Dino-Roar Braided Earflap Hat Free Pattern – Knit a Prehistoric Cozy Crown

Wrap your little one in Jurassic warmth with this adorable braided earflap hat, featuring a playful dinosaur spine and chunky cables. Knit in soft, earthy tones of sage green and rust orange, this hat is a prehistoric adventure you can wear. The combination of a classic cable pattern, a contrasting color block, and functional braided ties makes it both stylish and practical for chilly days. This free pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to add a fun, whimsical project to their repertoire, and it's guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Materials Needed

Before you begin your prehistoric crafting journey, gather the following materials. Having everything ready will make your knitting experience smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Sage Green – approximately 150 (170, 200) yards
  • Contrast Color (CC): Rust Orange – approximately 80 (90, 100) yards
• Needles: US 8 (5mm) 16-inch circular needles and double-pointed needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern includes instructions for three sizes: Newborn (0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months). Instructions are written for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses. Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two stitches together (decrease)
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• pm = place marker
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• MC = Main Color (Sage Green)
• CC = Contrast Color (Rust Orange)
• C6F = Cable 6 Front: Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in front of work, knit 3 stitches from left needle, then knit 3 stitches from cable needle.

Hat Body

With MC, cast on 72 (80, 88) stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 1.5 (1.75, 2) inches. This creates a snug, stretchy brim that will keep the hat securely on your little one's head.

Next round: Knit all stitches, increasing 0 (4, 8) stitches evenly around = 72 (84, 96) stitches. To increase evenly, simply knit into the front and back of the specified number of stitches spaced evenly across the round.

Cable Pattern

Now you'll begin the beautiful braided cable pattern that gives this hat its cozy, textured look.

• Round 1: *K6, p2; repeat from * to end of round.
• Round 2: *C6F, p2; repeat from * to end of round. (Remember: C6F means slip 3 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle.)
• Rounds 3-4: Repeat Round 1 (knit 6, purl 2).

Repeat Rounds 1-4 until the hat measures 4.5 (5, 5.5) inches from the cast-on edge. This forms the braided cable section of the hat.

Dinosaur Spine (Worked in CC)

Switch to your Contrast Color (Rust Orange). Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 2 (2.5, 3) inches. This solid section creates the striking color block and forms the base for the dinosaur spine effect.

Shaping the Crown

Now we'll shape the top of the hat with a series of decreases. This creates the rounded crown and the subtle "spine" effect.

• Round 1: *K10 (12, 14), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (66, 78, 90 stitches remain)
• Round 2 and all even rounds: Knit all stitches.
• Round 3: *K9 (11, 13), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (60, 72, 84 stitches remain)
• Round 5: *K8 (10, 12), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (54, 66, 78 stitches remain)

Continue decreasing in this manner, knitting one fewer stitch between decreases each decrease round, until 18 (20, 22) stitches remain. You'll notice the decreases form gentle lines that echo the dinosaur spine theme.

Next round: K2tog around. (9, 10, 11 stitches remain)

Cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, slide it through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close the hole, and secure firmly. Weave in the end.

Earflaps (Make 2)

With MC, pick up and knit 16 (18, 20) stitches along the bottom edge of the hat, centered over each ear area (about 2 inches from the front seam). This placement ensures the earflaps sit comfortably over your little one's ears.

Work back and forth in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side) for 2 inches.

Decrease row (Right Side): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1.

Next row (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.

Repeat these 2 rows until 4 stitches remain. Now, knit a 6-inch I-cord for the tie. To make an I-cord: with the 4 stitches on a double-pointed needle, knit across, slide stitches to the other end of the needle, knit across again (do not turn your work). Repeat until the cord measures 6 inches. Bind off loosely.

Braided Ties

For a fun, decorative finish, create braided ties instead of (or in addition to) the I-cord. Cut three strands of MC and three strands of CC, each about 18 inches long. Fold the bundle in half, pull the loop through the end of the earflap, and pull the ends through the loop to secure. Divide into three groups (each with one MC and one CC strand) and braid. Secure with a knot at the end.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all remaining ends using your tapestry needle. Block the hat lightly to even out the stitches and set the shape. For an extra-special touch, create a fluffy pom-pom using CC yarn and attach it to the top of the hat. Simply wrap yarn around a pom-pom maker (or a piece of cardboard), tie tightly in the middle, cut the loops, and trim to shape.

Your Dino-Roar Braided Earflap Hat is complete! This cozy, playful hat is sure to bring smiles and warmth all season long. Happy knitting!