Type
Crochet
Difficulty
beginner
Category
hat
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The user requested an "Eatflap hat" (earflap hat) with specific features: no-sew construction (except for ears), single crochet (UK double crochet) preferred, longer earflaps, pink and white horizontal stripes (mostly white), cat ears, and a cute surprise at the end of the earflaps.
* **Stitch Choice**: UK Double Crochet (dc) will be used throughout for its dense, warm fabric and to meet the "single crochet preferably" request.
* **Construction**: The main hat body will be worked seamlessly top-down in the round. Earflaps will be worked directly onto the hat's edge, eliminating side seams. Cat ears will be crocheted separately and sewn on.
* **Stripe Pattern**: Horizontal stripes will be achieved by changing colour every few rounds. To ensure it's "mostly white," a ratio of 4 rounds White to 1 round Pink will be used.
* **Earflaps**: Designed to be longer than standard, with a gradual decrease for a comfortable fit around the face.
* **Earflap End Surprise**: Cute, contrasting yarn tassels will be added to the end of each earflap.
* **Cat Ears**: Simple triangular shapes will be worked flat and folded for attachment to give them dimension.
* **Difficulty**: Intermediate due to colour changes, shaping for earflaps and ears, and multiple components.
2. **Construction Plan**:
* **Crown**: Start with a Magic Ring and increase 6 stitches per round using UK dc until the desired flat diameter for an Adult Medium hat (approximately 72 stitches) is reached.
* **Body**: Work even (no increases or decreases) in UK dc, incorporating the defined stripe pattern, until the hat reaches just above the ear level.
* **Earflaps**: Mark specific stitch placements for two earflaps. Work each earflap back and forth in rows directly onto the hat edge, decreasing stitches on both ends of each row to create a pointed shape. Ensure sufficient rows for a "longer" length.
* **Finishing Edge**: Work a final round of UK dc around the entire hat opening after the earflaps are complete to create a neat edge.
* **Cat Ears**: Crochet two identical triangle shapes in rows. Fold and sew them to the crown of the hat.
* **Tassels**: Create two small yarn tassels and securely attach one to the tip of each earflap.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Fit & Sizing**: The pattern will target an Adult Medium, with clear tension (gauge) instructions to ensure correct sizing. Crown increase rate (6 stitches per round for UK dc) is verified for a flat circle. The final stitch count (72 dc) is appropriate for the target circumference.
* **Seamlessness**: The primary hat body and earflaps are designed to be seamless. Only the cat ears require sewing.
* **Stripe Integrity**: Instructions for changing colours cleanly will be provided, including techniques for carrying or cutting yarn.
* **Earflap Placement & Shape**: Detailed instructions for marking earflap positions will ensure symmetrical placement. Decrease rates will be checked to create a well-shaped, longer earflap.
* **Terminology & Measurements**: Strict adherence to UK crochet terminology (dc = US sc, tr = US dc) and UK English spelling (colour, centre) will be maintained. All measurements will be given in centimetres first, followed by inches in parentheses.
* **Clarity**: Instructions will be broken down step-by-step for clarity, especially for colour changes, earflap shaping, and cat ear construction.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Target Size**: Adult Medium (Head Circumference: 53-56 cm / 21-22").
* **Gauge/Tension**: 14 UK dc stitches and 15 rows = 10 cm (4") using 5.0mm hook and worsted weight yarn.
* **Crown Stitches**: Max 72 UK dc stitches for circumference.
* **Crown Diameter**: 72 stitches / (14 stitches/10cm) * (10cm / π) ≈ 16.3 cm (6.4").
* **Body Height**: Approximately 19 cm (7.5") from crown to hat edge before earflaps, ensuring adequate ear coverage.
* **Stripe Sequence**: Crown in White. Body in (4 rounds White, 1 round Pink), repeated.
