This sparkly, colorful knit earflap hat is probably the most fun thing I've ever made (I know, that's a big statement). It took about 2 hours to make, thanks to the super bulky yarn, and it brings me so much joy to put it on. A giant pom pom and braided tails give this super simple design all the flare it needs to looks impressive without being a challenge. It's unicorn name is inspired by the rainbow colors and its ability to make everything magical just by wearing it.

I used two different thick + thin yarns held together to give this hat extra sparkle and texture. The yarns I picked are kinda pricy, so feel free to substitute other yarns as needed. You'll want about 35 yds of extra bulky and 65 yards of a bulky yarn. And if you don't want so much texture, you can hold together two strands of the same yarn.

Even if you're a beginning knitter, you can make this fun project. All you need to know is how to increase and decrease - and even if you don't, I've linked to other Instructables to teach you how.

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Step 1: Materials

You'll need:

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1 skein super bulky yarn like Knit Collage Pixie Dust in Snowflake

1 skein bulky yarn like Knit Collage Cast Away in Prism

16" Size US17 circular needles

Jumbo Stitch Marker

Stitch Holder

Tapestry Needle

Scissors

Tape Measure

OR this kit - it has stitch markers, a stitch holder, tape measure, and tapestry needles!

These yarns come in skeins which need to be wound into balls before you can use them. Ask the store to do it for you, or follow my tutorial on How To Wind Yarn By Hand.

Hey, some of those links above are affiliate links! Clicking on them helps me keep making rad Instructables for you.

Step 2: Earflaps

Abbreviations:

k: knit

kfb: knit into the front and back of the stitch (increase 1 stitch)

k2tog: knit two stitches together (decrease 1 stitch)

Pattern:

Hold both yarns together (just pretend like they're one) throughout the project

Cast on three stitches (it will look like 6 on your needle)Ear

Row 1: k, kfb, k (4 stitches)

Row 2: knit (4 stitches)

Row 3: k, kfb, kfb, k (6 stitches)

Row 4: knit (6 stitches)

Row 5: k, kfb, kfb, kfb, k (8 stitches)

Row 6: knit (8 stitches)

Cut a long tail and move to a stitch holder or double pointed needle.

Repeat to make a second earflap, but don’t cut the thread.

Step 3: Knitting the Hat

After knitting second earflap, keep it on the needle and cast on four more stitches. (12 stitches)

Pick up the first earflap and knit along those stitches to remove it from the stitch holder. (20 stitches)

Cast on ten more stitches. (30 stitches)

Place your stitch marker on the needles and join the round, being careful not to twist.

Knit each row until the piece measures 6” from where you cast on the edge of the brim.

Step 4: Decreasing

Row 1: k4, k2tog around (25 stitches)

Row 2: knit

Row 3: k3, k2tog around (20 stitches)

Row 4: knit

Row 5: k2, k2tog around (15 stitches)

Row 6: knit

Row 7, k1, k2tog around (10 stitches)

Row 8: knit

Row 9: k2tog around (5 stitches)

Cut a long tail and thread it through the remaining stitches using your tapestry needle.

Step 5: Braids

Cut six strands of each color yarn to 18” long

Separate into two bundles with three strands of each yarn.

Weave the strands through the bottom of the earflaps so there is about 9” on each side.

Braid the strands together and finish with a big knot.

If you're new to braiding, Furry Salamander offers this tutorial.

Step 6: Make the Pom Pom

Use remaining yarn to create a giant pompom.

I used a large pom pom maker (and next time I'm going to spring for the jumbo!), but here’s a tutorial on how to DIY one without a pom pom maker from Penolopy Bulnick.

Leave a long tail and tie the pompom onto the hat.

Finishing:

Use the tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends.

Step 7: Wear!

Wear your new hat with pride! It's not as toasty as it looks, so you don't have to wait for the dead of winter to trot it out. If you're feeling extra fancy, make some tiny pom poms with the leftover yarn to attach to your braids. (Hm, I think I might go do that now. . . )

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask. If you make your own hat, please share a photo in the comments below!

xoxo

Scooch