Basic Earflap Pattern
So a couple of people have asked for a write up of the basic pattern I base most of my hats on... here it is!
Row 1: Start with a Magic Circle then Ch1, HDC6 inside the circle. (6 stitches)
Row 2: Place marker, do not join or chain, just work in the round!, 2HDC in each stitch (12)
Row 3: *1 HDC in first stitch, 2HDC in next stitch* repeat for all stitches (18).
Row 4: *1 HDC x 2, 2HDC* repeat for all stitches (24).
You'll notice that this pattern is following a system, increasing the number of stitches by 6 each time. The way I use this pattern is to continue this increase until the diameter of the circle I have created matches the size of hat I want to make... I have found the following table from anniespictureperfect. I used to find sizing a real issue - all patterns varied depending on guage and wool. I have found this guide works incredibly well. (The table contains more sizes on her website!) The great thins about working in this way is that it doesn't matter what type of wool you use, or which hook - as long as the sizes match. You could also change HDC for DC or SC to create a different look!
Keep increasing each round by 6 until the 'crown circle diameter' matches the correct size you want to make. (The distance aross the circle through the middle).
All following rows of main body: No further increases, HDC in each stitch. Keep using the marker to know where join is. Stop when the height of the hat from bottom to crown matches the value in the table, minus 1 cm. Do not finish.
Ear Flaps (Example for 3-6 months)
Row 1: Chain 2, HDC 12* times, Chain 2, turn.
Row2-3: HDC 12, Chain 2 turn.
Row 4: HDC decrease, HDC 8, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn.
Row 5: HDC decrease, HDC 6, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn.
Row 6: HDC decrease, HDC 4, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn.
Row 7: HDC decrease, HDC 2, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn.
Row 8: HDC decrease, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn.
Row 9: HDC decrease, finish and cut yarn.
(* in row one represents a different number for each size. I tend to judge this by eye, but I do roughly 10 HDC for 0-3monts, 12 HDC for 3-12 monts, 14 for 1-2 years and 16 for 3-5 years. Keep reducing by 2 stitches each row until you are down to one stitch.)
Fold your hat in half and count and count an equal number of stitches on either side. Start a new ear flap. Repeat above pattern, but this time do not finish.
Chain 1, turn and then 1SC in each stitch aroudn the edge of the hat. finish. Add details as required!
Row 1: Start with a Magic Circle then Ch1, HDC6 inside the circle. (6 stitches)
Row 2: Place marker, do not join or chain, just work in the round!, 2HDC in each stitch (12)
Row 3: *1 HDC in first stitch, 2HDC in next stitch* repeat for all stitches (18).
Row 4: *1 HDC x 2, 2HDC* repeat for all stitches (24).
You'll notice that this pattern is following a system, increasing the number of stitches by 6 each time. The way I use this pattern is to continue this increase until the diameter of the circle I have created matches the size of hat I want to make... I have found the following table from anniespictureperfect. I used to find sizing a real issue - all patterns varied depending on guage and wool. I have found this guide works incredibly well. (The table contains more sizes on her website!) The great thins about working in this way is that it doesn't matter what type of wool you use, or which hook - as long as the sizes match. You could also change HDC for DC or SC to create a different look!
Keep increasing each round by 6 until the 'crown circle diameter' matches the correct size you want to make. (The distance aross the circle through the middle).
All following rows of main body: No further increases, HDC in each stitch. Keep using the marker to know where join is. Stop when the height of the hat from bottom to crown matches the value in the table, minus 1 cm. Do not finish.
Ear Flaps (Example for 3-6 months)
Row 1: Chain 2, HDC 12* times, Chain 2, turn.
Row2-3: HDC 12, Chain 2 turn.
Row 4: HDC decrease, HDC 8, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn.
Row 5: HDC decrease, HDC 6, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn.
Row 6: HDC decrease, HDC 4, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn.
Row 7: HDC decrease, HDC 2, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn.
Row 8: HDC decrease, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn.
Row 9: HDC decrease, finish and cut yarn.
(* in row one represents a different number for each size. I tend to judge this by eye, but I do roughly 10 HDC for 0-3monts, 12 HDC for 3-12 monts, 14 for 1-2 years and 16 for 3-5 years. Keep reducing by 2 stitches each row until you are down to one stitch.)
Fold your hat in half and count and count an equal number of stitches on either side. Start a new ear flap. Repeat above pattern, but this time do not finish.
Chain 1, turn and then 1SC in each stitch aroudn the edge of the hat. finish. Add details as required!