* **Earflap Base**: For a 72-stitch circumference, each earflap will span 18 stitches. Spacing: 12 stitches at the back, 24 stitches at the front. (6 stitches from back to first flap + 18 flap + 24 front + 18 flap + 6 stitches from second flap to back = 72 stitches).
* **Earflap Length**: Approximately 18-20 rows (approx. 15-18 cm / 6-7") for "longer" earflaps.
* **Cat Ear Size**: Approximately 8 cm (3") tall and 7 cm (2.75") wide at the base.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: All required sections from the template (Pattern Title, Introduction, Skill Level, Sizes, Finished Measurements, Yarn, Hook, Notions, Tension, Abbreviations, Notes, Pattern Instructions, Finishing) are included. All user requests (earflaps, no sew, UK dc, longer earflaps, stripes, cat ears, tassels) are addressed within the pattern.
2. **Consistency**:
* UK English spelling ("colour," "centre") and metric measurements first (cm, then inches in parentheses) are consistently applied.
* UK stitch names (dc = US sc) are used throughout the instructions.
* The crown increase rate (6 stitches per round) for UK dc is correct for creating a flat circle.
* The final stitch count for the Adult Medium size (72 dc) is consistent with the specified gauge and target head circumference.
* The stripe pattern (mostly white) and earflap placement calculations are consistent and sum correctly to the total stitch count.
3. **Constraints**:
* "No sew (just ears for sew)" is met; the main hat and earflaps are seamless, only cat ears are sewn. Tassels are attached with knotting, not needle/thread sewing.
* "Single crochet preferably" is met by using UK dc.
* "Earflap parts longer" is addressed by increasing the number of rows for the earflaps.
* "Pink and white stripes (horizontal and mostly white)" is implemented with a clear stripe sequence.
* "Cat ears" are included as a separate component.
* "Something at the end of earflaps (surprise me with cute style)" is met with cute yarn tassels.
* Difficulty level is accurately set to intermediate.
4. **Safety**: All stitch counts in the increase rounds and for the earflap placement add up correctly. The tension information is provided to help ensure the correct size. The pattern is logically structured to minimise confusion.
Pattern
<pattern>
# Cat Earflap Beanie
This pattern creates a fun and cosy cat earflap beanie, worked seamlessly from the top down. The main body features horizontal stripes and two long earflaps, providing extra warmth and style. The adorable cat ears are made separately and securely sewn into place.
**Skill Level:** Intermediate
**Sizes:** Adult Medium
_This pattern is written for Adult Medium (53-56 cm / 21-22" head circumference). Notes are provided for adjusting size, but stitch counts are specific to Adult Medium._
**Finished Measurements (Adult Medium):**
* **Head Circumference:** 53-56 cm (21-22")
* **Hat Height (Crown to Bottom Edge, excluding earflaps):** 19 cm (7.5")
* **Earflap Length (from base):** 15 cm (6")
**Yarn:**
* Worsted weight (Aran / 10 ply) yarn, 100% acrylic or wool blend
* **Colour A (White):** Approximately 150g / 270 metres (300 yards)
* **Colour B (Pink):** Approximately 50g / 90 metres (100 yards)
* *Suggested yarn:* Any worsted weight yarn that meets tension.
**Hook:**
* 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook
**Notions:**
* Stitch marker
* Yarn needle (for weaving in ends and sewing ears)
* Scissors
**Tension (Gauge):**
14 dc and 15 rows = 10 cm (4") using 5.0 mm hook.
_Take time to check your tension! Creating a tension swatch is highly recommended. If your swatch is larger, try a smaller hook. If it's smaller, try a larger hook._
**Abbreviations (UK Terms):**
* **ch:** chain
* **dc:** double crochet (US single crochet)
* **dc2tog:** double crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)
* **sl st:** slip stitch
* **st(s):** stitch(es)
* **MR:** magic ring
* **rep:** repeat
* **F/O:** fasten off
**Notes:**
1. This pattern is worked in continuous rounds for the crown and body. Use a stitch marker to indicate the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go.
