Crochet Baby Bunting Pattern with Hood and Fluffy Pom Pom

Crochet baby bunting projects are some of my favorite keepsakes to make because they’re both practical and deeply personal. This hooded crochet baby bunting was made using a free baby towel crochet pattern that I adapted with super bulky yarn to create a cozy cocoon-style wrap that works as a bunting, blanket, or photo-ready layer. I originally designed this one as a handmade gift, focusing on simple construction, clear stitch definition, and a soft hood finished with a large, fluffy pom pom that makes it extra special for both everyday use and seasonal occasions like Christmas

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Why I Chose a Hooded Crochet Baby Bunting Design

When I first started looking for a crochet baby bunting pattern, I quickly realized that many of the designs I found were meant more for quick photo props than everyday use. I wanted something warmer, more substantial, and flexible enough to be used as a bunting, a cocoon, or even a blanket layer for a stroller ride.

The hooded design immediately stood out because it adds warmth without needing buttons or ties. I also loved that this style could grow with baby for several months rather than fitting only for a short newborn window.

Christmas Crochet Baby Bunting with a Fluffy Pom Pom

This version was originally made as a gift, and the baby shower theme happened to be football — which inspired the bold color choice. That same idea translates beautifully into Christmas colors, especially when paired with a large, fluffy pom pom at the top of the hood.

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Using super bulky yarn makes every stitch easy to see and gives the bunting a cozy, handmade look that feels extra special during the holidays. A Christmas crochet baby bunting like this works beautifully for winter babies, holiday photos, and thoughtful handmade gifts.

One detail I always emphasize is the pom pom. I intentionally made it much larger than what most patterns suggest because it balances the scale of the chunky yarn and adds a playful, festive finish to the hood.

Everyday Crochet Baby Bunting Color Ideas

While holiday colors are fun, I also wanted this crochet baby bunting to work year-round. The exact same pattern translates perfectly into softer, everyday color palettes that feel modern and timeless.

Neutral shades like oatmeal, cream, soft gray, or dusty blue highlight the stitch texture and make the bunting easy to pair with different nursery styles. I especially love how these colors photograph naturally without looking staged or overly styled.

This everyday version is practical enough for daily use while still being special enough to save as a keepsake after baby outgrows it.

How I Modified the Free Crochet Baby Bunting Pattern

I can’t repost the original free pattern word for word because of copyright restrictions, but I’m happy to share exactly how I adapted it. If you print the original hooded baby towel crochet pattern, you can follow along and make the same adjustments I did.

1. Use super bulky yarn instead of sport or worsted weight yarn (I used five skeins of the main color and one for edging).
2. Switch to a size N crochet hook to accommodate the thicker yarn.
3. Begin with a shorter foundation chain — I chained 65 instead of 130.
4. Ignore the original row counts and crochet until the body measures approximately 18 inches.
5. Continue crocheting the upper section until it measures about 8 inches before shaping the hood.

These changes create a thicker, warmer bunting that feels substantial without being stiff. The fabric stays soft, flexible, and comfortable for baby.

If you’d like to follow the original instructions before making the changes I described above, you can find the free hooded baby towel crochet pattern I started with here.

View the original free hooded baby towel crochet pattern

Adjusting the Pom Pom for a Chunky Finish

Because the bunting itself is larger than the original pattern intended, I also increased the size of the pom pom. Instead of the suggested 1½-inch pom pom, I made one closer to 3½ inches. The result is a big, fluffy pom pom that feels proportional and adds personality without overwhelming the design.

This is one of those small tweaks that makes a handmade project feel intentional and polished rather than accidental.

Why This Crochet Baby Bunting Gets Used Again and Again

What I love most about this crochet baby bunting is that it doesn’t get tucked away after one use. It works as a cozy wrap for cooler days, a stroller layer, a photo-ready cocoon, and even a keepsake blanket once baby outgrows it.

Whether you make it in festive Christmas colors or soft everyday neutrals, this design strikes a balance between practical and sentimental — which is exactly what I aim for in handmade baby projects.

If you enjoy projects like this, you can also explore more ideas on my DIY baby nursery projects page, where I share other creative, beginner-friendly inspiration.