There’s something irresistibly cheerful about a handmade sun hat with its own little sun rays beaming across the front. This adorable mustard-yellow design, complete with cozy earflaps and chin ties, was made to turn any kid into the star of a rainbow costume — or just make everyday sunny days extra special. Worked top-down in simple double crochet with easy single-crochet earflaps and floppy rays sewn on at the end, it’s the kind of project that feels magical from the very first round. Perfect for upper-beginner crocheters who want big cuteness with straightforward stitches.
Why This Sun Hat Steals the Show
Kids (and their parents) go crazy for the little details here. The rounded crown sits comfortably, the earflaps add warmth and cuteness, and those crocheted sun rays sewn in a gentle semi-circle across the front make it look like actual sunshine is sitting on their head. The chin ties keep it secure during play, photos, or windy days. It’s whimsical without being fussy, works for costumes or regular wear, and the solid yellow color makes it pop against any rainbow outfit or spring jacket. Best of all, it’s quick enough to finish in a weekend and customizable for different head sizes.
Materials & Tools
- 1–2 skeins worsted weight yarn in bright mustard yellow (Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Mustard is classic, but any soft worsted yellow works beautifully). About 150–250 yards depending on size.
- Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle for sewing rays and weaving ends
- Scissors
- Optional: small amount of poly-fil stuffing if you want the rays lightly puffed, stitch markers
Sizing & Finished Measurements
This pattern includes multiple sizes based on the number of double crochets around the widest part of the crown. Choose the size that matches your child’s head circumference (measure just above the ears).
- 0–3 months: 44 DC around
- 3–6 months: 48 DC around
- 6–9 months: 52 DC around
- 9–12 months (fits up to ~16 months): 56 DC around
- Toddler/Preschooler: 60 DC around
- Child: 64 DC around (most popular — great for 3–6 years)
- Teen/Adult: 68 DC around
The finished hat has a slightly slouchy, comfortable fit with earflaps that reach the jawline when tied. The sun rays add about 3–4 inches of playful length in front.
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sc dec – single crochet decrease (sc 2 together)
- sl st – slip stitch
- magic ring – adjustable starting ring
The hat crown and body are worked in the round (joined or continuous — your choice). Earflaps and sun rays are worked in rows or small rounds. The turning/starting chains never count as stitches.
Let’s Crochet This Adorable Sun Hat!
Grab your yellow yarn and hook — we’re about to make something that’s going to get “awww” reactions everywhere. The hat grows quickly from the magic ring, earflaps are simple back-and-forth rows, and the sun rays are the fun finishing touch that really makes it special.
Start the Crown (All Sizes)
Begin with a magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count), work 10 dc into the ring. Join with sl st to first dc. (10 dc)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each stitch around. Join. (20 dc)
Round 3: Ch 2, dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch repeat around. Join. (30 dc)
Round 4: Ch 2, dc in next 2 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch repeat around. Join. (40 dc)
Continue increasing in this pattern (adding one more dc between increases each round) until you reach the stitch count for your chosen size:
- 0–3 mo → stop at 44 dc
- 3–6 mo → stop at 48 dc
- 6–9 mo → stop at 52 dc
- 9–12 mo → stop at 56 dc
- Toddler → stop at 60 dc
- Child → stop at 64 dc
- Teen/Adult → stop at 68 dc
Once you hit your target stitch count, work even (1 dc in each stitch) for 5–7 more rounds depending on desired depth. For a child size, 6–7 even rounds after the increases usually gives a nice slouchy fit.
Make & Attach the Earflaps (Make 2)
Earflaps are worked separately then sewn or crocheted onto the sides of the hat.
For Child size (adjust rows/stitch count slightly for other sizes):
Ch 12.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (11 sc)
Rows 2–8: Ch 1, turn, sc across.
Row 9: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, sc in next 7, sc dec. (9 sc)
Row 10: Ch 1, turn, sc across.
Row 11: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, sc in next 5, sc dec. (7 sc)
Continue decreasing every other row until you have 3–4 stitches left, then fasten off.
Position the earflaps on the hat so the front section between them is wider (the sun rays will go on the front). Use stitch markers to mark about 8–10 stitches on each side for the flaps, leaving a larger front opening. Sew or slip-stitch the earflaps securely in place.
Add the Ties & Finishing Border
At the tip of each earflap, attach yarn and chain 40–50 (or desired length for tying under chin). Sl st back down the chain to create a sturdy tie. Repeat for the second flap.
Now work a round of sc all the way around the entire bottom edge of the hat, including both earflaps and the front brim. This gives a clean, finished look and helps the hat hold its shape.
Make the Sun Rays (Make 6–8)
These are the star of the show! Each ray is a small, slightly flared piece.
For each ray:
Ch 8.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (7 sc)
Rows 2–4: Ch 1, turn, sc across.
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, sc in next 3, sc dec. (5 sc)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc across.
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff with a tiny bit of poly-fil if you want them to stand out more, or leave them floppy for that cute, relaxed sun-ray look.
Attach the Sun Rays
Lay the hat flat with the front facing you. Starting about 5–6 rows down from the very top (so the magic ring ends up at the back of the head), sew the rays in a semi-circle across the front. Space them evenly so they fan out nicely — usually 6–8 rays fit perfectly on a child-size hat. Sew only the base of each ray so the tips stay free and floppy.
Once everything is attached and secure, weave in all ends and gently shape the hat. A light steam block or wet blocking helps the crown round out beautifully and the rays sit just right.
FAQ’s
How many sun rays should I make?
6–8 rays usually look best on child and toddler sizes. Space them evenly in a gentle arc across the front so they fan out like real sunshine. You can always add one or two more if you want a fuller look.
Can I stuff the sun rays?
Yes! A tiny bit of poly-fil inside each ray makes them stand out more and hold their shape. Leave them empty if you prefer a softer, floppiest effect — both versions are adorable.
Where exactly do the earflaps go?
Position them so there’s a wider section in the front (where the rays will live) and a slightly narrower back. The magic ring should sit toward the back of the head once worn. Use stitch markers to plan before you sew.
Is this hat only for costumes?
Not at all! It’s a fantastic everyday sun hat for spring, summer, or fall. The earflaps and ties make it practical for playgrounds and windy days, and the cheerful color works with almost any outfit.
Can I use a different yarn weight?
Worsted weight gives the best structure and speed. If you use DK or bulky, you’ll need to adjust your hook size and stitch counts to hit the correct head circumference. Always check your gauge if fit is important.
My rays look a little wonky after sewing — help!
That’s normal at first! Once the hat is on a head (or stuffed lightly), gently arrange the rays with your fingers. A quick steam with an iron on low (no direct contact) also helps them relax into place beautifully.
Go Make Some Sunshine
You now have everything you need to create the cutest sun hat on the block — complete with its own built-in sun rays. Whether it’s for a rainbow costume, a birthday party, or just because your little one deserves something handmade and joyful, this project delivers big smiles with very little stress.
The best part? Watching a child’s face light up when they realize the hat has actual sun rays is priceless. Grab that yellow yarn, start your magic ring, and get ready to spread a little extra sunshine. Tag your makes — I can’t wait to see those happy little sun hats in action! Happy crocheting!
