Knitted Baby Earflap Hat
The knitted baby earflap hat is an adorable and practical accessory for keeping your little one warm and stylish during the colder months. With its cozy ear flaps and soft material, it provides both comfort and cuteness. The variety of colors and patterns available make it a versatile choice for any outfit, whether for a playdate at the park or a family gathering. Not only does it add a touch of charm to your baby's ensemble, but it also ensures that their ears are protected from chilly winds. Treat your bundle of joy to a knitted baby earflap hat and watch them turn heads with their undeniable charm and warmth!
Baby/Toddler size
Materials:
- 3-ply baby sport or DK weight yarn:
- 2-color hat: 50 yds. solid contrast color (CC), 100 yds. variegated yarn main color (MC) -OR-
- For 1-color hat: approx. 150 yds. total main color MC
- Size 6 needles (16” circular) and set of size 6 double-point needles (dpn)
- Size G crochet hook
Gauge: size 6 needles: 11 stitches = 2” (5.5 stitches = 1”)
First earflap: With solid contrast color (CC), cast on 4. Working either in stockinette stitch or garter stitch, increase one stitch at beginning and end of every other row until there are 16 stitches. Continue in chosen stitch pattern until there are 14 rows total in ear flap. Cut yarn leaving 6” tail and place on spare dpn or stitch holder.
Second earflap: Work same as first earflap but leave sts on needle at end of last row.
Joining row: Work across sts of second earflap already on needle, then with backwards loop method, cast on 20 sts (for front of hat). Continue across sts of first earflap (make sure outside (public side) of both flaps faces you as you work across them), then with backwards loop method, cast on 14 (for back of hat). Join into round, making sure there are no twists (total: 66 sts)
Knit 1 round, placing a marker at center back point (there should be 7 sts on each side of marker at back of hat between earflaps). Marker denotes beginning of each new round.
Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for remainder of hat. For 2-color hat, attach MC at this point, cut CC, then knit around in MC until depth of hat from top of earflaps measures 2-1/2”. For 1-color hat, work entire hat in same color.
Begin decreases (note: change to dpn when stitches no longer fit comfortably on the circular needle):
* K9, K2tog, rep from * around (60 sts)
Knit 3 rnds.
*K8, K2tog, rep from * around (54 sts)
Knit 3 rnds.
*K7, K2tog, rep from * around (48 sts)
Knit 3 rnds.
*K6, K2tog, rep from * around (42 sts)
Knit 1 rnd.
*K5, K2tog, rep from * around (36 sts)
Knit 1 rnd.
*K4, K2tog, rep from * around (30 sts)
Knit 1 rnd.
*K3, K2tog, rep from * around (24 sts)
Knit 1 rnd.
*K2, K2tog, rep from * around (18 sts)
Knit 1 rnd.
*K1, K2tog, rep from * around (12 sts)
Knit 1 rnd.
*K2tog, rep from * around (6 sts)
Cut yarn leaving 6” tail, draw through loops on needle and pull to close top of hat. Weave in all ends.
Edging: With crochet hook, attach MC to center back of hat, chain 1, single crochet evenly around edge of hat and earflaps. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet, fasten off and weave in ends. Block hat lightly between damp towels to get earflaps to lay flat. When hat is dry, add pompom or tassel to top of hat. Add I-cord or chain ties, if desired, as follows:
I-cord ties: With single strand of yarn in choice of color, pick up 3 stitches at point of earflap and place them on double-point needle, then knit I-cord for 12” (to make I-cord: knit 3, *slide stitches to right end of needle, knit 3, rep from * until cord is long enough). To end off, cut yarn and run tail through last 3 stitches on needle, then tuck yarn tail into cord and fasten off. Tie ends of cord in a knot if desired.
For crochet chain ties, using double-strand of yarn in choice of color, attach yarn to point of earflap with crochet hook, then chain for 12”. Fasten off, weave in tails and tie ends of chain in a knot, if desired.