When winter wind starts finding its way underneath an ordinary beanie, ear flaps make a noticeable difference.

This crochet earflap beanie pattern combines a classic fitted winter hat with two tapered flaps that extend down over the ears for extra cold-weather coverage.

The hat is crocheted from the top down using simple half double crochet rounds.

After finishing the main beanie, you’ll add:

Two shaped ear flaps
A neat edging
Optional crochet ties

The construction is straightforward enough for a confident beginner, but the finished hat looks polished and practical.

Use forest green for an outdoorsy winter look, charcoal for an everyday neutral, or cream for a softer handmade style.

Why You’ll Love This Crochet Earflap Hat

This winter hat is:

Warm and practical
Worked from the top down
Made with worsted-weight yarn
Easy to resize
Designed with two full ear flaps
Made with simple stitches
Suitable for cold weather
Customizable with or without ties
Great for handmade gifts
Naturally unisex

The ear flaps provide extra coverage without needing a separate ear warmer.

Skill Level

Advanced Beginner

You should know how to:

Make a magic ring
Chain
Half double crochet
Single crochet
Slip stitch
Increase
Decrease
Work in joined rounds
Work back and forth in rows
Fasten off
Weave in ends

The ear flaps use simple decreases to create their tapered shape.

Materials

Yarn

Use approximately:

180–220 yards of Category 4 worsted or Aran-weight yarn

for an adult hat.

For cold-weather use, choose a yarn that is:

Soft
Warm
Comfortable against the skin
Slightly elastic

Good options include:

Merino wool
Wool/acrylic blend
Soft acrylic
Washable wool

Crochet Hook

5.5 mm crochet hook

If your fabric feels very stiff, move up to:

6.0 mm

If it feels too loose, try:

5.0 mm

Other Supplies

Yarn needle
Scissors
Measuring tape
Stitch markers

Crochet Abbreviations

This pattern uses US crochet terminology.

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

hdc2tog – half double crochet two together

sl st – slip stitch

st – stitch

sts – stitches

rnd – round

Finished Adult Size

This pattern is designed for approximately:

22–23 inch head circumference

Finished hat circumference:

approximately 20–21 inches unstretched

Finished hat depth before ear flaps:

approximately 8–8½ inches

Each ear flap measures approximately:

3½–4 inches long

Gauge

Approximately:

13 hdc = 4 inches

and:

10 rounds = 4 inches

Gauge matters more for hats than for scarves.

Check your measurements before continuing too far.

Understanding Negative Ease

A crochet beanie should usually measure slightly smaller than the wearer’s head.

This is called:

negative ease

If the head measures:

22 inches

a finished hat circumference around:

20 inches

can provide a comfortable stretchy fit.

Construction Overview

You’ll make the hat in four stages:

Crochet the crown.
Work straight rounds for the body.
Add two tapered ear flaps.
Add edging and optional ties.

There is no separate sewing required for the main hat.

PART 1: CROCHET THE CROWN

Using forest-green yarn:

Make a magic ring.

Round 1

Ch 1.

Work:

8 hdc

into the magic ring.

Pull closed.

Join with a sl st.

8 sts

Round 2

Ch 1.

Work:

2 hdc in each stitch

around.

Join.

16 sts

Round 3

Ch 1.

Repeat:

hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st

around.

Join.

24 sts

Round 4

Repeat:

hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st

around.

Join.

32 sts

Round 5

Repeat:

hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st

around.

Join.

40 sts

Round 6

Repeat:

hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st

around.

Join.

48 sts

Round 7

Repeat:

hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st

around.

Join.

56 sts

Round 8

Repeat:

hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next st

around.

Join.

64 sts

Check the Crown

Lay the crown flat without stretching.

It should measure approximately:

6¼–6¾ inches across

depending on your gauge.

Don’t worry if it begins curving slightly.

That’s what we want.

PART 2: CROCHET THE HAT BODY

Round 9

Ch 1.

Hdc in every stitch around.

Join.

64 sts

Rounds 10–19

Repeat Round 9.

Continue working:

64 hdc

in each round.

Check the Hat Depth

At this stage, measure from the center top of the crown downward.

Aim for approximately:

7–7½ inches

before the final lower band.

