Cabled Earflap Hat

I improvised the pattern for this chunky cabled earflap hat. For my first attempt at creating my own pattern, I think it turned out pretty well! I may still add a pompom to the top ... I haven't decided yet.

I've posted my pattern for those who are interested in giving it a try or in using it for inspiration.

Materials:

• 1 Skein Bernat Roving (120 yards) or bulky weight yarn of your choice 
• Size US 11 (or size needed to obtain gauge) needles for your preferred method of circular knitting - either a 16" circular needle plus DPNs, or a longer circular needle for Magic Loop
• Cable Needle (or you can use a DPN)
• Stitch Marker or Scrap Yarn

**Note:** While Bernat Roving is classified as a "bulky" weight yarn, it seems closer to a "super bulky" weight to me. You may wish to keep this in mind when choosing your yarn and measuring gauge.

Gauge: approximately 3 stitches per inch.

Abbreviations:

• K - knit
• P - purl
• C4F - slip next 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front of work, knit next 2 stitches, knit 2 from cable needle
• P2TOG - purl 2 stitches together
• K2TOG - knit 2 stitches together

Earflap

CO 6

Row 1: K*

2: P*

3: KFB, K4, KFB (8 sts)

4: K2, P4, K2

5: KFB, P1, K4, P1, KFB (10 sts)

6: P1, K2, P4, K2, P1

7: KFB, P2, C4F, P2, KFB (12 sts)

8: P2, K2, P4, K2, P2

9: KFB, K1, P2, K4, P2, K1, KFB (14 sts)

10: P3, K2, P4, K2, P3

11: K3, P2, K4, P2, K3

12: P3, K2, P4, K2, P3

Cut yarn, and place first earflap on holder. Make 2nd earflap, but do not cut yarn.

CO 16 (I used the knitted cast-on method) for the back of the hat.

Attach the first earflap by knitting across as follows: K3, P2, K4, P2, K3.

CO 22 for front of hat. K1 to join and begin working in the round, and place marker for beginning of round.

Round 1: (P2, K4)*

2: (P2, C4F)*

3-10: (P2, K4)*

11: (P2, C4F)*

12-19: (P2, K4)*

20: (P2, C4F)*

21-28: (P2, K4)*

29: (P2, C4F)*

30: (P2TOG, K4)*

31: K*

32: (K3, K2TOG)*

33: K*

34: (K2, K2TOG)*

35: (K2, K2TOG)*

36: (K1, K2TOG)*

37: K2TOG*

Cut yarn and thread through remaining stitches. Weave in ends.

Finish by creating chunky braids to attach to each earflap. I used six 22” strands of yarn for each braid (the strands are folded in half, creating braids that are about 10" long). Use a crochet hook to pull each strand of yarn through the earflap until the ends are even. Braid strands together, secure, and trim ends until even.

Alternately, you could begin each earflap by working a 6 stitch I-Cord for 9” or 10” (or desired length).