This free basic fleece hat pattern is the base for many of the free hat sewing patterns on Fleece Fun. 
Master this beginner friendly sewing pattern and you’ll be able to make all the fun variations like the Dragon hat, bear hat, hat with horns or ribbon hat. Learn how to make a fleece hat with this step by step tutorial. Once the pattern is assembled you can easily make this hat in under 10 minutes. It’s a great pattern for making several beanies in one sitting! Sizes Newborn, baby, child and adult!
Hate the Ads? You can purchase the pattern with printable instructions here.
For this project you will need:
1/3 yard fleece (check the remnant bin for great deals)
Sewing Essentials (scissors, pins, etc.)
Fleece Fun’s Free Sewing Pattern (available by filling out the form at the end of the post)
How to measure for the correct beanie size:
The measurements on the pattern are for the circumference of the head. So the measurement you would get if you too a measuring tape and wrapped in around a person’s head. Please note that fleece can have varying amounts of stretch to it. The measurements for each size are on the pattern. If you don’t have ready access to the person’s head you’re making it for ages are given for approximate sizing.
What is the best fleece for a hat?
I like to use polar or blizzard fleece when making my fleece hats. I prefer fleece that is anti-pill. But the truth is that this hat will work with most fleece!
Can the beanie hat be made reversible?
Yes! To make the fleece hat reversible it’s simple. You will need to cut out you will need to cut out 4 of the pattern in 1 size larger thank you would if you were just making a regular hat. Follow all of the instruction until you reach step 4. Instead of making the brim you turn one hat right side out and place it inside the other hat so right sides are touching. Sew around the bottom leaving a 2 inch gap for turning. Trim down the seam allowance to 1/2 inch and turn. Sew the gap shut and top stitch along the bottom to allow the fleece hat to sit nicely.
Basic Fleece Hat Tutorial Video:
How to make a Fleece Hat:
Step 1 – Assemble the free pattern and cut out the pieces to the fleece hat
First you will need to assemble the free pdf sewing pattern. For instructions on how to assemble the sewing pattern click here.
You can see that pattern sizes are all together. To conserve on paper make the largest size needed first and then cut down the same pattern to a smaller size.
Next, decide on the size of fleece beanie hat you’re making and cut to that line.
On folded cloth pin pattern and cut out, so you have two of the pattern pieces cut out. Make sure that the stretch of the fabric is going across the hat, for a more comfortable fit.
Step 2 – Sew the Sides Together
Pin right sides together. You can tell the right side of fleece by gently tugging the edge. The side that fabric curls to is the right side. Using a 1/2 inch seam allowance sew each side of the hat (the long curved side to the point before it dips into a V. Be sure to leave the bottom (the brim of the fleece hat ) open. Tip – for a smoother hat, stop the seam a finger’s width before the “v”.
Step 3 – Sew the “V” shut
Now that you’ve sewn the sides of the hat it’s time to close the top. Fold the hat in half so the seams you just sewed are touching. Pin the “v” on each side closed. Sew one seam along the top of the hat closing the v on both sides. (This is similar to a boxed corner.)
(This will make a rounded top.)
Alternate:
While the hat is two separate pieces sew the v shut, then sew the sides using a .5 inch seam allowance. Some have found this method more to their liking when sewing the top of the hat.
Step 4 – Make the Brim
Next, turn the brim edge under 1 inch (or more/less if you like) pin and sew a zig-zag stitch over the edge of the fabric. In the example I used contrasting thread so the stitching is obvious so you can see it, but when a similar color thread is used it is hardly visible.
Snip any loose threads and turn right side out.
This is the basic version of the hat. From here there are several modifications you can use to make the hat more interesting. You can add cat ears, a unicorn horn, dinosaur spikes. The possibilities are endless. You can see all versions I have made here. There are also several links below to specific modifications. These hats are great for donating and for having extra’s around. ( My kids like to lose their fleece hats a lot!) Fortunately it’s easy to make several of these in one sitting.
I’ve had people ask about the best way to label the size of a fleece hat for donating. My recommendation is to label it on a piece of ribbon ( sublimation markers are great for this) and sew it to the inside brim.
Get the Free Sewing Pattern Below:
Adobe reader is the ONLY reader I recommend. By downloading you are agreeing to pattern terms of use. Fill out the form to have it sent directly to your inbox! Can’t see the form? Click here.
