Crocheted Baby Hats in King Cole DK - 4491 - Downloadable PDF

Crocheted Baby Hats in King Cole DK – Pattern 4491

This King Cole pattern 4491 is a downloadable PDF featuring a collection of crocheted baby hats sized to fit head circumferences of 34–46 cm (13½–18¼ inches), covering ages 0 to 12 months. Designed at an intermediate skill level, the pattern offers multiple hat designs worked in King Cole DK weight yarn, making it an excellent choice for crafters looking to create practical, stylish, and gift-worthy baby accessories.

A purchase of this pattern contributes a donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, adding a charitable dimension to every project made from it.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a range of crocheted baby hats in multiple designs, each offering a different texture and visual finish. The variety of stitch patterns used across the designs means that crafters can choose a hat to suit different styles, occasions, or yarn colours. All hats are sized for newborns through to 12-month-old babies, with head circumferences ranging from 34 cm to 46 cm.

Techniques and Construction

The hats are worked using standard crochet construction techniques appropriate for an intermediate crocheter. Key techniques referenced in the pattern include:

• Working in the round – typical for hat construction, building from the crown downward or from a foundation chain
• Back loop only (blo) working – a technique that creates a ribbed or ridged texture by inserting the hook into only the back loop of each stitch
• Shell pattern construction – grouping multiple stitches into a single stitch or space to create decorative fan or shell shapes
• Tension swatching – the pattern strongly emphasises checking tension before beginning, with clear guidance on adjusting hook size if the stitch count differs from the stated tension
• Between (betw) stitch placement – used in some stitch patterns to position stitches between existing stitches for an open, decorative effect

Stitches Used

Pattern 4491 incorporates a range of crochet stitches, giving each hat design its own distinct texture. The stitches used across the collection include:

• Double crochet (dc) – the most basic and dense stitch, producing a firm, close fabric ideal for structured baby hats
• Half treble (htr) – a slightly taller stitch than double crochet, creating a softer and more flexible fabric with a subtle texture
• Treble (tr) – a taller, more open stitch that works up quickly and produces a lighter, airier fabric
• Shell pattern – a decorative stitch cluster typically made from multiple treble stitches worked into the same point, creating a scalloped or fan-like effect
• Chain (ch) – used for foundations, turning chains, and as part of stitch patterns

Tension

The pattern provides four separate tension measurements, each corresponding to a different stitch pattern used across the hat designs. All are achieved using a 4.00mm crochet hook:

• Double crochet: 18 dc and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 inches)
• Half treble: 17 htr and 15 rows to 10 cm (4 inches)
• Treble: 17 tr and 10 rows to 10 cm (4 inches)
• Shell pattern: 3 shells and 11 rows to 10 cm (4 inches)

Achieving the correct tension is especially important for baby garments, where fit is critical. The pattern advises crocheting a tension square before starting and adjusting hook size accordingly — moving to a smaller hook if too few stitches are produced, or a larger hook if too many.

Materials

The pattern is designed specifically for use with King Cole DK (double knit) weight yarn. A 4.00mm crochet hook is the recommended tool