochet
- Sc = Single Crochet
- Ch = Chain
- Slst = Slip Stitch
- Join = this means to join the rounds together with a slip stitch
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- R = Round or Row
Gauge Check: with crochet hook K – 9 rows with 12 hdc = 4 inches square
Crochet Your Basic Beanie with Ear Flaps
To make your belt buckle beanie, you will need to crochet a basic beanie from my FREE basic beanie. The options I have shown all have the earflaps. However, you can opt to make just a plain beanie and still add the belt and buckle. To crochet the stripe for the belt in each hat size, add your color change row to the following rows according to the size of the hat you are crocheting:
- Newborn Hat size, change to belt color for rounds 9 & 10 only.
- 3-6 Month hat size, change to belt color for rounds 10 & 11 only.
- 6-12 Month hat size, change to belt color for rounds 11 & 12 only.
- 12-24 Month hat size, change to belt color for rounds 11, 12, & 13 only.
- Child hat size, change to belt color for rounds 13, 14, & 15 only.
Earflap Ties for Hat
You can make the ties on the earflap one color, 2 color,s or 3 colors. If you already know how to make ties on earflaps, do them however you are comfortable. I take 2 (or 3) strands of yarn, measure about 12 feet, fold them in half, and at the fold, join with a slst to the center base of the earflap. Next, take a large hook and loosely crochet 18-22 chains, depending on the length you prefer. When you are done, tie off the end of the chain and trim up the tassel ends.
Belt Buckle Pattern:
Newborn & 3-6 month size:
- Using Hook H & buckle color of yarn, ch 17, join in first ch (careful not to twist)
- R1: Ch 1, 3sc in first ch, sc in next 2 ch, 3sc in next ch, sc in next 5 ch, 3sc in next ch, sc in the next 2 ch, 3sc in next ch, sc in next 5 ch, join in the top of the beginning sc, (26) and fasten off leaving enough yarn to sew to hat.
6-12 month up to Child size:
- Using Hook H & buckle color of yarn, ch 23, join in first ch (careful not to twist)
- R1: Ch 1, 3 sc in first ch, sc in next 3 ch, 3sc in next ch, sc in next 7 ch, 3sc in next ch, sc in the next 3 st, 3sc in next ch, sc in next 7 ch, join in the top of the beginning sc, (32) and fasten off leaving enough yarn to sew to hat.
Sewing the buckle Appliqué onto the hat
Center the applique in the middle of the hat’s front, directly over the center of the belt stripe rows. Here is a video tutorial that I use to sew on appliques.
