Crochet hat with ear flaps – free and easy pattern

Looking for a cozy winter project that’s as cute as it is practical? This crochet hat with ear flaps pattern will keep everyone warm and stylish through chilly weather! Worked from the top down using simple stitches, this design is perfect for beginners and fun for experienced crocheters too.

You can easily customize it for babies, kids, or adults—and add a pom pom for an extra playful touch. Whether you’re making matching family hats or a handmade gift, this earflap hat crochet pattern will quickly become a favorite in your winter lineup. Keep reading for the full free pattern.

If you enjoy making cozy winter hats, be sure to check out my basic crochet beanie pattern and crochet pom pom beanie pattern next! They’re quick, beginner-friendly designs that pair perfectly with this crochet hat with ear flaps.

Why you’ll love this hat pattern

This cozy crochet hat with ear flaps is as practical as it is cute! Whether you’re making it for a baby, child, or adult, you’ll love how simple it is to stitch and how comfortable it feels to wear. Here are a few reasons this pattern is sure to become a favorite:

• Warm & practical: The ear flaps keep little (and big) ears cozy in cold weather.
• Size inclusive: Includes sizes for baby, toddler, child, and adult.
• Beginner-friendly: Simple double crochet stitches and easy shaping—no tricky techniques required.
• Customizable: Change colors, add stripes, or top it off with a pom pom or braided ties.
• Quick to make: Perfect for last-minute gifts or weekend crochet sessions.

Crochet hat with ear flaps pattern details

Before you get started, here’s everything you need to know about this cozy winter project. From the skill level to the materials list, these details will help you prepare and make your crochet hat with ear flaps a success.

Skill level

Beginner – This hat pattern uses basic stitches and simple shaping, making it an easy and fun project for new crocheters.

Materials needed

• Crochet hook size I-9 (5.5 mm) – Or size needed to match gauge.
• Worsted weight yarn (#4) – Use soft acrylic or wool-blend yarn for warmth and comfort. Choose your favorite colors for a classic or playful look.
• Yarn needle – For weaving in ends neatly.
• Scissors – To cut your yarn.
• Stitch markers (optional) – Helpful for keeping track of rounds and stitch counts.

Size chart

Hat Size	Crown	Head Circumference	Hat Height
Baby	5.5 inches	16-17 inches	6.25 inches
Toddler	6 inches	18-19 inches	6.75 inches
Child	6.5 inches	19-20 inches	7 inches
Adult	7 inches	20-23 inches	7.75 inches

Gauge

Gauge: 16 stitches and 10 rounds = 4 inches

✅ Too many stitches? Try a larger hook
✅ Too few stitches? Try a smaller hook

Crochet abbreviations

• dc = double crochet
• sc = single crochet
• sc2tog = single crochet decrease
• ch / chs = chain / chains
• st / sts = stitch / stitches
• sl st = slip stitch

Pattern notes

• Begin with a magic circle
• The starting chain does not count as a stitch
• Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch
• Hat is worked from the top down in the round
• The pattern is written in US terms

Free crochet hat with ear flaps pattern instructions

Now that you have your materials ready, it’s time to start crocheting! This earflap hat pattern is worked from the top down in simple double crochet stitches. Choose your size, follow the round-by-round instructions, and soon you’ll have a warm and cozy hat that’s perfect for winter.

Baby size hat

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 dc into the ring. Join. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Rounds 8–13: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (56 sts)

Toddler size hat

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 dc into the ring. Join. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 8: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 13 sts; repeat around. Join. (60 sts)
Rounds 9–15: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (60 sts)

Child size hat

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 dc into the ring. Join. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 8: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 13 sts; repeat around. Join. (60 sts)
Round 9: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 14 sts; repeat around. Join. (64 sts)
Rounds 10–16: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (64 sts)

Adult size hat

Round 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc. (11 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (22 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (33 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat around. Join. (44 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 10 sts; repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts; repeat around. Join. (52 sts)
Round 7: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 12 sts; repeat around. Join. (56 sts)
Round 8: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 13 sts; repeat around. Join. (60 sts)
Round 9: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 14 sts; repeat around. Join. (64 sts)
Round 10: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 15 sts; repeat around. Join. (68 sts)
Rounds 11–17: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (68 sts)

Adding the ear flaps

Begin the first earflap where you ended the last round of your hat. Then, refer to the chart below for placement of the second earflap.

