You know that gorgeous pink yarn sitting in your stash? The one you’ve been saving for something special? This is the project. Dig it out, dust it off, and let’s make the most adorable newborn photo prop set you’ve ever seen.
This three-piece piglet set includes a beanie with the cutest little snout and ears, a diaper cover with a flower button closure, and matching booties. The construction is actually pretty straightforward. Everything is worked in single crochet, mostly in the round, so you get a dense structured fabric that photographs beautifully.
I’d call this beginner-intermediate level. If you’re comfortable with increases, decreases, and sewing pieces together, you can absolutely handle this. The magic is in the details, like that embroidered smile and the dimensional snout, but none of it requires advanced skills.
Why This Pink Piglet Baby Set Makes the Perfect Gift
Baby shower season never really ends, does it? And if you’re tired of making the same old blankets and hats, this crochet pattern gives you something truly memorable. The piglet theme is gender-neutral enough to work for any baby, and the pink color palette is soft and sweet without being overwhelming.
The finished set works wonderfully as a newborn photo prop. Professional photographers love pieces like this because they add character and charm to those first precious portraits. But this isn’t just for photos. These pieces are functional, washable, and genuinely useful for keeping little ones cozy.
Time investment is reasonable too. Expect about 4 to 6 hours for the complete set. You could knock it out in a weekend or spread it across a few evening sessions.
Materials You’ll Need
Gathering your supplies first makes the whole process smoother. Here’s everything required for the complete pink piglet baby set:
Yarn
Both yarns should be DK to light worsted weight. Look for machine-washable options since this is a baby item.
Yarn Suggestions
Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink works beautifully for the main color. It’s 100% premium acrylic, machine washable, and incredibly soft.
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK is another excellent choice. If you go this route, drop down to a US size F-5 / 3.75 mm hook and check your gauge.
Drops Safran in 100% Egyptian cotton creates a firmer, cooler fabric. Perfect if the baby will be photographed in warmer weather.
Hook
Notions
Gauge
Getting gauge right matters here, especially for the hat circumference and diaper cover fit.
18 single crochet stitches x 22 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm worked in the round with a US size G-6 / 4.00 mm hook.
To check: Work a flat swatch of 20 single crochet (sc) stitches across for 22 rows. Block lightly and measure the center 18 stitches and 22 rows. Adjust your hook size up or down as needed.
Finished Measurements
Hat: approximately 13 inches / 33 cm circumference, 6 inches / 15.25 cm tall (fits newborn to 0-3 months)
Diaper Cover: approximately 14 inches / 35.5 cm waist unstretched, 6 inches / 15.25 cm rise
Booties: approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm sole length, 2.5 inches / 6.5 cm tall
Size Customization Tips
Need a different size? Here’s how to adjust:
For 3-6 months: Add 4 rounds to the flat crown section of the hat before beginning the body. This adds approximately 1 inch to the circumference. For the diaper cover, add 2 rounds to the body section and work the waistband over 4 additional stitches per side. For booties, add 2 rounds to the sole before beginning the sides.
For premature newborn: Reduce the flat crown by 2 rounds and remove 2 rounds from each boot side.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Let me walk you through every abbreviation used in this crochet tutorial. I’ll define each one so you never have to wonder.
sc = single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
sl st = slip stitch (insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook in one motion)
ch = chain (yarn over, pull through loop on hook)
st / sts = stitch / stitches
rnd = round
inc = increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch, so if you had 10 stitches and work an inc in one of them, you now have 11)
dec = invisible decrease (explained in detail below)
BLO = back loop only (insert your hook under just the back loop of the stitch, not both loops)
FLO = front loop only
pm = place marker
MR = magic ring (adjustable starting ring)
sk = skip
sp = space
rep = repeat
rem = remaining
Special Techniques
Invisible Decrease (dec)
This technique closes 2 stitches into 1 with minimal visible gap on the right side. Here’s how:
1. Insert hook into the front loop only of the next stitch
2. Without pulling through, insert hook into the front loop only of the following stitch
3. Yarn over and pull through both front loops (2 loops on hook)
4. Yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops
Color Change at End of Round
Work the last sc of the old color up to the final yarn over (2 loops on hook). Drop old color to back, pick up new color, yarn over with new color, pull through both loops to complete the stitch. Continue next round in new color.
