The Checkered Slipped Stitch Beanie with Ear Flaps is a cozy, practical hat in bulky yarn. The ear flaps add warmth and I-cord ties keep it in place on windy days. Top it with a fluffy pom-pom, or leave it off for a cleaner look.

What you’ll need:

Yarn: Lion Brand Hometown (bulky), shown in Aspen Tweed. 2 skeins (about 158 yards used)
Needles: US 11 (8 mm) 16” circular and a set of four US 11 DPNs
Notions: stitch marker, yarn needle, optional 2” pom-pom

Size and gauge:

One size: 20” circumference
Length: 11” from crown to ear-flap tip (15” with pom-pom)
Gauge: 16 sts = 4” in garter stitch