Optional Textured Lower Band

For a little extra structure around the forehead and ears, work the final three rounds in:

single crochet

instead of half double crochet.

Round 20

Ch 1.

Sc in every stitch around.

Join.

64 sts

Rounds 21–22

Repeat Round 20.

Fasten off.

Try the Hat On

Before adding ear flaps, check:

Crown fit
Hat depth
Forehead coverage
Position around the ears

The lower edge should sit slightly above or across the top of the ears.

The ear flaps will provide the additional coverage.

PART 3: MARK THE EAR FLAPS

Lay the hat flat with the seam positioned toward the back.

You’ll divide the 64 stitches approximately like this:

7 back sts

14 first earflap sts

22 front sts

14 second earflap sts

7 back sts

Total:

64 sts

Use stitch markers to identify both 14-stitch earflap sections.

Why the Front Gap Is Larger

The front of the hat needs enough open space around the:

Forehead
Temples
Face

The back section can be slightly narrower because the ear flaps angle backward naturally.

PART 4: FIRST EAR FLAP

Join yarn at the first marker.

Ear Flap Row 1

Ch 1.

Hdc across the marked:

14 sts

Ch 1 and turn.

Row 2

Hdc2tog.

Hdc across until 2 stitches remain.

Hdc2tog.

12 sts

Ch 1 and turn.

Row 3

Hdc across.

12 sts

Ch 1 and turn.

Row 4

Hdc2tog.

Hdc across until 2 stitches remain.

Hdc2tog.

10 sts

Ch 1 and turn.

Row 5

Hdc across.

10 sts

Ch 1 and turn.

Row 6

Hdc2tog.

Hdc across until 2 stitches remain.

Hdc2tog.

8 sts

Ch 1 and turn.

Row 7

Hdc2tog.

Hdc across until 2 stitches remain.

Hdc2tog.

6 sts

Ch 1 and turn.

Row 8

Hdc2tog.

Hdc in next 2 sts.

Hdc2tog.

4 sts

Ch 1 and turn.

Row 9

Hdc2tog twice.

2 sts

Fasten off.

Shape the First Ear Flap

The ear flap should taper gradually from:

14 stitches

at the top to:

2 stitches

at the bottom.

It should comfortably cover the ear when the hat is worn.

PART 5: SECOND EAR FLAP

Join yarn at the marker on the opposite side.

Repeat Ear Flap Rows 1–9 exactly.

Fasten off.

Check Symmetry

Lay the hat flat.

Both ear flaps should:

Be approximately the same length
Begin at the same height
Have matching taper
Angle naturally toward the lower sides

Try the Hat On Again

Check that each flap covers the ear comfortably.

If you want longer ear flaps:

Add one or two extra rows before the final decreases.

PART 6: ADD THE EDGING

Join yarn at the center back of the hat.

Ch 1.

Work sc evenly around:

Back edge
First ear flap
Front edge
Second ear flap
Remaining back edge

At Each Ear Flap Tip

Work:

2–3 sc

around the final tip stitches.

This prevents the edging from pulling too tightly.

Join

Sl st into the first sc.

Fasten off if you don’t want ties.

Why Add an Edging?

The sc border:

Smooths the earflap edges
Strengthens the lower edge
Makes the hat look more finished
Helps both flaps match visually

PART 7: OPTIONAL CROCHET TIES

If you want ties:

Join yarn at the bottom of one ear flap.

Tie

Ch approximately:

35–40

Sl st back along the chain.

Fasten off.

Repeat

Make the same tie on the second ear flap.

Tie Length

The written version creates ties approximately:

9–11 inches

depending on tension.

Make them longer or shorter as desired.

Optional Simple Tassels

Cut several yarn strands approximately:

5 inches long

Fold them in half.

Pull them through the end of each tie.

Secure.

Trim evenly.

Skip the Ties

The hat works perfectly well without them.

For a simpler everyday version:

Leave the ear flaps plain.

This also creates a cleaner adult style.

Your Earflap Beanie Is Finished

You should now have:

Rounded crown
Fitted hat body
Dense lower band
Two tapered ear flaps
Optional ties

Gently shape everything with your hands.

Forest Green Version

Deep forest green gives this hat an outdoorsy winter look.

