Thank you Virginia, for testing this pattern.

EASY EARFLAP CAP IN 2 SIZES

MATERIALS:

Smaller (14-15 inches):
Sports weight (3) yarn about .75 ounces
US size G (4.5 mm) crochet hook

Larger (16-17 inches):

Worsted weight (4) yarn about 1.5 ounces

US size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook

Both sizes:
Tapestry needle

GAUGE:

16 sc = 4 inches with sports weight

14 sc = 4 inches with worsted weight

NOTES: 

1.     Read instructions through before beginning.

2.     Ch 2 at beg of each round does not count as hdc.

3.     Pull the slip stitches tight, until they nearly disappear.

4.     For a larger cap, use worsted weight and an US I (5.5 mm) crochet hook.

5.     Caps in photo are left to right:  Red Heart Super Saver and Bernat Baby Sport.

INSTRUCTIONS:
.

Round 1: Ch 3, working over the tail 9 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with slip stitch in ­1st hdc.  (9 sts)

Round 2: Ch 2. 2 hdc in each hdc around. Join with slip stitch in ­1st hdc. (18 sts)

Round 3: Ch 2. 1 hdc in ­1st hdc. *2 hdc in next hdc, 1 hdc in next hdc. 
Repeat from * around.  2 hdc in last hdc.  Join with slip stitch in 1st hdc. (27 sts)

Round 4: Ch 2. 2 hdc in ­1st hdc. *1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc. Repeat from * around.  Hdc in last 2 hdc. Join with slip stitch in ­1st hdc. (36 sts)

Round 5: Ch 2. *1 hdc in each of next 3 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc. Repeat from * around.  Join with slip stitch to ­1st hdc. (45 sts) 

Round 6: Ch 2, hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in ­next hdc. *1 hdc in each of next 4 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc. Repeat from * around.  Hdc in last 2 hdc. Join with slip stitch in ­1st hdc. (54 sts)

Rounds 7-14: Ch 2. 1 hdc in each hdc around. Join with slip stitch in ­1st hdc.  (54 sts) 

Round 15 larger size only: Ch 2. 1 hdc in each hdc around. Join with slip stitch in ­1st hdc.  (54 sts) 

With the sports weight yarn cap should measure about 4.75 inches from beginning. 

With the worsted weight yarn cap should measure about 5.75 inches from beginning. 

DO NOT fasten off.

EARFLAP: 
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in join, sc in each of next 12 hdc. Turn.   (13 sts)

Rows 2-4: Ch 1, sc in each st across.  Turn.  (13 sts)

Row 5: Ch 1.  Sc2tog. Sc in each of next 9 sts. Sc2tog. Turn. (11 sts)

Row 6: Ch 1.  Sc2tog. Sc in each of next 7 sts.  Sc2tog. Turn. (9 sts)

Row 7: Ch 1.  Sc2tog. Sc in each of next 5 sts. Sc2tog. Turn. (7 sts)

Row 8: Ch 1.  Sc2tog. Sc in each of next 3 sts. Sc2tog. Turn. (5 sts)

Row 9: Ch 1.  Sc2tog. Sc in next 1 st. Sc2tog. (3 sts)

Fasten off.

Holding cap with top down, counting to the left skip next 18 sts for the front..

Attach yarn with a sc in 19th st, sc in each of next 12 hdc (10 unworked stitches for back). Turn.   (13 sts)

Check now to be sure the joins of rounds 1-14 are going to be in back of cap. 

Repeat earflap rows 2-9.

Do not fasten off.

Edging: Ch 1. Work 1 round of sc evenly around edge of cap.  Working 8 sc on each side of earflap and 1 in each sc.  Join with slip stitch in 1st sc.

Fasten off.

Weave in ends.  Remember when you worked over the beginning tail?  When weaving in the end pull the beginning tail tight to close up the hole in the top of cap.  (Oops, you didn’t work over the beginning tail, no problem just use the tapestry needle to weave in the end and pull tight to close the hole.)

OPTIONAL TIES AND TASSELS:

Leaving a 5 inch tail, ch 21.  Remove hook from loop, from inside place hook through bottom center of earflap, pull loop through and ch 1.  Slip stitch in the bumps on the back of the chs, 

Fasten off leaving a 5 inch tail.

Cut 3 pieces of yarn, each 10 inches long.  Use the tapestry needle to pull the pieces through the end of the tie.  Tie an overhand knot as close as possible to the chains.  Pull each strand of tassel individually to tighten knot. 

Repeat for second tassel.

Trim tassels evenly.