Garter Ear Flap Hat Knitting Pattern

January 13, 2023 by Sarah White

This is such a sweet take on ear flaps I think everyone is going to want to knit this hat — and with sizes from baby to adult you can knit them for everyone you know!

The Garter Ear Flap Hat from Purl Soho uses short rows to shape the extra bit of fabric that covers the ears. This is so much cuter than the traditional flaps that hang straight down from the sides of the hat, and has the benefit of being integral to the hat so you don’t have any extra finishing to do.

It’s worked in worsted weight yarn from the bottom up. The little tassel at the top is totally optional, but also totally adorable.

You can grab the free pattern from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho.]

Flap hats, also known as earflap hats or Trooper hats, are a type of winter hat that features ear flaps that can be tied up or worn down to cover the ears for added warmth. The history of these types of hats can be traced back to cold climates, where people needed a way to keep their ears warm while working or spending time outdoors.

One of the earliest examples of earflap hats can be found in ancient cultures, such as the Inuit and other Arctic peoples, who used fur and other warm materials to make hats with ear flaps to protect themselves from the harsh winds and cold temperatures. These hats were typically made by hand, using traditional knitting and sewing techniques passed down through generations.

In more recent history, earflap hats have been used by soldiers and military personnel during the World War I and World War II, as well as by explorers and mountaineers. The design of these hats was often functional rather than fashionable, with the primary goal of providing warmth and protection from the elements.

Today, earflap hats continue to be popular in cold weather climates, and are often worn for both fashion and function. They can be found in a variety of materials, from wool and fleece to synthetic materials, and in a range of styles and designs. Some modern earflap hats are made with earphones for the ease of listening music or for safe calling or for any similar reason.

Overall, the history of earflap hats is rooted in the practical needs of people living and working in cold climates, but they have also become a fashion accessory that can be seen in many parts of the world today.

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.