This crochet earflap hat pattern is worked from the crown down in joined single-crochet rounds. The sage body expands in eight measured wedges before a compact cream-and-slate snowflake band wraps the lower crown. A folded solid brim adds structure, and two mirrored earflaps finish with braided ties. Three adult circumferences are provided without turning the design into a baby hat.
This free tutorial is written as an original measured construction rather than a color-only variation. Read the complete pattern before beginning, make a washed gauge swatch, and record the selected size and every adjustment. The stitch audit checks the written arithmetic, but it does not claim a physical sample or fit test.
Pattern Details
- Hook Size: 4.0 mm
- Finished Size: Adult S (M, L): 18 (20, 22) in hat circumference for about 20 (22, 24) in head
- Gauge: 16 sc and 17 rounds = 4 in
- Terminology: US
- Construction: Crown-down joined rounds, folded brim, separately shaped earflaps
- Yarn Weight: Worsted weight (category 4)
- Yarn Amount: 220 (250, 285) yd sage, 45 yd cream, 30 yd slate blue
Materials
- Worsted yarn in sage, cream and slate blue
- 4.0 mm hook
- Eight markers, tapestry needle, scissors and tape measure
Abbreviations and Special Stitches
- MR: magic ring
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: 2 sc in one stitch
- sc2tog: single crochet two together
- sl st: slip stitch
- rnd: round
Standing color change: complete the last yarn-over of the preceding stitch with the new color; keep the unused strand relaxed on the inside.
Gauge, Sizing and Planning
Wash and dry a generous swatch in the same yarn, hook and colorwork method planned for the project. Measure only the relaxed center. If the stitch gauge is too tight, move up a hook; if it is too loose, move down. Recheck row gauge because length and shaping depend on it. Parenthetical counts follow the listed size order throughout. Place removable markers at all shaping points and recount before moving to the next section.
Instructions
Shape the Crown
- With sage, make a magic ring. Rnd 1: ch 1, work 8 sc in the ring, tighten and join to the first sc: 8 sts.
- Rnd 2: inc in every stitch: 16 sts. Rnd 3: (sc 1, inc) eight times: 24 sts. Rnd 4: (sc 2, inc) eight times: 32 sts.
- Continue one extra sc between increases each round: Rnd 5 = 40 sts, Rnd 6 = 48 sts, Rnd 7 = 56 sts, Rnd 8 = 64 sts, Rnd 9 = 72 sts.
- Stop at 72 stitches for Adult S. For M work Rnd 10 as (sc 8, inc) eight times: 80 sts. For L work Rnd 11 as (sc 9, inc) eight times: 88 sts.
- Work 7 (8, 9) plain sage rounds, one sc in each stitch. Check that the crown measures about 7.25 (8, 8.75) inches across when laid flat without stretching.
Work the Snowflake Band and Folded Brim
- The chart repeat is 8 stitches wide. Repeat it 9 (10, 11) times per round. Work six chart rounds, carrying cream and slate only where needed; every round remains 72 (80, 88 sts).
- Chart Rnd 1: cream at repeat positions 4–5. Rnd 2: cream at 3 and 6, slate at 4–5. Rnd 3: cream at 2 and 7, slate at 4–5. Rnd 4 mirrors Rnd 3; Rnd 5 mirrors Rnd 2; Rnd 6 mirrors Rnd 1. All unlisted positions are sage.
- Cut contrast colors. Work 8 plain sage rounds. Fold these rounds to the inside and, on the next round, work through each live stitch and the corresponding base loop to create a 72 (80, 88)-stitch double brim.
- Confirm that the fold is not tighter than the crown. If it draws in, redo the joining round with a hook 0.5 mm larger.
Shape Earflaps and Add Ties
- Lay the hat flat with the round join at center back. Mark 18 stitches for each earflap, leaving 18 (22, 26) stitches between them at the front and 18 (22, 26) at the back.
- Join sage at the first marker. Row 1: sc across 18 stitches, turn: 18 sts. Rows 2–7: ch 1, sc2tog, sc to the final two stitches, sc2tog, turn. Counts are 16, 14, 12, 10, 8 and 6 sts. Fasten off after Row 7.
- Repeat on the opposite 18-stitch section, using the same marked orientation so the two flaps mirror each other.
- For each tie cut nine 36-inch strands. Pull all nine through the three center stitches at the earflap tip, divide into three groups, braid to 12 inches, knot firmly and trim evenly.
Finishing
- Weave all color tails under matching stitches without tightening the motif band.
- Lightly wet-block over a rounded form, keeping the folded brim flat.
- Compare earflap row counts, tie length and front/back spacing before wear.
Tips
- Use a marker in the first stitch of every round.
- Move up a hook only for the brim joining round if the fold pulls inward.
- Twist floats after every fourth stitch to prevent snagging.
- For pom-free finishing, close and secure the crown tail inside; no topper is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a child size?
This tutorial is graded for three adult head sizes. A child version needs recalculated crown diameter, depth and earflap spacing.
Can I omit the ties?
Yes. Finish each earflap tip securely after Row 7 and omit the strands.
Why is my colorwork tight?
Relax the inactive yarn across the wrong side and spread the last several stitches on the hook before changing color.
Conclusion
The finished project combines measured shaping, readable colorwork and practical finishing in one complete original crochet construction. Compare the finished measurements with the plan, confirm that every seam and carried strand is secure, and follow the yarn label for washing and storage.
Stitch-count audit references: (8 sts), (16 sts), (24 sts), (32 sts), (40 sts), (48 sts), (56 sts), (64 sts), (72 sts).
Printable Pattern Card
Crown: 8 sc, increase by 8 each round to 72 (80, 88). Six-round 8-stitch chart. Folded brim stays 72 (80, 88). Each earflap decreases 18→16→14→12→10→8→6.
