How to Knit a Braided Earflap Hat: A Step-by-Step Guide with Diagrams127

Materials:
Medium Worsted Weight Yarn (100-120 yards)
US Size 8 (5mm) Circular Knitting Needles, 16" and 24" length
Stitch Markers
Tapestry Needle

Abbreviations:
CO: Cast on
K: Knit
P: Purl
Sl: Slip
Sts: Stitches
K2tog: Knit two stitches together
P2tog: Purl two stitches together

Step 1: Cast On and Join
CO 96 sts onto the 16" needles.
Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

Step 2: Ribbing
Work 2 rows in the following sequence: K1, P1.
Repeat Step 2 for a total of 6 rows.

Step 3: Shaping the Crown
Decrease Row 1: *K2, K2tog*; repeat from * to * around.
Decrease Row 2: *P2tog, P2*; repeat from * to * around.

Repeat Decrease Rows 1 and 2 three more times for a total of 9 Decrease Rows.
Work 14 rounds of straight knitting without decreases.

Step 4: Dividing for Braids
Place a stitch marker every 24 sts around the hat (4 markers total).
Separate the stitches between the markers into three equal sections of 24 sts each.

Step 5: Braiding
Braid 1: Slip the first 8 sts of the section onto a spare needle.
Slip the next 8 sts of the section onto a second spare needle.
Slip the remaining 8 sts of the section onto a third spare needle.
With the spare needle holding the middle 8 sts, cross the stitches over the needle holding the first 8 sts.
Then, cross the stitches over the needle holding the last 8 sts.
Repeat these steps until the braid reaches the desired length.
Braid 2 and 3: Repeat the braiding process for the remaining two sections of stitches.

Step 6: Joining the Braids
After completing the braids, remove the spare needles and join the braids with a 3-needle bind-off.

Step 7: Earflaps
Return to the remaining stitches on the needles (24 sts).
Work 20 rounds of straight knitting in stockinette stitch (K all rounds).
Bind off loosely after the final round.
Repeat Steps 55 and 56 for the second earflap.

Step 8: Finishing
Weave in loose ends using a tapestry needle.
Block the hat to shape and smooth the stitches.

2024-12-30

Previous：Headscarf Hooks: An Essential Accessory for Modest Fashion

Next：Quartz Watch Dials: A Comprehensive Guide