Vale Earflap Hat Pattern

Keep your loved ones warm with this beautifully textured, slightly slouchy earflap hat pattern that fits everyone from newborns to adults.

There is nothing quite like the bite of a crisp winter wind to make you appreciate a good, thick hat. But let's be honest: so many winter beanies leave your ears completely frozen.

It is a total design flaw.

That is why I always reach for earflaps when the temperature drops. They offer that perfect, cozy hug your ears crave on chilly mornings.

However, finding an earflap hat that actually looks stylish can be a challenge. Many of them end up stiff, standing straight up like a traffic cone on your head. We want drape, comfort, and a little bit of modern slouch.

Enter this gorgeous design. I created this pattern to solve the "stiff hat" dilemma by using a stitch pattern that flows beautifully. It features a lovely, touchable texture that looks intricate but is surprisingly simple to master once you get into the rhythm.

Best of all, you can make it in any size. Whether you are stitching a tiny version for a baby shower or a cozy adult size for yourself, this pattern has you covered.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Incredible Drape: No stiff, pointy hats here—just a soft, comfortable slouch that frames the face beautifully.
• Simple 2-Round Repeat: Once you set up the foundation, you can relax and watch the gorgeous texture grow.
• Sized for Everyone: With options ranging from newborn up to adult women, you can outfit the entire family with matching sets.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland (Worsted weight, size 4 medium). This yarn is highly recommended for its exceptional softness and gorgeous drape.
• Hook: US Size I (5.5 mm) for the main body, and a 4.5 mm hook for the trim and earflaps.
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, and a pom-pom maker (optional).
• Yardage: Approximately 100 to 200 yards, depending on the size you choose to make.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 14 sts and 10 rows = 4 inches in the main pattern stitch using the larger hook.
• Sizes included: Newborn (0-3 months), 3-6 months, 6-12 months, Toddler/Child, and Teen/Woman.
• Finished measurements: Designed to fit head circumferences from 13 inches (newborn) up to 22 inches (adult woman).

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• dc: Double Crochet
• fpsc: Front Post Single Crochet. Insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the indicated stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and draw through both loops. For a deeper look at post stitches, check out our Crochet Post Stitch Guide.
• sl st: Slip Stitch

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in the round from the top down, and the earflaps are added directly to the brim afterward.
• Tension Tip: Keep your front post stitches relaxed. Pulling them too tight will compress the texture and make the hat smaller than intended.
• Customization Tip: You can easily turn this into a two-toned masterpiece. Use a contrasting color for the brim, earflaps, and pom-poms to make the texture pop.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Starting the Crown

We begin at the very top of the hat. Using your 5.5 mm hook, create a magic ring (or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring). Work your initial round of double crochets into the ring. You will gradually increase your stitches over the next few rounds to establish the flat circle that forms the top of the head.

Step 2: Working the Textured Body

Once your crown reaches the correct diameter for your chosen size, it is time to transition into the main body. Here, we introduce the simple 2-round repeat. You will alternate rounds of standard stitches with rounds featuring the front post single crochet (fpsc). This alternating technique pushes the stitches forward, creating a gorgeous, raised texture. Keep working this repeat until the hat reaches your desired length before the brim.

Step 3: Adding the Brim and Earflaps

Switch to your smaller 4.5 mm hook to work the brim. This smaller hook keeps the edge snug and secure. After completing a few rounds of single crochet for the border, you will map out the placement for the earflaps. Attach your yarn directly to the edge and work back and forth in rows, decreasing at the edges of each row to create the classic tapered earflap shape. Repeat on the opposite side.

Step 4: Braids and Pom-Poms

To finish, cut several long strands of yarn, fold them in half, and loop them through the bottom point of each earflap. Braid the strands securely and knot the ends. If you love a bit of extra flair, craft a fluffy yarn pom-pom and sew it securely to the crown of the hat. To ensure your ends never come loose, you can read our guide on Weaving Crochet Tails.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Two-Tone Contrast: Work the main body in a neutral shade and use a vibrant, bright color for the brim, earflaps, and braids. If you want to master clean lines, see our guide on Seamless Crochet Color Changes.
• Faux Fur Pom-Pom: Swap the traditional yarn pom-pom for a trendy faux fur one to give the hat a boutique, high-end look.
• Striped Slouch: Alternate colors every two rounds during the textured body section to create a beautiful, variegated stripe effect.
• Matching Set: Pair this hat with a cozy neck warmer like our textured Sea Shells Crochet Cowl for a complete winter set.
• No-Earflap Beanie: Skip the earflaps entirely! Just finish the brim with a few extra rounds of single crochet for a classic, slightly slouchy beanie. If you like that style, you might also enjoy our Josie Beanie Crochet Pattern.
• Colour ideas: Try earthy tones like heather grey and forest green for an outdoorsy vibe, or soft pastels like dusty pink and cream for babies.
• Yarn substitutions: Any soft, worsted weight acrylic or wool blend with good drape will work beautifully. Avoid stiff, tightly spun cottons.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The hat is too stiff and stands straight up instead of slouching.
  Fix: Your tension might be too tight, or your yarn is too stiff. Try switching to a larger hook size or using a softer yarn with better drape, like Lion Brand Heartland.
• Problem: The earflaps are unevenly spaced.
  Fix: Fold the hat flat, aligning the back seam down the center. Use stitch markers to mark the exact fold points on the sides before counting your stitches to ensure perfect symmetry.
• Problem: The front post stitches are puckering the fabric.
  Fix: Make sure you pull up your loop to the height of a normal stitch when working the fpsc. Keeping these stitches loose prevents the fabric from bunching up.
• Problem: The brim is too loose and slips down.
  Fix: Ensure you switched to the smaller 4.5 mm hook for the brim. If it is still too loose, work a round of slip stitches around the very edge to snug it up.

Care Instructions

To keep your hat looking its best, hand wash it in cool water with a mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water using a clean towel—never wring or twist it. Lay it flat to dry completely. If you used an acrylic yarn like Heartland, you can machine wash it on a gentle cycle, but air drying is always best to prevent frizzing.

Final Thoughts

Stitching up a cozy hat is one of the most rewarding weekend projects. This pattern strikes that perfect balance between engaging texture and relaxing repetition. I hope you enjoy making this as much as your loved ones will enjoy wearing it. Happy crocheting, and stay warm out there!