How to Crochet a Sherpa

Sherpas are crocheted with ear flaps.

When cold weather hits and you need a hat to warm your head, it is time to crochet a sherpa. Sherpas are affectionately named after the native people, known by the same name and who have resided in the uppermost regions of Tibet and Nepal for over 600 years. The whipping wind and continuously brisk weather of high elevations requires natives to wear hats to prevent any unnecessary loss of body heat.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 100 percent acrylic #4 yarn (1 to 2 balls)
• Fabric scissors or pinking shears
• J-crochet hook

Instructions

1. Measure the diameter of the widest part of your head.

2. Place one to two balls of 100 percent acrylic #4 yarn by your side. Pull out the first strand of yarn from the center of the ball. Always pull yarn from the center of the ball to maintain tension and prevent unnecessary tangling. Trim any frayed ends of the yarn with fabric scissors or pinking shears.

3. Pick up a J-crochet hook with one hand. Loop the yarn strand once around the fingers on your opposite hand. Keep tension on the strand. Wrap the yarn around the top of the hook one time. Slide the strand flush under the hook. Pull the hook downward and through the looped strand to create an initial crochet chain link.

4. Start the crocheting from the top of the hat and work downwards -- expanding into the sides. Crochet five straight chain links to complete a round ring. Crochet a round stitch. You now have six total stitches.

5. Crochet eleven straight chain links around the bottom of the initial ring to create a second round. Crochet a round stitch. Your second chain has a total of 12 stitches. Continue this process to create a total of 10 interconnected round chains -- or until the hat measures 7 inches down from the crown. The hat is now complete.

6. Stitch the ear flaps. Crochet nine straight chain links interconnecting with bottom round chain of the hat. Flip the pattern 180 degrees. Crochet a second row of nine straight chain links. Flip the pattern 180 degrees. Continue the crocheting and flipping pattern six additional times to create the first ear flap.

7. Crochet the second ear flap in the same manner as in the previous step on the opposite side of the hat so it is directly in line with the first flap.

References

• Crochet Spot: How to Crochet a Beanie
• Hooking Along: Sherpa Wannabe Hat
• Vintage Creations: Beanies
• Peak Freaks: Sherpas of the Khumbu Valley