How To Crochet A Headband (Free Twisted Ear Warmer)

Learn how to crochet a headband with this easy twisted headband pattern. Crochet headbands are quick to make, beginner-friendly, and perfect for keeping your ears warm or adding a stylish accessory to your outfit. This simple design is worked as a rectangle, then gathered at the center to create a trendy twist-front. Whether you’re making a winter ear warmer, a handmade gift, or a quick stash-busting project, this easy crochet headband pattern can be customized in any width, size, or color combination.

Supplies for Crochet Headbands

• YARN – Thicker yarns will be warmer for your ears. I like worsted weight yarn or bulky weight yarn for this project. Just one skein of yarn is usually enough. Read about the best types of yarn for crochet.
• CROCHET HOOK – Suitable size for your yarn. Read about crochet hook sizes.
• EXTRAS – Yarn or tapestry needle to hide the ends, Scissors.

For the pink bow headband, I used a bulky yarn in wool with a 6.5 mm hook. The mottled flower headband was crocheted using a cotton DK weight yarn and a 4.5 mm hook. Wool or wool blend yarns will give you a warmer headband or earwarmer while cotton headbands are more decorative. Because we are crocheting to measurements, it does not matter what crochet gauge you use with your chosen yarn. Check the label on your yarn, as it normally has a hook size recommendation.

Looking for more styles? Browse my collection of 35 free crochet headband patterns, including twisted headbands, ear warmers, flower headbands, and baby headbands.

Crochet Headband Pattern Size Chart

The best way to ensure a good fit is to measure the recipient’s head circumference with a tape measure. Measure exactly where the headband will go around the head. Then make your headband 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5cm) shorter, so that it can stretch slightly around the head. If you are making a gift, and can’t measure the recipient’s head, here is a rough guide to head sizes, and the size band you will require.

AGE	Head Size	Headband Length
Baby 0-3 mths	14-15” (36-38 cm)	13-13.5” (33-34 cm)
Baby 3-6 mths	15-17” (38-43cm)	13.5-16” (34-41cm)
Baby 6-12 mths	16-18” (41-46cm)	14.5-16.5” ( 37-42cm)
Toddler	18-20“ (46-51 cm)	16.5-18.5” (42-47cm)
Child	19-20.5” (48 -52cm)	17.5-19” (44 -48cm)
Teen (or sm. adult)	20.5-22” (52 -56cm)	19-20“ (48 -52cm)
Adult Size M	21.5-22.5“ (53 -56 cm)	20-21.5” (51- 54cm)
Adult Size L	23-24” (58 -61cm)	22-24” (55 -58 cm)

Please note that all metric measurements are approximate, as they have been rounded off.

Easy Crochet Headband and Ear Warmer Best Widths:

Usually, a headband for an adult will be about 3½ to 4 inches (9-10cm) deep, for a child 2 to 3 inches (5-7.5cm) deep, and for a baby headband, about 1 inch (2.5cm) deep. Of course, this is totally adaptable to your personal taste. You can simply stitch it as wide or as narrow as you prefer!

How to Crochet a Headband (Step by Step)

You can crochet your free headband pattern lengthwise or across. It is just personal preference. I find it easier to crochet across and keep going until I have the required length. Ultimately all you are doing is crocheting a rectangle with the desired length and width. Change crochet yarn colors to create interesting stripes, or make it all in a solid color.

Step 1 – Make a Rectangle

1. Make a foundation chain, the length you require for the headband size. The number of stitches will depend on what type of yarn you are using. Refer to the headband size chart for suggested lengths. I crocheted 20 inches (51cm) of chain for a small adult size.
2. Double crochet into 3^rd chain from hook.
3. Double crochet into each chain.

4. * Chain 2, turn.
5. Double crochet into each stitch from the previous row.
6. Repeat from * until the headband is the required width. I made this sample 4 inches (10cm) wide.

The advantage of crocheting your headband lengthwise is that the edges look a little neater. As previously mentioned, this was made using double crochet, but you can substitute any stitch, such as crochet ribbing or granny stripes.

Step 2 – Join the Ends

1. When you have crocheted enough rows to give you the required size, end off your yarn by cutting it, leaving about a 10” (25cm) tail.
2. Thread this tail through your final loop and pull firmly.
3. Now thread it into a yarn needle.
4. Place the right sides of the band together and slip stitch or whip stitch the 2 short sides together.

Step 3 – Gather the Center and Add a Bow

You can decorate your headband with flowers or pinch in the middle to make a bow. Create a headband as unique as you are! Other embellishments you can add include silk flowers, yarn pom-poms, and even tassels.

1. Use the tail of the yarn to wrap around the seam of the headband. Secure it with a knot.
2. Make a small, narrow crochet strip with double crochet, and use this to pull the band together in the front.
3. Wrap it around the gathered section of the headband and sew the ends. It will gather the band to resemble a bow.

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Crochet Headband Variations

This pattern can be customized in many ways:

• Use single crochet for a thicker ear warmer.
• Add stripes or color changes.
• Use ribbing stitches for extra stretch.
• Make it narrower for a summer headband.
• Make it wider for a winter ear warmer.

Crochet Headband FAQs

How to Crochet a Headband – In Conclusion

This easy twisted crochet headband is a quick project that makes a wonderful gift and is perfect for using leftover yarn. Once you master the basic rectangle construction, you can experiment with different stitches, colors, and widths to create a whole collection of stylish crochet headbands. If you enjoyed this easy twisted headband pattern, see my collection of Crochet Headband Patterns for more styles, including flower headbands, ear warmers, and baby headbands.

More Free Crochet Patterns

• How to Crochet Slippers
• How to Crochet Face Scrubbies
• How to Crochet a Scarf
• How to Crochet Balls
• How to Crochet Flowers
• How to Crochet Coasters