How to Crochet a Shrek Baby Hat with Ears

Nothing captures playful charm quite like a tiny Shrek-inspired baby hat with adorable ogre ears. This delightful crochet piece blends cozy comfort with a fun character design that instantly stands out.

Its soft green look makes it a memorable item for costumes, themed photos, or everyday wear. Handmade details give the hat a special touch that parents and gift-givers will appreciate.

Bringing this lovable crochet shark design to life is an enjoyable way to create something both practical and full of personality. The hat keeps little heads warm while adding a cheerful twist to any baby’s outfit.

Every carefully shaped detail, from the rounded crown to the signature ears, helps recreate the iconic look in a sweet miniature style. Whether you are making it for your own little one or as a thoughtful handmade gift, this charming crochet piece is sure to bring plenty of smiles.

Credit Emma Crochet for Baby

Materials & Tools Needed

1. Yarn:
   • Lime Green / Shrek Green Fingering Weight Milk Cotton Yarn (~2.5 mm rope thickness)
2. Crochet Hooks:
   • 4.5mm (No. 7.5/0) — for the hat body
   • 3.5mm (No. 6/0) — for the ears
3. Stuffing:
   • Polyester fiberfill or cotton stuffing (for ears)
4. Notions:
   • Yarn needle
   • Scissors
   • Measuring tape
   • Stitch markers

Gauge & Sizing Chart

Standard Tutorial Size (3–6 Months):

• Hat Circumference: 15.7″–17.3″ (40 cm–44 cm)
• Hat Depth: 5.9″ (15 cm)

Age Reference Chart:

Premature Baby

• Hat Circumference: 12″–13″ (30.5 cm–33 cm)
• Hat Depth: 4″ (10 cm)

0–3 Months

• Hat Circumference: 13.4″–15″ (34 cm–38 cm)
• Hat Depth: 5″–5.5″ (12.5 cm–14 cm)

3–6 Months

• Hat Circumference: 15.7″–17.3″ (40 cm–44 cm)
• Hat Depth: 5.9″ (15 cm)

6–12 Months

• Hat Circumference: 17.3″–18.1″ (44 cm–46 cm)
• Hat Depth: 6.3″ (16 cm)

1–2 Years

• Hat Circumference: 18.1″–18.9″ (46 cm–48 cm)
• Hat Depth: 6.3″–6.9″ (16 cm–17.5 cm)

2–5 Years

• Hat Circumference: 18.9″–19.7″ (48 cm–50 cm)
• Hat Depth: 6.9″–7.5″ (17.5 cm–19 cm)

6–10 Years

• Hat Circumference: 20.1″–20.9″ (51 cm–53 cm)
• Hat Depth: 7.5″–7.9″ (19 cm–20 cm)

Pattern Notes

• Hook Switch:
  • Use a 4.5 mm hook for soft/stretchy hat base.
  • Use a 3.5 mm hook for ears (tight stitches to prevent stuffing from poking out).
• Joining Method: Join rounds with slip stitch (sl st) into the first stitch of the round.
• Starting Chains: Initial 2ch at the start of double crochet rounds count as height only, not as a stitch (unless specified).

Pattern Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• dc2tog: double crochet two together (decrease)
• (2dc): 2 double crochets in the same stitch (increase)
• (2sc): 2 single crochets in the same stitch (increase)
• FLO: front loop only
• MR: magic ring

Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions

Part 1: Hat Crown (R1–R6)

Hook Size: 4.5mm

Round 1:

• Begin with a Magic Ring.
• 2ch, work 12 dc into the ring.
• Pull tail tight to close the ring. Join with sl st to the first dc. (12 sts)

Round 2:

• 2ch, work 2dc in each stitch around ([2dc] * 12).
• Join with sl st. (24 sts)

Round 3:

• 2ch, work [1dc, (2dc)] * 12.
• Join with sl st. (36 sts)

Round 4:

• 2ch, work [1dc, (2dc), 1dc] * 12.
• Join with sl st. (48 sts)

Round 5:

• 2ch, work [3dc, (2dc)] * 12.
• Join with sl st. (60 sts)

Round 6:

• 2ch, work [9dc, (2dc)] * 6.
• Join with sl st. (66 sts)

Part 2: Hat Body (R7–R14)

Hook Size: 4.5mm

Rounds 7–12:

• 2ch, work 1dc in each stitch around.
• Join with sl st. (66 sts per round)

Rounds 13–14:

• 1ch, work 1sc in each stitch around.
• Join with sl st. (66 sts per round)

Finishing Hat:

• Cut yarn (leave a short tail).
• Pull through and weave in ends with a tapestry needle.

Part 3: Shrek Ears (Make 2)

Hook Size: 3.5mm

Round 1:

• Leave a 5.9″ (15 cm) starting yarn tail.
• Make a slip knot and 18ch.
• Join with sl st to the first chain to form a circle. (18 ch)

Round 2:

• 2ch, work 18 dc (1 dc in each ch around).
• Join with sl st. (18 sts)

Round 3:

• 2ch, work [1dc, dc2tog] * 6.
• Join with sl st. (12 sts)

Round 4:

• 2ch, work [dc2tog] * 6.
• Join with sl st. (6 sts)

Round 5 (Flared Flare):

• Work through Front Loops Only (FLO):
• 2ch, work [(2dc)] * 6 (2dc in each FLO stitch).
• Join with sl st. (12 sts)

Round 6:

• Work through both loops:
• 1ch, work [1sc, (2sc)] * 6.
• Join with sl st. (18 sts)

Round 7:

• 1ch, work [2sc, (2sc)] * 6.
• Join with sl st. (24 sts)

Round 8:

• 1ch, work [3sc, (2sc)] * 6.
• Join with sl st. (30 sts)

Round 9:

• 1ch, work 1sc in each stitch around.
• Join with sl st. (30 sts)

Finishing Ear:

• Fasten off, leaving a long tail (~12″–15″) for sewing.

Stuffing:

• Lightly stuff fiberfill into the central ball section of the ear.

Part 4: Assembly & Sewing

1. Place the hat flat and measure symmetrically for ear placement. Align near Rounds 5–8 on the side profile.
2. Thread the long tail from each ear onto a yarn needle and secure the base of the ear to the hat body.
3. Knot securely on the inside of the hat and weave in all loose ends.

Quick Tips for Success:

1. Balanced Tension:
   • Use 4.5 mm for the main body and 3.5 mm for the ears.
   • The tighter tension for the ears ensures they are firm, upright, and conceal the stuffing effectively.
2. Stuffing the Ears:
   • Lightly stuff the ears to maintain the shape without stretching stitches or adding excess weight. This helps achieve the iconic Shrek-ear look.
3. Adjustable Sizing:
   • To resize, modify the crown expansion rounds (Part 1) based on the sizing chart before working the straight dc (double crochet) rounds to set the depth.
4. Assembly Help:
   • Reach out if you need assistance adjusting stitch counts or sewing the pieces together.