A617 Family Beanie With Ear Flaps

How to Knit a Family Beanie With Ear Flaps

Keep warm with this classic knitted beanie featuring cosy ear flaps, a striped design and optional braided ties. This easy knitting project is designed for the whole family with multiple sizes from children through to adults.

The beanie is worked in stocking stitch from the bottom upwards, with the ear flaps knitted first and joined into the main body. Choose between a striped version using two colours or a simple plain beanie using one colour.

What You Will Need

Materials

• Lincraft Grasslands 8ply Yarn
• Main Colour (MC)
• Contrast Colour (CC) for striped version
• Optional extra yarn for braids and pom pom

Equipment

• 4mm knitting needles
• Wool needle for sewing up
• 2 stitch holders
• Pom pom maker (optional)
• Scissors

Alternative Yarns

This beanie is designed using Lincraft Grasslands 8ply yarn. When selecting an alternative yarn, choose a similar 8ply yarn with good elasticity and stitch definition to maintain the fit and shape.

• 8ply Acrylic Yarn – durable, easy-care and available in a wide range of colours.
• Merino 8ply Yarn – warm, soft and ideal for winter accessories.
• Wool Blend Yarn – provides warmth and good shape retention.
• Cotton Blend Yarn – creates a lighter beanie suitable for milder weather.

Measurements

Tension

Using 4mm needles:

• 22 stitches x 30 rows = 10cm x 10cm over stocking stitch

Knitting Abbreviations

• K: knit
• P: purl
• Kfb: knit into front and back of stitch
• K2tog: knit two stitches together
• MC: main colour
• CC: contrast colour
• RS: right side
• Rep: repeat
• St(s): stitch(es)

Construction Overview

The Family Beanie With Ear Flaps is created in five stages:

1. Knit two ear flaps.
2. Join ear flaps while casting on stitches for the beanie body.
3. Work the striped or plain stocking stitch section.
4. Shape the crown using decreases.
5. Add finishing details including braids and pom pom.

Make the Ear Flaps

Make two identical ear flaps using MC.

1. Begin with a slip stitch on the needle.
2. Row 1: Knit, purl, knit into the slip stitch.
   3 stitches.
3. Row 2: Purl.
4. Row 3: Knit into the front and back of the first stitch, knit 1, knit into the front and back of the last stitch.
   5 stitches.
5. Row 4: Purl.
6. Row 5: Knit into the front and back of the first stitch, knit 3, knit into the front and back of the last stitch.
   7 stitches.
7. Row 6: Purl.
8. Continue increasing at the beginning and end of every right-side row until you have:
   • 21 stitches (2–4 years)
   • 23 stitches (5–7 years)
   • 25 stitches (8–10 years)
   • 25 stitches (Lady)
   • 27 stitches (Man)
9. Break yarn and leave stitches on a stitch holder.

Join the Beanie Body

1. Using MC, cast on stitches according to your chosen size.
2. Knit across the stitches from one ear flap holder.
3. Cast on the centre front stitches.
4. Knit across the second ear flap holder.
5. Cast on the remaining stitches.

You should have:

• 88 stitches (2–4 years)
• 96 stitches (5–7 years)
• 104 stitches (8–10 years)
• 108 stitches (Lady)
• 112 stitches (Man)

Work the Stripe Pattern

For the striped version:

1. Row 1: Using CC, knit.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: Using MC, knit.
4. Row 4: Purl.

Repeat these four rows to create the stripe pattern.

Continue until the beanie measures approximately:

• 12cm (2–4 years)
• 13cm (5–7 years)
• 14cm (8–10 years)
• 15cm (Lady)
• 16cm (Man)

Continue the Beanie

Using MC, continue in stocking stitch until the beanie reaches:

• 13cm (2–4 years)
• 15cm (5–7 years)
• 16cm (8–10 years)
• 17cm (Lady)
• 18cm (Man)

Shape the Crown

1. Begin decrease rounds by working K2tog at regular intervals.
2. Continue decreasing every second row following the pattern:
   • K2tog, K6
   • K2tog, K5
   • K2tog, K4
   • K2tog, K3
   • K2tog, K2
   • K2tog, K1
   • K2tog around
3. When 6 stitches remain, break yarn and thread through remaining stitches.
4. Pull tight and secure.

Finishing

1. Join the back seam using mattress stitch or a neat sewing stitch.
2. Sew in all loose ends.
3. Pick up stitches evenly around the rim using CC.
4. Knit one row and cast off.
5. Repeat on the opposite side if required.

Add Braids

1. Cut 12 lengths of yarn approximately 65cm long.
2. Thread 6 strands through the point of each ear flap.
3. Divide strands into three groups.
4. Plait the strands together.
5. Tie a knot and trim the ends.

Add a Pom Pom (Optional)

1. Create a pom pom using a pom pom maker.
2. Trim evenly for a neat finish.
3. Attach securely to the top of the beanie.

Plain Beanie Variation

To create a plain version, follow the same instructions while working in one colour throughout.

Customisation Ideas

• Use bright contrasting colours for children's versions.
• Create matching family sets.
• Add a fluffy pom pom for extra texture.
• Use neutral colours for an everyday winter accessory.
• Replace braids with simple yarn ties.

Care

Follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn.

Reshape the beanie while damp and dry flat to maintain the fit and shape. Store carefully to avoid stretching the ear flaps or braids.