Pair it with:

Camel coat
Brown jacket
Cream scarf
Hiking outerwear

Charcoal Version

Charcoal makes the earflap shape look understated and modern.

It’s especially good for a unisex hat.

Cream Version

Warm cream highlights the crochet texture beautifully.

It creates a softer handmade winter aesthetic.

Navy Version

Navy is another practical neutral.

It works particularly well for:

Men’s winter accessories
Everyday hats
Handmade gifts

Burgundy Version

Deep burgundy adds color without making the hat feel overly bright.

Rustic Brown

Warm brown or heathered oatmeal yarn creates a classic cabin-style winter hat.

Make It Striped

Change color every:

2–4 rounds

during the hat body.

Keep the ear flaps in the main color for a more balanced look.

Contrast Ear Flaps

For a playful version:

Make the main hat in forest green.

Add ear flaps in:

cream

or:

camel

Then work a matching border around the entire hat.

Contrast Edging

Keep the whole hat one color.

Use a second color only for:

Final border
Ties
Tassels

This adds subtle contrast without complicating the pattern.

Adult Small Size

For a head approximately:

21–22 inches

you may stop the crown at:

60–62 stitches

depending on gauge.

Then position the ear flaps proportionally.

Adult Medium

The written:

64-stitch version

works well as a starting point for approximately:

22–23 inches

Adult Large

For approximately:

23–24 inches

continue increasing a little farther or use a slightly larger hook.

Always check the crown diameter and actual fit.

Child Size

For a child, you’ll need:

Smaller crown
Shorter body
Narrower ear flaps

Measure the child’s actual head whenever possible rather than relying only on age.

Ear Flap Width

For adult sizes, the written:

14-stitch flap

provides generous coverage.

For smaller sizes:

Use proportionally fewer stitches.

Make Wider Ear Flaps

Start each flap with:

16 stitches

instead of 14.

Decrease gradually as written.

This creates more coverage toward the cheeks and back of the ears.

Make Narrower Ear Flaps

Begin with:

12 stitches

for a sleeker adult look.

Make Longer Ear Flaps

Add:

1–3 straight rows

before beginning the final decreases.

Extra Cold-Weather Version

For very cold weather:

Use a soft wool blend.

Make slightly wider ear flaps.

Then add:

a fleece lining

inside the hat.

Optional Fleece Lining

A thin fleece lining can improve:

Wind protection
Warmth
Comfort

Cut a fleece piece based on the finished hat measurements.

Sew it inside by hand.

Keep the lining slightly smaller than the crochet fabric so the hat can still stretch.

Best Yarn for Cold Weather

Wool

Wool is naturally insulating.

Choose a soft variety suitable for garments worn against skin.

Wool/Acrylic Blend

This provides a practical balance of:

Warmth
Softness
Durability
Easier care

Merino

Merino is soft and warm without needing extremely bulky yarn.

It’s a great option for a premium winter hat.

Acrylic

Soft acrylic works well for:

Everyday hats
Washable gifts
Budget-friendly projects

It may not block wind as effectively as dense wool fabric, but it can still make a warm crochet hat.

Why Worsted Yarn Works Well

Worsted-weight yarn gives enough thickness for warmth while keeping the ear flaps from becoming overly bulky.

Current adult earflap patterns commonly use medium/worsted yarn with hooks around 5–5.5 mm.

Keep the Fabric Dense

For a cold-weather hat, avoid oversized hooks that create large gaps.

Your stitches should feel:

soft but relatively dense

If you can easily see large openings between stitches, try a slightly smaller hook.

Why Ear Flaps Help

Traditional beanies can shift upward and expose the ears.

Ear flaps extend the fabric downward and keep more coverage over the sides of the head.

That’s especially useful for:

Wind
Snowy walks
Outdoor work
Winter travel
Cold morning commutes

Handmade Christmas Gift Idea

An earflap beanie makes a practical winter gift.

Use a neutral color such as:

Charcoal
Navy
Forest green
Cream

Fold the ear flaps neatly inward.

Tie with natural twine or ribbon.

Add a tag:

Stay Warm

Matching Winter Set

Use the same yarn for:

Scarf
Mittens
Fingerless gloves
Cowl

A matching earflap beanie and scarf makes a particularly cozy gift.

