Earflap Hat

Earflap Hat by Ocean View Knits

What is Being Made

The Earflap Hat is a cozy knitted hat designed with protective earflaps, perfect for keeping warm in cold weather. This downloadable knitting pattern from Ocean View Knits offers five different sizes to accommodate newborns, toddlers, youth, and adults (small and large), with finished hat circumferences ranging from 12 inches to 21 inches. The design combines classic earflap construction with a traditional hat crown, making it both functional and stylish.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental knitting techniques. The pattern begins with earflap construction, which involves knitting two separate pieces using the increase method before attaching them to the main hat body. Knitters will use increases (M1 stitches) to shape the earflaps symmetrically, creating a gradual widening effect. The hat body is worked using circular needle knitting, a technique that allows for seamless, continuous rounds without seaming. The pattern demonstrates how to transition from double-pointed needles to circular needles while incorporating previously worked earflap stitches into the active knitting, a valuable skill for hat construction.

Stitches Used

The Earflap Hat pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches suitable for intermediate crafters:

• Knit stitch (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl stitch (P) – used for texture variation and shaping
• Make One increase (M1) – creates new stitches for shaping the earflaps
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a decrease stitch for crown shaping
• Stockinette stitch (St st) – the primary stitch pattern creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a distinctive V-pattern appearance

Materials and Tools

The Earflap Hat pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, offering excellent stitch definition and durability. The recommended yarn is Lopi Lettlopi, available in three coordinating colors: light grey (Color A), black (Color B), and dark grey (Color C), allowing for creative color combinations and striping opportunities. However, any worsted weight yarn in similar colors will work successfully with this pattern.

The required needles include a set of size 6 (4mm) double-pointed needles for constructing the earflaps and beginning the hat crown, and a size 6 (4mm) 16-inch circular needle for working the main hat body in the round. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches, which is essential for achieving the correct finished hat dimensions and ensuring proper fit across all five size options.