Beanie with Animal Ears

Learn how to make a cozy and stylish beanie hat using warm knit fabric. Nicki LaFoille walks you through the process!

Start by downloading the Hat Pattern, cutting it out, and taping it together along the marked line. Nicki provides guidance and suggestions for adjusting the pattern size to make it smaller or larger, depending on your preference.

Next, choose your ear style and cut out four ear pieces from your selected fabric. Nicki demonstrates how to sew the ears with a contrasting lining for added style.

Sew each ear pair, clip the seam allowances to reduce bulk, and turn them right side out.

With the right sides of the fabric together, fold the hat and align the side seams. Position the ears at the edge of the seam, making sure the “front” of the ear faces the front of the hat if the ear has a specific front and back. Stitch the side seams using a ⅜” seam allowance, starting at the top edge.

Nicki shares helpful tips for stitching through thick fabric layers to prevent stretching as the fabric moves under the presser foot.

Fold the hat to match the remaining seam, then stitch from the lower back edge, finishing the front seam with a gentle curve to avoid an awkward point.

Finally, Nicki shows how to finish the hat by folding under the lower edge. She also provides instructions on how to create a lined version of the hat and adjust the length as needed.