If you need a baby shower gift that will make everyone in the room say "awww," this is the one. This adorable three-piece set includes a bear ear hat, a diaper cover, and matching booties. All three pieces work up in classic single crochet, making this perfect for confident beginners ready for their next challenge.
The golden yellow and deep red color combination gives this set a storybook feel that parents absolutely love. It works up in about six to ten hours total, so you can finish it in a weekend if you are motivated. Whether you are making it for a photo prop, a first Halloween costume, or just an incredibly cute everyday outfit, this pattern delivers.
Best of all, everything is sized for newborns to three months, which is the sweet spot for baby gifts. New parents always need items in that size range, and handmade pieces like this become treasured keepsakes.
Why This Pattern Works So Well
I designed this honey bear baby set crochet pattern with practicality in mind. The hat stays put thanks to its snug ribbed brim. The diaper cover features a functional button closure that makes diaper changes easier. And the booties have a folded cuff that helps them stay on tiny feet.
The construction is straightforward once you understand each piece. The hat works from the top down in the round. The diaper cover works flat in rows and then gets seamed. The booties combine flat and round techniques. None of it is complicated, but the variety keeps things interesting.
Skill Level
This pattern is rated intermediate. You should feel comfortable working in the round, making basic increases and decreases, seaming pieces together, and creating ribbed texture. If you have completed a few projects like hats or scarves, you are ready for this.
The combination of techniques across three separate items might feel like a lot at first. Take it one piece at a time. Start with the hat since it is the most familiar construction, then move to the booties, and save the diaper cover for last.
Finished Measurements
Hat: Approximately 14 inches (35.5 cm) circumference and 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) tall from brim to top, not including the ears. Fits head circumference 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm).
Diaper Cover: Approximately 7 inches (18 cm) tall and 17 inches (43 cm) around the widest hip circumference. Sized for approximately 6 to 12 pounds (2.7 to 5.4 kg).
Booties: Approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) from heel to toe and 3.5 inches (9 cm) tall including the cuff. Fits size 0 to 1 US baby shoe.
Materials You Will Need
Yarn: Worsted weight, Category 4. You need approximately 200 yards (183 m) in golden yellow (Color A) and 100 yards (91 m) in deep red (Color B).
Hook: US size J / 6.0 mm crochet hook
Notions:
Yarn Suggestions
Lion Brand Pound of Love works beautifully for this project. It is 100% acrylic, incredibly soft, and machine washable. One skein of each color will make multiple sets.
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK is another excellent choice. While technically DK weight, it works up nicely on a J hook for this gauge. It is budget-friendly and comes in gorgeous bright solids.
Cascade 220 Superwash is perfect if you prefer natural fibers. This 100% superwash wool is machine washable and holds stitch definition beautifully.
Whatever yarn you choose, avoid anything fuzzy or textured. Smooth yarns show off the stitches best and give this set its clean, professional look.
Gauge
14 single crochet stitches by 16 rows/rounds = 4 inches (10 cm), worked in the round with a US J / 6.0 mm hook.
Gauge matters for this pattern. The hat circumference, diaper cover dimensions, and bootie sizing all depend on hitting this gauge. Please make a swatch before starting. If your swatch is too big, go down a hook size. If it is too small, go up a hook size.
Abbreviations
Before we dive in, here are all the abbreviations you will encounter. I am using US crochet terms throughout.
Special Techniques
Magic Circle
This technique creates a tight, closed center for circular pieces. Make a loop with your yarn, crossing the working end over the tail. Insert your hook into the loop from front to back, grab the working yarn, and pull through to create a slip knot. Work your stitches into the circle, then pull the tail firmly to close the hole completely.
If you struggle with the magic circle, you can substitute by chaining 2 and working all your stitches into the first chain. The center will not close as tightly, but it works.
Invisible Decrease
This creates a nearly invisible decrease in single crochet fabric. Insert your hook into the front loop only of the next stitch. Without completing anything, insert your hook into the front loop only of the following stitch. Yarn over and pull through both front loops (two loops now on hook). Yarn over and pull through both remaining loops.
The invisible decrease lies flat and looks much neater than a standard decrease.
BLO Ribbing
Working in the back loop only creates a stretchy, ridged fabric that mimics knitted ribbing. At the end of each row, chain one and turn. Work one single crochet in the back loop only of each stitch across. This technique appears in both the hat brim and diaper cover waistband.
Pattern Notes
Read these before you begin. They will save you confusion later.
1. The hat works in the round from top down. Color A (golden yellow) forms the body. Color B (deep red) forms the ribbed brim.
2. The ears are worked separately and sewn on.
3. The diaper cover works in rows. Color B (deep red) is used throughout. The wooden button gets sewn to the front waistband.
