Firefighters can ignite the imagination. The Puppy Hat is the product of a request by a child: a Dalmatian hat with a stuffed snout to go with a fireman’s coat to keep the ears warm.

The pattern is written to make this exact hat, but different colors can be used to tailor fit the hat to the recipient. With ear flaps overlapped by a ribbed band, the ears are double protected against the winter wind. The main body of the hat is constructed using the waistcoat stitch to provide an tighter weave to keep body heat in and winter chill out.

The pattern includes a list of materials needed, the stitches used with a brief description of the waistcoat stitch, and detailed directions for each part and how to assemble them.

I hope you enjoy stitching this hat as much as my son loves wearing it!