Outdoor Gift Set

Pair the finished hat with:

Warm socks
Insulated mug
Gloves

for an easy cold-weather gift bundle.

Why This Pattern Is Beginner-Friendly

The crown increases follow a predictable sequence.

After that:

The hat body is simply repeated rounds.

The ear flaps use basic decreases.

The construction is essentially:

Increase → Work Even → Add Flaps → Edge

Common Beginner Mistakes

Crown Becoming Wavy

If your crown begins ruffling, you may have:

Too many stitches
Very loose tension

Check your stitch count.

Crown Becoming Bowl-Shaped Too Early

If it curves dramatically before the final increase rounds, your tension may be too tight.

Try a slightly larger hook.

Losing Stitches

Count at the end of every increase round.

Small errors at the crown affect the entire hat size.

Hat Too Short

Try the hat on before adding the ear flaps.

Add more straight rounds if necessary.

Ear Flaps Too Far Forward

The largest open gap should be at the front.

Position both flaps slightly toward the back half of the hat rather than directly at the sides of the face.

Unequal Ear Flaps

Count every row.

Make the second flap immediately after the first while the instructions are fresh.

Decreases Leaning Unevenly

Make sure every decrease row removes:

one stitch from each side

Ties Too Long

Test one tie before making the second.

Adjust chain count if necessary.

Edging Pulling Tight

Work enough sc stitches around the curves.

If the flaps begin curling inward dramatically, your border may be too tight.

Blocking

Light blocking can help:

Smooth the crown
Relax ear flaps
Straighten edging
Improve symmetry

Don’t stretch the hat excessively.

You want to preserve negative ease.

Washing

Follow your yarn manufacturer’s care instructions.

In general:

Wash gently.
Avoid excessive heat.
Reshape the crown.
Arrange both ear flaps.
Lay flat to dry when appropriate.

Can I Add a Pom-Pom?

Yes.

A pom-pom can be attached to the crown.

For a simpler practical cold-weather hat, leave it off.

Without a pom-pom, the beanie also fits more comfortably underneath some jacket hoods.

Can I Use Bulky Yarn?

Yes.

You’ll need:

Fewer stitches
Larger hook
Fewer rounds

Work according to finished measurements rather than the written stitch counts.

Can I Use DK Yarn?

Yes.

Use a smaller hook and more stitches.

DK will create a lighter, less bulky earflap hat.

Can I Make It Without Ties?

Absolutely.

The ear flaps still provide coverage without ties.

Can I Make the Ties Braided?

Yes.

Instead of crochet chains:

Cut several long yarn strands.

Attach them to each flap.

Divide into three groups.

Braid.

Tie the end securely.

Can I Make the Ear Flaps Rounder?

Yes.

Decrease more slowly at the beginning, then faster near the tip.

This creates a wider rounded flap.

Can I Make the Ear Flaps Pointier?

Decrease on every row.

This creates a sharper triangular shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this hat worked from the top down?

Yes.

What yarn weight is used?

Category 4 worsted or Aran yarn.

What hook size is used?

5.5 mm.

What size does the written pattern fit?

Approximately a 22–23 inch adult head, depending on gauge and stretch.

Are the ear flaps crocheted separately?

No. They’re worked directly onto the lower edge of the completed hat.

Are ties required?

No. They’re optional.

Is a pom-pom required?

No.

Can beginners make this?

Yes, if they’re comfortable with basic increases and decreases.

Is this hat unisex?

Yes. The simple shape works well in many colors and styles.

Final Thoughts

A regular beanie is useful, but a pair of ear flaps can make it much better suited to genuinely cold winter days.

This crochet earflap beanie pattern begins with a simple top-down crown, continues into an easy fitted hat body, and finishes with two tapered flaps that provide extra coverage exactly where it’s needed.

Add crochet ties for windy days or leave them off for a cleaner everyday style.

Make the hat in deep forest green for outdoor winter wear, charcoal for a versatile neutral, or warm cream for a cozy handmade look.

It’s practical, customizable, and a great next project after learning basic crochet hats.

Save this cozy crochet earflap beanie pattern for your cold-weather project list!