Frosted Berry Santa Hat Free Pattern – Crochet a Plush Pom-Pom Holiday Hat

This isn't your average Santa hat—it's a cloud-soft, textured wonder with a fluffy faux-fur brim and a giant, squishy pom-pom. Crochet this cozy statement piece for festive photos or gift-giving, and watch it become a cherished holiday tradition. The rich crimson body, creamy white band, and plush faux-fur brim create a luxurious, tactile finish that feels as good as it looks. Perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, this pattern uses basic single crochet stitches worked in continuous rounds to create a dense, warm fabric that will keep you toasty all season long.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crocheting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in Red (Color A) and Cream/White (Color B) for the hat body; Bulky weight yarn in White (Color C) for the pom-pom (or use faux fur yarn for the brim)
• Crochet Hooks: 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook, plus a 6.0 mm (J-10) hook for the brim (optional, for a looser drape)
• Stitch Markers: To mark the beginning of each round
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing the pom-pom
• Scissors: For cutting yarn
• Cardboard or Pom-Pom Maker: To create the giant pom-pom (about 4-5 inches in diameter)

Gauge: 14 sc x 16 rows = 4" x 4" with 5.5 mm hook. Always check your gauge to ensure the hat fits properly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes Before You Start

Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. The hat is worked from the top down, starting with a magic ring. If you're new to magic rings, don't worry—it's easier than it looks and creates a seamless, tight top for your hat.

Hat Body (using Color A - Red)

1. Magic Ring: Make a magic ring. Work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)
2. Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 sts)
3. Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)
4. Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)
5. Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st*; repeat from * to * around. (30 sts)
6. Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st*; repeat from * to * around. (36 sts)
7. Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st*; repeat from * to * around. (42 sts)
8. Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st*; repeat from * to * around. (48 sts)
9. Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st*; repeat from * to * around. (54 sts)
10. Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st*; repeat from * to * around. (60 sts)
11. Rounds 11-20: Sc in each stitch around. (60 sts) – Work even for 10 rounds. This creates the main body of the hat. Keep your tension consistent for a smooth, even fabric.
12. Round 21: Switch to Color B (Cream). Sc in each stitch around. (60 sts)
13. Round 22: With Color B, sc in each stitch around. (60 sts) – This creates the white band. Make sure to carry the red yarn loosely up the inside or cut and weave in ends later.
14. Round 23: Switch back to Color A (Red). Sc in each stitch around. (60 sts)
15. Rounds 24-25: With Color A, sc in each stitch around. (60 sts) – This is the red band below the white. This gives the hat a nice finished edge before the brim.
16. Fasten off and weave in ends securely.

Faux Fur Brim (using Color C or faux fur yarn)

For a truly plush look, use faux fur yarn for this section. If using bulky yarn, the 6.0 mm hook will give a looser, drapier brim.

1. Join Yarn: Join Color C (or faux fur yarn) to the bottom edge of the hat with a slip stitch in any stitch.
2. Round 1: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (60 sts)
3. Round 2: Ch 1. Sc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch. (60 sts) – This first two rounds create a solid base for the brim.
4. Round 3: Ch 1. *Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st*; repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch. (66 sts) – This increase round gives the brim a gentle flare so it curls outward beautifully.
5. Round 4: Ch 1. Sc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch. (66 sts) – This final round completes the brim without adding more bulk.
6. Fasten off and weave in ends. The brim should naturally curl outward, creating that classic Santa hat silhouette.

Giant Pom-Pom (using Color C)

1. Prepare the Base: Cut a piece of cardboard or use a pom-pom maker to create a large pom-pom (about 4-5 inches in diameter). If using cardboard, cut two identical circles with a hole in the center.
2. Wrap the Yarn: Wrap Color C yarn around the cardboard/maker many times until it's very thick. The more yarn you wrap, the denser and fluffier your pom-pom will be. Be generous—this is meant to be a statement piece!
3. Tie and Cut: Carefully tie the yarn tightly in the middle with a separate piece of yarn, leaving long tails for sewing. Then, cut the loops on both sides. If using cardboard, slide the scissors between the two cardboard pieces to cut the loops.
4. Fluff and Trim: Fluff the pom-pom with your fingers and trim any uneven strands to create a perfect sphere. Don't over-trim—you want it to look full and luxurious.
5. Attach to Hat: Sew the pom-pom securely to the tip of the hat (the magic ring end). Use the long tails from the pom-pom and a yarn needle to stitch it on firmly, going through the center of the pom-pom and into the hat multiple times to ensure it's secure.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in All Loose Ends: Use your yarn needle to weave in any remaining ends on the inside of the hat. Make sure they're secure so the hat holds up to wear and washing.
2. Optional Sparkle: You can add a subtle sparkle by weaving a metallic thread through the red sections. This is completely optional but adds a magical, festive touch for holiday photos.
3. Shape and Style: Gently shape the hat with your hands. The tip should curve and fold naturally, giving it that classic, relaxed Santa hat look. If the brim needs encouragement to curl, you can lightly steam it (being careful with faux fur yarn).

Your Frosted Berry Santa Hat is now complete! This plush, luxurious hat is perfect for holiday photos, Christmas morning, or as a heartfelt handmade gift. The combination of the dense single crochet fabric, the creamy band, and the fluffy faux-fur brim creates a truly special piece that will be treasured for years to come. Happy crocheting, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and creativity!