Twisted Ear Warmer – Free Crochet Pattern and Video Tutorial

Crochet a twisted ear warmer using this free beginner crochet pattern, which features a video tutorial and eight sizes (preemie to adult).

Today, we’re going to use all your freshly acquired beginner skills to crochet a twisted ear warmer! These winter headbands are on-trend and surprisingly simple (hello again, rectangle!). There are eight sizes, so whether you’re a teeny baby or an adult with a large head, you’re covered.

If you’re looking for a twisted crochet earwarmer pattern made with super bulky yarn, check out the Alpine Twist Headband.

three crocheted headbands with the text "how to crochet twisted ear warmers - beginner crochet pattern from: you should craft"

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We’re on Day Six of Newbie Series, and so far, our beginner patterns have had us turning small, single crochet rectangles into mug rugs and bows. Today, we’re turning a large rectangle into a winter headband (aka twisted ear warmer). I cannot wait to show you how to do the twist — it blew my mind when I learned how!

The twisted ear warmers inspired me to create a Twisted Cup Cozy, which utilizes the same stitch (single crochet) and the same fun twist. Check it out here! If you’re looking for more patterns that feature the single crochet (sc) stitch, never fear! I’ve rounded up 16 cute, easy single crochet patterns. Oh ya, and they’re free (because isn’t that the best kind of pattern?!).

The Tools

Today, we’re using our worsted weight acrylic yarn and a J 6.0 mm hook. I wanted the crochet ear warmer’s fabric to be a little bit stretchy, so it can fit snug on a head in the wintertime.

I love Brava worsted from WeCrochet because it’s soft, durable, and washes well. Being washable is especially important for winter wearables, since they’ll be getting all sorts of snow and sleet on them. Unlike most wool yarns, acrylics like Brava can be washed AND dried.

Brava is inexpensive (just $2.49 for 100 grams / 218 yards!) and you can get TWO adult sized ear warmers out of one ball. Plus, they have tons of colors. I used Denim and Lady Slipper for my samples. Normally I’m all about the blues, but I’m a little bit obsessed with the Lady Slipper colorway right now.

Share your Twisted Ear Warmers!

I love seeing what you’ve crocheted! Whether you’re participating in the 30-day Newbie Series or not, use #YSCNewbie to show off your WIPs and finished headbands!

Regardless of your social media preferences, be sure to tag me (@youshouldcraft) in your posts so I can drool over your projects and re-share your work in my stories and on my feed!

And if you’re a Facebook person, share your work and connect with other crocheters in The You Should Craft Crochet Community FB group!

purple twisted ear warmer on a blue wooden background with text "how to crochet twisted ear warmers - beginner crochet pattern from you should craft"

Supplies / Materials

NOTE: My friends at WeCrochet provided the supplies for the Newbie Series.

Size / Gauge

4 x 4 inches = 13 stitches x 16 rows

Measure the circumference of your head using your tape measure, then use the chart below to determine your size. Keep in mind that your crochet ear warmer will stretch a little bit.

SizeWidth (Flat)CircumferenceStarting Chain# of Rows
Adult – L11 inches22 inches7416
Adult – S
Teen
10.25 inches20.5 inches6916
Child – L9.5 inches19 inches6414
Child – S8.75 inches17.5 inches5914
Toddler8 inches16 inches5412
Baby – L7.25 inches14.5 inches4912
Baby – S6.5 inches13 inches4410
Baby – XS
Preemie
5.75 inches11.5 inches3910

Abbreviations / Techniques

NOTE: This pattern uses US crochet terminology.

Twisted Ear Warmer Video Tutorial

Easy Crochet Ear Warmer – Pattern Notes

  • The crochet ear warmer pattern is written with all the sizes in one. Reference the table above to determine your size and the length of your starting chain.
  • Starting chain and row counts are written as Preemie (Baby – S, Baby – L, Toddler, Child – S, Child – L, Adult – S, Adult – L)
  • Stitch counts are written as (Preemie, Baby – S, Baby – L, Toddler, Child – S, Child – L, Adult – S, Adult – L)

Twisted Ear Warmer – Written Pattern

ch 39 (44, 49, 54, 59, 64, 69, 74)

ROW 1: sc in second ch from hook. sc across (38, 43, 48, 53, 58, 63, 68, 73)

ROWS 2-16: ch 1 and turn, sc across. (38, 43, 48, 53, 58, 63, 68, 73)

Trim yarn, leaving a 12 inch tail.

Finishing Off

When you’re done crocheting, you should have a long, flat rectangle.

step-by-step collage demonstrating how to make the twist in the twisted ear warmer
  • a.) Fold the edges toward the center of the rectangle. Fold and pinch the sides so their “mouths” face each other like this: < >
  • b.) Push the folded sides together, to create an interlocked “S” shape. The top of the right side should be inside the “mouth” of the left side.
  • c.) Use your tapestry needle to seam through all four layers of the “S” shape. Make sure you’re seaming near the edges, as sewing too far down could alter the shape of your twist and thet size of your headband.
  • d.) Weave in the ends and flip the headband right-side-out, so the seamed portion is on the inside.

Ta-da! You’ve finished your twisted crochet ear warmer! If you’re ready to try a slightly more challenging ear warmer pattern, check out the Alpine Twist Headband, which utilizes the alpine stitch and super bulky yarn.

two hands holding a blue twisted ear warmer