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Oak Grove Earflap Hat Pattern

Oak Grove Earflap Hat Pattern
4.4★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
4.0K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧣

Snug Essential

Everyday comfort with practical charm, designed for both functionality and style through changing seasons.

About This Oak Grove Earflap Hat Pattern

This pattern creates the Oak Grove Earflap Hat worked sideways in turned rows for a clean, seamless earflap construction. The hat uses yarn-over slip stitches worked through the back loop to create textured ridges and a stretchy fabric. Contrast edging and a pompom add customizable finishing touches so you can match team colors or your favorite palette.

Oak Grove Earflap Hat Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Sizes included range from baby through adult large with stitch counts and increases/decreases for each size. The pattern includes special stitch notes, edging instructions, a seaming row, and clear finishing steps for a polished result.

Why You'll Love This Oak Grove Earflap Hat Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines a clever sideways construction with a simple textured stitch that looks far more complex than it really is. I enjoy how the earflaps are worked seamlessly as part of the piece — no separate sewing required — which makes assembly quick and tidy. The design is incredibly versatile so I can swap colors and add a pompom to suit any season or recipient. Working the yarn-over slip stitch through the back loop creates a soft, stretchy fabric that fits a variety of head sizes comfortably. Best of all, I find it satisfying to watch the ridges form row by row; the technique is meditative and produces professional-looking results.

Oak Grove Earflap Hat Pattern step 1 - construction progress Oak Grove Earflap Hat Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Oak Grove Earflap Hat Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Oak Grove Earflap Hat Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love to change the color scheme to give each hat a unique personality; try school colors, muted neutrals, or bright contrasting shades.

I often switch yarn to a bulky weight and a larger hook to make a chunkier, cozy version perfect for winter outdoor wear.

For a mini keychain or toddler version, I use a lighter fingering or sport weight yarn with a much smaller hook to make a tiny, adorable hat.

I sometimes add embroidered initials or tiny felt appliques to personalize hats for gifts or team spirit.

I change the pompom size and color for different looks — try a neutral pompom for a classic style or a multicolor pompom for a playful finish.

To make the earflaps extra warm, I use a soft brushed or alpaca-blend yarn for the MC to add loft and insulation.

I experiment with the number of single crochets between ridges on the edging to create a neater or looser border depending on the yarn and hook.

If you want a sportier look, I braid the tie ends with contrasting colors or add small tassels to the braid ends.

I sometimes add a thin elastic inside the edging to give a snug, secure fit for active kids or outdoor wearers.

For extra durability, I reinforce the pompom attachment by sewing through the pompom core and hat top multiple times before weaving in ends.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not keeping track of turning chains and counts can cause the edge to become uneven; use a stitch marker to mark the first and last stitch of each row and count stitches regularly. ✗ Using the same hook size for edging and the hat can make the border too tight or too loose; change to a smaller hook (two sizes smaller) for edging to create a tidy finish. ✗ Pulling yarn too tightly when closing the top can distort the crown shape; use a double-stranded length to gather the ridges and pull evenly to close the top. ✗ Skipping blocking after finishing may leave ridges uneven and edges floppy; block the hat after finishing to relax the stitches and set the shape for a polished look.

Oak Grove Earflap Hat Pattern

Make a cozy, sideways-knit earflap hat that fits the whole family. This pattern uses yarn-over slip stitches worked in the back loop to create neat ridges, seamless earflaps, and a flattering fit. You can customize with contrast edging and a pompom for a fun, finished look you'll enjoy gifting or wearing.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Oak Grove Earflap Hat Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight yarn (CYCA #4) Main Color (MC) - approximately 165 (195, 220, 240, 265) yards [151 (178, 201, 220, 242) m] depending on size; wool, alpaca, acrylic, or blend
  • 02
    Worsted weight yarn (CYCA #4) Contrast Color (CC) - approximately 70 yards [64 m] for edging and pompom
  • 03
    Kelbourne Woolens Germantown (worsted weight, 100% North American Wool; 220 yards [201 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]) - Wild Rose #835 OR Olive #30 OR Yellow #735 used for MC; 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) skeins depending on size
  • 04
    Light Gray Heather #050 used as CC - approximately 1 partial skein each size for CC

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook US H/8 [5.0 mm] (or size needed to obtain gauge)
  • 02
    Crochet hook US F/5 [3.75 mm] for edging
  • 03
    Yarn needle for weaving and sewing
  • 04
    Removable stitch markers (optional) to mark first and last stitch of each row
  • 05
    3.5" [9 cm] piece of cardboard for making pompom
  • 06
    Scissors for cutting yarn and trimming pompom
  • 07
    Tapestry needle or blunt needle to attach pompom and weave in ends

Progress Tracker

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— Hat :

Info :

This hat is worked sideways in turned rows. Turning chains do not count as a stitch (this means that you do not work into them on the next row). For newer crocheters: use a stitch marker to keep track of the first and last stitch of each row to help maintain stitch count. Be sure to watch the video tutorial on the Creative Crochet Corner for tips.