4. The booties work in the round using only Color A (golden yellow).
5. Do not turn at the end of rounds unless instructed. Use a stitch marker to track the first stitch of each round.
6. When changing colors, complete the last yarn over of the final stitch with the new color.
7. Stitch counts appear in parentheses at the end of each row or round.
Hat Instructions
Hat Body (Color A)
Using Color A, make a magic circle.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into the magic circle, pull circle closed, sl st to join to first sc. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around, sl st to join. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, (sc in next st, inc in next st) 6 times, sl st to join. (18 sc)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, (sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) 6 times, sl st to join. (24 sc)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, (sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st) 6 times, sl st to join. (30 sc)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, (sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st) 6 times, sl st to join. (36 sc)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, (sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st) 6 times, sl st to join. (42 sc)
Rnd 8: Ch 1, (sc in next 6 sts, inc in next st) 6 times, sl st to join. (48 sc)
Checkpoint: Your flat circle should measure approximately 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) in diameter.
Rnds 9 through 18 (10 rounds total): Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (48 sc)
Checkpoint: The hat should measure approximately 5.5 inches (14 cm) from center top to brim edge.
Hat Brim (Color B)
Change to Color B at the end of Rnd 18 by completing the last yarn over with Color B. Cut Color A leaving a 6-inch tail.
Rnd 19: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st around, sl st to join. (48 sc)
Rnds 20 through 22 (3 rounds total): Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st around, sl st to join. (48 sc)
Fasten off Color B leaving a 12-inch tail. The brim should measure approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall. You can fold it up for a rolled look or leave it unfolded.
Hat Ears (Make 2, Color A)
Using Color A, make a magic circle.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into the magic circle, pull circle closed, sl st to join. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around, sl st to join. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (12 sc)
Fasten off leaving a 15-inch tail for sewing. Do not stuff the ears. Flatten each ear so the bottom forms a straight edge.
Attaching the Ears
Position each ear on top of the hat, approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) from the center and about 2 inches (5 cm) apart from each other at their inner edges. Using the long tail and a yarn needle, whipstitch firmly around the base of each ear. Make sure to go through both layers of the flattened ear and into the hat fabric. Weave in all ends securely.
Diaper Cover Instructions
Diaper Cover Body (Color B)
The diaper cover works in rows from the back waist down, then up to the front.
Ch 61.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, ch 1, turn. (60 sc)
Rows 2 through 4: Sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (60 sc)
Row 5 (increase row): Sc in next 28 sts, inc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st, sc in rem 28 sts, ch 1, turn. (62 sc)
Rows 6 through 8: Sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (62 sc)
Row 9 (increase row): Sc in next 29 sts, inc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st, sc in rem 29 sts, ch 1, turn. (64 sc)
Rows 10 through 12: Sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (64 sc)
Row 13 (increase row): Sc in next 30 sts, inc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st, sc in rem 30 sts, ch 1, turn. (66 sc)
Rows 14 through 16: Sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (66 sc)
Checkpoint: The panel should measure approximately 4 inches (10 cm) tall with a gentle A-line curve.
Crotch Shaping
Row 17: Sc in next 24 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 14 sts, sc2tog, sc in rem 24 sts, ch 1, turn. (64 sc)
Row 18: Sc in next 22 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 16 sts, sc2tog, sc in rem 22 sts, ch 1, turn. (62 sc)
Row 19: Sc in next 20 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 18 sts, sc2tog, sc in rem 20 sts, ch 1, turn. (60 sc)
Row 20: Sc in next 18 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 20 sts, sc2tog, sc in rem 18 sts, ch 1, turn. (58 sc)
Row 21: Sc in next 16 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 22 sts, sc2tog, sc in rem 16 sts, ch 1, turn. (56 sc)
Row 22: Sc in next 14 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 24 sts, sc2tog, sc in rem 14 sts, ch 1, turn. (54 sc)
Row 23: Sc in next 12 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 26 sts, sc2tog, sc in rem 12 sts, ch 1, turn. (52 sc)
Row 24: Sc in next 10 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 28 sts, sc2tog, sc in rem 10 sts, ch 1, turn. (50 sc)
Row 25 (narrowest crotch row): Sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (50 sc)
Front Panel
Row 26: Sc in next 10 sts, inc in next st, sc in next 28 sts, inc in next st, sc in rem 10 sts, ch 1, turn. (52 sc)
Row 27: Sc in next 11 sts, inc in next st, sc in next 28 sts, inc in next st, sc in rem 11 sts, ch 1, turn. (54 sc)
Row 28: Sc in next 12 sts, inc in next st, sc in next 28 sts, inc in next st, sc in rem 12 sts, ch 1, turn. (56 sc)
Row 29: Sc in next 13 sts, inc in next st, sc in next 28 sts, inc in next st, sc in rem 13 sts, ch 1, turn. (58 sc)
Row 30: Sc in next 14 sts, inc in next st, sc in next 28 sts, inc in next st, sc in rem 14 sts, ch 1, turn. (60 sc)
Rows 31 through 34: Sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (60 sc)
Do not fasten off. Continue to waistband.
Waistband
The waistband works perpendicular to the body, attaching as you go.
At the end of Row 34, ch 8.
