A more refined version of the traditional trapper hat, this piece features a flat rounded crown, long earflaps, and a low back to keep your neck warm. Chunky yarn will make fast work of this lovely Russian-inspired hat, making it a great weekend project. If you’re a fan of the traditional trapper, you can easily use browns and creams to get that look too!
Level
Confident Beginner
Finished Measurements
14 in/35.6 cm long x 22 in/55.9 cm around
Gauge
10 sts and 22 rows = 4 in/10.2 cm square in garter st
Yarn
Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, super bulky #6 (80% acrylic, 20% wool; 106 yd/97 m, 6 oz/170 g per skein)
1 skein #640 Cranberry (MC)
1 skein #153 Black (CC)
Lion Brand Fun Fur, bulky #5 (100% polyester; 64 yd/58 m, 1.75 oz/50 g per skein)
1 skein #153 Black (CC1)
Supplies
•¾ in/2 cm peg spacing round loom with 40 pegs
•Knitting tool
•Crochet hook
•Measuring tape
•Stitch markers (optional)
•3½ in/8.9 cm pom-pom maker or cardboard
•Yarn/tapestry needle
Pattern Notes
•Hat is worked from the bottom up in three separate sections that are eventually joined together.
•The top of the hat is decreased in four separate wedges and then seamed together.
•When asked to CO1, use the true cable cast-on method as described on page 110.
•For step-by-step instructions on working the single crochet edging and I-cord, see pages 127–28.
Pattern Stitch (seed stitch, multiples of 2)
Row 1: *K1, p1, rep from * to end of row.
Row 2: *P1, k1, rep from * to end of row (or purl the knits, knit the purls from the previous row).
Rep rows 1 and 2.
Pattern sequence will change depending on stitch count (odd or even number of sts).
FRONT FLAP
Foundation row: Chain CO 8 pegs with 1 strand CC and 1 Strand CC1 held together; work as flat panel.
Row 1: *K1, p1, rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 2: CO1 stitch, *k1, p1, rep from * to end of row, CO1 stitch. (10 sts)
Row 3: K1, *k1, p1, rep from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 4: CO1 stitch, K1, *k1, p1, to last stitch, k1, CO1 stitch. (12 sts)
Row 5: *K1, p1, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Rows 6–18: As row 5. (12 sts)
Cut working yarn but do not bind off.
EARFLAPS
Foundation row: Skip 1 peg behind front flap and chain CO 8 pegs with MC.
Row 1: *K1, p1, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 2: CO1, *K1, p1, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2, CO1.
Row 3: Skip1, *k1, p1, rep from * to last st, k1.
Rows 4–25: As row 3. (10 sts)
Cut working yarn but do not bind off.
Rep above for second earfla.
BODY OF HAT
For bottom back and sides of hat, begin just behind front flap on second side. Work the earflaps and back of hat only for this portion. We will join the front in the next section. When beginning row 1 of this section, be sure to continue seed stitch pattern on the earflaps to avoid interruption in the fabric.
Row 1: Skip1, work in seed stitch to last stitch, k1, chain CO all empty pegs between earflaps, work in seed stitch to end of row.
Rows 2–10: Continue working in seed stitch.
Begin top of hat, paying attention to color changes.
Rnd 1 (MC): K3, *skip1 wyib, k3, rep from * to last st, skip1.
Rnd 2 (MC): *P3, skip1 wyib, rep from * to end of round.
Rnd 3 (CC): K1, *skip1 wyib, k3, rep from * to end of round, skip1, k2.
Rnd 4 (CC): P1, *skip1 wyib, p3, rep from * to end of round, skip1, p2.
Rnds 5–16: Rep rnds 1–4 (3 times).
Cut CC. Continue working with MC.
Rnd 17: Knit.
Rnd 18: Purl.
Rnds 19–34: Rep rnds 17 and 18 (8 times).
Begin decreasing.
Work in 4 sections of 10 pegs/stitches. You will have 4 separate wedges when finished.
Row 1: K10, turn.
Row 2: P10, turn.
Row 3: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk, turn. (8 sts)
Row 4: P8, turn.
Rows 5–10: Rep rows 3 and 4 (3 times). (6 sts, 4 sts, 2 sts)
Row 11: K2tog.
Bind off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Rep 3 times, completing a total of 4 wedges.
Seam the top of hat closed using garter seam.
Weave in all ends on hat.
EAR POCKETS
Foundation row: Chain CO 4 sts.
Row 1: Skip1, k1, p1, k1.
Row 2: CO1, p1, k1, p1, k1, CO1. (6 sts)
Row 3: Skip1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1.
Rows 4–14: As row 3 (11 times).
Chain one bind-off all pegs, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Single crochet around edge of pocket with CC and CC1 (1 strand of each held together).
Single crochet all the way around bottom edge of hat beginning at the back and using 1 strand CC and 1 strand CC1 held together. When you get to front flap, fold it upward and single crochet along the bottom edge. This will help to keep it in place. Seam top of flap to main hat, being careful to hide stitches. Sew ear pockets onto upper center of earflap. Top of pocket should be even with bottom of front flap. Pick up 3 stitches from the bottom center of earflap and make a 9 in/22.9 cm 3-stitch I-cord (see page 127). Rep for second earflap. Make and attach a 2½ in/6.4 cm pom-pom to the bottom of each I-cord. Make and attach a 3½ in/8.9 cm pom-pom to the top of the hat.