Moss Stitch Giraffe Ossicone Cap Free Crochet Pattern

Moss Stitch Giraffe Ossicone Cap Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This sweet little cap is made for babies 6–12 months old, and it is just as fun to crochet as it is to wear. The peach moss stitch body gives a soft, nubby texture with tiny gaps that look woven, while two apricot horn stems tipped with darker peach knobs create that unmistakable giraffe silhouette. It works up quickly in sport weight cotton, so it makes a lovely baby shower gift or a first-birthday photo prop. The finished hat is light, breathable, and stretchy enough to sit comfortably on a little head.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Sport weight (CYC 2) cotton, approx. 100 yds total — 70 yds peach (A), 20 yds apricot (B), 10 yds darker peach (C)
• Hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4)
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, small amount of polyester fiberfill for the knobs, scissors
• Finished size: Circumference approx. 16 inches (40.5 cm), height approx. 6 inches (15 cm) excluding horns; horn stems approx. 2 inches (5 cm) tall, knobs approx. 0.75 inch (2 cm) diameter

Abbreviations

• ch — chain
• sc — single crochet
• sc2tog — single crochet two stitches together (a decrease)
• sl st — slip stitch
• sp / sps — space / spaces
• MR — magic ring (an adjustable loop)
• st / sts — stitch / stitches
• Rnd / Rnds — round / rounds

Gauge

20 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in moss stitch pattern. Crochet a small swatch in moss stitch with your 3.5 mm hook and measure it flat; if you have more stitches than 20 in 4 inches, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place, especially through the increase rounds.
• Keep your tension even but not tight — moss stitch needs a little give so the ch-1 spaces stay open and the hat stays stretchy.
• When you reach Rnd 16, count carefully: you should end with 42 sc and 42 ch-1 spaces, which sets up the moss stitch body perfectly.
• Stuff the horn knobs only lightly so they stay round and soft against a baby's head.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cap (Color A)

Rnd 1: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, join with sl st to first sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around, join (12 sts).

Rnd 3: ch 1, [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (18 sts).

Rnd 4: ch 1, [sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (24 sts).

Rnd 5: ch 1, [sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (30 sts).

Rnd 6: ch 1, [sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (36 sts).

Rnd 7: ch 1, [sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (42 sts).

Rnd 8: ch 1, [sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (48 sts).

Rnd 9: ch 1, [sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (54 sts).

Rnd 10: ch 1, [sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (60 sts).

Rnd 11: ch 1, [sc in next 9 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (66 sts).

Rnd 12: ch 1, [sc in next 10 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (72 sts).

Rnd 13: ch 1, [sc in next 11 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (78 sts).

Rnd 14: ch 1, [sc in next 12 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around, join (84 sts).

Rnd 15: ch 1, sc in each sc around, join (84 sts).

Rnd 16: ch 1, [sc in next sc, ch 1, skip next sc] around, join with sl st in first sc (42 sc, 42 ch-1 sps).

Rnds 17–30: sl st in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, [sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] around, join with sl st in first sc (42 sc, 42 ch-1 sps).

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Horn Stems (Color B) — make 2

Rnd 1: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, join with sl st to first sc (6 sts).

Rnds 2–8: ch 1, sc in each sc around, join (6 sts).

Fasten off leaving a 6-inch tail for sewing.

Horn Knobs (Color C) — make 2

Rnd 1: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, join with sl st to first sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around, join (12 sts).

Rnd 3: ch 1, sc in each sc around, join (12 sts).

Rnd 4: ch 1, [sc2tog] around, join (6 sts).

Fasten off leaving a 6-inch tail. Stuff lightly.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew one knob to the top of each horn stem using the Color C tails. Then sew the horn stems to the cap at approximately 2 inches apart on top, using the Color B tails, making sure they sit upright. Weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side. Block the cap lightly by misting it with water and shaping it over a small bowl or balloon to the finished measurements, then let it dry completely before wearing.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the peach for a soft yellow or cream for a different giraffe look, or use a variegated cotton for a speckled coat.
• Make the horn stems one round longer for a taller, more playful silhouette.
• Add a simple sc border in Color B around the bottom edge for a neat, finished brim.