Autumn Leaf Brim Ladybug Hat - Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This little ladybug hat is the perfect project for anyone who wants to make something sweet and seasonal for a baby. The mustard star-stitch crown gives it a lovely bumpy, textured look, while the folded terracotta brim feels soft and cozy against little ears. A tiny crocheted leaf and a cheerful ladybug sit just above the brim, adding a charming autumn touch. It works up quickly, uses only simple stitches, and is a wonderful gift for a baby aged 6–12 months.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Baby-soft acrylic, DK weight (#3), 100% acrylic, 50 g / 125 m per skein.
  • Color A (mustard): 1 skein (approx. 80 m)
  • Color B (terracotta): 1 skein (approx. 30 m)
  • Small amount of black and white for the ladybug
• Hooks: 4.0 mm (US G-6) and 3.5 mm (US E-4)
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, small amount of polyester stuffing for the ladybug body, scissors
• Finished size: Fits head circumference 16–18 inches (40.5–45.5 cm). Hat height approx. 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) including brim.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• inc – increase (work 2 stitches in the same stitch)
• dec – decrease (work 2 stitches together)
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• Rnd – round

Gauge

Star stitch pattern: 16 sts and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) with the 4.0 mm hook. Single crochet: 18 sts and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) with the 3.5 mm hook. To check, work a small swatch in each stitch pattern and measure it flat before starting the hat.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your star stitches loose and even; tight loops make the crown stiff and hard to work into on the next round.
• Use a stitch marker at the start of each round so you never lose your place in the star rounds.
• Work the brim with the smaller 3.5 mm hook so it holds its folded shape snugly.
• Stuff the ladybug body only lightly so it stays small and flat against the hat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Hat Crown (Color A, mustard, 4.0 mm hook)

Rnd 1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st to first sc. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join. (12 sts)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, [sc, 2 sc in next st] around. Join. (18 sts)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, [2 sc, 2 sc in next st] around. Join. (24 sts)

Rnd 5: Ch 1, [3 sc, 2 sc in next st] around. Join. (30 sts)

Rnd 6: Ch 1, [4 sc, 2 sc in next st] around. Join. (36 sts)

Rnd 7: Ch 1, [5 sc, 2 sc in next st] around. Join. (42 sts)

Rnd 8: Ch 1, [6 sc, 2 sc in next st] around. Join. (48 sts)

Rnd 9: Ch 1, [7 sc, 2 sc in next st] around. Join. (54 sts)

Rnd 10: Ch 1, [8 sc, 2 sc in next st] around. Join. (60 sts)

Rnd 11: Ch 1, [9 sc, 2 sc in next st] around. Join. (66 sts)

Rnd 12: Ch 1, [10 sc, 2 sc in next st] around. Join. (72 sts)

Rnd 13: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (72 sts)

Rnd 14 (begin star stitch): Ch 3 (counts as first hdc), turn. *Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, pull up loop; insert hook in next ch, pull up loop; insert hook in same st as ch-3, pull up loop; insert hook in next st, pull up loop; insert hook in next st, pull up loop; yarn over, draw through all 6 loops on hook (star made); ch 1 to close star.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with a star in the last st. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (36 stars)

Rnd 15: Ch 2, turn. *Insert hook in ch-1 space of next star, pull up loop; insert hook in same space, pull up loop; insert hook in next ch-1 space, pull up loop; insert hook in next ch-1 space, pull up loop; insert hook in next ch-1 space, pull up loop; yarn over, draw through all 6 loops; ch 1 to close star.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (36 stars)

Rnds 16–22: Repeat Rnd 15. (36 stars each round)

Rnd 23: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st and ch-1 space around. Join. (72 sts)

Fasten off.

Brim (Color B, terracotta, 3.5 mm hook)

With B, join yarn to any st of Rnd 23.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (72 sts)

Rnds 2–8: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (72 sts)

Fasten off. Fold brim up.

Leaf (Color B, terracotta, 3.5 mm hook)

Ch 7.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in last ch. (6 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, hdc in next st, dc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next st, sl st in last st. (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Ladybug Body (black, 3.5 mm hook)

Rnd 1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join. (12 sts)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (12 sts)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, [sc, dec] around. Join. (8 sts)

Stuff lightly.

Rnd 5: Ch 1, dec around. Join. (4 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a tail to close.

Wings (black, 3.5 mm hook) – make 2

Ch 4.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. (3 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Spots (white, 3.5 mm hook) – make 2

Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join. (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Head (black, 3.5 mm hook)

Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join. (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the leaf to the front of the hat, just above the brim, using the photo as a guide. Sew the ladybug body onto the leaf. Sew the wings on either side of the body, overlapping slightly at the top. Sew the spots onto the wings. Sew the head to the top of the body. With white yarn, embroider two small eyes on the head. Weave in all ends. Lightly steam-block the hat to settle the star stitches and smooth the brim, then let it dry fully before wearing.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the mustard and terracotta for any two autumn shades, such as pumpkin and cream, for a different look.
• Add a small chain loop at the back of the brim to hang the hat or attach a clip.
• For a larger size, add one more increase round to the crown before starting the star stitch, then adjust the brim stitch count to match.