Free Crochet Elf Baby Hat Pattern & Photo Shoot Ideas

The free crochet elf baby hat patterns you’ll find online inspired me to create my own version, which I call my Santa Claus Peppermint Swirl crochet baby hat. I wanted a ribbed hat with a long, whimsical tail and an oversized pom-pom made from red and white sparkling yarn for a classic Christmas feel. I even used a partial skein of white sparkly yarn left over from a Santa Claus baby hat and beard I made the year before — just enough to finish the white stripes on this hat, even with the extra-long tail.

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Crochet Elf Baby Hat Pattern with a Long Tail

This crochet elf baby hat was designed as a fun, photo-ready accessory that still feels soft and comfortable for a newborn. I wanted something whimsical for holiday pictures, but simple enough that it could be crocheted without complicated shaping or advanced techniques. The long tail and oversized pom-pom give it that classic elf look, while the ribbed band helps the hat stay in place during a photo session.

This pattern is worked mostly in the round and is beginner-friendly if you are comfortable with basic stitches. I’ve included notes for adjusting the size so you can easily make this hat slightly larger for older babies if needed.

Finished Size & Fit

The finished hat measures approximately 12 inches around at the ribbed band and about 37 inches from the top of the long tail to the bottom edge. The sample shown fits a newborn comfortably, but the instructions below include simple guidance for enlarging the hat for a growing baby.

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Yarn, Hook & Supplies Used

For this crochet elf baby hat, I used sparkly red and white yarn to create a peppermint swirl look. You can absolutely substitute non-sparkle yarn if you prefer a softer, everyday version of the hat.

• Medium-weight (worsted) yarn in two colors
• Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Extra yarn for a large pom-pom

Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• dc – double crochet
• FPDC – front post double crochet
• BPDC – back post double crochet

The ribbed band is created using alternating front post and back post double crochet stitches. This gives the hat a stretchy, knit-like ribbing without needing to know how to knit.

Skill Level

This pattern is suitable for confident beginners. If you have crocheted in the round before and are comfortable counting stitches, you should be able to complete this project without difficulty.

Step-by-Step Crochet Elf Baby Hat Instructions

Hat Base (Worked in the Round)

Begin with a magic ring or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.

Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as first dc). Work 11 double crochet stitches into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain. (12 dc)

Round 2: Chain 2. Work 2 double crochet stitches in each stitch around. Join. (24 dc)

Round 3: Chain 2. *1 dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (36 dc)

Rounds 4–6: Chain 2. Double crochet in each stitch around. Join at the end of each round.

If you would like to make the hat slightly larger, add one additional increase round before moving on to the ribbing.

Ribbed Band

Round 7: Chain 2. *FPDC around the next stitch, BPDC around the next stitch.* Repeat around to create ribbing. Join.

Round 8: Repeat Round 7.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Long Elf Tail

Attach yarn to the top center of the hat. Chain 50–60 stitches, depending on how long you want the tail to be.

Work one double crochet into the third chain from the hook and continue with one double crochet in each chain back toward the hat.

Slip stitch into the top of the hat to secure. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Pom-Pom Finish

Create a large pom-pom using both yarn colors. The fuller the pom-pom, the better it balances the long tail visually.

Secure the pom-pom firmly to the end of the tail using a yarn needle.

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Styling Ideas for Baby Photo Shoots

This crochet elf baby hat works beautifully as a holiday photo prop, especially when paired with simple blankets or a matching cocoon. I originally considered adding embroidered snowflakes, but leaving the design clean makes the hat more versatile — it can easily be reused for Valentine’s Day or winter-themed photos.

For a complete look, I often pair this hat with matching accessories like Christmas crochet baby booties or a coordinating crochet baby bunting.

More Crochet Projects You May Enjoy

If you enjoy making baby hats like this one, you may also want to browse my collection of free baby crochet hat patterns, which includes everyday styles and special photo-shoot designs.

For another handmade keepsake idea, you might also enjoy exploring my baby quilt patterns, which pair beautifully with crochet accessories for newborn photography.

Thanks for visiting Unique Baby Gear Ideas. I hope this crochet elf baby hat pattern inspires you to create something special for a holiday photo shoot or a memorable first Christmas.