Row 1 of Waistband: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 6 chs (7 sc), sl st in next st of Row 34 of body. Turn. (7 sc on ribbing strip)
Row 2 of Waistband: Skip the sl st, sc in BLO of each of the 7 waistband sts, ch 1, turn. (7 sc)
Row 3 of Waistband: Sc in BLO of each of the 7 waistband sts, sl st in next st of Row 34 of body. Turn. (7 sc)
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 alternately until all 60 stitches of Row 34 have been attached. The waistband should measure approximately 17 inches (43 cm) around and 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) tall.
Sl st across the short end of the waistband to neaten. Fasten off and weave in end.
Seaming and Finishing
Fold the main body panel in half with right sides together, matching the foundation chain edge to the waistband edge. Whipstitch or mattress stitch the two side seams for approximately 2 inches (5 cm) on each side, leaving the leg openings open.
Button and Buttonhole
For the buttonhole, either use the natural gap in the ribbing at the right front corner, or create a loop. Attach Color B at the right front edge of the waistband, ch 5, sl st back into the waistband approximately 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) away. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Sew the wooden button to the left front corner of the waistband, centered about 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) from the edges.
Leg Opening Edging
Join Color B with a sl st at the side seam on one leg opening.
Rnd 1: Sc evenly around the leg opening, approximately 24 to 28 sc total, sl st to join.
Rnd 2: Sc in BLO of each st around, sl st to join.
Fasten off. Repeat for the other leg opening.
Bootie Instructions (Make 2)
Bootie Sole (Color A)
Ch 9.
Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 6 chs, 3 sc in last ch. Working across opposite side of foundation chain, sc in next 6 chs, 2 sc in first ch. Sl st to join to first sc. (18 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc in next 6 sts, inc in next st, inc in next st, sc in next 6 sts, inc in last st, sl st to join. (22 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc in next 8 sts, inc in next st, inc in next st, sc in next 8 sts, inc in last st, sl st to join. (26 sc)
Checkpoint: The sole should measure approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) long and 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) wide.
Bootie Sides
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st around, sl st to join. (26 sc)
Rnds 5 and 6: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. (26 sc)
Toe Shaping
Rnd 7: Ch 1, sc in first 8 sts, (sc2tog) 5 times, sc in rem 8 sts, sl st to join. (21 sc)
Rnd 8: Ch 1, sc in first 7 sts, (sc2tog) 3 times, sc in rem 8 sts, sl st to join. (18 sc)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, sc in first 6 sts, (sc2tog) 3 times, sc in rem 6 sts, sl st to join. (15 sc)
Fasten off leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave through the front loops of the remaining 15 stitches. Pull gently to gather the toe closed and secure with a knot inside.
Bootie Cuff
Return to the top opening of the bootie at the end of Rnd 6. Join Color A with a sl st at the back center.
Rnd 1 of Cuff: Ch 1, sc in each st around the opening (approximately 26 sc), sl st to join. (26 sc)
Rnds 2 through 5 of Cuff: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st around, sl st to join. (26 sc)
Fasten off and weave in ends. Fold the cuff down over the outside of the bootie.
Finishing Your Honey Bear Baby Set
Weave in all remaining ends securely, working each tail back and forth through stitches for at least 2 inches (5 cm) to lock it in place.
Blocking is optional for acrylic yarns but recommended for natural fibers. Wet block by submerging each piece in cool water, pressing out excess water gently, and laying flat to dry. For the hat, stuff loosely with a plastic bag to maintain shape while drying.
Double-check that the button is sewn on securely. Babies grab at everything, so a loose button is a safety hazard. Inspect periodically.
Care Instructions
For acrylic yarns, machine wash on the gentle cycle in cool water. Lay flat to dry. Avoid the dryer, as heat can distort the shape.
For wool or wool blends, hand wash in cool water with wool wash. Press out water gently and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight.
Always remove the button before washing to prevent snagging. Resew before use.
Size Adjustments
Sizing up to 3-6 months: Add one more increase round to the hat (work inc in each st around for 54 sc after Rnd 8). Add 2 rows to the diaper cover before crotch shaping. Add one chain to the bootie foundation.
Sizing down for preemie or early newborn: Stop hat increases at Rnd 7 for 42 stitches. Subtract 4 stitches from the diaper cover foundation chain. Reduce bootie foundation by one chain.
You Did It!
This honey bear baby set crochet pattern looks complicated, but when you break it down piece by piece, it is totally manageable. The hat is the quickest, the booties are satisfying, and the diaper cover takes a bit longer but gives you that impressive finished result.
New parents are going to love this gift. It photographs beautifully, washes easily, and looks like something that took way more effort than it actually did. That is the best kind of handmade gift.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoyed designing it. If you create this set, I would love to see your finished project. Tag me on Instagram or share a photo in my Facebook group. Seeing your makes absolutely makes my day.
If this honey bear baby set is calling your name, go ahead and pin it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you are ready to start. And if you make it, please drop a comment below. I love hearing which colors you chose and who the lucky baby is. Happy crocheting!
