Crochet Monster Hat Pattern

Here is the pattern for the hat of the hat and bootie set that I made for my friend's baby. I have two sizes, 0-3 months and 3-6 months (3-6 months could also pass for a small 6-12 months).

Abbreviations

Ch - chain
St - stitch
Sc - single crochet
Dc - double crochet
Hdc - half double crochet
Sl st - slip stitch
Rnd - round
Rep - repeat
Dec - decrease

Hat base 0-3 months

Rnd 1 - Create magic ring, ch 2, dc 9 in magic ring, sl st to close. (9) Here is a good magic ring tutorial.
Rnd 2 - Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc, (18) sl st
Rnd 3 - Ch 2, *2 dc in first dc, dc in next dc, rep from * around, (27) sl st
Rnd 4 - Ch 2, *2 dc in first dc, dc in next 2, rep from * around, (36) sl st
Rnd 5 - Ch 2, *2 dc in first dc, dc in next 5, rep from * around, (42) sl st
Rnds 6-12 - Ch 2, dc around, (42) sl st

Continue to earflaps:

I use the earflap section of this pattern.

Repeat on other side of hat - I don't make the ear flaps directly in the middle - I leave a longer gap across the forehead than from ear flap to ear flap behind the head. After second earflap, attach contrasting color of yarn and work sc all around the edge of the hat, sl st to first sc of edging, fasten off.


3-6 months

Rnds 1-4 - Use rounds from 0-3 month pattern. (36)
Rnd 5 - Ch 2, *2 dc in first dc, dc in next 4, rep from * around until one stitch is left, 2 dc in that stitch, (44) sl st to close
Rnds 6-12 - Ch 2, dc around, (44) sl st
Rnd 13 - Ch 1, sc around, (44) sl st

Continue to earflaps:

I like to use the earflap pattern for 3-6 months from this page. Scroll down past the hat base instructions
Finish by working sc around the edge of hat in contrast color.

Eyes (both sizes)

Make 2:
Rnd 1 - Make magic ring, ch 2, 9 dc, sl st to close (9)
Rnd 2 - Ch 1, 2 hdc in each dc, sl st (18)
Rnd 3 Ch 1, 2 sc in first, sc in next 2 st, ending with 2 sc in last st, sl st, fasten off (24)

Attach to the hat and sew buttons on top for pupils.

Spikes (both sizes)

Make 2 each of 2 colors:
Rnd 1 - Make magic ring, ch 1, 5 sc, sl st (5)
Rnd 2 - Ch 1, 2 sc in each sc, sl st (10)
Rnd 3 - Ch 1, sc around, sl st (10)
Rnd 4 - Ch 1, *2 sc in first, sc in next 3, rep from * around, sl st (13)
Rnd 5 - Ch 1, sc around, sl st (13)
Rnd 6 - Ch 1, 2 sc in first, sc in next 6, 2 sc in next, sc in next 5, sl st (15)
Rnd 7 - Ch 1, sc around, sl st (15)
Rnd 8 - Ch 1, 2 sc in first, sc in next 6, 2 sc in next, sc in next 7, sl st (17)

Finish off and attach to hat.

Teeth (both sizes)

Make 3
Row 1 - Ch 4, sc in 2nd st from hook and next 2 sts (3)
Row 2 - Ch 1, sc 3 together, fasten off.

Making the mouth

You could sew the mouth, but I like the nice finished line that slip stitching through the hat creates.

I carefully marked the mouth line with pins.

Fasten yarn to the INSIDE of the hat. Reach from the outside and pull a loop through.

You will then just continue slip stitching along - for each new stitch, reach through from the front and pull up a loop, then pull through the loop already on your hook.

When you are finished, reach through from the inside and pull the loop to the inside, then fasten off and weave in the end.

Attach the teeth.

Braids

Cut 18 strands per braid (more or less if you like it thicker or thinner) - 6 strands of each color. Pull the strands through the bottom of the hat flap, double over, and braid until they are as long as you want them to be, then tie a knot and cut off the excess.

You are finished!

As always, I'm happy to assist if you are confused - at least I will try.

You can find the tutorial for the booties here.

Happy crocheting!