5 Cozy Crochet Earflap Hat Patterns for Cold Weather

Crochet earflap hats are the perfect cold-weather accessory: warm, flattering, and practical. An earflap hat protects the ears and can include ties, pom-poms, or lined bands for extra warmth. Below you’ll find a single practical introduction (materials, sizing & gauge primer, abbreviations, and safety/care notes) followed by five full patterns. Each pattern includes skill level, materials and yardage, gauge and a sizing example, stitch multiple when relevant, a step-by-step construction (crown → body → earflaps → finishing), variations, and finishing/care tips.

Quick intro — materials, sizing & gauge primer, and notes

Common materials

Yarn: worsted weight (#4) is the most versatile for warm earflaps; wool/wool blends give the best warmth and bounce; acrylic is easy-care. Approx yardage per adult hat: 150–250 yd depending on thickness and embellishments.
Hooks: 5.0 mm (H/8) or 5.5 mm (I/9) are common for worsted. Patterns list a recommended hook.

Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers, pom-pom maker (optional), scissors. Optional: small piece of fleece for lining.

Abbreviations (US)

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
sl st = slip stitch
inc = increase (2 sc in same st)
dec = decrease (sc2tog)
BLO/FLO = back loop only / front loop only
MR = magic ring
st(s) = stitch(es)
RS/WS = right side / wrong side

Sizing & gauge primer (read this once)

Decide finished head circumference (FC) with light ease (0–½” positive ease is comfortable for a beanie fit). Typical finished sizes:
- Baby: 14–15 in
- Toddler: 16–17 in
- Child: 18–19 in
- Woman/Man (adult small/medium): 21–22 in
- Adult large: 23–24 in
Make a 4″ × 4″ swatch in the main stitch and block it the same way you will finish the hat. Measure stitches per inch (spi) and rows per inch (rpi).

Convert chest/head circumference to stitches:
- Example: adult FC target = 22 in and your swatch shows 4 sts/in (spi = 4). Multiply digit-by-digit:
  - 22 × 4 = (20 × 4) + (2 × 4)
  - 20 × 4 = 80; 2 × 4 = 8; 80 + 8 = 88 stitches.
- Round 88 to a pattern multiple if needed (the pattern will specify multiples).
Height: typical adult hat height (crown top to lower brim before earflaps) ~8.5–9.5 in. Convert with rpi the same way if you prefer row targets, but for hats it’s often easier to measure as you go.

Safety & line/care notes

If making for young children, avoid small removable parts like glued-on beads or unsecured pompoms that could be a choking hazard. Sew pom-poms on well or use yarn pompoms that are double-stitched.
For maximum comfort and warmth, consider a soft fleece lining sewn into the earflaps and headband area.
Follow yarn care instructions: wool often needs hand wash or gentle cycle; acrylic tolerates machine wash.

1. Crochet Seamless Earflap Hat Pattern

Skill level: Confident beginner (worked seamlessly in the round with top-down increases)
Yarn & tools

Worsted weight yarn ~180–220 yd (adult)
Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8)
Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle

Gauge (sample): 4 sts × 4 rows = 1″ in sc (adjust with your swatch).

Finished size (sample): adult 22 in FC; adjust by changing hook or yarn.

Concept
Top-down seamless construction. Start with a small crown, increase in rounds to head circumference, then work even rounds for crown height. Add earflaps worked from picked-up stitches, finish with ties.

Step-by-step

Crown

MR. R1: 6 sc in MR — (6). Place marker.
R2: inc in each st around — (12).
R3: sc, inc repeat around — (18).
R4: sc x2, inc repeat — (24).
Continue increasing each round uniformly until you reach approximately the stitch count needed for your FC. Use the conversion in the primer: target 88 stitches (for 22 in × 4 spi). If following the standard increase pattern, stop increases when you reach about 88 sts. For example, after R10 you may reach ~96; if so, back off or adjust increase spacing so final count is 88. (Measure flat across crown if uncertain.)

Body
6. Work even sc rounds (no increases) until hat height measures about 6.5–7.5 in from crown (this leaves room for brim & earflaps). For sample, measure as you go: if rpi = 4 rows/in, for 7 in you’d do 28 rounds (7 × 4 = 28) — calculate digit-by-digit if you want a row target: 7 × 4 = (5 × 4) + (2 × 4) = 20 + 8 = 28 rows.

Brim
7. Optional folded brim: work 3 rounds BLO sc (back loop only) to create a ribbing ridge. Fold up the brim and sew the inside down with slip stitch or whipstitch to create a double-thick band.

