Cobbles Ear Flap Hat Knitting Pattern

I’ve used this Patons Cobbles yarn for a few projects so far and I really like it! It’s a super bulky wool blend that’s very soft & warm. I love hats with ear flaps so I decided to make a pattern for one using this yarn and large needles. I kept it simple, so it’s great for beginners. The ear flaps are knitted separately and then attached using a yarn needle. Enjoy!
Yarn: Patons Cobbles (2 skeins)
Needles Size US 15 circular 16 inch
Size US 15 straight needles
Knitting Pattern:
Cast on 28 sts with the circular needles. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 28 rows.
Shape crown:
Knit the 2 Knit sts together across the row (22 sts)
Purl the 2 Purl sts together across the row (14 sts)
Knit 2 sts together across row (7 sts)
Knit 1, Knit 2 together across row (5 sts)
Cut yarn, leaving an 6 in. tail. Thread tail through stitches of last row and pull to secure. Make a knot and weave in ends.

Ear Flaps: Make 2. Cast on 10 sts with the straight needles. Work in Garter Stitch for 5 rows.
*Next Row: Knit 2 together at the beginning and end of next row. Knit 2 rows in Garter Stitch * Repeat the “*” section until you are left with 2 sts. Bind off and weave in end.
Finishing:
Braids (make 2)
Cut 3 lengths of yarn, each 30 inches. Pull through the ends of the ear flap and fold over in the middle so you have 6 equal length strands. Divide into 3 sections and braid. Make a knot at the bottom. Trim ends.
Fold up 2 1/2 in. for brim. Sew Earflaps to sides of hat.