2. Colour changes occur every few rounds. Change colour on the final yarn over of the last stitch of the previous round.
3. The earflaps are worked in rows directly onto the hat, reducing the need for sewing.
4. Cat ears are worked separately and sewn on at the end.
5. All measurements are approximate.
---
### Pattern Instructions
**Main Hat Body (Worked in continuous rounds)**
**Yarn Colour:** White (Colour A)
**Crown:**
* **Rnd 1:** Start with a MR, ch 1 (does not count as st), 6 dc into MR. Pull ring tight to close. [6 dc]
* **Rnd 2:** 2 dc in each st around. [12 dc]
* **Rnd 3:** (1 dc, 2 dc in next st) rep around. [18 dc]
* **Rnd 4:** (2 dc, 2 dc in next st) rep around. [24 dc]
* **Rnd 5:** (3 dc, 2 dc in next st) rep around. [30 dc]
* **Rnd 6:** (4 dc, 2 dc in next st) rep around. [36 dc]
* **Rnd 7:** (5 dc, 2 dc in next st) rep around. [42 dc]
* **Rnd 8:** (6 dc, 2 dc in next st) rep around. [48 dc]
* **Rnd 9:** (7 dc, 2 dc in next st) rep around. [54 dc]
* **Rnd 10:** (8 dc, 2 dc in next st) rep around. [60 dc]
* **Rnd 11:** (9 dc, 2 dc in next st) rep around. [66 dc]
* **Rnd 12:** (10 dc, 2 dc in next st) rep around. [72 dc]
_Diameter check: At 72 stitches, your crown should measure approximately 16.3 cm (6.4") across. If not, adjust hook size._
**Body:**
* **Rnd 13 - Rnd 16 (4 rounds):** Dc in each st around. [72 dc] (Colour A)
* **Rnd 17 (1 round):** Change to Colour B (Pink). Dc in each st around. [72 dc]
* **Rnd 18 - Rnd 21 (4 rounds):** Change to Colour A (White). Dc in each st around. [72 dc]
* **Rnd 22 (1 round):** Change to Colour B (Pink). Dc in each st around. [72 dc]
* **Rnd 23 - Rnd 26 (4 rounds):** Change to Colour A (White). Dc in each st around. [72 dc]
* **Rnd 27 (1 round):** Change to Colour B (Pink). Dc in each st around. [72 dc]
* **Rnd 28 - Rnd 31 (4 rounds):** Change to Colour A (White). Dc in each st around. [72 dc]
* **Rnd 32 (1 round):** Change to Colour B (Pink). Dc in each st around. [72 dc]
* **Rnd 33 - Rnd 36 (4 rounds):** Change to Colour A (White). Dc in each st around. [72 dc]
_Hat height check: After Rnd 36, the hat should measure approximately 19 cm (7.5") from the crown. If you prefer a longer or shorter hat, adjust the number of plain dc rounds in the body before starting the earflaps._
---
**Earflaps (Make 2)**
Using Colour A (White).
**Placement:**
1. Lay your hat flat. Place a stitch marker in the 6th stitch to the left of your current working loop (which is the beginning of the round). This will be the first stitch of the first earflap.
2. Count 18 stitches from this marker for the first earflap. Place another marker here.
3. Count 24 stitches for the front of the hat. Place a marker in the 25th stitch.
4. Count 18 stitches for the second earflap. Place another marker here.
5. You should have 12 stitches remaining at the back of the hat (6 stitches from the current working loop to the first marker + 18 stitches for flap 1 + 24 stitches for front + 18 stitches for flap 2 + 6 stitches from last marker to starting point = 72 stitches total).
