Free Earflap Hat Pattern with color change instruction

Hi again!

I am posting my first Free Pattern. Hats are common, but this one is Very Versitile and a great option if you're learning color changes,  rounds or modifications.

  Please leave some comments and let me know how you liked the pattern.

Enjoy!

My version is done in Chicago Bears Colors, Colors can be changed any way you'd like of course!

I hook
H Hook
Worsted Weight yarn ( I used I Love This Yarn)

MODIFICATIONS, If you'd like to change the size

 If this hat is for a large head, big hair, dreads, etc., I suggest you continue in the pattern by increasing 8 sts each round as pattern has established up to round 7 until you reach the desired size.
If this hat is for a child, begin hdc on rnd 6 and discontinue increases after rnd 5, work evenly from Rnd 6 and on. Ear flaps for a child's hat should begin as 11 sts, not 13sts.
You can also use a smaller / larger hook to achieve your custom size.
* A smaller hook will make for a warmer hat

With I hook, Begin with a magic ring or chain 3
Rnd 1 8 dc in ring or 3rd chain from hook
At the end of each round,  join with a slst in top chain of beginning ch 2, then ch 2. Always begin round in the next dc(not the same as ch 2) be sure you are joining correctly, or you will be adding a st each round
Rnd 2 2dc in each dc around(16dc)
Rnd 3 1 dc in next dc,  2 dc in next dc, around (24dc)
Rnd 4 1 dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, around (32dc)
Rnd 5 1 dc in next 3 dc, 2dc in next dc, around (40dc) First color change here(blue to white)
Color change shown here in SC
insert hook into st, yo, pull up a loop, drop (white) color, wrap hook with 'New" color, pull through to finish the stitch

Color change with Hdc-Yo, insert hook into next st,yo, pull up a loop, drop color, wrap hook with new color, pull through sts on hook to finish the hdc.

Color change in HDC

Rnd 6 1 hdc in next 4 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc, around (48 hdc) color change here (white to orange)
Rnd 7 1 hdc in next 5 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc, around (56 hdc)
Rnd 8  Hdc in each hdc around, Color change here (orange to white)
Rnd 9 Hdc in each hdc around, Color change back to Main Color here (white to blue)
Rnd 10 - 14 Hdc in each hdc around. Join, place a marker, do NOT fasten off
                                                                   
Earflaps, H hook
rounds turn into rows for earflaps
First Earflap

Row 1 Sc in next 4 hdc, ch 1, Hdc in next 12 hdc, turn (13hdc)
Row 2 ch 1, hdc dec, hdc in next 9 hdc, hdc dec, ch 1, turn(11hdc)
Row 3 hdc dec, hdc in next 7hdc, hdc dec (9hdc)ch 1, turn
Row 4 hdc dec, hdc in next 5 hdc, hdc dec, (7hdc), turn
Row 5 ch 1, hdc in same & in each hdc across(7hdc)
Row 6 repeat last row one time, fasten off

Second earflap

With right side facing (hat upside down, top of hat below, earflap above)On last Round completed, count 24 (unused) sts to left of finished earflap
Attached Main color to 25th st with a slp st, ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in next 12 hdc(13hdc) turn, leave last 3 hdc of that Round unused.
Repeat Rows 2-6 of First Earflap

Finishing

 Join 2nd color (white) either at your marker or in the back corner of either earflap.
Sc in each st around, join & fasten off or color change to 3rd color (orange)
I prefer to make 2 sc in each corner (outward & inward corners) for this round of finishing
Color change

With 2nd finishing color (orange)I use Hdc and I prefer to make one hdc in each sc, Except for going around an outward corner. 2 sc in those, and there are only four of them-one at each corner of bottom edge of earflaps.
Lastly, Using the main color (blue), one round of Sc in each st around.
Fasten off and weave in any loose ends.

Please let me know if you find any errors and definately share pics of your finished items!
Contact me by posting a comment below or email me at coolcrochet.sherrie@yahoo.com
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Some rights are Reserved. This pattern is not for reproducing and selling in any form. This is my own pattern. Any similarities to other hat patterns are purely coincidence. Reproduce the item for yourself, gifting or charity. Any mention of CoolCrochet.net is appreciated when sharing the finished item.