Seedstripes

Discover the delightful Seedstripes earflap hat, a captivating knit that works seamlessly in the round from the top down. This engaging pattern features a disappearing loop cast-on, intricate textured knitting, and strategically placed short rows that together create a visually stunning and enjoyable project. To elevate the fun, consider adding a playful pompom to the top! Perfect for knitters looking to enhance their skills while creating a stylish accessory.

Techniques & Skills Used: This pattern teaches essential knitting techniques, including the disappearing loop cast-on, basic knit and purl stitches, short rows, and the fundamentals of increasing and decreasing. For your convenience, this pattern includes helpful links to my comprehensive tutorials on the disappearing loop cast-on and short row methods, ensuring that you can follow along with ease.

Size Options: The Seedstripes hat is available in three sizes: Small (M, L) to comfortably fit head circumferences of approximately 20 (22, 24) inches. The finished hat measures 17.75 (20, 22.25) inches in circumference and features an earflap height of 8.5 (9, 10) inches, making it a versatile accessory for varying head sizes.

Yarn Information: For this pattern, we recommend Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted, a luxurious 100% merino wool that provides excellent warmth and comfort. Each skein contains 210 yards (192m) of yarn, with this project requiring 1 skein or approximately 140 (150, 175) yards of worsted weight yarn. The sample size Small is shown in a beautiful Natural color, highlighting the texture and design of the hat.

Additional Materials Required: To get started on your Seedstripes hat, you will need US 7 (4.5mm) 16” circular needles or 32” circular needles for those using the Magic Loop method; choose a size that matches your gauge. Additionally, you will need US 5 double-pointed needles (dpns) or another circular needle for the cast-on, four stitch markers, and a yarn needle for finishing touches.

Gauge: Achieve the perfect fit with a gauge of 18 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches in seed stitch after blocking. This foundational step ensures that your hat turns out just as intended, both in size and appearance.

Whether you are an experienced knitter or just beginning, the Seedstripes earflap hat is a fun and fashionable project that you'll enjoy creating. With its unique design and warm construction, this hat is perfect for chilly weather and makes a wonderful gift for friends and family. Grab your needles and yarn, and start knitting today!