Glacier Bloom Earflap Hat Free Knitting Pattern – Frosted Cable & Lace

Wrap yourself in the serene beauty of a winter garden with this stunning earflap hat. The Glacier Bloom features delicate cable motifs that mimic frost-kissed petals, creating a textured, botanical masterpiece that's as functional as it is beautiful. The soft, chunky worsted weight yarn and cozy earflaps make it the perfect companion for crisp, snowy days. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a satisfying project or a confident beginner ready to tackle cables, this pattern delivers a professional-looking result that will become your go-to winter accessory.

This free knitting pattern combines classic cable techniques with delicate lace eyelets, resulting in a hat that looks far more complex than it actually is. The serene arctic blue body is beautifully framed by a cream crocheted border, evoking the frozen elegance of a winter garden in full bloom. Let's dive into creating this cozy masterpiece!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in arctic blue (MC) – approximately 250 yards; and cream (CC) – approximately 50 yards. Choose a soft, chunky worsted weight for the best drape and warmth.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needles and double-pointed needles (or size needed to obtain gauge). You'll need the circular needle for the main body and DPNs for the crown decreases.
• Notions: Stitch markers (8+), cable needle, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
• Crochet hook: Size G (4.0 mm) or similar for the single crochet border (optional but recommended).

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always knit a gauge swatch before starting to ensure your hat fits perfectly. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Finished Size

To fit adult head circumference 21-23 inches. The hat has a comfortable, snug fit thanks to the ribbed brim and stretchy cable pattern.

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these abbreviations before you begin:

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• YO: Yarn over (creates an eyelet hole)
• C4F: Cable 4 front – slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
• C4B: Cable 4 back – slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
• PM: Place marker
• RM: Remove marker

Pattern Notes

• The hat is worked in the round from the brim up, then earflaps are picked up and knit separately.
• The cable and lace pattern is provided in written form below. Read through the entire pattern before starting.
• Always knit the cable stitches (C4F/C4B) on the rounds specified – the pattern alternates between front and back cables to create the twisted petal effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brim

With MC, CO 96 stitches. Place a marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches.

Work K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches. This creates a snug, stretchy brim that will keep your ears warm.

Body

Now we'll establish the beautiful cable and lace pattern. Follow these rounds carefully:

Round 1: *K12, PM* repeat from * to * around (8 markers). This divides your work into 8 equal sections of 12 stitches each.

Round 2: *Knit the 12 stitches as follows: K2, YO, SSK, K4, K2tog, YO, K2* repeat from * to * around. This creates the first lace eyelet row.

Round 3: Knit all stitches. This plain round allows the lace pattern to breathe.

Round 4: *K2, YO, SSK, C4F, K2tog, YO, K2* repeat from * to * around. The cable front creates the first twist of the petal motif.

Round 5: Knit all stitches.

Round 6: *K2, YO, SSK, K4, K2tog, YO, K2* repeat from * to * around. Another lace round to balance the pattern.

Round 7: Knit all stitches.

Round 8: *K2, YO, SSK, C4B, K2tog, YO, K2* repeat from * to * around. The cable back creates the opposite twist, completing the petal shape.

Round 9: Knit all stitches.

Repeat Rounds 2-9 until the piece measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with Round 7. This ensures you finish on a plain knit round before starting the crown decreases.

Crown Decreases

Now we'll shape the top of the hat. The decreases are simple and evenly spaced. As you decrease, switch to double-pointed needles when the circular needle becomes too long.

Round 1: *K10, K2tog* repeat from * to * around (88 stitches).

Round 2: *K9, K2tog* repeat from * to * around (80 stitches).

Round 3: *K8, K2tog* repeat from * to * around (72 stitches).

Round 4: *K7, K2tog* repeat from * to * around (64 stitches).

Round 5: *K6, K2tog* repeat from * to * around (56 stitches).

Round 6: *K5, K2tog* repeat from * to * around (48 stitches).

Round 7: *K4, K2tog* repeat from * to * around (40 stitches).

Round 8: *K3, K2tog* repeat from * to * around (32 stitches).

Round 9: *K2, K2tog* repeat from * to * around (24 stitches).

Round 10: *K1, K2tog* repeat from * to * around (16 stitches).

Round 11: *K2tog* repeat from * to * around (8 stitches).

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, slide it through the remaining 8 stitches, pull tight to close the hole, and secure with a knot. Weave in the end.

Earflaps

With MC, pick up and knit 20 stitches along the bottom edge of the hat, centered over one ear (about 2 inches from the front seam). This placement ensures the earflaps sit comfortably over your ears.

Work back and forth in stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) for 2 inches. This creates a smooth, warm flap.

Decrease row (right side): K1, SSK, knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1. This creates a gentle taper.

Next row: Purl all stitches.

Repeat these 2 rows until 6 stitches remain. The decreases will create a rounded, neat edge.

Next row (right side): K1, SSK, K2tog, K1 (4 stitches).

Next row: Purl.

Next row: SSK, K2tog (2 stitches).

Next row: Purl.

Next row: K2tog, fasten off. This completes the first earflap.

Repeat for the second earflap on the other side of the hat, ensuring it's centered over the other ear.

Finishing

With CC, crochet a single crochet border around the entire bottom edge of the hat, including the earflaps. Work 1 sc in each stitch and 2 sc in each corner to keep the edge flat and neat. This cream border beautifully frames the arctic blue body and adds a polished, professional finish.

Fasten off and weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Take your time with this step – well-woven ends make your hat look store-bought.

Optional: Ties

Make two twisted cords (or braided yarn) about 10 inches long and attach to the bottom of each earflap for ties. These are perfect for keeping the hat securely in place on windy days. To make a twisted cord, cut 3 strands of MC yarn about 30 inches long, fold them in half, and twist until they curl into a cord. Knot the ends and attach to the earflap tips.

Tips for Success

• Keep your tension even – especially when working the cables. Don't pull the yarn too tight after a cable twist, or the fabric will pucker.
• Use a cable needle that matches your needle size – this prevents stretched stitches around the cable.
• Block your hat – after finishing, gently wet block the hat to even out the lace and cable stitches. This makes a huge difference in the final appearance.
• Count your stitches regularly – especially after lace rounds, to catch any mistakes early.

This Glacier Bloom Earflap Hat is a joy to knit and an even greater joy to wear. The combination of cables and lace creates a sophisticated texture that looks like a frozen winter garden, while the chunky worsted weight yarn ensures it works up quickly. Whether you're making it for yourself or as a heartfelt handmade gift, this hat is sure to become a treasured piece in any winter wardrobe.

Happy knitting, and may your winter be filled with warmth and beautiful stitches!