Emerald Plaid Granny Earflap Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This Emerald Plaid Granny Earflap Hat is a cozy, cabin-inspired project that turns sixteen simple granny squares into a warm winter hat with a woven plaid look. It's written for beginners who have made a granny square or two and want to try joining, shaping, and a little finishing. The emerald and blush tweed wool gives it a soft, slightly rustic texture, and the straight brim and short braided ties keep it practical and snug. It looks like a classic mountain hat and feels like a hug on a cold morning.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight tweed wool (approx. 200 yds/100g): 100 yds emerald (A), 80 yds blush (B)
• Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, measuring tape
• Finished size: Fits head circumference 21-23" (53-58 cm); hat height approx. 8.5" (21.5 cm) from crown to brim

Abbreviations

• ch - chain
• sc - single crochet
• dc - double crochet
• sl st - slip stitch
• sp - space
• MR - magic ring
• sc2tog - single crochet two stitches together (a decrease)
• rep - repeat
• sts - stitches

Gauge

One 4-round granny square = 3" x 3" (7.5 cm x 7.5 cm). Make one square and measure it; if it is larger, go down a hook size, and if it is smaller, go up a hook size.

Tips Before You Start

• Make one practice square first and check the 3" measurement before crocheting all sixteen.
• Keep your ch1 and ch2 spaces consistent, since they are what you join through later.
• Label your squares (A, B, C, D) with stitch markers or small tags so the plaid layout stays correct.
• Join with slip stitches in back loops only and keep the tension loose so the panel stays flat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Square A (emerald) - make 4

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc. Ch3, 2 dc, [ch2, 3 dc] x3, ch2, sl st to top of ch3 (4 groups of 3 dc, 4 ch2 sps).

Rnd 2: Sl st to ch2 sp, ch3, 2 dc, ch2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch1, [3 dc, ch2, 3 dc] in next ch2 sp; rep from * around, ch1, sl st to top of ch3 (8 groups of 3 dc, 4 ch1 sps, 4 ch2 sps).

Rnd 3: Sl st to ch2 sp, ch3, 2 dc, ch2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch1, 3 dc in next ch1 sp, ch1, [3 dc, ch2, 3 dc] in next ch2 sp; rep from * around, ch1, sl st to top of ch3 (12 groups of 3 dc, 8 ch1 sps, 4 ch2 sps).

Rnd 4: Sl st to ch2 sp, ch3, 2 dc, ch2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch1, 3 dc in next ch1 sp, ch1, 3 dc in next ch1 sp, ch1, [3 dc, ch2, 3 dc] in next ch2 sp; rep from * around, ch1, sl st to top of ch3 (16 groups of 3 dc, 12 ch1 sps, 4 ch2 sps). Fasten off.

Square B (blush) - make 4

Work as Square A using B.

Square C (emerald center, blush border) - make 4

Work Rnds 1-3 as Square A using A. Change to B.

Rnd 4: Work as Rnd 4 of Square A using B. Fasten off.

Square D (blush center, emerald border) - make 4

Work Rnds 1-3 as Square A using B. Change to A.

Rnd 4: Work as Rnd 4 of Square A using A. Fasten off.

Join Squares

Arrange squares in a 4x4 grid: Row 1: A, C, A, C; Row 2: D, B, D, B; Row 3: A, C, A, C; Row 4: D, B, D, B. Join squares with sl st in back loops only, working through ch2 sps and ch1 sps to form a flat panel. Join rows first, then columns. Panel measures approx. 12" x 12" (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm).

Shape Crown

Fold panel in half to form a tube, join side edges with sl st in back loops only. Turn tube inside out so seam is inside. Top opening: 4 squares around. With A, join yarn at top edge.

Rnd 1: Sc in each st around (48 sc).

Rnd 2: [Sc2tog] x24 (24 sc).

Rnd 3: [Sc2tog] x12 (12 sc).

Rnd 4: [Sc2tog] x6 (6 sc). Fasten off, draw yarn through remaining 6 sts, pull tight.

Brim

With A, join yarn at bottom edge of hat.

Rnd 1: Sc evenly around (60 sc).

Rnds 2-4: Sc in each st around (60 sc). Fasten off. Brim measures approx. 1" (2.5 cm) wide.

Earflaps (make 2)

With A, join yarn at bottom edge of hat, positioning earflaps centered on sides (approx. 4" apart from front).

Row 1: Sc in next 12 sts.

Row 2: Ch1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog (10 sc).

Row 3: Ch1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog (8 sc).

Row 4: Ch1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog (6 sc).

Row 5: Ch1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog (4 sc).

Row 6: Ch1, turn, sc2tog twice (2 sc).

Row 7: Ch1, turn, sc2tog (1 sc). Fasten off. Repeat for second earflap on opposite side.

Braided Ties

Cut 6 strands of A and 6 strands of B, each 24" (61 cm) long. For each earflap, take 3 strands A and 3 strands B, fold in half, pull loop through bottom tip of earflap, then braid to desired length (approx. 8" / 20 cm). Knot end securely. Trim ends evenly.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle, working them into the back of the stitches so they don't show. Block lightly to measurements: mist the hat, shape the brim and earflaps flat, and let it dry fully. Check that the crown closing is snug and that both ties hang evenly before trimming any final ends.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the blush for cream or charcoal to change the plaid mood while keeping the same layout.
• Add a round of sc in A around the entire bottom edge before the brim for a cleaner transition.
• Make the ties longer for a slouchier look, or leave them off for a simple granny beanie.