You Might also like these free Fleece Hat Patterns:
- Fleece Hat with Earflaps
- Fleece Hat with Ribbon
- Monster Fleece hat
- Fleece hat with Bunny Ears
- Fleece Hat with Puppy Ears
- Fleece Hat with Horns
- Fleece Dragon/ dinosaur, cat, pumpkin, viking
- Fleece Hat with Bear Ears
- Unicorn Fleece Hat
Additional Fleece Sewing Projects:
- Bow Ear Warmer Headband
- Fleece Scarf with Pockets
- Red Riding Hood Cape
- Washable Duster
- Warm Mittens
- Easy Fleece Blanket
- Quick Sew Hobo
- Child’s Fleece Robe
- Child’s Fleece Pants
- How to Make a No Sew Fleece Tie Blanket (better method with templates!)
The slouchy beanie tutorial ( baby to adult)
In a Hurry? Try these 25 things you can sew in under 30 minutes courtesy of Crazy Little Projects!
You can see a quick version of How to make a fleece hat here.
Petro says
I would like to make the articles that can be downloaded because they are lovely as well as handy.
However, I have come to a complete halt The scale of the paper it is printed on is not defined. As I live in South Africa naturally our measurements will differ from yours. I presume the Fleece Fun kits can be bought or ordered from selected stores in America only.
This is where my problem comes in. How do I get the patterns to fit without the scale?
I enjou your articles and products very much!
Angel says
Hi Petro,
I can see your frustration. In the US we use the imperial measurement system and the paper is 8.5 inches by 11 inches. However as long as you “print to scale” the scale should be maintained. I will be adding a test print page soon so you can check against that. Currently there aren’t any “Fleece Fun Kits” (although I would love it if there were!) so what is available on the website is all there is.
– Angel
Mo Viele says
I’m making the fleece hats, and just realized that the pattern I printed from the pdf on the website came out a different size than the pdf I downloaded. It would be really helpful to have measurements written on the patterns to make sure they’re printing correctly. Can you tell me the width in inches of the bottom edge of each of the baby, child, and adult basic fleece hat patterns?
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Baby
Small – 16 inches or 40.64
Large – 17 inches or 43.18 cm
Child
Small – 17.5 inches or 44.45
Large – 19 inches or 48.26 cm
Adult
Small 20 inches or 50.8 cm
Medium 22 inches or 55.88
Large 24 inches or 60.96
Patricia says
Thankyou so much for sharing this great pattern.. My grandchildren will love them , thanks again :))
Heather says
Thank you for sharing this simple pattern. I am preparing to make a large quantity of fleece hats to send to impoverished children in Ethiopia through our church partnering with Compassion International and I disliked the look of the no-sew patterns I have found (as well as the fact that some of them leave slight holes/gaps which could let cold in). While I am able to sew something more complex, I was looking for a pattern which I could whip together rapidly and still be pleased with the outcome. I believe I have found that here and am very excited to get sewing! I appreciate that you’ve shared your pattern for free, it is a blessing!
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Thank you Heather for generously donating your time to helping those in need! So happy my pattern can play a small part in that.
-Angel
Jill Fronhofer says
Hi, I just bought fleece to make some hats. Should I wash and dry the fabric before starting?
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Fleece doesn’t shrink so you can just get started! No pre wash is necessary.
Jeane says
I wanted to make some baby hats to donate to a children’s hospital. Your pattern looks easy to use (I do not have much sewing experience). But I am not able to access the pattern for the baby or child sizes. When I click on the adult pattern, I get to the pdf. When I click on the child or baby size, I am redirected to the home page. Can you fix this?
Angel Hickman Peterson says
I believe the issue has been fixed!
Shelley says
I made two of these hats with my 14 year old nephew today. Will be great for our Canadian winter. He did all the sewing and was so pleased with the result. Thank you for sharing your great pattern with us.
phyllis says
Where is the pattern with the ear flaps?
Angel Hickman Peterson says
See this video to show you – https://youtu.be/Yt5QJNWyJlE
Kathy Brantley says
Argh … I can’t find the link to download the pattern. Could you please help me? =(
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Watch the video that’s on each page for a guide. 🙂
Julie says
Loved the mittens tutorial! This should be just as easy and fun!
ann says
I like your ideas!
