Want a tiny crochet accent with the texture of a cozy winter hat? This ribbed mini hat comes together from a simple rectangle, then transforms through seaming, gathering, and a fluffy pom-pom into a charming hanging decoration.
Crochet a Mini Hat Ornament with Pom-Pom
The appeal of this little hat is in the details rather than complicated shaping. Working single crochet through the back loops creates raised ridges that give the fabric a knitted look, while the folded lower edge forms a recognizable brim.
Because the crochet piece is small and worked in rows, you can see its texture develop quickly without needing a complicated stitch pattern.
The most important part is keeping the small rectangle consistent before assembly. Each row should contain 14 stitches, and the back-loop placement needs to stay the same throughout so the ridges line up. Once the rectangle is finished, the construction changes: the edges are sewn together, the top is gathered closed, and the crochet piece is turned right side out before the brim and pom-pom are added.
Credit madebymara
Materials & Tools
- Yarn: Any yarn of your choice; the sample uses gray acrylic yarn
- Crochet Hook: 3.5 mm
- Yarn Needle: For sewing and finishing
- Scissors
Finished Size
Approximately 7 cm × 6 cm.
You can change the finished size by adjusting the foundation chain and number of rows, or by switching the yarn weight and hook size. Remember that changing the number of rows changes the height, while changing the foundation chain changes the width of the rectangle.
Abbreviations
- ch – Chain
- sc – Single crochet
- yo – Yarn over
- st(s) – Stitch(es)
- sl st – Slip stitch
- RS – Right side
How to Crochet the Mini Hat
Make the Foundation Chain
Start with a slip knot and place it on your hook.
Foundation: Ch 15.
Try to keep these chains even rather than making them very tight. The foundation chain determines the width of the finished rectangle, so uneven tension here can make the hat less uniform after assembly.
Work the First Row
Row 1: Insert your hook into the 2nd chain from the hook and work 1 sc in each chain across. (14 sc)
The skipped chain does not count as a stitch. Starting in the second chain is what gives you the required 14 sc from a foundation of 15 chains.
Begin the Ribbed Texture
The ridges come from working into the back loop only (BLO). This is the detail that gives the finished hat its cozy, knitted appearance.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Working in the back loop only, work 1 sc in each stitch across. (14 sc)
Finding the Back Loop
Look at the top of your stitch, and you’ll see two loops forming a small “V.” For this row, insert your hook under only the loop farther away from you.
The turning chain is not one of the 14 stitches. Begin in the first actual stitch of the row.
Build the Rectangle
Rows 3–14: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 sc in the back loop only of each stitch across. (14 sc each row)
Keep checking the stitch tops as you work. If you accidentally crochet through both loops, that stitch will look flatter and can interrupt the vertical ridge pattern.
Stitch Count Check
Every completed row should have 14 sc.
This small checkpoint matters here because the rectangle will later be folded and seamed. Losing or adding a stitch can make the two edges difficult to align and may change the final hat proportions.
Once Row 14 is complete, you should have a small ribbed rectangle.
Fasten Off
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of approximately 18 cm or enough extra length to sew the side seam and continue with the top closure.
Pull the yarn through the final loop to secure it.
Don’t cut the tail too short-the same working tail is useful during assembly.
Sew the Rectangle into a Hat Shape
Lay the rectangle so its ridges run vertically.
Fold the piece so the two short side edges meet. Align the edges carefully before sewing.
Side Seam
Thread the remaining yarn tail onto your yarn needle.
Sew through the corresponding edge loops on both sides, working from one end to the other until the side seam is closed.
Keep the stitches secure but avoid pulling so tightly that the ribbed fabric bunches.
Construction Check: At this point, you are turning a flat rectangle into a tube. Make sure the edges are aligned from top to bottom before tightening the seam; correcting the alignment after several stitches have been sewn is much harder.
When the seam is secure, keep the yarn attached for closing the top.
Gather the Top
Now close the end that will become the crown of the hat.
Insert the needle through the top edge loops and work a running stitch around the entire opening, moving in and out through the edge.
Once you’ve gone all the way around:
Pull the yarn gently but firmly to gather the opening closed.
The opening should draw into a small circle. Avoid pulling so aggressively that the yarn cuts through the edge.
Sew back and forth across the gathered area to secure it, then knot and trim the excess.
Turn the Hat Right Side Out
Turn the hat so the seam is on the inside.
Fold the lower edge upward to create the brim.
The back-loop ridges should now be clearly visible around the outside of the hat, giving the miniature piece its ribbed winter-hat texture.
If the brim looks uneven, adjust the fold before adding the pom-pom.
Make and Attach the Pom-Pom
A small pom-pom completes the hat and gives it its playful shape.
Make the Pom-Pom
Wrap yarn around a fork or your fingers approximately 22 times.
Cut a separate piece of yarn and pass it through the center of the wrapped bundle. Tie it tightly, then secure it again so the bundle cannot loosen.
Remove the wrapped yarn and cut through the loops on both sides.
Fluff the strands and trim them gradually until you have a compact, rounded pom-pom.
Attach the Pom-Pom
Thread the pom-pom’s securing yarn onto your needle.
Pass the needle through the top of the hat and stitch through the pom-pom several times until it feels firmly attached.
Tie the yarn securely inside the hat and trim the excess.
Pom-Pom Tip: For a miniature hat, a very large pom-pom can overwhelm the small body. Trim it gradually so its size remains proportional to the hat.
Add the Hanging Loop
If you want to use the hat as an ornament, cut approximately 15 cm of yarn for the loop.
Thread it through the center top of the hat, near the pom-pom.
Pull the ends toward the inside and tie them securely, leaving a loop above the hat for hanging.
Trim any excess yarn inside the hat.
Final Check
Before hanging the ornament, give the loop a gentle tug to make sure the knot is secure. Because the hat is lightweight, a simple loop is enough, but it still needs to be firmly anchored to the crown.
Finishing Notes
The character of this mini hat comes from three simple details working together: the back-loop texture, the folded brim, and the rounded pom-pom. Keeping the rectangle at 14 stitches per row makes the later assembly much easier, while careful seaming keeps the miniature shape neat.
Once the hanging loop is secure and the pom-pom is firmly attached, your tiny ribbed hat is ready to add a handmade touch to your holiday decorations.
