18 Cozy Crochet Ear Warmers and Winter Headbands - Free Patterns

Crochet ear warmers (sometimes called winter headbands) are a popular project for so many reasons. They add a pop of color or texture to outfits, while protecting your ears from chilly breezes. Unlike traditional hats, they work with different hairstyles, like ponytails or buns. They’re small, compact, and easy to tuck into your bag for instant style and warmth when you need it.

For crocheters, ear warmers make quick and satisfying projects that are a fun way to try out different stitch patterns. They’re also ideal for last-minute gifts. And because they use a small amount of yarn, they’re great stash-busting crochet projects as well. Enjoy these free patterns for crochet ear warmers!

Stylish Crochet Ear Warmers and Headbands

This collection includes free patterns for crochet ear warmers and winter headbands in a wide variety of yarn weights, stitch patterns, and sizes. These patterns, from different talented designers, include:

Stretchy Twist Headband
Mosaic Hearts Ear Warmer
Twisted Wheat Ear Warmer
Alpine Headband
Miriam Earwarmer
Deidra Headband
Adelaide Ear Warmer
Hiker’s Headband
Linen Rose Ear Warmer
Blueberry Twist Headband
Chunky Little Pebbles Ear Warmer
Off the Grid Ear Warmer
Picot Single Crochet Stitch Ear Warmer
Fall Vibes Ear Warmer
Emberly Ear Warmer
Heart Stitch Ear Warmer
Everglade Ear Warmer
Ribbed Stitch Twist Headband

*Some patterns may require a free sign-up to view the pattern.

How to Crochet Ear Warmers

Crochet ear warmers and headbands are perfect beginner projects. At their most basic, crochet ear warmer patterns start with just a simple tube or a long strip that’s seamed together. Even if you only know how to single crochet, you can make a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind winter accessory.

More advanced crocheters can keep it interesting by playing with different crochet stitch combinations, adding twists, cinches, or embellishments. When you factor in yarn texture and color, the creative possibilities are nearly limitless!

More Pattern Collections

18 Free Crochet Ear Warmer Patterns

Stretchy Twist Headband

This stretchy crochet headband works up quickly and makes a perfect last-minute gift idea! Front and back post double crochet stitches give it a luxurious texture. The twist is crocheted into the body of the ear warmer, rather than created by seaming as is often done with twisted ear warmer patterns. This gives it a unique and interesting look.

Mosaic Hearts Ear Warmer

This adorable crochet ear warmer features rows of hearts in mosaic crochet and would be a fun accessory for Valentine’s Day. If you’re new mosaic crochet, this simple pattern would be a great starting point. The pattern includes written instructions and a mosaic crochet chart.

Twisted Wheat Ear Warmer

This textured winter headband features the Wheat Stitch, which uses modified puff stitches and single crochets to create a braided look that resembles a head of wheat—perfect for autumn. The pattern comes in eight sizes, from newborn to large adult.

Alpine Headband

With bulky weight (#5) yarn and only 8 rounds in total, this alpine stitch crochet headband works up very quickly! You can whip up one or more in an evening, making it ideal for quick gifts or selling at craft fairs.

Miriam Earwarmer

This cabled crochet earwarmer fastens with a button, so you can secure it around your head without messing up your hair. It features a beautiful cabled texture that would provide a fun challenge for intermediate crocheters. Stitch counts are given for one size but the pattern provides instructions to customize the length.

Deidra Headband

This twisted headband uses short rows to create faux cables. The pattern comes in six sizes, from newborn to adult, and has a timeless look. In sport weight merino wool yarn, it provides warmth without a lot of bulk.

Adelaide Ear Warmer

The chevron design of this knit-look crochet ear warmer looks equally gorgeous in a solid color or with contrasting stripes, which give it retro vibes. Step-by-step photos will keep you on track throughout the pattern. The pattern calls for worsted weight (#4) yarn and includes five sizes for baby through adult.

Hikers Headband

This no-frills crochet ear warmer was designed for men but is a perfect gender-neutral choice for anyone who likes to keep it simple. Moss stitch gives the headband extra stretch and a subtle texture.

Linen Rose Ear Warmer

On the other hand, this pretty crochet ear warmer uses the same simple stitch pattern under a different name (linen stitch) but with a feminine touch. A sparkly bead at the center of the rose applique gives it extra glitz.

Blueberry Twist Headband

The yummy texture of this beginner-friendly headband is easy to make by alternating front loop and back loop single crochet. In bulky (#5) yarn, this is one of the quicker makes in this collection.

Chunky Little Pebbles Ear Warmer

Another quick option, this chunky textured ear warmer uses a beautiful stitch pattern that combines single and treble crochet stitches. The pattern is written for three sizes—toddler, child, and adult. But if you need a different length, it’s easy to adjust just by making more or fewer rows.

Off the Grid Ear Warmer

This cinched ear warmer uses the Grid Stitch, which resembles an open mesh but creates a slightly denser fabric. This one covers a little more of the head than your standard ear warmer—almost a messy bun hat, really. This pattern calls for heavy worsted weight yarn and is sized for adults.

Picot Single Crochet Stitch Ear Warmer

This cozy crochet ear warmer gets its fun texture from picot single crochet, an easy variation of the traditional single crochet stitch with an extra chain 3 added in the middle. The ear warmer crochet pattern also comes with a matching cowl.

Fall Vibes Ear Warmer

This thick and comfy ear warmer pairs two beautiful stitch patterns. The body of the ear warmer combines double crochet and single crochet, while the border uses the yarn over slip stitch to create knit-like ridges. The pattern provides stitch counts for 5 different sizes, from baby to large adult.

Emberly Ear Warmer

This gorgeous crochet ear warmer also uses the yarn over slip stitch, but pairs it with a combo of single and treble crochet, similar to a crunch stitch. Contrasting hues really highlight the different stitch patterns, but it also looks fabulous in a solid color. The free pattern includes the women’s size.

Heart Stitch Ear Warmer

Puff stitches and chains create a subtle pattern of hearts in this pretty crochet ear warmer, giving a nod to Valentine’s Day. But because the hearts aren’t obvious, it’s perfect for any time of year. The pattern is written for adult size, but includes a stitch multiple so you can make it in any size you like.

Everglade Ear Warmer

This adjustable ear warmer pattern uses front post puff stitches for a stunning texture that looks especially beautiful in hand-dyed yarn. You can make it any size you want. Just work the four-row repeat until you reach the desired length, then join the ends and gather the headband to create the cinch.

Ribbed Stitch Twist Headband

This ribbed crochet headband uses just one stitch—single crochet in the back loop. A simple pattern like this can be a great way to show off a special skein of yarn, like the one pictured here that has contrasting flecks of color. Instructions are provided for three women’s sizes—small, medium, and large.

I hope you have enjoyed these free patterns for crochet ear warmers and have found the perfect quick cool-weather fashion fix to complement your wardrobe!

The photographs and pattern contained on this page are the property of Annie Design Crochet.com.
You are welcome to use this pattern to make items to sell, and I would appreciate that you include a link to the free pattern with credit for the designer, thank you!
No unauthorized reproduction, in whole or in part, or distribution of this pattern or content is permitted.

18 Cozy Crochet Ear Warmers and Winter Headbands – Free Patterns