Josie Gardner says
Thank you. Easy to follow directions. I am not skilled in sewing but made 2 cute hats .
Heather says
This is my go-to pattern to sew hats. I have made a few with this pattern. When I was just learning how to see I used this pattern and was so happy with the results! I am now doing it again but this time baby size 🙂
Ann says
Hello…. is this site still active? I’m unable to get the pattern to download after signing up. Can anyone please send it to me? Thank you, Ann / in Idaho
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Hi Ann,
sorry that you’re having trouble please try a different browser or email. The system isn’t perfect but it’s the best one I’ve found.
Thanks,
Angel
Charlotte says
Hi. My mom makes fleece hats to donate to the Veterans’ hospitals for cancer patients. She also wants to make some for children, and she found your site. My mom is 88 years old, not too computer savy, so she asked me to download the multi-size pattern you show on your site.
I have been trying to find a download option but just keep going in circles. I am currently on this page — https://www.fleecefun.com/basic-hat-adult-child-and-baby-pattern-and-tutorial/ — and am looking for the aforementioned “free PDF pattern download” but am having no luck with finding a link or button that actually leads to a download.
If I can only download it, I can assemble the prinouts for her. The pattern is all she needs, for sizing purposes. She’s made enough caps that she doesn’t want to watch the video, though I’m wondering if one must watch the video to get to the pattern. (If so, I may be out of luck again because, unless I missed it, I have found no obvious way to get to the video either.)
Can you please direct me straight to a download option (not just a description or statement saying it’s available, as none of those has gotten me anywhere yet) or possibly just send the pattern to me? Thanks so much in advance.! (Looking at all the fun things on your site makes me wish I was as “crafty” as my mom!)
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Charlotte you fill out the form and it sends it to your email.
Judith Gonzales says
I want to use this pattern to make hats for the homeless
Melissa Alger says
This pattern looks amazing and I would love to make it but I can’t find the link to the pattern for download. I’ve read through the comments and it says to fill out the form but there doesn’t seem to be an area to fill out a form on this page. I’ve even clicked on the disclosure page and didn’t see any form to fill out there either. Please help! I would like to make this hat today.
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Hi Melissa,
It’s there I promise. Try another internet browser or turn off your ad blocker.
Burnett M Newton says
looking for a pattern to make a quick fleece adult hat, will try this
Donna Haney says
They look awesome. Can’t wait to make them.
Camille Tucker says
Thank you I can’t wait to start!
Beth says
Hi Angel – I have been wanting to make this fleece hat for YEARS, and finally did yesterday. I had extra fleece from a changing poncho (for beach swimming) that I made recently, so I made a matching hat, double layer, and it’s so GREAT! Thanks so much for putting the pattern out for free. My swimming friends were jealous. (I swim in Lake Michigan near Milwaukee.)
Take care and thanks again,
Beth
Angel Hickman Peterson says
HI Beth – you’re welcome I grew up in Lake Geneva so I know just how cold that is!! You’re amazing!
Katherine Ruocco says
Love it! Can’t wait to make it.
Maggie LeBlanc says
Eager to try this pattern!
charlee says
can’t wait to sew these for my kids at school who don’t have hats
Nadia Christina Gouws says
nice projects. Thank you
Nadia says
Your pattern is a life saver. Thanks
maggie says
how do I get a printable pattern for the basic hat?
Angel Hickman Peterson says
You fill out the form with your email that you passed to make this comment.
Mary Ann Kral says
Trying desparately to subscribe and get the pdf for the Basic Fleece Hat. It’s not working. Suggestions? (I’ve hand typed the form…)
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Hi Mary,
I’m sorry you’re having trouble. Try filling out the form on another device and see if that helps.
Heidi says
LOVE this pattern! Using it to make a toddler sized “Grogu” (aka baby yoda) beanie for Halloween this year. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Angel Hickman Peterson says
You’re welcome!
Barbara Cogan says
Awesome
Jade Bergeron says
Thanks for the pattern!
Volunteer says
This looks like a great pattern to make hats for donations.
Kay Dill says
Thanks for the free fleece hat pattern! I’m looking forward to making it.
Marilyn Martin says
Can’t wait to try this pattern!
Shelby Smith says
So cute and helpful. I’m a beginner and these are a great easy and quick way to practice.