Spirit Earflap Hat – Free Crochet Pattern
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Want to learn how to crochet a cozy earflap hat? The Spirit Earflap Beanie is the perfect project! This free earflap beanie crochet pattern offers a simple and modern twist on the basic crochet earflap hat with its subtly textured brim and playful tassels. Even better, this design includes 7 sizes, making it a fantastic free earflap hat crochet pattern for adults and kids alike!
This beginner-friendly crochet earflap hat pattern is designed to fit everyone! The pattern includes a full range of 7 sizes, from newborns and babies (0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months), up through toddler, child, teen, and adult sizes.
Table of Contents
I hope you enjoy this free crochet pattern available here on my blog! An ad-free, formatted PDF version of this crochet pattern is also available for purchase here:
You don’t want to lose this pattern when you’re ready to start crocheting!
Pin it Now: Pin this free crochet earflap hat on Pinterest to easily save it to your project boards.
Save on Ravelry: Be sure to save this crochet earflap hat free pattern to your favorites on Ravelry and add it to your project queue!
Free Crochet Pattern for Spirit Earflap Hat
Pattern Specifics
Size: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, toddler, child, teen, adult
Gauge: 2” = 4 DC rows and 7 DC sts
Hook Size: 5.5mm (I) crochet hook* (see notes)
Other Tools: tapestry needle, scissors, pom maker
Yarn Weight: Medium (4), Worsted Weight
Yarn Used: Premier Just Yarn, Red Heart with Love, WeCrochet Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Other Materials: n/a
Stitch Abbreviations
st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
DC = double crochet
FPDC = front post double crochet
SC = single crochet
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together
Notes
- Note that your yarn choice, hook size, and tension will affect the sizing of this project. Please check your gauge prior to starting this pattern. If you do not compare your gauge to that of the design, it is possible that your sizing will be affected.
- Approximate circumference for reach size is the measurement that your hat will comfortably stretch to. The actual width of the hat may be slightly shorter.
- Note that age-based sizes are the average measurements for that size, based on the standards set forth by the Craft Yarn Council. It is always best to base your sizing on the actual head circumference.
- Chain 1 or 2 at the beginning of each row does NOT count as a stitch (unless otherwise specified).
Pattern
Using 5.5mm (I) crochet hook:
0-3 Months
Approx. circumference: 13” / Approx. length: 5”
Hat Base
Beginning with color A (shown as gray), and alternating each row with color B (shown as white):
R1: Using a magic ring, ch 2. 10 DC. Join with a sl st to beginning. (10 sts)
R2: Ch 2, 2 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (20 sts)
R3: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (30 sts)
R4: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (35 sts)
R5-6: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (35 sts)
Using color C (shown as blue):
R7: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (35 sts)
R8-9: Ch 2, 1 FPDC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (35 sts)
Do not fasten off, begin on Earflap 1.
3-6 Months
Approx. circumference: 14” / Approx. length: 5.5”
Hat Base
Beginning with color B (shown as white), and alternating each row with color A (shown as gray):
R1: Using a magic ring, ch 2. 10 DC. Join with a sl st to beginning. (10 sts)
R2: Ch 2, 2 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (20 sts)
R3: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (30 sts)
R4: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (40 sts)
R5-7: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (40 sts)
Using color C (shown as blue):
R8: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (40 sts)
R9-10: Ch 2, 1 FPDC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (40 sts)
Do not fasten off, begin on Earflap 1.
6-12 Months
Approx. circumference: 16” / Approx. length: 6”
Hat Base
Beginning with color A (shown as gray), and alternating each row with color B (shown as white):
R1: Using a magic ring, ch 2. 10 DC. Join with a sl st to beginning. (10 sts)
R2: Ch 2, 2 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (20 sts)
R3: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (30 sts)
R4: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (40 sts)
R5: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (45 sts)
R6-8: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (45 sts)
Using color C (shown as blue):
R9: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (45 sts)
R10-11: Ch 2, 1 FPDC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (45 sts)
Do not fasten off, begin on Earflap 1.