Important Pattern Notes Before You Begin
Read through these before starting. They’ll save you confusion later.
1. The hat is worked in continuous rounds from the crown down. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round and move it up as work progresses.
2. The hat brim is worked in BLO to create a turning ridge, then folds inward. The hot pink contrast color forms the lower body and folded brim.
3. The snout is worked as a separate flat oval and sewn onto the hat front. Nostrils and a smile are embroidered with black yarn after attachment.
4. Ears are worked as two small flat discs (outer ear in light pink, inner ear detail in hot pink) and sewn to the top of the hat.
5. The diaper cover is worked flat for the back gusset section, then joined and worked in continuous rounds for the body, with a folded waistband worked last.
6. Booties are worked from the sole up in continuous rounds, then shaped with decreases across the toe box.
7. When instructed to join, use a sl st into the first sc of the round unless otherwise noted.
8. Do not turn between rounds unless specifically instructed.
Pink Piglet Hat Instructions
Crown (Yarn A, Light Pink, Continuous Rounds)
Rnd 1: Start with MR, work 6 sc into ring, pull ring closed, do not join. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] rep 6 times. (18 sc)
Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] rep 6 times. (24 sc)
Rnd 5: [Sc 3, inc] rep 6 times. (30 sc)
Rnd 6: [Sc 4, inc] rep 6 times. (36 sc)
Rnd 7: [Sc 5, inc] rep 6 times. (42 sc)
Rnd 8: [Sc 6, inc] rep 6 times. (48 sc)
Rnd 9: [Sc 7, inc] rep 6 times. (54 sc)
Rnd 10: [Sc 8, inc] rep 6 times. (60 sc)
Checkpoint: After Rnd 10, the flat crown circle should measure approximately 5.25 inches / 13.5 cm across.
Hat Body (Yarn A, Continuous Rounds)
Rnds 11 through 16: Sc in each st around. 6 rounds even. (60 sc each round)
Hat Color Change Section (Yarn B, Hot Pink)
Switch to Yarn B at the end of Rnd 16 using the color change method.
Rnds 17 through 22: Sc in each st around in Yarn B. 6 rounds even. (60 sc each round)
Checkpoint: After Rnd 22, the hat body should measure approximately 5.5 inches / 14 cm from the crown center to the lower edge. The circumference should be approximately 13 inches / 33 cm.
Hat Brim
Rnd 23: Working in BLO only, sc in each st around. (60 sc)
Rnds 24 through 26: Sc in each st around through both loops. 3 rounds even. (60 sc each round)
Sl st to next st and fasten off. Weave in end. The brim will fold inward naturally at the BLO ridge created in Rnd 23.
Hat Outer Ear (Make 2 in Yarn A)
Rnd 1: MR, work 6 sc into ring, pull closed, do not join. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] rep 6 times. (18 sc)
Sl st to next st. Fasten off, leaving a 10 inch / 25 cm tail for sewing.
Hat Inner Ear (Make 2 in Yarn B)
Rnd 1: MR, work 6 sc into ring, pull closed, do not join. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sc)
Sl st to next st. Fasten off, leaving a 10 inch / 25 cm tail for sewing.
Ear Assembly
Place one inner ear (Yarn B, 12 sc) on top of one outer ear (Yarn A, 18 sc), right sides facing up, centering the smaller disc on the larger. Using Yarn B tail, whip stitch around the perimeter of the inner ear to attach it to the outer ear. The outer ring of the outer ear will remain visible as a light pink border. Repeat for second ear.
