What is the best way to attach a pom pom?

Tie the pom pom securely through the top center of the hat with a yarn needle, double-knot it tightly, and weave in the ends.

Is this pattern beginner friendly?

Yes. The pattern uses basic stitches (double crochet and single crochet), simple increases, and clear round-by-round instructions.

Crochet hat with ear flaps – free & easy pattern (all sizes)

Q: What yarn is best for a crochet hat with ear flaps?

Use soft, medium-weight (#4) acrylic or a wool-blend for warmth and durability. Acrylic is easy care; wool adds extra coziness for winter weather.

Q: How do I adjust the size of my earflap hat?

Follow the size chart for head circumference. For a custom fit, change hook size: go larger if your gauge is too tight (too many stitches) and smaller if it is too loose (too few stitches).

Q: Can I make this hat without ear flaps?

Yes. Stop after the final round of the hat body and skip the earflap section to create a classic beanie.

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.

Quick answer
This free crochet hat with ear flaps pattern is worked from the top down using simple double crochet stitches, making it beginner-friendly and easy to customize. The pattern includes four sizes—baby, toddler, child, and adult—and uses worsted weight (#4) yarn for a warm, cozy fit. With practical ear flaps and optional braids or a pom pom, it’s a perfect winter hat for everyday wear, gifts, or matching family sets.

Single crochet ear flap hat pattern with braided ties, shown in baby, toddler, child, and adult sizes, free and beginner friendly

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.

Who this pattern is best for

This crochet hat with ear flaps pattern is a great choice if you’re looking for a warm, practical winter hat that’s still fun and customizable.

It’s especially well suited for:

Beginners who want a top-down hat with clear, step-by-step instructions
Parents and gift-makers crocheting for babies, kids, and adults
Crocheters who want a cozy winter hat with extra ear coverage
Anyone making matching family hats or handmade winter gifts

Because the pattern uses simple stitches and includes multiple sizes, it’s easy to follow while still producing a polished, wearable result.

Crochet hat with ear flaps made in white, sage green, teal, and pink, showing a free crochet ear flap hat pattern for baby, toddler, child, and adult sizes

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.

Finished size

This crochet hat pattern includes four sizes.

Baby — 16–17 inches (41–43 cm) head circumference, 6.25 inches (16 cm) tall
Toddler — 18–19 inches (46–48 cm) head circumference, 6.75 inches (17 cm) tall
Child — 19–20 inches (48–51 cm) head circumference, 7 inches (18 cm) tall
Adult — 20–23 inches (51–58 cm) head circumference, 7.75 inches (20 cm) tall

The beanie is designed with a bit of stretch and extra length so the brim can be rolled for a snug, cozy fit.

Making a top-down hat?

For top-down crochet hats, crown diameter controls the fit.

If you’re adjusting the size, my Crochet Hat Sizing Guide includes:
• The exact crown formula (Head circumference ÷ 3.14)
• How to factor in negative ease
• When to stop increasing
• Height guidelines by age

It takes the guesswork out of sizing.

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 crochet terms

Crochet hats with ear flaps and braided ties shown in several colors, made using a free crochet ear flap hat pattern in all sizes

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)

Crochet hat with ear flaps displayed from an angled view, featuring braided ties and multiple color options in a free beginner crochet hat pattern

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.

Stacked crochet hats with ear flaps in white, teal, pink, and sage green, made using a beginner-friendly crochet ear flap hat pattern

Adding the braids

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.

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

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

Looking for more crochet hat ideas? Browse my full collection of free crochet hat patterns for babies, kids, and adults. You’ll find everything from classic crochet beanies and cozy winter hats to playful animal hats and seasonal designs — all written with clear instructions and helpful sizing details.