Bubblegum Hat with Earflaps

Bubblegum Hat with Earflaps by LisaLovesKnitting

What is Being Made

The Bubblegum Hat with Earflaps is a knitted winter hat designed by LisaLovesKnitting, featuring practical earflaps for added warmth and coverage. This downloadable knitting pattern is available in six sizes ranging from baby (6 to 12 months) through adult, making it a versatile project suitable for the entire family. The hat can be customized with an optional pompom for a playful finishing touch.

Sizes and Measurements

• Baby (6 to 12 months): 16 inches (40 cm) circumference and 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) in length
• Toddler: 18 inches (45 cm) circumference and 7 inches (17.5 cm) in length
• Child: 20 inches (60 cm) circumference and 7.5 inches (19 cm) in length
• Teen/Small Adult: 21 inches (53 cm) circumference and 8 inches (20 cm) in length
• Adult: 22 inches (56 cm) circumference and 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) in length

Stitches and Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental knitting techniques and stitches. The pattern uses 1x1 ribbing for structural elements, which creates an elastic, fitted finish. Key stitches include knit (K) and purl (P) stitches as the foundation, along with moss stitch for textured sections. Shaping techniques include knit two together (K2tog) and slip slip knit (ssk) for decreasing stitches. The pattern is worked in the round using circular needles, indicated by the use of stitch markers and round-based construction for the earflaps and main crown.

Materials and Tools

The Bubblegum Hat is knitted using DROPS Merino Extra Fine yarn in Light Pink (colorway 16). Yardage requirements range from 210 to 460 yards (approximately 2 to 4 skeins) depending on the size selected. The pattern specifies DK weight yarn, which is ideal for creating a lightweight yet warm garment.

Required needles and tools include circular needles in size 5mm and 6mm for the main body and ribbed sections, as well as double-pointed needles in size 6mm for working the crown decreases when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles. Additional supplies needed are stitch markers to track pattern repeats and round beginnings, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming, and an optional pompom for decoration.

Pattern Construction

The Bubblegum Hat with Earflaps is constructed by first working the earflaps, which are cast on with 48 to 66 stitches depending on size. The pattern utilizes standard knitting abbreviations and notation, including directional yarn placement instructions such as wyif (with yarn in front) and wyib (with yarn in back) for creating decorative or textured effects. The gauge is established at 14 stitches and 23 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) in moss stitch on 6mm needles, making it essential to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure proper fit across all size options.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic garter stitch and stockinette projects. The combination of ribbed sections, moss stitch texturing, and in-the-round construction with decreasing techniques provides a good progression for developing knitting skills.