**Earflap 1:**
* **Row 1:** Join Colour A in the first marked st (6th st left of current working loop). Ch 1, dc in same st and in next 17 sts. Turn. [18 dc]
* **Row 2:** Ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 14 sts, dc2tog. Turn. [16 dc]
* **Row 3:** Ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 12 sts, dc2tog. Turn. [14 dc]
* **Row 4:** Ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 10 sts, dc2tog. Turn. [12 dc]
* **Row 5:** Ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 8 sts, dc2tog. Turn. [10 dc]
* **Row 6:** Ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 6 sts, dc2tog. Turn. [8 dc]
* **Row 7:** Ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 4 sts, dc2tog. Turn. [6 dc]
* **Row 8:** Ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog. Turn. [4 dc]
* **Row 9:** Ch 1, (dc2tog) twice. Turn. [2 dc]
* **Row 10 - Row 18 (9 rows):** Ch 1, dc in each of next 2 sts. Turn. [2 dc]
_These extra rows create the desired "longer" length for the earflaps._
* **Row 19:** Ch 1, dc2tog. F/O, leaving a long tail for attaching tassel. [1 dc]
**Earflap 2:**
* Repeat instructions for Earflap 1. Join yarn in the first marked stitch for the second earflap.
**Finishing Edge:**
* With Colour A, join yarn anywhere along the bottom edge of the hat that doesn't have an earflap (e.g., the front or back).
* **Rnd 1:** Ch 1, work 1 dc in each stitch around the entire opening of the hat, including down the sides of the earflaps and into the bottom stitch of each earflap. Join with a sl st to first dc. [Varies based on earflap rows, but ensures a neat finish]
* F/O.
---
**Cat Ears (Make 2)**
Using Colour A (White).
* **Row 1:** Ch 8. Dc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 6 ch. Turn. [7 dc]
* **Row 2:** Ch 1, 2 dc in first st, dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in last st. Turn. [9 dc]
* **Row 3:** Ch 1, dc in each st across. Turn. [9 dc]
* **Row 4:** Ch 1, 2 dc in first st, dc in next 7 sts, 2 dc in last st. Turn. [11 dc]
* **Row 5:** Ch 1, dc in each st across. Turn. [11 dc]
* **Row 6:** Ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 7 sts, dc2tog. Turn. [9 dc]
* **Row 7:** Ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 5 sts, dc2tog. Turn. [7 dc]
* **Row 8:** Ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog. Turn. [5 dc]
* **Row 9:** Ch 1, dc2tog, 1 dc, dc2tog. Turn. [3 dc]
* **Row 10:** Ch 1, dc3tog. [1 dc]
* F/O, leaving a long tail for sewing.
---
**Finishing**
1. **Weave in Ends:** Securely weave in all loose yarn ends from colour changes and initial stitches using your yarn needle.
2. **Attach Cat Ears:**
* Fold the cat ears slightly in half vertically to give them a bit of dimension.
* Position them on the crown of the hat, approximately above where the earflaps begin, evenly spaced from the centre.
* Using the long tail and yarn needle, sew the ears securely to the hat. Take care to pass the needle through the stitches of both the ear and the hat to prevent gaping.
3. **Earflap Tassels (Make 2):**
* **To make a tassel:** Cut a piece of cardboard or use your fingers (approx. 7 cm / 2.75" long). Wrap Colour A and Colour B yarn around it about 30-40 times (more wraps for a fuller tassel).
* Thread a small piece of yarn (approx. 20 cm / 8") under all wrapped strands at the top and tie a tight knot.
* Carefully slide the yarn off the cardboard/fingers.
* Cut all the loops at the bottom.
* Tie another piece of yarn (approx. 10 cm / 4") tightly around the tassel about 1-2 cm (0.5") from the top knot to create a "head."
* Trim the ends evenly.
* **Attach tassel:** Use the long tail from the tip of each earflap to thread through the top knot of a tassel, then knot securely. Weave the remaining tail into the tassel itself.
4. **Blocking (Optional):** Gently block your hat by dampening it and shaping it over a balloon or bowl, allowing it to air dry. This helps even out stitches and define the shape.
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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