Toddler
Approx. circumference: 18” / Approx. length: 7”
Hat Base
Beginning with color B (shown as white), and alternating each row with color A (shown as gray):
R1: Using a magic ring, ch 2. 10 DC. Join with a sl st to beginning. (10 sts)
R2: Ch 2, 2 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (20 sts)
R3: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (30 sts)
R4: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (40 sts)
R5: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (50 sts)
R6-9: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (50 sts)
Using color C (shown as blue):
R10: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (50 sts)
R11-13: Ch 2, 1 FPDC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (50 sts)
Do not fasten off, begin on Earflap 1.
Child
Approx. circumference: 20” / Approx. length: 7.5”
Hat Base
Beginning with color A (shown as gray), and alternating each row with color B (shown as white):
R1: Using a magic ring, ch 2. 10 DC. Join with a sl st to beginning. (10 sts)
R2: Ch 2, 2 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (20 sts)
R3: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (30 sts)
R4: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (40 sts)
R5: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (50 sts)
R6: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 9 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (55 sts)
R7-10: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (55 sts)
Using color C (shown as blue):
R11: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (55 sts)
R12-14: Ch 2, 1 FPDC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (55 sts)
Do not fasten off, begin on Earflap 1.
Teen / Adult Small
Approx. circumference: 21” / Approx. length: 8”
Hat Base
Beginning with color B (shown as white), and alternating each row with color A (shown as gray):
R1: Using a magic ring, ch 2. 10 DC. Join with a sl st to beginning. (10 sts)
R2: Ch 2, 2 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (20 sts)
R3: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (30 sts)
R4: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (40 sts)
R5: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (50 sts)
R6: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (60 sts)
R7-11: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (60 sts)
Using color C (shown as blue):
R12: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (60 sts)
R13-15: Ch 2, 1 FPDC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (60 sts)
Do not fasten off, begin on Earflap 1.
Adult
Approx. circumference: 23” / Approx. length: 9”
Hat Base
Beginning with color A (shown as gray), and alternating each row with color B (shown as white):
R1: Using a magic ring, ch 2. 10 DC. Join with a sl st to beginning. (10 sts)
R2: Ch 2, 2 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (20 sts)
R3: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (30 sts)
R4: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (40 sts)
R5: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (50 sts)
R6: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (60 sts)
R7: Ch 2, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in each of the next 11 sts. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (65 sts)
R8-12: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (65 sts)
Using color C (shown as blue):
R13: Ch 2, 1 DC in each st around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (65 sts)
R14-16: Ch 2, 1 FPDC in next st, 1 DC in next st. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to beginning. (65 sts)
Do not fasten off, begin on Earflap 1.
Earflaps for 0-3 Months, 3-6 Months, 6-12 Months, and Toddler
Earflap 1
R1: Ch 1, 1 SC in each of the next 10 sts. Place a stitch marker in the next stitch, which remains unworked. (10 sts)
R2: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. SC2tog. (8 sts)
R3: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (8 sts)
R4: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. SC2tog. (6 sts)
R5: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (6 sts)
R6: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. SC2tog. (4 sts)
R7: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (4 sts)
R8: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog, twice. (2 sts)
R9: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. (1 sts)
Fasten off.
From the stitch marker placed at the beginning of Earflap 1, R1, leave the specified number of stitches (see below) unworked, and begin Earflap 2 in the next st. The stitch marked with your stitch marker will be your first unworked stitch.
- 0-3 Months: 10 unworked sts
- 3-6 Months: 12 unworked sts
- 6-12 Months: 15 unworked sts
- Toddler: 17 unworked sts
Earflap 2
R1: Ch 1, 1 SC in each of the next 10 sts. (10 sts)
R2: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. SC2tog. (8 sts)
R3: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (8 sts)
R4: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. SC2tog. (6 sts)
R5: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (6 sts)
R6: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. SC2tog. (4 sts)
R7: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (4 sts)
R8: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog, twice. (2 sts)
R9: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. (1 sts)
Do not fasten off. Begin finishing.
Earflaps for Child, Teen, and Adult
Earflap 1
R1: Ch 1, 1 SC in each of the next 12 sts. Place a stitch marker in the next stitch, which remains unworked. (12 sts)
R2: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 8 sts. SC2tog. (10 sts)
R3: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (10 sts)
R4: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. SC2tog. (8 sts)
R5: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (8 sts)
R6: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. SC2tog. (6 sts)
R7: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (6 sts)
R8: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. SC2tog. (4 sts)
R9: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (4 sts)
R10: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog, twice. (2 sts)
R11: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. (1 sts)
Fasten off.
