Malia Earwarmer

 This pattern is part of the Fall 2017 Malia CAL (Crochet-Along). To view the other patterns in this collection (including a beanie, slouch, cowl and infinity scarf), please visit the Malia CAL Homepage.

When you want to wear your hair up, but you still want to keep your ears warm, it’s time to grab an earwarmer! This quick pattern is one of the simplest of the Malia collection and you’ll be able to crochet it up in no time.

If you need a little help with the stitches, check out the tutorial video I made for the cowl and scarf; just use the numbers in this pattern instead of the ones called for on the video! Or, scroll down to find the written pattern.

Free Printable Tags

I made some cute printable tags for this pattern that you are welcome to use! If you’re selling or gifting this earwarmer, a tag or wrap just ups the professionalism, in my opinion. I included a wraparound label (shown in the photo) as well as a smaller tag that can be attached to a piece of decorative string wrapped around your finished product, by punching a hole through the corner and threading the string through before tying a bow to secure. Print on cardstock for best results!

Prefer a PDF?

This pattern can be completed using the 100% free version right here on this page. However, many people prefer the convenience of a printable, ad-free PDF.

All-Access Passholders get the ad-free version of this and all of my other blog patterns. It’s a pretty sweet deal, if I do say so myself! Learn more about it here or continuing scrolling for the free version.

MALIA EARWARMER

Difficulty: Easy

Finished Size: 20″ long (before seaming) x 3″ tall

Hook: I (5.50 mm) or whichever hook is needed to obtain correct gauge

Yarn: 80 yards of #4 aran weight. Yarn used in sample photos is Yarn Bee’s Rustic Romantic in “Red Roads.”

Gauge: To ensure the best results, the gauge check is a swatch taken straight from the pattern. Upon completion, you should have a 4” square. If yours is larger, consider using a smaller hook or a thinner #4 yarn. If yours is smaller, consider using a larger hook.

Pattern for Gauge:
CH17.
Row 1: SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. (16)
Row 2: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) 7 times. SC in final ST. (16)
Row 3: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (16)
Row 4: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 14 STS. SC in final ST. (16)
Row 5: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (16)
Row 6: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (LBS in next ST, SK next ST) 7 times. SC in final ST. (16)
Row 7: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (16)
Row 8: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 14 STS. SC in final ST. (16)
Row 9: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (16)
Rows 10-16: Repeat Rows 2-8. (16)

You’ll also need: Yarn needle, 3 buttons (1″ – 1-1/8″)

Terms and Abbreviations:
FHDC 
(foundation half double crochet – see “Special Stitches”)
ST/STS
 (stitch/stitches)
SL ST (slip stitch)
SK (skip)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
HDC (half double crochet)
LBS (large bean stitch – see “Special Stitches”)
BLO (back loop only)
3rd LOOP (work stitch into 3rd loop only – see “Special Stitches”)

Special Stitches:

Foundation Half Double Crochet (FHDC)
This is the recommended way of beginning the pattern and is better shown than explained, so please watch the included tutorial video as a guide. There is also an optional classic chain start noted in the pattern, if you would like to do that instead.

Large Bean Stitch (LBS)
Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull through (2 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over and pull through (4 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over and pull through (6 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over and pull through (8 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 8 loops. Chain 1 to close the stitch. (Because this stitch creates two sets of loops – one when creating the bean, and one when closing the stitch – each completed Large Bean Stitch will count for two stitches in the row or round’s final stitch count.)

3rd Loop Only
Half double crochet stitches have a 3rd loop that we utilize in this pattern. When working in turned rows, as in this pattern, the 3rd loop can be found just below the front loop on the side of the work that is facing you. When instructed to work in “3rd loop only”, insert your hook into this special loop. This creates a delicate braided look on the opposite side of the pattern.

Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) CH1s at the beginning of rows do not count as a stitch in the final stitch count.
(3) A video tutorial for the stitch pattern is available up in the post, or by clicking here.
(4) To make earwarmer larger or smaller, add or subtract an even number of stitches from the starting row or chain. For reference, if you met gauge, 4 stitches = 1″.

INSTRUCTIONS

Row 1: FHDC* 78. (*Alternate start: CH79, HDC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH) (78)

Row 2: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 76 STS. SC in final ST. (78)

Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (78)

Row 4: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) 38 times. SC in final ST. (78)

Row 5: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (78)

Row 6: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 76 STS. SC in final ST. (78)

Row 7: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (78)

Row 8: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (LBS in next ST, SK next ST) 38 times. SC in final ST. (78)

Row 9: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (78)

Row 10: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 76 STS. SC in final ST. (78)

Edging: CH1, SC in same ST to round corner. Working down the short edge of the earwarmer, SC in each row (10). Ch1 to round corner. SC in each ST across long edge of earwarmer. CH1 to round corner. SC in each row of next short edge. CH1 to round corner. SC in each ST across remaining long edge. Ch1. Join with a SL ST to the first SC of the edging. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Buttons: Overlap one short edge over the other by about 1″. Pin in place if needed. Attach buttons at top, bottom, and center, sewing through both layers to hold earwarmer together.

Done! If you’re sharing on social media, be sure to hashtag #maliacaland #maliaearwarmer and tag me @littlemonkeyscrochet. Hope you enjoyed it!