© Photography by Kindred Photo & Design
Thank you to Lion Brand for providing the yarn for this pattern sample.
Today’s pattern is so super easy and fast, and since winter around here seems to have no intentions of going away any time soon, it’s the perfect cold weather accessory when you don’t quite want to commit to a hat. The cinch makes it so versatile – you can wear the cinched part on top of your head or off to the side, or even underneath your ponytail. Give this cinched ear warmer / headband crochet pattern a try!
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CINCHED EAR WARMER
Level: Easy
Size:
One Size Fist Most (Preteen – Adult Woman).
Earwarmer measures 18” around, and is 3” wide.
Materials:
- H hook (5.00mm)
- About 45 yards of Lion Brand Heartland* (Samples are shown in Katmai and Mammoth Cave)
*About Heartland:
Weight: #4 worsted
Fiber: 100% Acrylic
Yardage: 5oz/142g (251yd/230m)
Gauge: 12 sc + 15 rows = 4 inches on size J-10 [6 mm] hook - Yarn needle
Gauge:
With H hook, 7 HDC = 2″
Stitches Used:
CH (chain)
SL ST (slip stitch)
FDC (foundation half double crochet – click here for a tutorial)
HDC (half double crochet)
DC (double crochet)
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard terms.
(2) Starting chains do not count as stitches.
(3) This pattern is easily adjusted to any head size. 62 STS was perfect for me, but you might want to wrap the first round around your head as you go to get the perfect fit for you.
THE PATTERN
With H hook,
Round 1: FDC* 62. Join to first FDC, being careful not to twist the row.
(*FDC stands for Chainless Foundation Double Crochet, and you can find the tutorial here. Or, just Ch 63, DC in second Ch from hook and DC across. But seriously, go learn Chainless Foundation stitch. It’s way cooler.)
Round 2: Ch 1; HDC in each St around. Join. (62 HDC)
Round 3: Ch 2; DC in each St around. Join. (62 DC)
Rounds 4-7: Repeat rounds 2-3 two more times.
Cut your yarn, leaving about a 12″ tail, and finish off but don’t weave in the tail. Use your yarn needle to sew up the first round of FDCs, then weave in that tail and cut.
To Cinch:
1. Thread the long tail through your yarn needle. Gather the seamed section of the headband, and fold in half so that the fold is facing you.
2. Bring either side up to the top of the fold and hold secure with your fingers.
3. Run your yarn needle through all three sections of gathered material. The closer you get to the surface, the better your cinch will look; so I run mine right under the top loops of the outer sections, and under just a few strands of the center fold.
4. Wrap the yarn around the underside of the cinch, then through the sections again. Do this a few times to secure the cinch, then tie off underneath and weave in the tail.
I, confused by the term “rounds” . Am I going all the way around the foundation chain, like up one side and down the other… because that would be 124 st not 62. Or am I turning at each end?
Ooohhhh , I didn’t connect it after the foundation chain. Makes sense now, haha, my bad!
Thank you for sharing this pattern! I think I will try to make some Christmas gifts. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
great for stocking stuffers, thank you
I like the head bands
I have 7 grandchildren and will be making some of these for all of them! will not cinch for the guys. They always seem to have cold ears in the winter and keep losing ther ear warmers.
This has been a super easy pattern to follow! Thanks! However, I’ve never heard of “sewing. Up” the foundation chain? It’s one of the last instructions: “Use your yarn needle to sew up the first round of FDCs” Can you explain what this means? (I’m probably just overthinking it)? Thanks in advance!
I just meant to sew it together so there isn’t a 1/2″ gap in the headband 🙂
Hi Rebecca. Congratulations on your little boy! May he be a great source of joy for you and your family. Thank you for this great pattern. I have made so many of them and am completely addicted. I am struggling with the most recent headband that I am working on. The foundation row seems a lot tighter than the rest of the headband. I have redone it multiple times and adjusted my tension. I cannot seem to get it right. I am working with Elle Pure Gold Chunky (it’s acrylic as I am allergic to wool). I have made in acrylic before as well as 100% cotton and cotton blends and it has come out fine then. Would really appreciate your help when you get a chance. Many thanks
Considering you’ve done the pattern multiple times with no issue, I honestly don’t know what the problem would be with the current one. If the only factor you’re changing is the yarn, then it must be something about that yarn that causes you to pull the foundation row tighter. My suggestion would be to use a different hook (the next size up) for that row. Good luck!
Thanks for your guidance. I’ve used a size 6.00 hook and it’s much better 🙂
I can’t thank you enough for this beautiful pattern!!! I’m crocheting one for all of my nieces for Christmas!! I used the Homespun yarn and it turned out so beautiful!!! I wish I could send you a picture, but not sure how! 🙂
Do you know the sizing for this if you wanted to make it for a baby or toddler?
Thanks!
Not off hand, but you can look up the standard sizing for a baby or toddler ear warmer and adjust your starting chain accordingly.
I have been asked to make 80 hats for a Christmas Party for a charity. I ran across your pattern and I love it. I’ve made a few.
Thank you so much.
Love this pattern. Saved me a lot of headaches over Christmas gifts. Thank you.
I love making these!! I’ve made several for my daughter-in-law who lives in Montana and I’m making some for my sister in N.H. Thank you so much for sharing your pattern!!