Mens Ear Flap Hat [knitting pattern]

My women’s Ear Flap Hat is one of my most popular kitting patterns. After receiving a bunch of requests I decided to create a guy’s version!
Pattern
Size US 13 knitting needles
Yarn- Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Black (2 Skeins) HAT
Cast on 58 stitches
Rows 1-30: Work 30 rows in k2, p2 Rib.
Row 31 (Dec Row): *K2, p2, k2, p2tog; rep from * across row  Row 32: *K1, p2, k2, p2; rep from * across row.
Row 33 (Dec Row): *k2, p2tog, k2, p1; rep from * across row Row 34: *K1, p2; rep from * across row.
Row 35: *K1, k2tog; rep from * across row Cut yarn, leaving an 8 in. tail. Thread tail through stitches of last row and pull to secure. Use the tail to sew the side seam together.
EARFLAP (make 2)
Cast on 10 stitches. Work 5 rows in Garter stitch
Row 6 (Dec Row): K2tog, k6, k2tog – 8 sts.
Rows 7 and 8: Knit.
Rep last 3 rows twice – 4 sts.
Next Row: K1, k2tog, k1.
Rep last row once – 2 sts. Bind off.
FINISHING
Ties (make 2)
Cut 3 lengths of yarn, each 20 inches. Pull through the ends of the ear flap and fold over in the middle so you have 6 equal length strands. (See pics below to learn how to make the knotting)
Fold up 3 1/2 in. for brim. Sew Earflaps to sides of hat. Make pom pom and tie on to top of hat. Weave in ends.

[Take the right outside strand and loop over the other strands]

[Place the strand underneath the other and through the loop. Pull tightly to close]

[Repeat on the left side with the outside strand]

[Keep knotting all the way down- alternating right and left sides. Make a knot at the bottom and trim the ends]