Cozy Canine Cable Knit Bomber Hat Free Pattern – Chunky Yarn with Ear Flaps

Cozy Canine Cable Knit Bomber Hat: A Free Chunky Yarn Pattern with Ear Flaps

Wrap your furry best friend in rustic charm with this textured cable knit bomber hat, complete with snug ear flaps and a playful pom-pom. Designed for chilly walks and cozy couch cuddles, this chunky yarn pattern is as practical as it is adorable. The earthy forest green and cream color palette evokes a woodland aesthetic that looks great on any pup. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a fun project, this free pattern will guide you through every step to create a stylish, warm accessory your dog will love.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project is portable and quick to work up, making it a perfect weekend craft.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Forest Green – approximately 150 (180, 210) yards
  • Contrast Color (CC): Cream – approximately 30 (35, 40) yards (for pom-poms and optional ties)
• Needles: US 8 (5 mm) knitting needles – either straight or circular (16-inch) for working in the round. A set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size is helpful for the crown shaping.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch holders or scrap yarn, cable needle, stitch marker, and scissors.
• Optional: Pom-pom maker (or a piece of cardboard) and a small crochet hook for making the tie chains.

Gauge & Sizing

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct fit. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Sizes: Small (Medium, Large) – fits head circumference 12 (14, 16) inches. The pattern is written for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked from the bottom up, starting with the ear flaps, then joining them to the main hat body. Don't worry if you're new to cables – the C4F and C4B are simple and create a beautiful braided effect.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two stitches together (decrease)
• P2tog = purl two stitches together (decrease)
• M1 = make one stitch (increase)
• C4F = cable 4 front (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle)
• C4B = cable 4 back (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Ear Flaps (Make 2)

These are worked flat, back and forth, and then placed on hold. The cream color is used here to create the cute contrast flaps.

1. With MC, cast on 6 (8, 10) sts.
2. Row 1 (RS): K all.
3. Row 2: P all.
4. Row 3: K1, M1, K to last st, M1, K1 – you now have 8 (10, 12) sts.
5. Row 4: P all.
6. Repeat Rows 3-4 until you have 12 (14, 16) sts on your needle.
7. Work even in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 2 (3, 4) more rows, ending with a WS row.
8. Place these stitches on a stitch holder or scrap yarn. Do not cut the yarn; you will use this tail to seam the flap later if needed, or you can weave it in. Repeat for the second ear flap.

Main Hat Body

Now we'll cast on for the main part of the hat and join it in the round. If you are using straight needles, you can work flat and seam at the end, but working in the round is simpler for this pattern.

1. With MC, cast on 40 (48, 56) sts. If using a circular needle, join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
2. Rounds 1-6: *K2, P2; rep from * around. This creates the ribbed brim.
3. Round 7: *C4F, P2; rep from * around.
4. Rounds 8-10: *K4, P2; rep from * around.
5. Round 11: *C4B, P2; rep from * around.
6. Rounds 12-14: *K4, P2; rep from * around.
7. Repeat Rounds 7-14 until the piece measures 3 (4, 5) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Round 14. This ensures you are ready to incorporate the ear flaps on a plain knit round.

Incorporate Ear Flaps

This is where the hat starts to take shape. You will knit the ear flaps directly onto the main body of the hat.

1. Next Round: K across the first 10 (12, 14) sts of the hat. Then, take the stitches from the first ear flap (the one you placed on a holder) and knit across all 12 (14, 16) sts. Next, K across the next 20 (24, 28) sts of the hat. Then, knit across the second ear flap's 12 (14, 16) sts. Finally, K the remaining 10 (12, 14) sts of the hat. You now have 64 (76, 88) sts in total on your needles.
2. Place a new marker if needed to keep track of the beginning of the round.

Continue Body

1. Continue working in the cable pattern as established (Rounds 7-14) for another 2 (3, 4) inches. The ear flaps will hang down naturally as you knit.

Shaping Crown

Now we will decrease to close the top of the hat. Switch to DPNs when the stitches become too tight for your circular needle.

1. Round 1: *K2, P2tog; rep from * around – you will have 48 (57, 66) sts remaining.
2. Round 2: *K2, P1; rep from * around.
3. Round 3: *K2tog, P1; rep from * around – you will have 32 (38, 44) sts remaining.
4. Round 4: *K1, P1; rep from * around.
5. Round 5: *K2tog; rep from * around – you will have 16 (19, 22) sts remaining.
6. Round 6: *K2tog; rep from * around – you will have 8 (10, 11) sts remaining.
7. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 8 inches). Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle, slide it through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the hole. Secure with a knot and weave in the end.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in all ends using your tapestry needle, being sure to secure them well on the inside of the hat.
2. Make the Pom-Poms: Using the CC yarn, make two pom-poms, each about 2 inches in diameter. You can use a pom-pom maker or a piece of cardboard cut into a donut shape. Wrap the yarn generously, cut the edges, and tie tightly in the center. Trim to make them perfectly round.
3. Attach the Pom-Poms: Sew one pom-pom securely to the tip of each ear flap. Use the CC yarn and a tapestry needle to stitch through the pom-pom and the knitted fabric several times to ensure it's firmly attached.
4. Optional Brim: Fold up the bottom edge of the hat (the cast-on edge) to create a nice, thick brim. This is purely aesthetic and helps keep the hat snug.
5. Optional Ties: For extra security, especially for active dogs, you can add a tie at the bottom of each ear flap. Using a crochet hook and CC yarn, make a simple chain about 8-10 inches long. Attach one end to the bottom corner of each ear flap. You can then tie these under your dog's chin.

Your cozy canine cable knit bomber hat is complete! This pattern is a wonderful way to use up worsted weight yarn and create a unique, handmade gift for a beloved pet. The textured cables and playful pom-poms are sure to turn heads on your next walk. Happy knitting!