So here's my first written pattern!!! It's an ear flap hat in baby and toddler sizes. . So here we go:
Yarns: 1 ball of bulky yarn (such as Bernat Roving), 1 ball of sport weight yarn (I used Bernat Satin Ombres). The yarns should be in contrasting colours, preferably with one of the yarns being variegated in colour.Hook: size 9mm
Gauge: 10 rows x 11 stitches within 4 square inches.
Notes: Pattern is done with two yarns held throughout, unless otherwise mentioned. A pom pom maker is helpful but not necessary. Pattern is worked in front loops only and then flipped inside-out for finishing.
Close-up of stitches:
Infant Size:
Row 1: Holding bulky and sport yarn together, ch3. sl st into 3rd chain from hook.
Row 2: 6sc in 3ch sp, join with sl st to first sc. (6sc)
Row 3: 2sc in each sc around, join with sl st. (12sc)
Row 4: (2sc in first sc, 1 sc in next sc) 6 times, join with sl st. (18sc)
Row 5: (2sc in first sc, 1 sc in each of next 2 sc) 6 times, join with sl st. (24sc)
Row 6: (2sc in first sc, 1 sc in each of next 3 sc) 6 times, join with sl st. (30sc)
Row 7: (2sc in first sc, 1 sc in each of next 4 sc) 6 times, join with sl st. (36sc)
Row 8 - 12: sc in each st around. join with sl st at end of each row. (36 sc per row)
Row 13: sc in first 4 sts. *sl st in next st, ch 3, 1tr in each of next 3 sts, ch 3, slst in next st.* 1 sc in next 14 sts. repeat from * to *. sc in last 4 sts. join with sl st. (22sc, 6tr, 4slst-ch3). Fasten off sport yarn.
Row 14: With bulky yarn ch1, turn, sc in both loops around, sc2tog where ear flaps meet hat body. Join with slst and fasten off bulky yarn. (4 sc2tog, 45 sc) Flip inside-out.
For Braids: Cut 6 16" lengths of bulky yarn and 2 16" lengths of sport yarn. *Thread 3 lengths of bulky and one length of sport through bottom centre of each ear flap and fold in half. Divide (2 strands bulky, 2 strands bulky, 2 strands bulky with 2 strands sport) and braid. Knot yarn about 1.5" from the end and trim so ends are even*. Repeat from **for other ear flap.
For Pom Pom: make one 3" pom pom (or size desired) using pom pom maker or instructions below. Use either bulky or sport yarn or a combination. Sew pom pom to hat at top (row 1).
Finishing: Weave in ends.
Toddler Hat:
Work Rows 1 - 7 as Infant Hat.
Row 8:(2sc in first sc, 1 sc in each of next 5 sc) 6 times, join with sl st. (42sc)
Rows 9 - 13: 1sc in each sc around. (42sc)
Row 14: sc in first 4 sts. *sl st in next st, ch 3, 1tr in each of next 4 sts, ch 3, slst in next st.* 1 sc in next 16 sts. repeat from * to *. sc in last 4 sts. join with sl st. (24sc, 8tr, 4slst-ch3). Fasten off sport yarn.
Row 15:With bulky yarn ch1, turn, sc in both loops around, sc2tog where ear flaps meet hat body. Join with slst and fasten off bulky yarn. (4 sc2tog, 49 sc) Flip inside-out.
Continue with braid and pom pom instructions for Infant Hat using 20" lengths for braids instead of 16".
Variation: Pom pom made with just bulky yarn.
Variation: Pom pom and braids made with just sport yarn, last row made with 2 strands of sport yarn held together.
Pom Pom: find a stiff piece of card about 2.5" by 4" (I usually just use the short side of my ipod, the plastic makes it easier to slide the pom pom off). Cut a minimum 12" piece of sport yarn and fold around long side of card, tape each end in place.
Start wrapping your yarn around the short side of the card. Its hard to say how many times, but practice a few times and you'll get the hang of it. I wrapped the bulky and sport weight together about 45 times for this pom pom.Next, untape the ends of the cut piece and tie them in a single knot at the strand's fold, pulling it over the wrapped yarn.
Slide the wrapped yarn off the card, tightening the knot as you go. When you get the pom pom off the card, pull the cut length tight and double knot. For extra strength, wrap cut yarn around bundle again and double knot.
Now the fun part: without losing the two strands of sport yarn, cut all the loops on your bundle. At this point you may choose to trim the pom pom to make it a little more round. Use the two strands of sport length to attach to hat.
*You may make these for personal use, but please don't sell these. Please credit me for this hat and direct others here for the pattern* As I don't have a little person around the house for sizing purposes, I'm just guessing if this will fit. Your comments would be appreciated about this and any other troubleshooting! Thanks!
