Quinn Earflap Hat Pattern

Keep your entire family cozy with this classic, textured earflap hat pattern that ranges from newborn to adult sizes.

Have you ever noticed how the simplest designs often carry the most fascinating histories?

I recently fell down a research rabbit hole and discovered that earflap hats, traditionally called chillos, have kept people warm in the chilly Andean mountains since pre-Hispanic times. They were designed to tie snugly under the chin to block out biting mountain winds.

Fast forward to the early 2000s, and snowboarding culture turned these practical garments into a massive winter fashion trend. Yet, finding a pattern that fits everyone from your tiny new grandbaby to your husband can be a real headache.

That is exactly why I designed this pattern.

The Quinn Earflap Hat is my love letter to practical, cozy winter wear. It is a wonderfully straightforward project that uses basic stitches to create a thick, wind-resistant fabric. Best of all, the pattern covers every single size from newborn babies all the way up to grown men, so you can outfit your entire crew in matching style.

I remember making my first earflap hat years ago and struggling to get the flaps positioned symmetrically. Don't worry, I have worked out all the math for you here so your flaps will line up perfectly every single time.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• All-inclusive sizing: No need to buy multiple patterns; this single PDF covers everyone from newborns to adult men.
• No fancy tools needed: Learn how to make fluffy, perfect pom-poms using just your hands or cardboard—no expensive plastic makers required.
• Quick and cozy: Using worsted weight yarn means this project flies off your hook, making it perfect for last-minute handmade gifts.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Worsted weight / Aran (Size 4 Medium) yarn.
• Hook: G (4.25mm) hook specifically for the 6-12 months size; H (5.0mm) hook for all other sizes.
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, measuring tape, and a piece of cardboard (or your fingers) for making the pom-poms.
• Yardage: Approximately 50 to 150 yards depending on the size you are making.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 14 stitches and 10 rows in double crochet = 4 inches (using the H/5.0mm hook).
• Sizes included: Newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months, Toddler/Child, Teen/Woman, and Man.
• Finished measurements: Detailed measurements for each size are provided in the downloadable PDF pattern.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain - The foundation of almost every crochet project.
• sc: Single Crochet - A short, dense stitch used for the borders and earflaps.
• dc: Double Crochet - The main stitch used to build the height of the hat quickly.
• sl st: Slip Stitch - Used to join rounds seamlessly. If you want a flawless finish, check out my guide on How to Finish Your Work in the Round With an Invisible Join.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in the round from the top down, and then the earflaps are added directly to the bottom edge.
• Tension Tip: Keep your slip stitches loose when joining rounds so your seam doesn't pull or pucker.
• Customization Tip: You can easily play with color by working the earflaps or the final border in a contrasting shade.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Crocheting the Crown

Start by making a magic ring or chaining 4 and joining with a slip stitch to form a ring. Work your initial round of double crochet stitches into the ring. Continue increasing in established rounds until your crown reaches the required diameter for your chosen size.

Step 2: Working the Hat Body

Once your increases are complete, work even in rounds of double crochet without any more increases. This builds the height of the hat. Keep going until the hat reaches just above the ears, then finish the final round with a slip stitch.

Step 3: Adding the Earflaps

Lay your hat flat with the back seam centered. Mark the positions for the earflaps on both sides. Join your yarn at the first marked stitch and work rows of single crochet, decreasing at the edges of each row to create a neat, tapered triangle. Repeat this process on the opposite side for the second earflap.

Step 4: Adding the Border and Braids

Join your yarn at the back seam and work a round of single crochet all the way around the bottom edge of the hat and the earflaps to give it a clean, finished look. Cut several long strands of yarn, fold them in half, loop them through the bottom point of each earflap, and braid them securely. Tie a knot at the end of each braid.

Step 5: Making the Pom-Pom Without a Kit

To make your pom-pom, wrap your yarn around a piece of cardboard (or four fingers) about 80 to 100 times. Carefully slide the bundle off, tie a strong strand of yarn tightly around the exact center, and cut the loops on both ends. Trim the yarn ends until you have a perfectly round, fluffy pom-pom, then tie it securely to the top of your hat.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Striped Version: Change colors every two rounds of the body to create a fun, sporty look. If you need help with clean transitions, check out my tutorial on Seamless Crochet Color Changes.
• Animal Ears: Skip the pom-pom and add little pointed ears to turn this into a cute Bunny Hat Crochet Pattern style.
• Faux Fur Pom-Pom: Swap the yarn pom-pom for a trendy, store-bought faux fur pom-pom to give the hat a modern, boutique-style finish.
• Matching Sets: Pair this hat with a cozy neck warmer like the Sea Shells Crochet Cowl for a complete winter gift set.
• Alternative Earflap Style: If you want to try a different stitch pattern for your earflaps, take a look at the Vale Ear Flap Hat Crochet Pattern.
• Colour ideas: Classic neutrals like charcoal grey and cream look sophisticated, while bright primary stripes are perfect for energetic toddlers.
• Yarn substitutions: Any standard worsted weight acrylic or wool blend will work beautifully.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The hat crown is ruffling or curling like a bowl too early.
  Fix: If it is ruffling, you may have added too many increases. If it is curling too quickly, you might have missed an increase round or your tension is too tight. Check your stitch counts at the end of each round.
• Problem: The earflaps are unevenly spaced.
  Fix: Do not guess the placement. Fold the hat perfectly flat using the back seam as your center guide, and use stitch markers to count the exact number of stitches between the flaps on the front and back.
• Problem: The braids are pulling loose from the earflaps.
  Fix: Make sure you pull the yarn loops tightly through the earflap stitch before you begin braiding, and knot them twice at the base if necessary.
• Problem: The pom-pom is falling apart or shedding.
  Fix: When tying the center strand around your wrapped yarn bundle, pull it as tight as humanly possible and tie a secure double knot before cutting the loops.

Care Instructions

To keep your handmade hat looking its best, I highly recommend hand washing it in cool water with a gentle wool wash. Squeeze out the excess water gently by rolling it in a clean towel—never wring or twist it. Lay it flat to dry completely, and gently fluff the pom-pom with your fingers once it is dry.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your loved ones head out into the cold wearing something you made with your own two hands. This Quinn Earflap Hat is a timeless design that you will find yourself returning to winter after winter. If you enjoy making this pattern, please consider leaving a review or sharing your finished projects with me—I absolutely love seeing your color choices! Happy crocheting, my friends!