Pattern: Basic Earflap Hat (1-3 years and 3-6 years)

When I started learning how to crochet, I relied heavily on free patterns. So in order to return the favor, pay it forward, and help the next generation of crocheters, here is my pattern for a basic earflap hat. (I will eventually publish all sizes, but I wanted to at least get up what I have written down already).

Size 6-12 years

MATERIALS:
U.S. Size I/9 (5.50mm) crochet hook
Worsted weight yarn

1-3 years/3-6 years

For 1-3 years:
Rnd 1: In a magic ring, make 8sc, slst to join. (8sc)

For 3-6 years:
Rnd 1: In a magic ring, make 8 hdc, sl st to join. (8 hdc)

The rest of the pattern (except round 17) is the same for both sizes.
Rnd 2: Ch2 (counts as first hdc here and in rest of pattern), hdc in same st as joining, 2hdc in each remaining stitch, sl st to join. (16 hdc)
Rnd 3: Ch2, 2hdc in next stitch, [1hdc in next, 2hdc in next] 7 times, sl st to join. (24 hdc)
Rnd 4: Ch2, 1hdc in next, 2hdc in next, [1hdc in each of next 2, 2hdc in next] 7 times, sl st to join. (32 hdc)
Rnd 5: Ch2, 1hdc in each of next 2 stitches, 2hdc in next, [1hdc in each of next 3, 2hdc in next] 7 times, sl st to join. (40 hdc)
Rnd 6: Ch2, 1hdc in each of next 3 stitches, 2hdc in next, [1hdc in each of next 4, 2hdc in next] 7 times, sl st to join. (48 hdc)
Rnd 7: Ch2, 1hdc in each of next 4 stitches, 2hdc in next, [1hdc in each of next 5, 2hdc in next] 7 times, sl st to join. (56 hdc)
Rnds 8-16: Ch2, 1hdc in each stitch, sl st to join. (56 hdc)

If you are making size 1-3 years, fasten off after Rnd 16. If you are making size 3-6 years, continue to Rnd 17.

Rnd 17: Ch2, 1hdc in each stitch, sl st to join, fasten off. (56 hdc)

Fold hat in half so that joining seam is entirely on one side (this will be the back). Go to one of the edges; the fold is where the middle of the earflap will be.

EARFLAP #1
Row 1: Starting 5 stitches to the right of the folded stitch, attach yarn with sc. 1 sc in each of next 10 stitches. (11 sc)
Rows 2-10: Ch1, turn, sc2tog, 1sc in each remaining stitch. (Row 10 will have 1 sc2tog and 1 sc)
Row 11: Ch1, turn, sc2tog. Fasten off.

EARFLAP #2
Row 1: Starting on the left of finished earflap, skip 17 stitches. Attach yarn with sc in next stitch. 1 sc in each of next 10 stitches. (There should be 17 open stitches on each side of the earflap.) (11 sc)
Rows 2-10: Ch1, turn, sc2tog, 1sc in each remaining stitch. (Row 10 will have 1 sc2tog and 1 sc)
Row 11: Ch1, turn, sc2tog. DO NOT fasten off.

BORDER
Row 1: Beginning at corner of earflap #2, ch1, sc evenly around edge, making 3sc in the corner of each earflap, sl st to join. If you are adding a contrasting color around the edge, fasten off. Otherwise, complete Row 2 with same color.
Row 2: If you are using a contrasting color for the edge, attach with sc. Otherwise, ch1 and sc in same stitch as joining. 1sc in each stitch around, but make 2sc in the corners of each earflap. Sl st to join and fasten off.