Infos :

Special Stitches: Yarn-over slip stitch (YOslst): YO, insert hook into indicated st, YO and pull up loop, continue to pull loop through both loops on hook. 1 YOslst made. Yarn-over slip stitch blp (YOslst Blp): YO, insert hook into back loop of indicated st, YO and pull up loop, continue to pull loop through both loops on hook. 1 YOslst blp made. Yarn-over slip stitch blp decrease (YOslst2tog Blp): YO, insert hook into back loop of indicated st and through the back loop of the following stitch, YO and pull up loop, continue to pull loop through both loops on hook. 1 YOslst2tog blp made.

Info :

With larger hook, ch 27 (30, 33, 37, 41).

Row 1 :

Beginning with the second ch from hook and working into the bottom of the chain, 1 YOslst into each st. 26 (29, 32, 36, 40) YOslst.

Rows 2-5 (2-7, 2-7, 2-9, 2-9) :

Ch 1, turn, 1 YOslst Blp into each of the next 26 (29, 32, 36, 40) sts.

Row 6 (8, 8, 10, 10) (begins increase section) :

Ch 3, turn, beginning with the second ch from hook YOslst Blp in each of the next 2 chs, YOslst Blp in each of the next 26 (29, 32, 36, 40) sts. 28 (31, 34, 38, 42) YOslst.

Row 7 (9, 9, 11, 11) :

Ch 1, turn, 1 YOslst Blp into each st across until one st remains, YOslst in next st.

Row 8 (10, 10, 12, 12) (increase row) :

Ch 4, turn, beginning with the second ch from hook YOslst Blp in each of the next 3 chs, YOslst Blp in each of the next 28 (31, 34, 38, 42) sts. 31 (34, 37, 41, 45) YOslst.

Row 9 (11, 11, 13, 13) :

Ch 1, turn, 1 YOslst Blp into each st across until one st remains, YOslst in next st.

Row 10 (14, 14, 18, 18) (increase row) :

Ch 2, turn, beginning with the second ch from hook YOslst Blp in the next ch, YOslst Blp in each of the next 31 (37, 40, 47, 51) sts. 32 (38, 41, 48, 52) YOslst.

Rows 11-16 (15-18, 15-20, 19-22, 19-24) :

Ch 1, turn, 1 YOslst Blp into each st across.

Row 17 (19, 21, 23, 25) (begins decrease section) :

Ch 1, turn, YOslst Blp in each of the next 30 (36, 39, 46, 50) sts, YOslst2tog Blp. 31 (37, 40, 47, 51) YOslst.

Row 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) :

Ch 1, turn, 1 YOslst Blp into each st across.

Row 19 (21, 23, 25, 27) (decrease row) :

Ch 1, turn, YOslst Blp in each of the next 27 (33, 36, 43, 47) sts, YOslst2tog Blp twice. 29 (35, 38, 45, 49) YOslst.

Row 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) (decrease row) :

Ch 1, turn, YOslst2tog Blp, YOslst Blp in each of the next 27 (33, 36, 43, 47) sts. 28 (34, 37, 44, 48) YOslst.

Row 21 (23, 25, 27, 29) (decrease row) :

Ch 1, turn, YOslst Blp in each of the next 24 (30, 33, 40, 44) sts, YOslst2tog Blp twice. 26 (32, 35, 42, 46) YOslst.

Row 22 (24, 26, 28, 30) (decrease row) :

Ch 1, turn, YOslst2tog Blp, YOslst Blp in each of the next 24 (30, 33, 40, 44) sts. 25 (31, 34, 41, 45) YOslst.

Row 23 (27, 29, 33, 35) (decrease row) :

Ch 1, turn, YOslst Blp in each of the next 23 (26, 29, 33, 37) sts, YOslst2tog Blp. 24 (27, 30, 34, 38) YOslst.

Row 24 (28, 30, 34, 36) (decrease row) :

Ch 1, turn, YOslst2tog Blp, YOslst Blp in each of the next 22 (25, 28, 32, 36) sts. 23 (26, 29, 33, 37) YOslst.

