FREE Toddler Crochet Ear flap Hat Pattern (18–24 Months)

Free Simple Double Crochet Ear Flap Hat Pattern designed for toddlers giving a snug, comfortable fit for babies aged 18-24 months.

The simple top-down construction, warm ear flaps, and optional braids make it a practical winter essential to crochet for kids

Worked with light worsted double knit yarn (3) and a 4.00mm crochet hook, it’s a quick, crochet project that creates a soft, cosy hat perfect for everyday wear.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Finished Measurements for the Crochet earflap hat 18–24 months

  • Hat Circumference: approx. 18 inches (46 cm)
  • Hat Height (before earflaps): approx. 7.5  inches (19 cm)
  • Fit: Snug winter fit

Materials

  • Double Knit (DK) yarn – approx. 80–90 g
  • 4.00 mm crochet hook
  • Yarn needle
  • Scissors

Gauge

  • 4 double crochet = 1 inch
  • 2 rows = 1 inch

Gauge is important for achieving the correct fit and hat height.


Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • ch – chain
  • dc – double crochet
  • sc – single crochet
  • sl st – slip stitch
  • st(s) – stitch(es)
  • RS – right side

Pattern Notes for the Toddlers Ear Flap Crochet Hat

  • Hat is worked in joined rounds.
  • Ch 2 at the beginning of each round does not count as a stitch.
  • Earflaps are worked flat in rows using single crochet.
  • Hat body is worked to mid-ear height before earflaps are added.
  • Ties and edging are worked in one continuous round.

Crochet Hat Start

Round 1: ch 2, 12 dc into the ring. Sl st to join. (12 sts)

Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around.  Sl st to join. (24 sts)

Round 3:  Ch 2, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Sl st to join. (36 sts)

Round 4: Ch 2, dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Sl st to join. (48 sts)

Round 5: Ch 2, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Sl st to join. (60 sts)

Round 6: Ch 2, dc in next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Sl st to join. (72 sts)

Round 7: Ch 2, dc in next 11 sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Sl st to join. (78 sts)

Rounds 8–15: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Sl st to join at the end of each round. (78  sts)

Continue working even until the hat measures approximately 7 inches from the crown, ending at mid-ear height. Do not fasten off 


How to Crochet an Ear Flap (Make 2)

Continue With the hat right side facing, 

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in next 18 sts. Turn. (18 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 14 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (16 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across (16sts) 

Row 4: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 12 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (14 sts)

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st across (14sts) 

Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 10 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (12 sts)

Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each st across (12sts) 

Row 8: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (10 sts)

Row 9: Ch 1, sc in each st across (10sts) 

Row 10: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (8 sts)

Row 11: Ch 1, sc in each st across (8sts) 

Row 12: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (6 sts)

Row 13: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (4 sts)

Row 14:Ch 1, sc2tog twice. (2 sts) (FASTEN OFF 1st Earflap and continue to make the 2nd earflap

2nd earflap position, count 24  stitches forwards from the end of 1st earflap on the last main row of hat,  and join yarn in the next stitch.


Ties & Edging (18–24 Months)

DO NOT ADD ties if you prefer the twisted strands. Simply single crochet around the hat, up and down the sides of the earflaps, working 2sc into the corners, then attach the ties on the bottom stitches

Before finishing the last earflap, ensure your hat is RS facing out and you are positioned at the bottom corner of the earflap.

  • sc in the first of the 2sts, and Ch 41
  • Sl st back along the chain, sc into the 2nd st
  • Single crochet evenly up the edge of the earflap, across the front edge of the hat, and down the side of the second earflap
  • Ch 28–32 for the second earflap tie
  • Sl st back along the chain
  • Crochet back into the earflap and continue single crochet evenly around the remaining edge
  • Sl st to the beginning and fasten off

This creates a neat, continuous edge with securely integrated ties.

How to Create a Twisted Cord from yarn

How to make the Crochet Braids:

(Please remember shorter braids or ties when making anything for a baby and acknowledge the potential risks of using ties)

1. Cut your strands

Cut 2 or 3 equal lengths of yarn. For toddler earflap hats, 24–30 inches per strand works well.

More strands = thicker cord Longer strands = longer finished ties

2. Fold the strands in half

Bring all strands together and fold them in half. You’ll now have a loop at one end , perfect for attaching to the earflap.

3. Attach the loop to the earflap

Insert your hook through the bottom corner of the earflap. Pull the folded loop through, then pull the loose ends through the loop to secure it (like a lark’s head knot).

4. Separate into two groups

Divide the yarn ends into two equal bundles.

Example:

  • If you used 6 ends total, make two bundles of 3.

5. Twist each bundle tightly

Hold one bundle in each hand.

  • Twist bundle A clockwise until it’s very tight.
  • Twist bundle B clockwise the same way.

The tighter you twist, the smoother the finished cord.

6. Let them twist together

Bring both twisted bundles together. They will automatically twist around each other in the opposite direction.

This creates a strong, even, professional‑looking cord.

7. Smooth and trim

Run your fingers down the cord to even it out. Trim the ends neatly, or leave them as tassels.

Find more FREE crochet Baby Hat Patterns with Ear Flaps

Several of these hats come in a range of sizes

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LisaAuch Crochet crochet pattern designer
Lisa Auch – Crochet Pattern Designer LisaAuch is a professional crochet designer with over twenty years of experience creating beginner-friendly baby crochet patterns that transform simple stitches into timeless, wearable designs. With a background in visual arts and education, she combines creativity with teaching skill to make her instructions clear, practical, and easy for beginners to follow. Since founding Lisa Auch Crochet in 2011, she has built a fantastic resourse for free crochet patterns specializing in baby clothes, hats, bonnets, booties, blankets, and accessories. Her baby crochet hat patterns free are among her most popular designs, loved for their classic style and reliable fit. Today, Lisa is recognized as a leading voice in the crochet community. She continues to publish new patterns, step-by-step tutorials, and educational resources, helping crocheters of every level build confidence while keeping the traditions of crochet alive. Browse all of LisaAuch Crochet Free Patterns below.

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