From the stitch marker placed at the beginning of Earflap 1, R1, leave the specified number of stitches (see below) unworked, and begin Earflap 2 in the next st. The stitch marked with your stitch marker will be your first unworked stitch.
- Child: 20 unworked sts
- Teen: 22 unworked sts
- Adult: 25 unworked sts
Earflap 2
R1: Ch 1, 1 SC in each of the next 12 sts. (12 sts)
R2: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 8 sts. SC2tog. (10 sts)
R3: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (10 sts)
R4: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 6 sts. SC2tog. (8 sts)
R5: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (8 sts)
R6: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. SC2tog. (6 sts)
R7: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (6 sts)
R8: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. SC2tog. (4 sts)
R9: Ch 1, turn, 1 SC in each st across. (4 sts)
R10: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog, twice. (2 sts)
R11: Ch 1, turn, SC2tog. (1 sts)
Do not fasten off. Begin finishing.
Assembly & Finishing (All Sizes)
See tutorial photos.
Trimming
Ch 1, work 1 SC down Earflap 2, around the back edge of your hat, up and over Earflap 1, around the front edge of your hat, and back up Earflap 2 to your beginning st. Join with a sl st to your first SC.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Tassels (one for each earflap)
Cut 3 long equal strands of colors A, B, and C, for a total of 9 strands for each tassel. The strands should be long enough that when folded in half, the length is slightly longer than your desired finished tassel length.
Insert your hook at the bottom of the Earflap. Pull the strands of yarn through with your hook and tie a knot with all strands held together to secure.
Separate the strands by color and braid them together. Tie a knot at the end of the braid to secure. Cut yarn ends to be even.
Pom Pom
Using color C (shown as blue), create a pom pom with a pom maker.
Attach the pom pom to the top of the hat.
I hope you enjoyed making this cozy Spirit Earflap Beanie! If you loved this design, be sure to check out my other free crochet patterns!
Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Spirit Earflap Hat
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My finished hat doesn’t fit the size I intended. What went wrong?
The most common reason for a sizing error is not checking your gauge. Everyone crochets with different tension, and every yarn varies. Without confirming your stitches per inch matches the pattern’s gauge, there is no guarantee on the final fit. If the hat is too large, your gauge is too loose; perhaps use a smaller hook size or go down a hat size. If the hat is too small, your gauge is too tight; perhaps use a larger hook size or go up a hat size.
What is the best yarn for this hat?
This free crochet earflap hat pattern was specifically written using worsted weight yarn, and using that weight is the best way to ensure you achieve accurate sizing. Since the hat is a winter item, a warm and durable fiber like acrylic or wool is ideal for the best results.
How long does it take to crochet the Spirit Earflap Hat?
The adult size takes the longest, but a skilled beginner can typically finish the entire earflap beanie in a single evening or a weekend.
Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Fit
- Gauge Check: Always check your gauge before making any item that requires a certain fit. If your gauge is off, the final size of your adult or kid earflap beanie crochet pattern will be incorrect!
- Circumference is Key: It’s best to select sizing based on head circumference, rather than age sizing alone. Head sizes can vary greatly, and measuring ensure a great fit for every one of the 7 sizes included.
Pattern Alterations: Customize Your Earflap Hat
This versatile free crochet earflap hat pattern is easy to customize for endless design possibilities!
- Show Your Colors: Customize this hat to support your favorite teams, schools, or causes by making this earflap beanie crochet pattern in your school or team colors!
- Go Solid: Instead of stripes, skip the color changes and make a basic trapper hat in any solid color for a classic, cozy look.
- Add Appliques: Add simple appliques to the finished hat to instantly create a variety of fun designs (e.g. adding ears for an animal beanie or a star for a superhero look).
More Free Hat Crochet Patterns You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this free crochet earflap hat pattern, you may also enjoy browsing my other popular free hat patterns. Check out some reader favorites:
- View the full free crochet hat pattern collection. Find beanies, slouchy hats, and more!
- Try the popular Simply Slouchy Beanie Crochet Pattern
- Or make the classic, Kady Beanie Crochet Pattern.
