✨To support my free patterns, this post includes affiliate links for materials I love. Thank you for your support! 💖
Congratulations to the class of 2026! If you are looking for a free graduation hat crochet pattern, you are in the right place. This mini mortarboard is the perfect accessory for graduation dolls, keychains, or even as a creative topper for a graduation gift box. It is a quick and rewarding project that adds a handmade touch to any celebration.
If you are new to the world of crochet, don’t worry! Before you dive into this project, I recommend checking out my beginner-friendly guides. You can start with how to crochet basic stitches to get comfortable with your hook. If you’re unsure about what materials to use, my amigurumi for beginners guide will help you with choosing the right yarn and crochet hook for your project. Also, make sure to keep my stitch abbreviations list handy so you can follow along with the pattern instructions easily.
This free graduation hat crochet pattern uses 100% cotton yarn to ensure a clean, professional finish. Whether you are making it for a graduate or adding it to your amigurumi collection, this pattern is designed to be sturdy and stylish.
Pattern Details
- Difficulty Level: Beginner / Intermediate
- Finished Size: Approximately 6.5 x 3.5 cm (2.6 x 1.4 inches)
- Construction: The hat is worked using a combination of rounds (circles) and rows.
Materials Needed for Free Graduation Hat Crochet Pattern
- Yarn: I use a 100% cotton yarn from my local store. The best match and my top recommendation for this pattern is Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK.
- For the sparkly details, I used a metallic viscose thread. A great international alternative available on LoveCrafts is DMC Diamant.
- Hook: I used a 2mm hook. I highly recommend Clover Amour Hooks for the best experience.
- Tools & Supplies:
- Scissors, tapestry needle and a carboard piece 2.4 x 2.4 inches (6 x 6 cm)
- Optional: Stitch markers
- Find all these essentials here: Crochet Supplies & Accessories.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- CH: Chain
- SC: Single Crochet
- SL ST: Slip Stitch
Pattern Instructions
Hat Base (Bottom Part)
The base is worked in joined rounds to create a tall cylinder that will be folded for extra thickness.
Ch 26. Join with a SL ST to the first chain to form a ring (be careful not to twist the chain).
- Round 1: CH 1, 25 SC. Join with a SL ST. [25]
- Rounds 2 – 8: CH 1, 25 SC. Join with a SL ST. [25]
Folding & Joining: Fold the cylinder in half (bringing the last round down to meet the foundation chain). Insert your hook through both layers (the stitches of Round 8 and the loops of the starting chain) and work 25 SC all around to connect them. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Free Graduation Hat Crochet Pattern by EmmaS Dolls
Mortarboard (Top Part – Make 2)
Worked in rows to create a square.
Ch 16.
- Row 1: Starting in the second chain from hook, 15 SC. CH 1, turn. [15]
- Rows 2 – 13: 15 SC. CH 1, turn. [15]
- Row 14: 15 SC. Fasten off. Repeat for the second square.
Assembly & Finishing
- Prepare the Insert: Cut a square piece of cardboard (6 x 6 cm / 2.4 x 2.4 inches).
- Attach the Base: Center the folded Hat Base onto one of the Top Part squares. Sew it firmly in place using the long yarn tail.
- The Tassel: Create a tassel using gold (or black) yarn. Secure the tassel to the center of the second Top Part square.
- Final Construction: * Place the two Top Part squares together (wrong sides facing).
- Insert the cardboard piece between them.
- Connect the squares by crocheting SC all around the edges through both layers (inserting the hook through both squares at once).
- Important: In each of the four corners, work 3 SC in the same stitch to create sharp, defined corners.
- Finish with a slip stitch or an invisible join, fasten off, and weave in all ends.
Free Graduation Hat Crochet Pattern by EmmaS Dolls
Explore More Free Crochet Patterns
If you enjoyed this project, I have many more fun designs for you to discover! If you love quick and cute accessories, you should check out my Bunny Keychain Pattern—it’s a fan favorite for gifts. Or, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, my Crochet Donut Pattern is a great way to practice working in rounds. Head over to my pattern library to find your next creative challenge!
Support My Work: Ad-Free PDF Patterns
While I love sharing my patterns for free on the blog, I know many of you prefer working offline. If you’d like to support EmmaS Dolls and have a clean, printable version of this guide, you can purchase the ad-free PDF on Etsy and Ravelry. Your support through these platforms helps me continue creating and sharing new designs with our wonderful crochet community!
Join the EmmaS Dolls Family
We are just getting started, and there are so many more free patterns and tutorials on the way! Don’t miss out on any of my upcoming releases—subscribe to my newsletter today. By joining, you’ll be the first to know when a new pattern drops, so you can stay inspired and keep your hooks busy. I can’t wait to see your finished graduation hats, so feel free to tag me on social media!
Pin it for Later!
Free Graduation Hat Crochet Pattern by EmmaS Dolls
Since this pattern is free, please help me keep it that way by not taking screenshots. Keeping the page open while you work supports my studio! Happy crocheting!✨