Position ears on the hat crown approximately 1.5 inches / 3.8 cm from the center top on either side, at roughly the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions. Pin in place and sew down securely through the base of the outer ear into the hat fabric using Yarn A tail. Flatten the base of each ear slightly before sewing for a cupped appearance.
Snout (Yarn A)
The snout is worked as a flat oval.
Foundation: Ch 5.
Row 1: Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sc 3, then 3 sc in the last ch. Rotate work to work along the opposite side of the foundation chain. Sc 2, then 2 sc in the first ch. (10 sc)
Mark the first stitch of the next round with a stitch marker. Do not turn. Work in continuous rounds.
Rnd 2: Inc, sc 2, inc 3 times, sc 2, inc 2 times. (16 sc)
Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, sc 2, [sc 1, inc] 3 times, sc 2, [sc 1, inc] 2 times. (22 sc)
Sl st to next st. Fasten off, leaving a 14 inch / 35.5 cm tail for sewing.
The finished snout oval should measure approximately 2 inches / 5 cm wide by 1.25 inches / 3.2 cm tall.
Snout Embroidery
Before sewing the snout to the hat, embroider two small nostrils using black yarn or embroidery thread. Place two small oval satin stitches, each approximately 0.25 inch / 6 mm wide, side by side in the upper center of the snout. Below the nostrils, use backstitch to create a small upward curve smile line approximately 0.5 inch / 1.3 cm wide.
Don’t worry if your embroidery isn’t perfect. A slightly wobbly smile actually adds charm.
Snout Attachment
Position the snout on the front center of the hat, centered horizontally, with the lower edge of the snout sitting approximately 0.75 inch / 2 cm above the color change line between Yarn A and Yarn B. The snout should be positioned at approximately Rnd 14 to 15 of the hat.
If desired, lightly stuff the snout with a small pinch of fiberfill before closing the final sewing stitches to give it a slight dimensional pop. Sew the snout to the hat using the long tail and a yarn needle, using whip stitch around the entire perimeter.
Hat complete! Set aside.
Diaper Cover Instructions
The diaper cover is worked flat for the back gusset section, then joined and worked in continuous rounds for the body, with a folded waistband worked last.
Back Gusset Panel (Yarn B, Hot Pink)
Ch 13.
Row 1: Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sc across. Turn. (12 sc)
Rows 2 through 16: Ch 1, sc across. Turn. (12 sc each row)
This panel forms the narrow crotch/gusset strip. It should measure approximately 1.5 inches / 3.8 cm wide and 3 inches / 7.5 cm long after Row 16. Do not fasten off.
Joining and Body (Working in Rounds)
After Row 16, do not turn. Rotate the gusset panel 90 degrees and work 18 sc evenly along the long right edge of the gusset (approximately 1 sc per row, adjusting to 18). Ch 1, then work 12 sc across the foundation chain edge of the gusset. Ch 1, then work 18 sc evenly along the long left edge. Do not work across the top open edge; this forms the waistband opening. Join with sl st to the first sc worked after the last row.
Place marker at join. (48 sc plus 2 ch-1 corner spaces; work the ch-1 spaces as 1 sc each in subsequent rounds for a total working count of 50 sc)
Adjustment note: On the first body round, work the 2 ch-1 spaces as 1 sc each. Total stitches in round = 50.
Rnd 1 (Body): Sc in each st around. (50 sc)
Rnds 2 through 10: Sc in each st around. (50 sc each round)
Rnd 11: [Sc 8, inc] rep 5 times, sc 5. (55 sc)
Rnd 12: Sc in each st around. (55 sc)
Rnd 13: [Sc 10, inc] rep 5 times. (60 sc)
Rnds 14 through 16: Sc in each st around. (60 sc each round)
Checkpoint: After Rnd 16 of the body, the diaper cover should measure approximately 5 inches / 12.75 cm in rise from the bottom of the gusset to the top of the body. The circumference should be approximately 13.5 inches / 34 cm.
