Everest Earflap Hat

Everest Earflap Hat by McGehee Textiles

What is Being Made

The Everest Earflap Hat is a cozy winter hat designed to keep wearers toasty warm. This knitted hat features a distinctive double brim construction, protective ear flaps, and decorative pom poms. The pattern is available in four sizing options to fit Baby (head circumference 14-15"), Toddler (18-19"), Child (20"), and Adult (22") head sizes, making it a versatile project suitable for the entire family.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs fundamental shaping and construction techniques. The pattern utilizes decreasing methods to shape the crown and ear flaps, creating a fitted silhouette. The double brim construction adds extra warmth and visual interest to the finished hat. Knitters will work primarily in flat knitting, with careful attention to gauge to ensure proper sizing across all four size options.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) - the primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl (P) - used in combination with knit stitches for textural variation
• Stockinette Stitch - the main fabric pattern, created by alternating knit and purl rows
• Cast On (CO) - the foundation technique for beginning the hat
• Knit Two Together (k2tog) - a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (skpo) - a left-leaning decrease for symmetrical shaping

Materials and Yarn

The Everest Earflap Hat is knitted with super bulky yarn (weight category 6), which creates a quick, satisfying knitting experience. Yarn requirements vary by size: Baby size requires 65 yards, Toddler requires 85 yards, Child requires 100 yards, and Adult requires 150 yards. The designer used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick in the Carousel colorway for the sample, though any super bulky yarn will work for this project.

Needles required are US Size 13 (9mm), which pair perfectly with the super bulky yarn weight. The gauge is 9.5 stitches and 18 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is important to check before beginning to ensure proper sizing.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends. For the pom pom embellishments, knitters can either make their own yarn pom poms using pom pom makers (such as those by Clover) or substitute faux fur pom poms for a different aesthetic. Scissors are needed for trimming yarn.