Owl Crochet Hat Pattern

This is the pattern I always refer to when ever I am making an ear flap newborn hat. I love how quick and simple it is. The pattern is by Repeat Crafter Me, I have posted her pattern for the Newborn size that I have made. However, you can also find it in larger sizes on her blog here

Crochet Owl Ear flap Hat

Size: Newborn

Supplies:

• Soft Merino Wool

• Crochet hook size H-8 (5.0 mm)

• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

• Two 3/4" black button for eyes

Abbreviations:

ch - chain

sl st- slip stitch

SC - Single Crochet

DC- Double Crochet

HDC- Half Double Crochet

HDC Decrease - Half Double Crochet Decrease

Round 1: Magic ring, Chain 2, DC 12 inside ring, joint to 1st DC, chain 2

Round 2: 2 DC in same stitch and in each around, join, chain 2 (24).
Round 3: DC in the same stitch as Chain 2, DC, DC, 2 Dc in next, *DC in next 3, 2 Dc in next, repeat from * around, Join to 1st DC, chain 2. (30)

Round 4: DC in the same stitch as Chain 2, DC, 2 DC in next, *DC in next two, 2 DC in next stitch, repeat from * around, Join to 1st DC, chain 2. (40)

Round 5-7: Beginning in same stitch as Chain 2, DC around, join to 1st DC, chain 2 (40) Note: before joining round 7, change color.

Round 8-9: In new color DC around, join to 1st DC, chain 2 (40) 

Do not fasten off, begin first earflap

Earflap 1:

Row 1: Starting in next stitch, HDC 8, chain 2, turn

Row 2: HDC decrease, HDC 4, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn

Row 3: HDC 6, chain 2, turn

Row 4: HDC decrease, HDC 2, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn

Row 5: 2 HDC decreases, chain 2, turn

Row 6: HDC decrease, fasten off leaving long tale

Earflap 2:

Count 9 stitches away from seam.

Row 1: Chain 2, starting in next stitch, HDC 8, chain 2, turn

Row 2: HDC decrease, HDC 4, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn

Row 3: HDC 6, chain 2, turn

Row 4: HDC decrease, HDC 2, HDC decrease, chain 2, turn

Row 5: 2 HDC decreases, chain 2, turn

Row 6: HDC decrease, chain 1 turn (do not fasten off)

Continue to SC around the entire hat, join to first single crochet, fasten off leaving long tail. You should now have a long pieces of yarn hanging from the ends of each earflap. You will use this as a strand in your braid.

Eyes (Make 2):

In first color (this is your accent color):

Magic Ring, Chain 2

Round 1: 10 DC in chain, Change color to white before joining to first DC, chain 2 (10)

Round 2: 2 DC in same stitch and in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (20)

Round 3: SC in same stitch, 2 SC in next, *SC, 2 SC in next, repeat from * around, join to first sc, fasten off leaving long tail to sew on (30)
After sewing crocheted eyes on, sew 3/4" black button in the center for the eyeballs

Nose:

Chain 6

Slip stitch in 2nd chain from hook, SC, HDC, DC, DC, fasten off leaving long tail to sew on

Ears:

Cut two strands of 12 inch long pieces of yarn in each color (6 strands total). 

Loop through 2 DC's in the crease of the 3rd round.

Knot and trim to approx 1"

Braided Tails:

Cut three 1 yard strands of each color (9 strands total).

Pass through last space in earflap. You should now have 18 strands to braid with.

Make knot and braid approx 5.5 inches long, knot, trim ends.