Kat's Kiddies "Two-Sticks" Ear Flap Ski Hat

My goodness, what a mouthful!

But that's what it is; a mini version of the Ear Flap Ski Hat, but this one is just for kids!!

Again, this little beauty only needs 2 needles, no Circular needles and definately no dreaded DPNs!!

I've put the size as 1-2 years old, but it's quite stretchy so it is a rough guide. The picture gives you an idea - my gorgeous little model is Tom; a big thanks to him and to his parents for allowing me to publish this picture of him showing off his new hat!!

SIZE: Child 1-2 years Finished Circumference approx 18 inches.

MATERIALS
5MM Needles
Aran/Chunky Wool. I prefer chunky (Bulky) because the hat comes out thicker and therefore warmer!

GAUGE:
16 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches

ABBREVIATIONS:

k = knit
p = purl
beg = begin
k2tog = knit 2 together
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
sl = slip
St st = Stockinette
sts = stitch(es)WS = wrong side

YOU WILL NEED:
5mm Needles. Yup, that's it; just 1 pair of 5mm needles - can you believe it?!!!Chunky wool in whatever colour you would like.
The pattern is written as if it's all one colour - just change wool wherever you would like to add stripes of colour. The design also works in Aran with no need to change size, though it makes a thinner hat.

Earflaps (make 2)
Cast on 3 sts. Work in k1, p1 rib until you have a 7 inch length for the tie.

******K1, p1 rib is just knitting one then purling one then knitting one again, then purling one again and so on until you reach the end, then doing the same on the wrong side.***********

Row 1: inc1, K1, inc1 – 5 sts.

Row 2: Knit row

Row 3: inc1, K3, inc1 – 7 sts.

Row 4: Knit row

Row 5: inc1, K5, inc1 – 9 sts.

Row 6: Knit row

Row 7: inc1, K7, inc1 – 11 sts.

Row 8: Knit row

Continue as established, increasing 2 sts of each row until there are 23 sts; ending on a WS row.Slip stitches onto a spare needle or holder. Make a second Earflap the same, adding this to the spare needle/stitch holder.

Joining it all up:

Cast on 5 sts then knit across 23 earflap sts. Then cast on another 16 sts, knit across 23 stitches of second earflap and then cast on another 5 sts – 72 sts.Work even in St st until piece measures 4.5 inches above joining row, end with a RS row.

Next Row: P16, P2tog, P36, P2tog, P16 - 70 sts

Decrease for hat top:

Row 1: *K5, k2tog; rep from * across row – 60 sts.

Row 2: Purl row

Row 3: *K4, k2tog; rep from * across row – 50 sts.

Row 4: Purl row

Row 5: *K3, k2tog; rep from * across row – 40 sts.

Row 6: Purl row

Row 7: *K2, k2tog; rep from * across row – 30 sts.

Row 8: Purl row

Row 9: *K1, k2tog; rep from * across row – 20 sts.

Row 11: K2tog across – 10 sts.

Row 13: K2tog across - 5 sts.

And finally:
Cut the wool, leaving a good length tail; enough to sew down the seam. Thread the tail through remaining sts and pull tightly together to secure.
And there you have it; a cute and cuddly ski hat for the little one :-)

Kat xx