HAT

Using the circular needle, cast on 64 (72, 80) stitches. Join, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a marker for the beginning off the round. Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the piece measures 4 1/2 (5, 5 1/2)“ (11.5 12.5, 14cm) from the beginning.

SHAPE CROWN

NOTE: Change to larger double-pointed needles when the number of stitches has been sufficiently decreased.

Round 1: K5, k2tog; repeat from around - 54 (60, 66) stitches.
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: K4, k2tog; repeat from around - 45 (50, 55) stitches.
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: K3, k2tog; repeat from around - 36 (40, 44) stitches.
Round 6: Knit.
Round 7: K2, k2tog; repeat from around - 27 (30, 33) stitches.
Round 8: Knit.
Round 9: K1, k2tog; repeat from around - 18 (20, 22) stitches.
Round 10: Knit.
Round 11: K2tog around - 9 (10, 11) stitches.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long end. Use the yarn needle to thread the end through the remaining stitches. Draw together tightly and fasten off.

EAR (make 2)

Using the two larger double-pointed needles, cast on 12 stitches.

Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3-4: Repeat rows 1-2.
Row 5: K2tog, k to the last 2 stitches, k2tog - 10 stitches.
Row 6: Purl.
Rows 7-12: Repeat the last 2 rows 3 times - 4 stitches.
Row 13 (turning row): Knit.
Row 14: Purl.
Row 15: Increase in the first stitch, k to the last stitch, increase in the last stitch - 6 stitches.
Row 16: Purl.
Row 17-22: Repeat the last 2 rows 3 times - 12 stitches.
Row 23: Knit.
Row 24: Purl.
Row 25: Knit.
Bind off.

FINISHING

Fold both Ears in half along the turning row and seam the sides. Sew the Ears to the top of the Hat.
Snap off the shank on the back of the eyes. Glue the eyes, centered, to the front of the Hat.

Cut a 1 1/4 x 1” (3 x 2.5cm) rectangle from the black felt for nose. Trim the corners to round them slightly. Glue the nose below the eyes.
Weave in ends.