In solidarity with the Pussyhat Project, this pattern was free until the Women’s March on Washington on Jan 21, 2017.

Finally, the perfect cat ear hat! While other cat hats use square corners for ears, this hat has all the tricks up its sleeve. Shaping on the body brings the ears down on the sides so they don’t stick straight up. Purrrrled inner ears add a touch of realism. Simple cables add style. Plus it uses super bulky yarn for a cozy fit and feel that works up in no time.

Pattern features:

• Worked in the round, hem-up
• No seaming
• Written instructions
• Chart for the body section
• High-quality photo diagrams of the tricky bits
• Notes and tips on important points
• Extra spacing for legibility
• English only
• Professionally edited for technical errors and standard terms

Update Jan 2017: Corrected flagged errors. Added clarity based on customer project notes. Pattern’s Ravelry page now features photos from projects with great modifications and yarn ideas--check out their notes and comments!

Kids sizes: Kids have big heads! For big kids older than toddlers, a small size will probably fit with some room to grow. See this Raveler’s project on a four-year-old. Alternatively, you can size down a needle throughout. This Raveler used size 6.00 mm needles throughout for a six-year-old size with success.

Skill Level
Intermediate

Skills Needed
Knitting in the round, simple cables, increase, decrease, pick up stitches.

Sizes
Adult S/M (L/XL). Shown in size S/M.

Finished Measurements
Head circumference: 21.5/22.5 (22.75/24)“ 54/58 (59/61) cm
Head height from top of ear over crown to top of ear: 11/12.5 (12.75/14)” 28/32 (32.5/36) cm

Materials
Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (6 oz/170 g, 106 yd/97 m, 80% acrylic/80%wool) 1 skein super bulky yarn CYCA 6. Shown in #105 Glacier, #149 Charcoal, #146 Fig, #099 Fisherman, #189 Butterscotch, and #132 Lemongrass.
Cable needle
Stitch marker
Stitch holders or waste yarn
Tapestry needle
For S/M:
US size 10.5 6.5 mm 16” 40 cm circular needle
US size 11 8 mm 16” 40 cm circular needle
US size 11 8 mm 8” 20 cm or longer double-pointed needles (set of 5)
Or size to obtain correct gauge.
For L/XL:
For each needle set, go up one needle size from the size used to achieve correct gauge.