Earflap Cap

Earflap Cap by Sharon Mooney

What is Being Made

The Earflap Cap (K186) is a knitted hat designed by Sharon Mooney, available in two sizes to fit child and adult head circumferences. The small size accommodates heads measuring 19" to 20" in circumference, while the large size fits 21" to 23" circumferences. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a classic earflap-style cap, a practical and warm headwear option suitable for various ages.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques. The pattern utilizes both flat and circular knitting methods, as indicated by the gauge specifications provided for both techniques. Knitters will work with circular needles for the main body of the hat and transition to double-pointed needles for the crown shaping, a common approach in hat construction. The pattern incorporates decreasing techniques to shape the crown and create the fitted silhouette characteristic of earflap caps.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Earflap Cap pattern is primarily constructed in stockinette stitch, the foundational stitch for this project. Key stitch techniques include:

• K2tog (knit 2 together) — a decrease technique that reduces the stitch count by one stitch per decrease
• Kfb (knit into front and back) — an increase technique that creates an additional stitch from a single stitch
• Knit stitch — the primary stitch forming the fabric

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and terminology including cast on, bind off, continue, and establish, providing clear instructions for following the written pattern.

Materials and Tools

The Earflap Cap requires worsted-weight yarn in either of two options depending on size. For the small size, approximately two skeins of Jojoland "Rhythm" (100% wool, 110 yards per 1.76 ounces) in color M06 are needed. For the large size shown in the pattern, one skein of Malabrigo "Merino Worsted" (100% merino wool, 210 yards per 3.5 ounces) in color 51 Vaa is required.

Essential knitting needles include a 16-inch circular needle in size US 5 for the small size or US 7 for the large size, along with a set of four double-pointed needles in the corresponding size for working the crown decreases. Additional supplies include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and a yarn needle or large embroidery needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies 5.5 stitches and 7 rows per inch in stockinette stitch on size US 5 needles for the small size, and 5 stitches and 6.5 rows per inch on size US 7 needles for the large size. Both flat and circular gauge measurements are provided, allowing knitters to verify their gauge using either knitting method before beginning the project.