Zen Knitting

Have you done the finished edge yet? If not, go around the edge of the hat with a single crochet and when you get to the tip of the earflap where you want to attach the braid, pick up the braid with your hook and single crochet it with one to four stitches to hold it and continue your crocheted edge around. It will hold securely and look less cumbersome than stitching.

For each braid, I’d recommend you cut three pieces of yarn, each one long enough to be more than twice as long as the braid will need. Use your hook to pull all three through the end of the ear flap, where the braid should stick out. Pull them through so that half hangs down on either side. Then braid them, using two strands in each third of the braid. When you are done, knot everything and cut the ends off. Do the same on the other side.

Using two strands for each piece of the braid is useful because it means there won’t be any free ends to work their way out, and it will both secure the braid tightly, and make a slightly thicker cord that will be less likely to tangle.

If you used different colors in the hat, try using pieces from each color for a fun look, or just make them all one color if you prefer.