Bearet - Free Hat Crochet Pattern For Babies and Kids in Paintbox Yarns Baby DK by Paintbox Yarns

Bearet – Free Baby and Kids Crochet Hat Pattern by Paintbox Yarns

The Bearet is a charming free crochet hat pattern designed by Paintbox Yarns for babies and young children. Combining the cosy, rounded silhouette of a beret with the snug fit of a beanie, this design creates a stylish and practical hat that suits a wide range of little ones. Available in five sizes spanning 6–12 months through to 5–6 years, the Bearet is a versatile make that can be revisited as children grow. Finished head circumferences range from 16¾ inches (42.5 cm) up to 20 inches (51 cm), making it a well-graded pattern across the full size run.

Design Overview

The Bearet takes its name from its hybrid shape — part beret, part hat — giving it a relaxed, slightly slouchy crown that sits beautifully on babies and toddlers alike. The two-colour construction adds visual interest without requiring complex colourwork techniques, making it an achievable and rewarding project. The finished hat has a neat, structured look that works equally well for everyday wear and special occasions.

Sizes and Fit

• 6–12 months: 16¾ in / 42.5 cm circumference
• 12–18 months: 18 in / 46 cm circumference
• 18 months–2 years: 18¾ in / 47.5 cm circumference
• 3–4 years: 19¼ in / 49 cm circumference
• 5–6 years: 20 in / 51 cm circumference

Techniques Used

The Bearet is constructed entirely in the round, a fundamental crochet technique that creates a seamless, tubular or circular fabric without the need to seam pieces together at the end. Working in the round is ideal for hats, as it allows the crocheter to build the crown outward from a central starting point and then work downward into the brim in a continuous spiral or joined rounds. This method produces a tidy, professional finish and is particularly well suited to children's accessories where comfort and durability are important.

The two-colour design — using Vanilla Cream (A) and Slate Grey (B) — introduces a simple colourwork element. Switching between colours in the round is a useful skill that adds visual impact while remaining approachable for crocheters who are building their confidence with colour changes.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated intermediate, meaning it is best suited to crocheters who are comfortable with the basics — such as forming a magic ring, working increases and decreases, and joining rounds — but who may not yet have extensive experience with shaping or multi-colour projects. The Bearet offers a gentle step up in complexity, making it an excellent skill-building project.

Stitches and Construction

As a crochet hat worked in the round, the Bearet typically employs a combination of foundational crochet stitches used to shape the crown and body of the hat. The pattern is written in US crochet terminology, with UK terminology provided in italics in round brackets throughout — a helpful feature for international crafters who may be more familiar with British stitch names. Instructions are given for the smallest size first, with adjustments for larger sizes following in round brackets.

• Working in the round for seamless, continuous construction
• Two-colour work using Vanilla Cream (A) and Slate Grey (B)
• Shaping through increases and decreases to achieve the beret-style crown
• US terminology used throughout, with UK equivalents provided

Materials Required

Yarn

The recommended yarn is Paintbox Yarns Baby DK, a DK weight yarn available exclusively at LoveCrafts.com. This yarn is specifically formulated with babies and children in mind, making it an appropriate choice for a hat that will sit close to delicate skin. The pattern calls for:

• Vanilla Cream (A): 1 ball for sizes 6–12m, 12