Apricot Fringe Earflap Hat Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This Apricot Fringe Earflap Hat is a cozy, bohemian little number that's perfect for anyone who loves a bit of texture and movement in their accessories. It's worked in simple half double crochet from the crown down, so even a confident beginner can make it, while the tapered earflaps and long mixed-color fringe give it that special handmade, festival-ready look. The apricot body feels warm and soft against the skin, and the peach edging plus two-tone fringe add a gentle pop of contrast. Whether you're making it for yourself or as a gift, it's a quick, satisfying project you'll want to wear all season long.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — approx. 200 yds in apricot (Color A) and 50 yds in peach (Color B)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (US I-9) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional), measuring tape
- Finished size: Fits head circumference 20–22 inches; height 8 inches (excluding fringe)
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- hdc — half double crochet
- inc — increase (work 2 hdc in the same stitch)
- hdc2tog — half double crochet 2 together (a decrease worked over 2 stitches)
- MR — magic ring
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- Rnd / R — round / row
Gauge
12 stitches and 8 rows in half double crochet = 4 inches (10 cm). Work a small swatch in hdc and measure it before you begin; if you have more stitches than 12 in 4 inches, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down a hook size.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your tension relaxed and even — hdc worked tightly will make the hat too stiff and small, so check your gauge first.
- Use a stitch marker at the start of each round so you don't lose your place in the crown increases.
- When you reach the earflaps, count carefully: leave 16 stitches for the front and 24 stitches for the back so the flaps sit evenly at the sides.
- Cut all your fringe strands before you start attaching them, and keep them in two neat piles (A and B) so pairing them goes quickly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Hat Body (Color A)
Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, work 8 hdc into the ring. (8 sts)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around. (16 sts)
Rnd 3: [hdc, inc] x8. (24 sts)
Rnd 4: [hdc 2, inc] x8. (32 sts)
Rnd 5: [hdc 3, inc] x8. (40 sts)
Rnd 6: [hdc 4, inc] x8. (48 sts)
Rnd 7: [hdc 5, inc] x8. (56 sts)
Rnd 8: [hdc 6, inc] x8. (64 sts)
Rnds 9–18: hdc in each st around. (64 sts)
Do not fasten off. Continue to the earflaps.
Earflaps (make 2, Color A)
With A, join to the hat at the side, leaving 16 sts for the front and 24 sts for the back between the two flaps.
Row 1: ch 1, hdc in next 12 sts. Turn. (12 sts)
Row 2: ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc 8, hdc2tog. Turn. (10 sts)
Row 3: ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc 6, hdc2tog. Turn. (8 sts)
Row 4: ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc 4, hdc2tog. Turn. (6 sts)
Row 5: ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc 2, hdc2tog. Turn. (4 sts)
Row 6: ch 1, hdc2tog twice. Turn. (2 sts)
Fasten off. Repeat for the second earflap on the opposite side.
Edging (Color B)
Join B at the back of the hat. Sc evenly around the entire bottom edge, including around both earflaps. Fasten off.
Fringe
Cut 12-inch strands of A and B. Hold 2 strands (1 A + 1 B) together. Attach fringe along the bottom edge and earflaps, spacing every 2 sts. Trim ends evenly.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side, using your tapestry needle to hide them within the hdc fabric. Check that the fringe is attached evenly and trim any uneven strands so the bottom hangs straight. Block lightly by misting the hat with water and shaping it over a bowl or hat form; let it dry completely before wearing. No seaming is needed — the hat is worked in one piece.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the acrylic for a soft wool or wool-blend worsted yarn for extra warmth and a slightly different drape.
- Try a contrasting fringe color, like cream or dusty rose, for a bolder bohemian look.
- Add a small braided tie or a pair of tassels at the earflap points to dress it up.