Rows 25-35 (29-41, 31-45, 35-51, 37-55) (section across forehead) :

Ch 1, turn, 1 YOslst Blp into each st across.

Row 25 (27, 29, 31) (decrease row) :

Ch 1, turn, YOslst Blp in each of the next 27 (30, 37, 41) sts, YOslst2tog Blp twice. 29 (32, 39, 43) YOslst.

Row 26 (28, 30, 32) (decrease row) :

Ch 1, turn, YOslst2tog Blp, YOslst Blp in each of the next 27 (30, 37, 41) sts. 28 (31, 38, 42) YOslst.

For sizes toddler (child/adult small, adult medium, adult large) only :

Row 12 (12, 14, 14) (increase row): Ch 4, turn, beginning with the second ch from hook YOslst Blp in each of the next 3 chs, YOslst Blp in each of the next 34 (37, 41, 45) sts. 37 (40, 44, 48) YOslst.

Row 13 (13, 15, 15) :

Ch 1, turn, 1 YOslst Blp into each st across until one st remains, YOslst in next st.

For sizes adult medium (adult large) only :

Row 16 (16) (increase row): Ch 4, turn, beginning with the second ch from hook YOslst Blp in each of the next 3 chs, YOslst Blp in each of the next 44 (48) sts. 47 (51) YOslst.

Row 17 (17) :

Ch 1, turn, 1 YOslst Blp into each st across.

For sizes adult medium (adult large) only :

Row 31 (33) (decrease row): Ch 1, turn, YOslst Blp in each of the next 34 (38) sts, YOslst2tog Blp twice. 36 (40) YOslst.

Row 32 (34) (decrease row) :

Ch 1, turn, YOslst2tog Blp, YOslst Blp in each of the next 34 (38) sts. 35 (39) YOslst.

Row 36 (42, 46, 52, 56) (begins increase section) :

Ch 3, turn, beginning with the second ch from hook YOslst Blp in each of the next 2 chs, YOslst Blp in each of the next 23 (26, 29, 33, 37) sts. 25 (28, 31, 35, 39) YOslst.

Row 37 (43, 47, 53, 57) :

Ch 1, turn, 1 YOslst Blp into each st across until 1 st remains, YOslst in last st.

Row 38 (44, 48, 54, 58) (increase row) :

Ch 4, turn, beginning with the second ch from hook YOslst Blp in each of the next 3 chs, YOslst Blp in each of the next 25 (28, 31, 35, 39) sts. 28 (31, 34, 38, 42) YOslst.

Rows 39-52 (45-60, 49-66, 55-74, 59-80) :

Repeat Rows 7-20 (9-24, 9-26, 11-30, 11-32).

Row 53 (61, 67, 75, 81) (decrease row) :

Ch 1, turn, YOslst Blp in each of the next 26 (29, 32, 36, 40) sts, YOslst2tog Blp. 27 (30, 33, 37, 41) YOslst.

Row 54 (62, 68, 76, 82) (decrease row) :

Ch 1, turn, YOslst2tog Blp, YOslst Blp in each of the next 25 (28, 31, 35, 39) sts. 26 (29, 32, 36, 40) YOslst.

Rows 55-60 (63-68, 69-76, 77-84, 83-92) :

Ch 1, turn, 1 YOslst Blp into each st across.

Seaming row :

Turn as if to work another row, fold hat, matching ends, with foundation row directly behind last row worked. Working through both loops of row in front (working row) and front loops of row in back (foundation edge), sl st across. Do not fasten off. Turn so that seam is on the inside of hat.

— Edging :

Info :

Change to smaller hook (two sizes smaller than hook used for hat). With CC, ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), SC around edge of hat as follows: SC in each row-end across to earflap, SC along edge of earflap making one SC into each ridge and either 1, 2, OR 3 SC between ridges. If the edge seems constricted, use fewer stitches (or a larger hook), if the edge becomes stretched out or wavy, use fewer stitches (or a smaller hook). The goal here is make a tidy border of SC that does not stretch or constrict the edge. Continue making a border of SC, placing 1 SC in each row-end across the straight edges, and working second earflap same as the first. Slst into the first SC of edging round and fasten off.

Info :

Continuing with smaller hook and CC, pull up loop in same st as join, YOslst in each st around, sl st to fasten off.

