Crochet Shark Hat – Free Crochet Bucket Hat for Kids!

May 22, 2026 | Crochet patterns

If you’ve been searching for the perfect crochet shark hat pattern, you’re about to fall in love. This cheeky little shark bucket hat is part of my brand-new Summer Kids’ Bucket Hat Bundle, and it’s the very first design I’m releasing from the collection – so you get to be among the first to make it!

This pattern is built on my Essential Basic Bucket Hat base, which works up entirely in single crochet stitches – meaning the main hat construction is refreshingly simple and rhythmic, even for newer crocheters. Once the hat is done, you’ll add a few quick appliqués: a red mouth, jagged white teeth, round cartoon eyes, embroidered gill slits, and three fins. The result? An absolutely irresistible crochet shark hat that’ll have every kid asking for one.

I’m using Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Gray, White, Red, and Black – a 100% mercerized cotton yarn that’s machine washable, soft against skin, and holds stitch definition beautifully. It’s one of my all-time favorites, and it’s perfect for a summer bucket hat that can handle splash pads and beach days alike.

Why You’ll Love This Crochet Shark Hat Pattern

Easy Hat Base. The main bucket hat is worked entirely in single crochet from the top down, so you don’t need to know any fancy stitches to get started. If you’ve crocheted a beanie or a basic hat before, you’ve totally got this!

Quick and Easy Appliqués. The shark face features are all simple separate pieces – a half-circle mouth, a strip of white teeth, two cartoon eyes, and three fins. Each one is small and fast to make, and assembling the face is genuinely one of the most satisfying parts of the whole project.

Three Sizes Included. This crochet shark hat pattern comes in Newborn (up to 6 months), Toddler, and Child sizes, so you can make one for every little one on your list – or all three at once for a seriously adorable set. If you want to make a larger size you can certainly do that as well – check out all six sizes of the Essential Basic Bucket Hat free crochet pattern on the blog!

Made with Machine-Washable Cotton. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton is 100% mercerized cotton, which means it’s durable, colorfast, and easy to toss in the washing machine. That’s a must-have for anything made for kids!

Video Tutorial Support. Not sure about the magic circle or how to work the hat crown increases? My Essential Basic Bucket Hat video tutorial walks you through every step of the main hat. Just follow along and you’ll have a perfect hat base in no time. If you need help with making the crochet eyes I have a video tutorial for how to make crochet cartoon eyes in several sizes. Pick your favorite!

Get the Ad-Free Printable PDF

Want a clean, printable version of this pattern without any distractions? The ad-free PDF of the Shark Crochet Bucket Hat pattern is available in my shop – perfect for printing and keeping in your project bag! [Shark Hat Pattern PDF ] If you love PDFs, you might want to check out my Lifetime Membership. It’s an awesome deal! Never pay for one of my PDFs again!!

Summer Kids’ Bucket Hat Pattern Bundle

Part of the Summer Kids’ Bucket Hat Bundle. The shark hat is just the beginning! I’m releasing a total of 6 adorable kids’ bucket hat designs over the coming weeks – including a sea turtle, crab, frog, dinosaur, fish, and whale. All of the designs (except the whale, which will be bundle-exclusive!) will be released as free patterns. If you want all 7 in one convenient place for one low price, the full Summer Kids’ Bucket Hat Bundle is available in the shop.

Summer Bucket Crochet Hat pattern bundle

Supplies for the Crochet Shark Hat Pattern

*This post contains affiliate links. You can click on any yarn or material highlighted to purchase. I will receive a small commission if you purchase but it won’t cost you any extra! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I am using Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton for my crochet shark hat which is a 100% mercerized cotton. it has a beautiful sheen, holds its shape well, and is completely machine washable. It’s soft against skin, which makes it especially great for babies and kids.

If you are substituting with a different cotton yarn be sure to check gauge!

Looking for More Free Crochet Hat Patterns?

I have tons of free crochet hat patterns right here on the blog, from cozy winter beanies to fun seasonal accessories. And if you don’t want to miss a single new release – especially as I drop each new design in the Summer Kids’ Bucket Hat series – be sure to sign up for my free newsletter! You’ll get new patterns, tutorials, and crafty inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

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Check out these adorable free crochet patterns for kids!

Shark Bucket Hat free written pattern instructions

Pattern written in US crochet terminology

Supplies:

Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Weight 4 / Medium (100% mercerized cotton)

Colorways:

Silver (Gray)

Newborn 1.6 oz / 85 yards
Toddler 2.0 oz / 110 yards
Child 2.3 oz / 125 yards

White (White)

Newborn 0.6 oz / 32 yards
Toddler 0.8 oz / 43 yards
Child 1.0 oz / 54 yards

Red (Red) 0.2 oz / 11 yards

Black (Black) 0.1 oz / 6 yards

Size G-6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
Stitch Markers

Approximate finished size:

Gauge: 4” = 9 rounds of sc

Abbreviations:

Rnd(s) = round(s)
RS = right side
MC = magic circle
ch(s) = chain(s)
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
hdc = half double crochet
sc2tog = single crochet 2 sts together (see special stitches section below)
yo = yarn over

Special Stitches:

sc2tog = (insert hook into next st, yo and pull up a loop) twice, yo and pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Pattern Notes:

Hat is worked from the top-down.
Work in continuous rounds, do not join, instead use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
Fit Note: Sizes are based on standard head circumference measurements for a close fit. For a more relaxed or oversized look, go up one size. To add width to the brim, work one additional increase round after the final increase round, then add 2–3 rounds of single crochet before fastening off.

Recommended Tutorials:

How to make a perfect circle tutorial
How to sew on appliques in crochet tutorial
Cartoon Eyes Tutorial
Essential Basic Bucket Hat Complete Video Tutorial

Pattern Instructions

Newborn – 6 months

With Gray, make a MC.

Rnd 1: (RS) Ch 1, 6 sc in MC. (6)

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st. (12)

Rnd 3: *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st,* repeat from * to * to end. (18)

Rnd 4: 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, *1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat from * to * to last st, 1 sc in last st. (24)

Rnd 5: *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts,* repeat from * to * to end. (30)

Rnd 6: 1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, *1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat from * to * to last 2 sts, 1 sc in last 2 sts. (36)

Rnd 7: *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 5 sts,* repeat from * to * to end. (42)

Rnd 8: 1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, *1 sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat from * to * to last 3 sts, 1 sc in last 3 sts. (48)

Rnd 9: *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 7 sts,* repeat from * to * to end. (54)

Rnd 10: 1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, *1 sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat from * to * to last 4 sts, 1 sc in last 4 sts. (60)

Circle (crown) should measure approximately 4 1/2”.

Rnds 11 – 22: 1 sc in each st around. (60)

Change to White and fasten off Gray

Rnd 23: *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 5 sts,* repeat from * to * to end. (70)

Rnd 24: 1 sc in each st around.

Rnd 25: *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 6 sts,* repeat from * to * to end. (80)

Rnd 26: 1 sc in each st around, sl st in next st.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Size Toddler