Garter Earflap Hat
Two garter earflaps knit first, then joined with cast-on sections into one round. Braided ties keep it on in the wind.
- Yarn
- Worsted (4) wool.
- Needles
- US 7 (4.5 mm) 16 in (40 cm) circular and DPNs
- Sizes
- Any size from preemie to adult large. Use the Finished hat and Height columns of the hat size chart. Example: adult medium (96 sts).
- Example gauge
- 18 sts and 24 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) in stockinette; 18 sts and 36 rows in garter
- Yarn needed
- About 190 yd (175 m) worsted for adult medium.
- Stitch multiple
- 8
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total stitches | finished hat circumference × sts per in, rounded to a multiple of 8 | 21.5 × 4.5 → 96 sts | Cast-On Calculator |
| Flap width | total × 0.18, rounded to odd | 96 × 0.18 = 17.3 → 17 sts | By hand |
| Front | total × 0.4, rounded to even | 38.4 → 38 sts | By hand |
| Back | total − 2 flaps − front | 96 − 34 − 38 = 24 sts (12 each side of the join) | By hand |
Materials
- Worsted (4) yarn (see yarn needed)
- US 7 (4.5 mm) 16 in (40 cm) circular and DPNs
- Marker
- Stitch holder or spare needle
- Tapestry needle
Gauge swatch
Stockinette in the round; the flaps are garter but use the same needle.
Instructions
Earflaps (make 2)
Cast on 3 sts. Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: K1, M1, knit to last st, M1, k1.
Repeat rows 1–2 until you have the flap width (example: 17 sts). Knit 10 more rows. Put the first flap on a holder.
Join
Put both flaps on the circular needle, RS facing. With a new strand and backward-loop cast-on: cast on half the back (12), knit across flap 1, cast on the front (38), knit across flap 2, cast on the other half of the back (12). Example total: 96 sts. Join and mark the beginning of the round at centre back.
Body and crown
Purl 1 rnd, knit 1 rnd, purl 1 rnd (garter band).
Knit until the hat measures 4.8 in (12 cm) above the join, then work the crown as for the Everyday Ribbed-Brim Beanie.
Finishing
- Ties: cut six 30 in (75 cm) strands per flap. Thread them through the tip of the flap, fold in half, and braid (4 strands per section). Knot the end.
- Weave in ends.
Designer’s notes
- Knit the flaps and crown band in a contrast colour for a Nordic look.
- Child size: 19 × 4.5 → 88 sts; flaps 15, front 36, back 22.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: flap rows. Counter 2: crown rounds.
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Tools for this pattern
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
- Size ChartsLook up the finished measurements for the size you are making.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.