Cat Ear Hat - Free Crochet Pattern
Add a playful twist to your winter wardrobe with the Cat Ears Hat, a cozy crochet pattern that’s equal parts cute and comfy. Made with plush KnitPal Chenillique XL yarn,, this hat has a soft, velvety feel and works up quickly thanks to its super bulky weight. The textured body features repeating shell stitches for a rich, dimensional look, while the folded construction creates subtle cat ear shapes at the top for that fun, whimsical finish. Designed for an adult medium and rated easy, this pattern is perfect for beginners who want to make a stylish accessory that stands out—or a handmade gift with personality.
Download a printable pattern PDF
What You’ll Need
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Yarn:
KnitPal Chenillique XL (weight #6 - 100% Polyester, 88 yds per 100 g) Approximately 1 and a half balls in Clouded Ink.
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Hook:
US J-10 / 6 mm
Or size needed to obtain gauge -
Notions:
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Details
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Skill Level: Easy
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Gauge:
A 5-round gauge swatch = 4" (10.1 cm) in diameter with a US J-10 / 6 mm hook
Swatch:
Round 1: 8sc in a Magic Ring. (8 sts)
Round 2: Inc around. (16 sts)
Round 3: (Sc, inc)x 8. (24 sts)
Round 4: (Sc 2, inc)x 8. (32 sts)
Round 5: (Sc 3, inc)x 8. (40 sts)
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Size:
Adult Medium
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- BPdc: back post double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- inc: increase (work 2 sts (single or double crochet) stitches into the same stitch)
- sc: single crochet
- sk: skip
- slst: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- (# sts) - indicates the total number (#) of stitches you should have at the end of the round/row
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(...)x # - work instructions within parentheses as many times (#) as directed
Special Stitches
Shell st - (1 sc, skip 2 sts, 5 dc in same st, skip 2 st)x required time
Notes
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Unless indicated otherwise, this pattern is worked in rounds. Make a slip stitch at the end of each round.
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Chain 1 at the start of each round is not counted as a stitch.
Patterns
Download a printable pattern PDF
BORDER
Row 1: Ch 8, skip 1 ch, 7 sc, turn. (7 sts) st
Row 2-60 (59 rows): Ch 1, sc Blo 7. turn (7 sts) Insert the hook in last the st of row 60, and 1 foundation ch, draw a loop and make a sl st. Continue making 6 more sl sts.
HAT
Round 1: Ch 1 (do not count as a st, here and after), sc 1 on the edge of each row. Sl st. (60 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, (sc 1, sk 2 sts, dc 5 in same st, sk 2 sts)x 10. Sl st. (10 shell sts)
Round 3: Ch 2 (count as 1st dc), 4 dc in the same st, (sc in 3rd dc of shell st of previous round, dc 5 in sc st of previous round)x 9, sc in 3rd dc. Sl st in top of ch 2. (10 shell sts)
Round 4: Ch 2 (count as dc), (sc in 3 dc of shell st of previous round, dc 5 in sc st of previous round)x 9, sc in 3 dc, 4 dc in sc st. Sl st in 1 dc. (10 shell sts)
Rounds 5-12 (8 rounds): Repeat Rounds 3 and 4, 4 times.
Round 13: Ch1, 1 sc in each st. Sl st. (60 sts)
Turn the hat inside out. Lay the hat flat and work in 2 opposite sts. ch1, sc 30.
Cut the yarn and fasten off. Weave in all the ends.
Download a printable pattern PDF
Share Your Finished Piece!
We love seeing your creations—and this pattern is especially meaningful.
If you post your hat on Instagram, please tag @knitpalusa so we can cheer you on!
And if you’d like more soft, gentle yarns perfect for charity crafting, KnitPal has so many beautiful options to keep your hooks busy and your heart full.
With permission of the designer, this pattern and photos are property of KnitPal and may not be altered, shared, or sold. Do not rewrite any part of this design and sell as your own design. You’re welcome to sell finished products made with this pattern, but please credit the design to KnitPal https://knitpal.com/