Waistband (Yarn B)
Rnd 17: Working in BLO, sc in each st around. (60 sc)
Rnds 18 through 20: Sc in each st around through both loops. (60 sc each round)
Sl st to next st. Fasten off. Weave in ends. The waistband folds inward at the BLO ridge.
Button Loop Closure
With Yarn B, attach yarn to the center front waistband on Rnd 20. Ch 8. Sl st back into the same stitch to form a loop. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Sew the flower button to the center front waistband on Rnd 17 (on the outside of the folded waistband) so that the ch-8 loop reaches over and around the button for closure.
Diaper cover complete! Set aside.
Bootie Instructions (Make 2)
Sole (Yarn A, Light Pink)
The sole is worked as a flat oval in continuous rounds.
Foundation: Ch 8.
Rnd 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5, then 3 sc in last ch. Rotate work. Sc 4, then 2 sc in first ch. Do not join. (14 sc)
Rnd 2: Inc, sc 4, inc 3 times, sc 4, inc 2 times. (20 sc)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] once, sc 4, [sc 1, inc] 3 times, sc 4, [sc 1, inc] 2 times. (26 sc)
The sole oval should measure approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm long by 1.75 inches / 4.5 cm wide after Rnd 3.
Bootie Sides (Continuous Rounds)
Rnds 4 through 6: Sc in each st around through both loops. (26 sc each round)
Toe Shaping
Rnd 7: Sc 9, [dec] 4 times, sc 9. (22 sc)
Rnd 8: Sc 8, [dec] 3 times, sc 8. (19 sc)
Rnd 9: Sc 7, [dec] 2 times, sc 8. (17 sc)
The toe box is now closed and rounded.
Bootie Cuff
Rnd 10: Working in BLO, sc in each st around. (17 sc)
Rnds 11 through 14: Sc in each st around. (17 sc each round)
Sl st to next st. Fasten off. Weave in ends. The cuff folds outward at the BLO ridge of Rnd 10.
Checkpoint: The finished bootie should measure approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm from heel to toe and approximately 2.5 inches / 6.5 cm from sole to top of cuff when folded.
Booties complete!
Finishing Your Pink Piglet Baby Set
Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely, especially at color change points and magic ring closures.
For the hat: Ensure ears are firmly attached at the base. Reinforce ear sewing with an additional pass of yarn if needed. Confirm snout is centered and securely whipstitched all the way around. The embroidered smile should face forward on the lower half of the snout.
For the diaper cover: Sew the flower button centered on the front waistband at the position described. The button is decorative as well as functional with the ch-8 loop closure. Ensure the gusset panel is smooth and untwisted.
For the booties: Fold the cuff outward. No additional seaming is needed.
Blocking
Lightly mist all three pieces with water and gently reshape by hand. Pin the hat over a round object of the correct circumference (a small bowl or balloon works well) and allow to dry fully. Pin the diaper cover flat, smoothing the gusset and body. Pin the booties with the cuffs folded and allow to dry.
Do not use steam on acrylic yarn as it may permanently flatten the texture. If using cotton yarn, light steam blocking with a cloth barrier is acceptable.
Care Instructions
Machine wash cold on gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry, iron, or dry clean. Store flat or loosely folded to preserve the three-dimensional ear and snout shapes. If the snout embroidery pulls slightly after washing, reshape by hand while damp.
You Did It!
Thank you so much for choosing this pink piglet baby set crochet pattern. I hope you had fun making it, and I really hope some lucky little one gets to wear it for their newborn photos. These pieces make such meaningful gifts because you can see the love and time that went into every stitch.
If you make this set, I would absolutely love to see your finished project! Tag me on Instagram or share it in my Facebook group. There’s nothing better than seeing these little piglets come to life in different color combinations.
Save this pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it easily when you’re ready to start, and please leave a comment below if you make it. I love hearing how projects turn out, and your feedback helps other crafters decide to give it a try too!
