Easy Crochet Cat Ear Beanie Pattern with Stripes

Add a playful twist to everyday outfits with this striped crochet cat ear beanie, featuring pointed cat-like corners, two contrasting colors, and a simple folded construction.

Pointed cat ears and contrasting stripes give this crochet beanie a character-inspired look that stands apart from an ordinary hat. The combination of two yarn colors creates clear horizontal bands, while the shaped corners add a playful silhouette that pairs well with casual outfits and cozy everyday layers.

This crochet pattern explains how to build the hat from a rectangular piece, use different stitch heights to shape its outline, and alternate yarn colors to create stripes. You’ll then fold and sew the crochet piece to form the cat ears at the top. The instructions include two hook-size options and guidance for adjusting the length to suit different head sizes.

Credit Nala Crochet

Materials & Tools Needed

• Yarn: Cotton yarn in two contrasting colors for the striped design.
• 3.5 mm crochet hook: For the standard-size beanie.
• 4.0 mm crochet hook: For the larger-size beanie.
• Tapestry needle: For sewing the hat and weaving in yarn ends.

Finished Size and Customization

The tutorial provides two size options:

• Standard size: Fits a head circumference of approximately 54–57 cm. The finished piece measures about 25–26 cm wide and 19–20 cm high. Use a 3.5 mm hook.
• Larger size: Fits a head circumference of approximately 58–64 cm. The finished piece measures about 28 cm wide and 20–21 cm high. Use a 4.0 mm hook.

These measurements are approximate and may vary with yarn tension.

To customize the hat, adjust the number of rows to change its height. Follow the stitch pattern and two-row color changes, and check the dimensions as you work. The supplied instructions do not give a separate stitch-count adjustment for changing the initial width, so use the listed size options as your starting point.

Pattern Abbreviations

• ch: Chain
• st(s): Stitch(es)
• sl st: Slip stitch
• sc / X: Single crochet
• hdc / T: Half double crochet
• dc / F: Double crochet

How to Crochet the Cat Ear Beanie

The beanie begins as a flat piece worked in rows. Different stitch heights shape the first row, while the following double crochet rows create the striped body. Sewing the folded top corners forms the cat ears.

Part 1: Foundation Chain and First Row

Choose the hook for your preferred size and begin with Color A.

1. Make a slip knot and chain 49 stitches: 46 foundation chains plus 3 additional chains.
2. Work the first double crochet group into the fourth chain from the hook. The tutorial describes this as a group of 8 dc, counting the turning chain as the first dc.
3. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 5 stitches.
4. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 20 stitches.
5. Work 1 half double crochet into each of the next 5 stitches.
6. Work the final group of 8 dc across the remaining stitches, following the supplied pattern breakdown.
7. On the final pull-through of the last stitch, switch from Color A to Color B.

The first row uses taller stitches at both ends and shorter stitches through the middle. This arrangement establishes the shape of the flat piece before the hat is folded and assembled.

Pattern check: The supplied stitch-group instructions describe 8 dc, 5 hdc, 20 sc, 5 hdc, and 8 dc, with the starting chain counted as a dc in the first group. These counts and the stated 49-chain foundation may need to be checked against the linked video before publication, as the written breakdown does not fully clarify how every foundation chain is consumed.

Part 2: Work the Striped Rows

The next rows are made in double crochet, with the yarn colors changing every two rows.

Row 2

1. Turn the work and chain 2; this counts as the first dc.
2. Work 1 dc into every stitch across the row.
3. At the end of the row, change to Color A on the final pull-through of the last stitch.

Continue the pattern

1. Turn the work and chain 2.
2. Work 1 dc into each stitch across.
3. Change colors at the end of every second row, alternating between Color A and Color B.
4. Continue until the piece reaches the height specified for your chosen size.

The supplied tutorial gives these approximate row totals:

• Standard size: About 19–20 rows.
• Larger size: About 18–19 rows.

The written instructions describe the work as rows but also use the word “rounds” in places. Since the piece is worked flat and later folded and sewn, follow the flat-row construction shown in the tutorial.

When the piece reaches the desired height, finish the final row as directed, fasten off, and leave a long yarn tail for sewing.

Part 3: Fold the Hat into Shape

Once the striped piece is complete, fold it to create the basic beanie shape.

1. Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise as described in the tutorial, with the wrong side facing outward.
2. Align the top and bottom edges carefully.
3. Check that the stripes line up across both sides before sewing.

Keeping the edges aligned helps the finished hat sit evenly and makes the two top corners easier to shape into cat ears.

Part 4: Sew the Cat Ears

The distinctive ears are formed during assembly rather than by crocheting separate ear pieces.

1. Thread the long yarn tail onto the tapestry needle.
2. Whipstitch securely across the top corner on one side.
3. Repeat at the opposite top corner to create the second pointed corner.
4. Knot the yarn securely and weave in the ends around the sewn corners.
5. Turn the beanie right-side out.

The corners should now form two raised, cat-like ears. Arrange them gently with your fingers and check that both sides are securely sewn.

Part 5: Finish and Check the Fit

1. Weave in any remaining loose yarn ends so they are hidden on the inside.
2. Check the seams for gaps, particularly around the top corners.
3. Try on the hat or compare it with the intended head measurement.
4. If the hat needs more height, adjust the number of rows the next time you make it, following the tutorial’s customization guidance.

Tips for a Neat Striped Cat Ear Beanie

• Keep color changes consistent: Switch yarn colors every two rows to maintain the intended stripe pattern.
• Choose contrasting shades: Two clearly different colors make the horizontal stripes easier to see.
• Align the folded edges: Check the stripe placement before sewing so the finished hat looks balanced.
• Secure both corners: The cat-ear silhouette depends on the top corners being sewn firmly.
• Use the recommended hook for the size: The pattern specifies 3.5 mm for standard size and 4.0 mm for the larger option.

This striped cat ear beanie gets its distinctive shape from a simple combination of stitch-height changes, alternating colors, and careful sewing. Once the flat piece is complete, folding and stitching the corners transforms it into a playful accessory for casual wear or a handmade gift.