— Finishing :

Info :

Use a double-stranded length of MC to weave through each ridge along top edge of hat, and pull tight to close top of hat as much as possible. Turn Hat inside out and use yarn tails to sew remaining hole at top of hat closed. Weave in ends, turn RS out and block.

— PomPom :

Info :

Cut 1 piece of CC yarn to 16" [40.5 cm] and set aside. Cut 1 piece of CC yarn to 32" [81 cm] and set aside. Wrap CC yarn loosely around piece of 3.5" [9 cm] cardboard about 140-160 times. Before removing loops from cardboard, tie the 16" [40.5 cm] piece of yarn tightly around loops near center of cardboard. Fold the 32" [81 cm] piece of yarn in half, then holding the yarn doubled, tie the center of the opposite side of pompom in a tight knot. (Now there is a knot on each side of the cardboard). Carefully slide loops off cardboard and tie the doubled piece of yarn around the center of the loops, this time around both sides- make sure you tie a very tight knot. Use scissors to cut all of the loops of the pom-pom, being careful not to cut either of the two longer strands that were used to tie the pom-pom together. Fluff pom-pom, and trim ends of pom-pom into a 3.5" [9 cm] ball. Using yarn needle and long strands of yarn, attach pom-pom to top of hat. Weave in ends.

— Tie ends :

Info :

Cut 24 pieces of CC at 32" [81.5 cm]. Set 12 of these pieces aside for the second tie. Insert hook from WS to RS through earflap near tip, lay center of 12 strands of cut yarn over hook, and use hook to pull through earflap until a large enough loop forms to pull all 24 ends through. Divide strands into 3 equal sections (8 ends in each section) and braid until desired length. Tie in overhand knot and trim ends. Repeat for opposite tie end with remaining 12 strands of yarn.

Assembly Instructions

  • Seam the hat by folding it with the foundation row directly behind the last row worked; working through both loops of the row in front and the front loops of the foundation edge, slip stitch across, leaving seam on the inside of hat.
  • Change to the smaller hook and SC around the edge with CC, placing one SC in each row-end across the straight edges and one SC into each ridge along the earflap edge, adjusting SC between ridges to 1, 2, or 3 as needed for a tidy border.
  • Weave a double-stranded length of MC through the top ridges of the hat and pull tight to close the top; turn hat inside out and sew the remaining hole closed with yarn tails, then weave in ends and block.
  • Make a pompom with CC by wrapping yarn around a 3.5" [9 cm] cardboard ~140-160 times, secure centers with the reserved yarn pieces, cut loops, trim to a 3.5" ball, and attach the pompom to the top of the hat with a yarn needle.
  • Attach tie ends by pulling 12 strands through each earflap tip, divide into three groups of 8 strands, braid to desired length, tie an overhand knot, trim ends, and repeat for the opposite earflap.

Important Notes

  • 💡Turning chains do not count as a stitch; do not work into turning chains on the next row.
  • 💡Use removable stitch markers to mark the first and last stitch of each row to help maintain consistent stitch counts.
  • 💡Change to a smaller hook (two sizes smaller) for edging to create a tidy border that does not constrict or stretch the hat edge.
  • 💡If the edging seems too tight or too wavy, adjust hook size or number of SC between ridges until the border lies flat.

This Oak Grove Earflap Hat pattern makes a warm, textured, and highly customizable hat for babies through adults. Add contrast edging and a fluffy pompom to suit any color scheme or team spirit. The sideways construction with YOslst Blp ridges creates a beautifully stretchy fabric that fits comfortably. 🧶 Make one for everyone you love and enjoy gifting handmade warmth! 🎁

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Hats measure approximately 16 (18.25, 20.25, 22.5, 24.5)" [40.5 (46.5, 51.5, 57, 62) cm] in circumference and about 6.5 (7.25, 8, 9, 10)" [16.5 (18.5, 20.5, 23, 25.5) cm] tall measured along the center back seam.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, but changing yarn weight will affect the final size and drape; adjust hook size and check the gauge (16 sts and 15 rows = 4" over YOslst Blp) before proceeding.

Do I need to know special stitches?

This pattern uses the yarn-over slip stitch (YOslst) worked through the back loop (YOslst Blp) and a YOslst2tog Blp decrease; the pattern includes detailed special stitch notes to guide you.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, depending on experience and which size you make.

How do I make the pompom and attach it securely?

Wrap CC yarn around a 3.5" cardboard about 140-160 times, tie the center with reserved yarn lengths, cut the loops, trim into a 3.5" ball, and use the long strands and a yarn needle to securely sew the pompom to the hat top.