First published March 2020.
I hope you enjoyed this pattern! If you make it, leave me a comment below.
Want to see more from me? Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so that you never miss a pattern!
Follow along with me on Instagram for daily updates and a behind the scenes look at my designs.
I’d love to see what you make with this tutorial! Don’t forget to share your finished work with me: on social media by tagging me @thenicolechase, in your Ravelry projects, or post over in my Facebook group!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy crafting!
Nicole
PATTERN COPYRIGHT © 2025 NICOLE CHASE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PATTERN MAY NOT BE ALTERED, COPIED, REDISTRIBUTED OR SOLD AS YOUR OWN PATTERN.
YOU MAY SELL THE FINISHED PRODUCT ON A SMALL SCALE. PATTERN/DESIGN CREDIT GIVEN TO WWW.THENICOLECHASE.COM IS APPRECIATED. PERMISSION TO SELL DOES NOT INCLUDE MASS PRODUCTION. LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION IS PROHIBITED.
PHOTOGRAPHY COPYRIGHT © 2025 NICOLE CHASE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PHOTOS MAY NOT BE ALTERED, COPIED, REDISTRIBUTED OR SOLD AS YOUR OWN.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
where is the gauge sample and size?
Hello! You can find the gauge information in the Pattern Specifics section: Gauge: 2” = 4 DC rows and 7 DC sts
Thanks. I found it when I was rereading the pattern and before I saw your comment, that’s why there’s multiple replies
I found it Gauge: 2” = 4 DC rows and 7 DC sts
how would I alter it so that it fits someone with a massive head xD the adult size doesn’t for my partner’s big head xD
Hi! There’s a couple different things you could try! One way is that you could use a larger hook size while making the adult size. Another is that you can increase the total number of sts. So in R7 when it increases to 65 sts, you could instead do 2SC, 1 SC in each of the next 5, repeating around, for a total of 70 sts. And if that isn’t larger enough, then move to R8 and add in any additional that you may require. 🙂
Also keep in mind that the hat will likely stretch, so if it fits but is just a little snug, after a few wears, it should be a perfect fit!
Hope that helps!
I’m confused by the instruction Magic ring, chain 2. I’ve made many magic rings but the pattern usually indicates how many sc to put into the magic ring. Sorry if this is obvious. I’m a beginner when it comes to wearables.
Hello! Just instead of starting your single crocheting into the ring, you’ll ch 2, and then work your DC into the ring. 🙂 Alternatively, you could ch 3 and work your DC sts into the first ch. Hope that helps!
I’m making a child size hat and I’m stuck on row 13 in regards of alternating FPDC in one stitch and DC in the next. Do you have a how to video to show where to place your hook?
Hello,
Sorry, I don’t have a specific tutorial video, but I do have a quick Reel on Instagram that might help give you a visual. It is at a faster speed though. I’ll link it below. It might help you to keep in mind that the 2 lines that you would normally insert your hook into are directly above the post of the stitch, so if you are working the DC, you’ll then find the next 2 lines where you’d put a DC, and follow it down to identify what is the post of that stitch. Hope that helps!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz38fIwu4LZ/?igsh=MTc3NnhldmZxaXlsMw==
This turned out so cute! Worked up in a few hours start to finish! I love this pattern! Thank you so much! I have a picture of my finished product I’d love to share with you if interested!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I got your email; thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
I’m struggling with the blue brim. My brim is rolling up. What am I doing wrong?
Perhaps your tension is too tight? You can try using a larger hook size. Hope that helps!
Just made a child size hat … this is one of the easiest patterns & hats I’ve ever made !!! So full of texture & color possibilities are so fun ! I’m going to make some more … working on hats & scarves for a friend who works with a mission group that takes a yearly trip to the Dakota’s … kids are the most requested and I can get one of these a day done !!! THANK YOU !!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad to hear that!
Not sure if you’re doing something i’m not, but the toddler size ended up at 14.5" instead of the 18" it was supposed to be, and I used the hook and yarn sizes you suggested. Any ideas?
Hi Lauren! It sounds like your gauge is tighter than mine. Checking your gauge before starting a pattern will help you decide if you need to go up or down on your hook size. 🙂
You could either go up in hook size, or make the next size up.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks!