🦕 How to Make a Crochet Cute Dinosaur Summer Hat for Children

Crochet and creativity go hand in hand—so why not turn a simple sun hat into a cute dinosaur-themed summer hat for kids? It’s the perfect way to add fun and imagination to your child’s summer wardrobe, and it’s also a great project to practice shaping, color changes, and decorative crochet techniques.

This tutorial will guide you through making a lightweight, breathable crochet sun hat with adorable dinosaur spikes, ideal for warm weather and active kids.

🧶 Materials You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather these supplies:

Yarn:

Lightweight cotton yarn (DK/Category 3)
- Main color (hat base): ~100g
- Accent color (spikes): ~50g
- Optional: contrasting color for brim or details

Tools:

Crochet hook: 4.0 mm (G-6)
Yarn needle
Stitch markers
Scissors
Measuring tape

✨ Skill Level

Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

You should be comfortable working in the round, increasing, and making simple 3D shapes.

📏 Sizing Guide

This pattern is for toddlers and children aged 2–6 years, but you can easily adjust the size (see tips below).

Head Circumference	Hat Height
19–21 inches	6.5–7″

🧵 Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)

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

🧢 Part 1: Base of the Summer Hat

We’re creating a simple, breathable sun hat worked from the top down using half double crochet for softness and stretch.

Step 1: Crown (Work in the Round)

Round 1: Magic ring, ch 2, 10 hdc into the ring. Join with sl st. (10 hdc)

Round 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each st around. Join. (20 hdc)

Round 3: Ch 2, *hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st* – repeat around. Join. (30 hdc)

Round 4: Ch 2, *hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st* – repeat. (40 hdc)

Round 5: Ch 2, *hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st* – repeat. (50 hdc)

Continue increasing in this manner until the diameter is approx. **6.5–7"** (or matches your child’s head size).

Step 2: Body of the Hat

Once the crown is large enough:

Rounds 6–12: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st. (No increases)

You can add eyelets (small holes) for breathability:

Optional Eyelet Row: *Ch 1, skip 1 st, dc in next st* – repeat around. Join.
Next Round: Hdc in each stitch and chain space around.

Step 3: Sun Hat Brim

Round 13: *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts* – repeat around. Join.

Round 14: Hdc evenly around.

Round 15: *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts* – repeat. Join.

Round 16: Sl st around for a clean edge (optional).

Fasten off and weave in ends.

🦖 Part 2: Crochet Dinosaur Spikes

These are what make the hat rawr-some!

Spikes (Make 5–7 depending on hat size)

Round 1: Magic ring, 4 sc into ring. (4)

Round 2: *Sc in each st* (4)

Round 3: *2 sc in first st, sc in next 3* (5)

Round 4: *2 sc in first st, sc in next 4* (6)

Round 5: *2 sc in first st, sc in next 5* (7)

Round 6: *Sc in each st around* (7)

Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing. Gently stuff or leave flat for a floppy look.

Attaching Spikes:

Pin the spikes down the center back seam of the hat.
Sew each spike securely using yarn needle and matching yarn.
Reinforce the base of each spike for durability.

🎨 Optional Add-ons

🧸 Add Eyes or Face (Dino Buddy Style)

Crochet small white and black circles and sew on as eyes
Embroider nostrils or a smile using black yarn
Make mini horns or ears for a Triceratops look

🌞 Make it Reversible

Use two coordinating colors and crochet two hats, then stitch them together for a reversible dinosaur hat!

🧼 Care Instructions

Cotton yarn: Machine wash cold, air dry flat
Acrylic yarn: Machine wash and dry (gentle cycle)

Always check your yarn label.

📏 Adjusting Sizes

To size up or down:

Add or remove increase rounds in the crown
Use thicker or thinner yarn
Change hook size to adjust tension

✅ Final Tips

Try the hat on the child (if available) to check the fit before adding the brim and spikes.
Use bright, bold colors for fun summer vibes (like lime green, sky blue, or yellow).
Spikes can be stiffened with fabric glue or interfacing for upright style.