purlJam

# Basic Ribbed Ear Flap Hat (Flat Construction)

This beginner-friendly hat is worked on straight needles. The ear flaps are knitted first, then joined together by casting on the forehead and back sections in a single row. The hat is finished with a seam at the centre back.

### Measurements
*   **To fit head size:** Adult (55–58cm / 21.5–23")
*   **Finished circumference:** 44cm (un-stretched), stretches comfortably to 54cm.
*   **Length (crown to brim, excluding flaps):** 21cm.

### Materials
*   **Yarn:** 1 x 100g ball of Worsted weight wool or acrylic (approx. 200m per 100g).
*   **Needles:** 4.5mm and 5mm straight needles.
*   **Tapestry needle:** For seaming and weaving in ends.
*   **Optional:** 2 lengths of yarn for tassels or a pompom.

### Tension (Gauge)
20 sts and 26 rows = 10cm (4") in K2, P2 ribbing using 5mm needles, slightly stretched. 
*(Math: 20 sts / 10cm = 2 sts per cm. 50cm circumference = 100 sts; however, ribbing is highly elastic, so 88 sts provides the necessary negative ease for an adult fit.)*

### Abbreviations
*   **cm:** centimetres
*   **CO:** cast on
*   **k:** knit
*   **p:** purl
*   **k2tog:** knit two stitches together
*   **p2tog:** purl two stitches together
*   **m1:** make one stitch (increase)
*   **RS/WS:** Right Side / Wrong Side
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)

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### 1. The Ear Flaps (Make 2)
Using 5mm needles, CO 3 sts.
*   **Row 1 (RS):** K1, m1, k1, m1, k1 (5 sts).
*   **Row 2 (WS):** Purl.
*   **Row 3:** K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1 (7 sts).
*   **Row 4:** Purl.
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until you have 19 sts on the needle. 
Work 2 rows in Stocking Stitch (K on RS, P on WS), ending with a WS row.
*   **Flap 1:** Cut yarn and leave stitches on a spare needle or stitch holder.
*   **Flap 2:** Do **not** cut yarn.

### 2. Joining the Hat
Using the yarn attached to **Flap 2**, you will now create the full circumference of the hat on one needle.
*   **Joining Row (RS):** 
    1. CO 10 sts (first half of back). 
    2. Knit across the 19 sts of **Flap 2**.
    3. CO 30 sts (front/forehead).
    4. Knit across the 19 sts of **Flap 1**.
    5. CO 10 sts (second half of back).
    *[Math: 10 + 19 + 30 + 19 + 10 = 88 sts total]*

### 3. The Body
*   **Row 1 (WS):** *P2, K2; repeat from * to end.
*   **Row 2 (RS):** *K2, P2; repeat from * to end.
Continue in K2, P2 ribbing as established until the work measures 16cm (6.5") from the CO edge of the forehead (not the tip of the ear flaps).

### 4. Crown Shaping
*Note: Crown decreases are worked on RS rows. Switch to smaller 4.5mm needles here if desired for a tighter top.*

*   **Row 1 (RS):** *K2, p2tog; repeat from * to end (66 sts).
*   **Row 2 (WS):** *K1, p2; repeat from * to end.
*   **Row 3:** *K2tog, p1; repeat from * to end (44 sts).
*   **Row 4:** *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
*   **Row 5:** *K2tog; repeat from * to end (22 sts).
*   **Row 6:** *P2tog; repeat from * to end (11 sts).

### 5. Finishing
Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (approx. 50cm). Use a tapestry needle to thread the tail through the remaining 11 stitches and pull tight to close the top.

**The Seam:** 
With RS facing, use mattress stitch to sew the back seam from the crown down to the bottom edge. Ensure the ribbing columns align. 

**Optional Tassels:**
Cut 6 lengths of yarn (30cm each) for each ear flap. Thread 6 lengths through the bottom point of an ear flap, fold in half, and braid together. Tie a knot at the end. Repeat for the second flap.

**Pompom:**
If desired, create a large pompom using the same yarn (or a contrasting colour) and sew securely to the crown. 

Weave in all remaining ends. Soak in lukewarm water with wool wash and lay flat to dry.