Earflaps (make 2)
8. Place markers where earflaps will go — typically 1/3 and 2/3 along the front side (or mark 12 sts from center). To make a symmetrical look, align earflaps equidistant from center front.
9. Attach yarn at marked stitch for first earflap. Row 1: sc across 10–12 sts (depending on desired width), turn. Row 2: dec at each end every other row to shape: sc across, dec at end repeat until 4–6 sts remain. Finish with a round of sc around earflap base to tidy and rejoin main body. Repeat on opposite side.

Ties
10. Create ties by making a chain 60 (or desired length), then sc back along chain for thickness, or braid three strands of yarn and knot end. Attach securely to earflap tips. Add a pom-pom or tassel to ends if desired.

Finishing
11. Weave in ends. Block lightly if using wool to even stitches.

Variations & tips

Line hat with fleece: cut fleece shape and hand sew into interior for windproof comfort.

Add contrast color rim or slip-stitch decorative row.

2. Crochet USA Peak Earflap Hat Pattern

Skill level: Intermediate (stripes and a peak/visor detail)
Yarn & tools

Worsted weight in two colors (MC + contrast) ~200–260 yd total
Hook: 5.5 mm (I/9) for a looser, cozy fabric
Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle

Gauge (sample): 3.5 sts × 4 rows = 1″ in hdc (example; swatch to confirm).

Concept
A bold striped earflap hat with a slight peak (short visor) at the front and contrast trims for a USA-inspired look. Work top-down or bottom-up; here we use bottom-up for easier visor shaping.

Step-by-step

Brim & visor

Measure head circumference or use sample FC 22 in. Foundation: ch to reach head circumference: desired FC × spi. Example spi = 3.5 sts/in and FC = 22 in. Digit multiplication:
- 22 × 3.5 = 22 × 3 + 22 × 0.5
- 22 × 3 = 66; 22 × 0.5 = 11; 66 + 11 = 77 stitches foundation (round to pattern multiple if needed).
Join foundation chain into a ring carefully (avoid twisting). Work 2 rounds hdc for stable brim in MC.
For visor: work 6–8 short rows (turning at stitch count for a small curved peak) directly on the front section before continuing full rounds. Example: pick the front 12 sts, work 6 rows in hdc back and forth to build a small visor; then rejoin and work in the round.

Body & stripes
4. After visor, continue working rounds in the round across entire head. Alternate colors every 3–4 rounds for stripes: MC 4 rounds, CC 3 rounds, repeat until you have 2–2.5″ left to top.

Top decreases
5. Decrease evenly across a few rounds to close crown: work sc 4, sc2tog repeat around; next round sc 3, sc2tog etc., until few stitches remain. Close with a gathered method or invisible decrease and weave tail to secure.

Earflaps
6. Find placement 1/3 from front center on both sides. Attach yarn and sc across 10–14 sts for width; shape taper with decreases each back row until 4–6 sts left. Reinforce base with an extra round of hdc around earflap and connect back into body.

Straps & finish
7. Make braided ties using three 18–24 in strands, braid, and knot ends. Add small beads if desired (safely secured). Add a big pom-pom on top in MC/CC.

Variations

Use three colors for a retro flag motif.
Make visor stiffer by working a small insert of plastic canvas inside the visor before sewing closed (careful with washing).

3. Crochet Triple Strand Earflap Hat Pattern

Skill level: Intermediate (three-strand held for marled texture; earflap shaping)
Yarn & tools

Three strands held together: mix of worsted + acrylic + boucle for texture — total yardage ~200–300 yd equivalent when held triple
Hook: 6.5–8.0 mm (large to accommodate 3 strands)
Notions: tapestry needle, pom-pom maker

Concept
Hold three yarn strands together to create a chunky, warm, and tweedy fabric. The earflaps are integrated into the main rounds, and the ties are wide braided cords.

Step-by-step

Crown

MR: R1 8 sc in MR (8) using 3 strands held together (treat as one strand).

R2 inc in each st → (16).
R3 sc, inc → (24).
Continue increases until you reach roughly 80–90% of final stitch count (example adult target 88 sts; stop increases at 80 sts to leave room for stretch).

Body
5. Work in dc rounds for bulk and drape: ch2, dc in each st around until desired crown depth (measure as you go; chunky yarn builds quickly—aim for 6–7 in before earflap placement).

Earflap placement & shaping
6. Mark earflap positions (typically 12 sts in from front center both sides). For first earflap: skip to marker, join, and sc across 12–14 sts, turn and dec at ends alternate rows to shape until ~4–6 sts remain. Optionally add 1–2 sc rounds to reinforce.

Wide braided ties
7. Use 6 lengths of yarn (3 bundles of 2 strands each) to braid a wide strap; knot ends and sew to earflap tips. Or work I-cord style straps by chaining 6 and sc across for a wide strap look.

Finishing
8. Add a giant pom-pom or a cluster of tassels to the top. Weave in ends with big tapestry needle.

