Gauge: 5 sts. to 1"

Finished size : 12/13" across infant's size, 14/15" toddler, 16/17" child's

 

Ch 5: join with a slip stitch to first ch to form ring

Round 1: ch 2 to count as first half double crochet, 9 half double crochets in ring (10 sts)

Round 2:  ch 2, 1 half double crochet in same stitch, (in back loops only) 2 half double crochet in each stitch around (20 sts)

Round 3:  ch 2, 1 hdc in same stitch, hdc around increasing 20  more sts. evenly (40 sts)

Round 4: ch 2, l hdc in same stitch, hdc around increasing 15 more sts, evenly (55 sts.)

Round 5: ch 2, 1 hdc in same stitch , hdc around increasing 11 more sts. evenly (66 sts)

Round 6: (now working in both loops of stitch) ch 3, 2 double crochet in same stitch,* skip 2 hdcs, three dc in next stitch*, repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to third stitch in beginning chain  (22 sets of three double crochets.)

Round 7:  slip stitch to center stitch in first group of three, three double crochet in that stitch and each center stitch of groups of three around.

 

Repeat round 7 until hat measures 4" infant, 5" toddler, or 6" for a child. 

 

Brim:  make a hdc in joining slip stitch and in each stitch around.  Join with a slip stitch. Repeat this row for 1"

 

To make a ruffled brim for a little girl, instead of the above brim, make three double crochets in each stitch around.  Join with a slip stitch and fasten off. 

You can add a bow made from a crochet chain or a little pom pom to the top should you desire.