**UPDATE** The link to this pattern no longer works. However, there is a similar pattern on ravelry here. Hope it helps!
The hardest free pattern to come by on the internet is a stocking cap (elf hat) pattern! Granted, there are some patterns. The ones I found were just too big and bulky. I wanted to make a cute hat like this, but the only patterns I found had big, chunky tails. I LOVE the site crochetpatterncentral (also knittingpatterncentral), but the right pattern evaded me.
Finally, after spending most of the day searching, I found a pattern that I could use. This blog has a really cute pattern. I liked everything except the pom pom. It was perfect.
This is the hat I made from Oodles 4 Noodles pattern. Very cute. The pattern calls for a double crochet, so the hat is nice and loose and floppy.
Once the first hat was made, I created my own pattern. I was asked to make a sticking cap with a curly tail; this is the result.
What do you think? Which hat do you like better? It’s obviously a smaller size than the first one, but it also has a totally different shape. It needs to have a more gradual taper to the top. I think when I make it again, I will make the curly tail longer. Next, I will attempt to knit the hat!
Bonnets and Bow Ties 
I like the curly tail of the blue one, but I prefer the way that the brown one tapers. They are both so cute, though! May I ask – why an elf hat??
I agree with you! I will have to try to make a curly tailed-tapered hat. Someone asked me if I could make some elf hats for them, and that is what started the search!
Thanks for the feedback!
I’m also partial to the curly-tailed one. Both would be adorable for newborn photographs! Love the colors 🙂
Hi! I would love your long tail pixie hat pattern! The website you linked is no longer available. Why is it so hard to find this pattern for free on the internet? Thanks in advance for any help! I love your variation of the curly top! 😀
I added a new link. Sorry if this is too late. Good luck!