Marietta's Totoro Flap Hat, Pattern

Marietta’s Totoro Flap Hat 

Ears changed 5/9/2020

My first try was done in Red Heart which is more of an aran weight.  I reworked the pattern  in Cascade 220 and Knit Picks Swish.  I also tried out some safety eyes.  I had to cut the backs off the eyes because she said they stuck her in the head and made unsightly bumps.  I also did the band in stockinette stitch instead of 1x1 rib.  The ears were updated 5/9/2020 to be knit in the round.  

I credit Sharuya at Go Dolls for her cute Totoro style hat.  Her dolls are Blythe or smaller, and her hat's are just adorable.  My Marietta's head is quite a bit bigger at 12 inches.  
 

Skills
Knit in the round. 

Backward cast on.

Increase   Kf&b

Increase in stitch below, left or right.  A left leaning stitch is increased on the right sided stitch and the right leaning stitch is increased on the left sided stitch.  Go figure. 

Decrease.  K or P 2tog, SSK

Yarn:  Bottom sample in Lion brand Woolease.  , Gauge about 6 stitches/inch and 8.5 rows/inch

Needles size  5

Crochet hook D

Pattern

With white, CO 4 stitches.  Turn at end of every row.

P one row.

K next row increasing one stitch on each end. (6)

P one row.

K next row increasing one stitch on each end. (8)

P next row increasing one stitch on each end. (10)

K one row. Cut yarn. This end is woven in at the end

Place on holder.

Make second ear flap but do not place on holder. 

Backward CO 16 stitches.  With right (knit) side facing, knit the first ear flap back on to needle.

Continue back in forth in stockinette stitch starting with purl row for 4 rows.  End on right side. This is the back of the hat. 

Backward CO 24 stitches. (60 stitches total)  Join to knit in the round. Place marker to mark beginning.

Continue stockinette stitch for 5 more rows.  Cut thread leaving short end to weave in.  Change to gray and stockinette stitch. (Knit every row in the round)

Work until 2 inches from front edge of hat.

Begin crown decreases.

(K8, K2tog) around (54)

Knit one row.

(K7, K2tog) around (48)

Knit one row.

(K6, K2tog) around (42)

(K5, K2tog) around (36)

(K4, K2tog) around (30)

(K3, K2tog) around (24)

(K2, K2tog) around (18)

(K1, K2tog) around (12)

(K2tog) around (6)

K1,k2tog,k1,k2tog (4)

Cut thread leaving 6 inch tail.  Thread through stitches and pull up tight.  Push to wrong side and weave in end.

Single crochet around edge, crocheting in tails as you go.  When you go around the flaps add single crochet twice in corner knit stitches to go around the corners.   Add braids to earflaps and pompoms or dust mites as desired.  (I used 6 strands about 30 inches long for each braid, doubled)

Ears

Knit in the round

CO 8 stitches.  Leave 12 inch tail to sew on ears.   Divide on two needles and join to knit in round. Knit 6 rows. 

 (K1, inc in stitch below left, k2, inc in stitch below right, K1) repeat on second needle. (12 st) Knit 3 rows.

 (SSK, k2, K2tog)Repeat on second needle. (8st)
K one row. 

 (SSK, K2tog) Repeat on second needle  (4 st)
K one row.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches. 

Break yarn leaving 4 inch tail push to wrong side, and weave in ends.  Stuff lightly if desired.  Sew on ears about 5 stitches from top.  Embroider whiskers, chest markings (these go on the narrow white band.  Add eyes of choice.

Join white in back of hat with slip stitch.  Ch1, sc around edge of hat and ear flaps.  End with sl in beginning.

Updated ears.  Eyes are felt circles held on by black safety eye.