The Honeycomb Hideaway Earflap Beanie: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Cozy, Textured Baby Hat
Wrap Your Little One in Cozy Texture: The Honeycomb Hideaway Earflap Beanie
Looking for a baby hat pattern that's both adorable and practical? The Honeycomb Hideaway Earflap Beanie is the perfect project for knitters who want to create something special for the little ones in their lives. This free knitting pattern features a stunning honeycomb stitch pattern that adds beautiful depth and texture, while the braided ties and snug earflaps ensure your baby stays warm and cozy on chilly days. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner, this pattern is designed to be clear, detailed, and easy to follow.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the recommended yarn will help you achieve the best results, but any worsted weight yarn that meets gauge will work beautifully.
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn, approximately 100-120 yards. Recommended: Lion Brand Heartland in 'Great Smoky Mountains' (a soft heathery green) or a similar soft acrylic/wool blend.
- Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular knitting needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown, or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in honeycomb stitch pattern (knit flat, blocked). Always check your gauge for the best fit.
- Other: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is written for three sizes: 0-3 months (3-6 months, 6-12 months). Instructions for the smallest size are given first, with larger sizes in parentheses. Read through all instructions before beginning.
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- K: knit
- P: purl
- K2tog: knit two together
- P2tog: purl two together
- St(s): stitch(es)
- Rep: repeat
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- wyib: with yarn in back
- DPNs: double-pointed needles
Honeycomb Stitch Pattern (Worked Flat Over a Multiple of 4 Sts + 2)
This pattern creates the beautiful textured honeycomb effect. Practice on a swatch first if you're new to the stitch.
- Row 1 (RS): K2, *slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back (wyib), K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over the yo and knit stitch (this is a 'sl1-k1-yo-psso' or 'honeycomb decrease'), K1; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
- Row 2 (WS): P2, *P2, K2; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2.
- Row 3 (RS): K2, *K1, sl1 wyib, K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
- Row 4 (WS): P2, *K2, P2; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2.
- Rep Rows 1-4 for pattern.
Hat Body
- Cast On: CO 72 (80, 88) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.
- Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1.5 inches.
- Begin Honeycomb Pattern: Switch to honeycomb stitch pattern, working in the round as follows:
- Round 1: *K2, sl1 wyib, K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over, K1; rep from * around.
- Round 2: *K2, P2, K2; rep from * around.
- Round 3: *K2, K1, sl1 wyib, K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over; rep from * around.
- Round 4: *K2, P2, K2; rep from * around.
- Continue: Rep these 4 rounds until hat measures 4 (4.5, 5) inches from cast-on edge, ending with Round 4.
Crown Decreases
Switch to DPNs when stitches become too few for the circular needle.
- Round 1: *K2tog, P2tog, K2tog; rep from * around. (36, 40, 44 sts remain)
- Round 2: *K1, P2, K1; rep from * around.
- Round 3: *K2tog, P2tog; rep from * around. (18, 20, 22 sts remain)
- Round 4: *K1, P1; rep from * around.
- Round 5: *K2tog; rep from * around. (9, 10, 11 sts remain)
- Finish Crown: Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure. Weave in end.
Earflaps (Make 2)
- Pick Up Stitches: With RS facing, pick up and knit 16 (18, 20) sts along the bottom edge of the hat, centered over one ear area (about 2 inches from center front and back).
- Work Stockinette: Work back and forth in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) for 2 inches.
- Decrease Row (RS): K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (14, 16, 18 sts)
- Next Row (WS): Purl.
- Repeat Decreases: Rep decrease row every RS row until 4 sts remain.
- Next Row (WS): Purl.
- Next Row (RS): K2tog twice. (2 sts)
- Next Row (WS): P2tog. (1 st)
- Finish: Cut yarn, pull through last stitch. Weave in end.
Braided Ties
- Prepare Yarn: Cut 3 strands of yarn, each 20 inches long. Fold in half, giving you 6 strands.
- Attach: Attach the folded loop to the tip of one earflap using a crochet hook or by pulling the loop through the last stitch.
- Braid: Braid the 6 strands together tightly.
- Secure: Tie a knot at the end of the braid and trim the ends evenly.
- Repeat: Repeat for the other earflap.
Finishing
- Weave in Ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in all remaining yarn ends on the inside of the hat.
- Block: Gently block the hat to shape. Lay flat to dry, smoothing the honeycomb pattern and shaping the earflaps.
Your Honeycomb Hideaway Earflap Beanie is now complete! This cozy, textured hat is sure to become a favorite for both baby and parent. Happy knitting!
