One of the most common questions that I receive from my customers is “how long should my hat be?” This question prompted me to write up a set of guidelines that I go by when I make a basic beanie style hat. Yes, preference can play a part in these guidelines, because some people prefer hats to be rather long, and some like them to barely touch the ears. My preferences are sort of in between, and I like them to cover the ears, but not come down too far so that they hit the eyes. Keep in mind that these lengths do not apply to slouchy style hats which, of course, would be considerably longer.
I think having a guideline to go by can be rather helpful too since just following the number of rounds/rows shown in a pattern can result in different lengths for different people. This has to do with a person’s gauge, and just as the gauge can affect the width of a stitch, it can also affect the length. So if a pattern calls for 20 rounds for a particular size, that finished length can vary from person to person. When you are working the hat until it reaches a particular length, the number of rounds can serve as a guideline but you can always add or subtract rounds, as needed, to obtain the preferred length of the hat.
Crochet Beanie Length Guidelines
Newborn: 5”
0 to 3 Months: 5.5”
3 to 6 Months: 6”
6 to 12 Months: 6.5”
12 to 24 Months: 7”
2T to 4T: 7.5”
5T to Adult: 8”
Large Adult/Men: 8.5”
I hope that you find this information useful! Watch for a future post that will go over the range of guidelines for hat sizes, in general, in regards to circumference for each age range.
Warm Wishes,
Tammy
