Halloween Costume Crochet Patterns for Babies & Kids

Costumes that survive a cold October night

The practical problem with children's Halloween costumes is temperature. Shop-bought outfits are thin polyester worn over a coat or, more often, instead of one. Crocheted costume pieces solve this because they are worn as clothing: a pumpkin beanie, a hooded monster cowl or a set of bat wings goes over a warm jumper and still reads instantly as a costume in the dark. That is the underlying logic of this collection, and it is why hats, hoods, capes and bags outnumber full-body designs.

What you will find

• Character hats and beanies: pumpkins, spiders, cats, bats, skulls and friendly monsters, sized from newborn upwards.
• Hoods and capes for witches, wizards and small vampires.
• Wearable accessories such as wings, tails, cat ears and collars, which turn ordinary clothes into a costume.
• Newborn photo props, tiny sets of hat and cocoon.
• Trick-or-treat baskets and bags, worked firmly so they hold their shape when full.

Sizing children who will not stand still

Hat patterns are sized by head circumference, not age, so measure round the forehead and just above the ears. If you cannot measure, err slightly small: crochet stretches, and a hat that is a little snug stays on while a loose one ends up in a hedge. For hoods and capes, check the length from shoulder to where you want the hem, remembering that anything trailing near the ground is a trip hazard in the dark. Add a chin strap or ties for babies and toddlers.

Yarn choices for costumes

Acrylic aran and DK are the sensible choices here: bright orange, black, purple and lime green are widely available, the yarn is inexpensive enough that you will not mind it being dragged through a hedge, and it washes at a low temperature. Avoid loose novelty yarns with long fibres near very small children. Reflective or high-visibility yarn worked into a border, or a strip of reflective tape sewn inside a cape, is a genuinely useful addition for an evening of trick-or-treating.

Techniques and finishing

Most designs need only double crochet, treble crochet and increases worked in the round, plus surface details such as embroidered eyes or appliquéd features. Work at a firm tension so hats hold their shape and baskets stand up. Safety eyes are quick but should not be used on anything for a child under three; embroider features instead, and secure every seam properly. Weave ends thoroughly, because a costume gets pulled about far more than a garment does.

Planning ahead

Start in September if you want more than a hat. A beanie is an evening, a hooded cape is a few days, and a full set of hat, wings and bag is a fortnight of relaxed evenings. Ask the child what they want to be before you cast on, and be prepared for the answer to change; interchangeable accessories are more resilient to this than a single-character outfit. Afterwards, wash and store the pieces, since a good pumpkin hat is usually worn for two or three autumns.

Halloween crochet costume questions

How long does a costume hat take? Usually one or two evenings in aran weight yarn.

What yarn should I use? Inexpensive, washable acrylic in DK or aran, in strong Halloween colours.

Are these suitable for beginners? Many are. A pumpkin beanie in double crochet is a good first project in the round.

Can I make them warm enough for outdoors? Yes, that is the advantage. Work at a firm tension and layer the pieces over ordinary clothes.

Are safety eyes safe for babies? Not for children under three. Embroider the features instead. Browse more animal crochet patterns for extra creatures.