Supplies:
Size 6mm 16" circular needles and dpns (double pointed needles)
Stitch Marker
bulky wool of your choice (I have used a strand of 8 ply in 2 different colours to achieve the desired thickness for these hats - so 2 strands knitted as one)
Crochet hook (optional)
Earflaps:
CO 5 sts onto one dpn.
Row 1: *increase into first stitch, k until last stitch, increase into last stitch*
Row 2: knit all stitches
Repeat these two rows until there are 13 stitches on the needle. Continue in garter stitch (knitting all stitches) for 12 rows
Cut yarn leaving a 10cm tail.
Repeat for second earflap.
Hat:
Slip stitches from one earflap onto circular needles. Attach yarn and cast on 19 stitches (loosely!) Knit on second earflap. CO 14 sts and place marker for the beginning of the round. Join in the round (being careful not to twist) And work garter stitch border (k1 row, p1 row) for 4 rows (Or to taste)
Work stockinette stitch (knit every row)until your work measures 15cm
Decreases:
Round 1:*K7, K2tog* around.
Round 2:*K6, K2tog* around.
Round 3: *K5, k2tog* around.
Round 4: *K4, k2tog* around.
Round 5: *K3, k2tog* around. Here you will need to change to double pointed needles.
Round 6: *K2, K2tog* around.
Round 7: *K1, K2tog* around.
Round 8: *K2tog* around.
Cut yarn leaving a six inch tail, thread through remaining stitches. Weave in ends.
(optional: single crochet border around edge of hat in contrasting color.)
Braids:
Cut 6 pieces of 28" long yarn. thread through the end of the earflap until folded in half. Divide into three sections and braid until 5cm of unbraided yarn remain. Tie knot and trim edges. Repeat on other side.
Ears (make 2 in secondary color):
I use a size 5mm crochet hook and one strand of whatever colour I want the ears to be.
Start with a magic ring.
R1: sc 5 into ring
R2: 2hdc in each st (10)
R3: 2hdc in each st (20)
R4: *hdc, 2hdc in next st, repeat from * (30)
R5-R6: hdc around
R7: *hdc, hdc2tog, repeat from * around (20)
R8: hdc2tog around (10)
Fold the ear in half and slip stitch the bottom together, then tie off. Leave a long tail for sewing. Attach where you see fit.