Size	Front of Hat	Back of Hat
Baby & Toddler	leave 18 stitches in front	leave 14 stitches in back
Child	leave 20 stitches in front	leave 16 stitches in back
Adult	leave 22 stitches in front	leave 18 stitches in back

Baby size earflaps

• Row 1: Ch 1, sc in 12 sts, turn (12 stitches)
• Row 2: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 8 sts, sc2tog, turn (10 stitches)
• Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (10 stitches)
• Row 4: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 6 sts, sc2tog, turn (8 stitches)
• Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (8 stitches)
• Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 4 sts, sc2tog, turn (6 stitches)
• Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (6 stitches)
• Row 8: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 2 sts, sc2tog, turn (4 stitches)
• Row 9: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (4 stitches)
• Row 10: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, turn (2 stitches)
• Row 11: Ch 1, sc2tog (1 stitch)
• Repeat for second earflap and then continue to single crochet around entire hat and both ear-flaps.

Toddler – adult size earflap instructions.

• Row 1: Ch 1, sc in 14, turn (14 stitches)
• Row 2: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 10 sts, sc2tog, turn (12 stitches)
• Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (12 stitches)
• Row 4: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 8 sts, sc2tog, turn (10 stitches)
• Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (10 stitches)
• Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 6 sts, sc2tog, turn (8 stitches)
• Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (8 stitches)
• Row 8: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 4 sts, sc2tog, turn (6 stitches)
• Row 9: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (6 stitches)
• Row 10: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 2 sts, sc2tog, turn (4 stitches)
• Row 11: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (4 stitches)
• Row 12: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, turn (2 stitches)
• Row 13: Ch 1, sc2tog (1 stitch)
• Repeat for second earflap and then continue to single crochet around entire hat and both ear-flaps.

Adding braids to your earflap hat

Braided ties add a fun, handmade touch to your crochet hat with ear flaps—and they’re practical, too! They help keep the hat snug on windy days and look adorable on all ages.

1. Cut six equal lengths of yarn (about 24–30 inches each) for every ear flap.
2. Thread three strands through the bottom of one ear flap and fold them in half so you have six working strands.
3. Divide the strands into three groups and braid tightly to your desired length.
4. Tie a knot at the end to secure the braid.
5. Trim the ends evenly for a neat finish.
6. Repeat these steps for the second ear flap.

Your braided ties are complete, and your cozy earflap hat is ready to wear or gift!

Finishing your ear flap hat

Weave in all loose ends with a yarn needle. For a polished look, add a single crochet border around the edge if you haven’t already. Your crochet hat with ear flaps is now ready to wear, gift, or sell!

Frequently asked questions

Q: What yarn is best for a crochet hat with ear flaps?
A: Use soft, medium-weight (#4) acrylic or wool-blend yarn for warmth and durability. Acrylic yarns are great for easy care, while wool adds extra coziness for winter weather.

Q: How do I adjust the size of my earflap hat?
A: Follow the size chart provided for accurate head circumference. If you need a custom fit, adjust your hook size—larger for looser fabric, smaller for a tighter fit.

Q: Can I make this hat without ear flaps?
A: Yes! Simply stop after the final round of the main hat body and skip the earflap section. You’ll have a classic beanie-style hat.

Q: What’s the best way to attach a pom pom?
A: Use a yarn needle and tie the pom pom securely through the top center of the hat. Double-knot it tightly and weave in the ends for extra hold.

Q: Is this pattern good for beginners?
A: Absolutely! This crochet ear flap hat pattern uses only basic stitches and includes clear instructions for every step, making it a great choice for newer crocheters.

More free crochet hat patterns

Love making cozy hats? You’ll find plenty more to stitch and share! Explore these free crochet hat patterns for every season—each one beginner-friendly, stylish, and fun to customize.

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Happy crocheting! 🧶 Don’t forget to Pin this pattern so you can come back to it later!
— Melissa