How to Knit Owl Earflap Hat245

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in two colors: main color and contrasting color
Size 7 (4.5mm) circular knitting needles, 16" and 24" length
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Stitch markers (optional)

Gauge: 20 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Finished Size: Approximately 18-20 inches around and 10 inches deep (not including earflaps)

Abbreviations:* CO: Cast on
* K: Knit
* P: Purl
* St(s): stitch(es)
* Rep: Repeat
* RS: Right side
* WS: Wrong side
Instructions:
Hat Band:
1. With main color, CO 100 sts on the 16" circular needle.
2. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
3. K 2, P 2 all around. Repeat for 2 more rows.
Body of the Hat:
1. Knit in stockinette stitch (K every row) until the hat measures approximately 6 inches from the cast-on edge (or to desired depth).
Earflaps:
1. Divide the stitches in half equally (50 sts per earflap).
2. On the 24" circular needle, join 25 sts from the end of the first half and 25 sts from the beginning of the second half.
3. Knit every row for 12 inches.
4. Bind off all stitches.
5. Repeat for the second earflap.
Attaching Earflaps:
1. Fold the earflaps in half lengthwise, aligning the edges.
2. With the contrasting color, sew the earflaps to the sides of the hat, approximately 3 inches above the brim.
Owl Eyes and Beak:
1. Using contrasting color, embroider two circles for the owl's eyes. Use a French knot for the owl's beak.
Finishing:
1. Weave in any loose ends.
2. Block the hat to shape.
Tips:
* For a more snug fit, decrease the number of stitches cast on.
* To make the hat longer, increase the number of rows of stockinette stitch in the body of the hat.
* Experiment with different contrasting colors to create different owl designs.
* Add additional embellishments such as tassels, pom-poms, or feathers.