Variations

Use one strand of a sparkle yarn with two solids for subtle shimmer.

Make a dusting of faux fur along earflap edges for luxury.

4. Crochet Colorful Earflap Hat Pattern

Skill level: Confident beginner (colorwork stripes, simple earflap shaping)
Yarn & tools

Multiple colors of worsted weight yarn ~200–260 yd total
Hook: 5.0 mm
Notions: tapestry needle

Concept
Playful, multicolor hat that uses simple stripes, fair-isle rows, or mosaic crochet bands. Earflaps are decorative with contrasting edges. This is a great scrap-buster.

Step-by-step

Crown (top-down)

MR, R1: 6 sc. R2: inc around → 12. R3: sc, inc → 18. R4: sc x2, inc → 24. Continue increases until you reach your desired stitch count (e.g., 88 for adult). Switch color each few rounds (every 2–4 rounds) to create colorful bands.

Body
2. Once you hit stitch count, work even rounds for height. To keep color neat, carry unused colors along inside or break yarn for short stripes.

Earflaps
3. Mark earflap positions: attach yarn and work sc across 10–12 sts, decreasing each row until 6 sts remain. Add a contrasting picot edge: sc, ch3, sl st into same st along outer edge for pretty finish.

Edging & ties
4. Work a round of sc in contrasting color around lower edge and earflaps to tidily frame all colors. Make braided ties of three strands, one strand per contrast color for a rainbow braid.

Finishing
5. Add small tassels or mini pompoms in each color at the earflap tips for a festive finish.

Variations

Mosaic crochet bands instead of simple stripes—use a graph for motifs.

Add a matching set of mittens or cowl in the same colorway.

5. Crochet Cable Twists Earflap Hat Pattern

Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced (cable/braid textures using front/back post stitches)
Yarn & tools

Worsted or aran weight yarn ~220–300 yd
Hook: 5.5 mm (choose size to get a denser fabric for cables)

Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle

Gauge (sample): 3.75 sts × 4 rows = 1″ in cable stitch (swatch to confirm).

Concept
Use post stitches to create cable twists down the body of the hat; earflaps are worked between cable columns and the ties are braided cords.

Step-by-step

Crown

MR R1: 8 sc. R2: inc each → 16. R3: sc, inc → 24. Continue increases until you reach about 80% of final stitch count (for cables you may want fewer stitches to allow pattern repeats).

Cable panel setup
2. Work a round to establish cable multiples. Cable panel example (multiple of 12 + 4 border sts): [fpdc 4, bpdc 4, cable cross (fpdc crossing over next 4 sts) — this is done by working post stitches out of order]. Many cable patterns are worked by swapping post stitch positions: to cross a cable, skip and work fpdc around later stitches then go back and work touching post stitches, or use front post treble double combinations for big plaits. (If you’re unfamiliar with cable crosses, practice on a swatch: work 4 fpdc, 4 bpdc across; on next cable row, hold first 4 stitches on cable needle or stitch marker by slipping loops, work next 4, then work held stitches.)

Body
3. Continue in cable repeat until body length about 6–7 in from crown.

Earflaps
4. Place earflaps between cable panels: pick 10–12 sts between cable columns and work triangular earflaps with sc decreases each row. The cable columns frame earflaps and create an attractive structured look.

Brim & finishing
5. Work a couple rounds of sc or ribbing (hdc in BLO) for snug fit. Add braided ties and a wool pom-pom or leather tassels for a modern finish.

Finishing & blocking
6. Block gently; cables will relax slightly and sit attractively.

Variations

Add a faux fur pom for luxe winter hat.
Lining: sew in a wool blend fleece band for extra warmth.

Final finishing checklist & care

Try on as you go: especially important with earflaps to ensure placement comfort.
Reinforce earflap ties: sew ties through multiple rounds and knot inside to secure.
Fleece lining: cut and slip stitch or hand sew in for windproofing.

Blocking: block gently for stitch evenness; avoid over-blocking cables as they can flatten.
Care: check yarn label. For wool, hand wash or gentle cycle and dry flat. Acrylic can usually go in the machine but drying on heat may shrink blends.

Conclusion

Earflap hats are functional and fashionable — they keep ears warm, stay put during activity, and let you play with textures, stripes, and cozy linings. This collection gives you five directions:

Seamless Earflap Hat — a reliable, clean top-down option that’s easy to customize.
USA Peak Hat — playful stripes and a small visor for personality.
Triple Strand Hat — ultra-chunky, marled texture for fast makes.

Colorful Earflap Hat — ideal for scraps and fun palettes.
Cable Twists Earflap Hat — elegant and structured with braided cables.

Pick the pattern that fits your yarn stash and the recipient’s needs, swatch first, measure as you go (especially for earflap placement), and finish with careful seaming or lining for long-lasting warmth.