Sweet Stripes Ear Warmer
The Easy Ear Warmer That Fits Everyone
I think cold ears ruin a good walk faster than just about anything on a chilly morning. The Sweet Stripes Ear Warmer is a quick fix in one evening, and it fits everybody in the house while it’s at it. This family friendly pattern is for the crocheter who wants a fast, useful make without learning three new stitches first. If you can single crochet and double crochet, you already know everything this project asks of you. My crochet ear warmer free pattern comes in six sizes, from toddler up to large adult, with three ways to finish it.
I made every pictured sample in Red Heart Super Saver Ombre. One skein goes a long way, and the color does all the work for you. You never change yarn, and there are just two ends to weave in. Simple repeats, quick rows, and you’ll be done before the movie ends.
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Crochet Ear Warmer Free Pattern Overview
The Sweet Stripes Ear Warmer is a free crochet ear warmer pattern that works up in about an hour. It uses only single and double crochet, so beginners can make it without learning a new stitch. Six sizes cover toddler through large adult, with three ways to finish. A good scrapbuster for fall and winter, and one skein makes four to nine.
What Makes This Ear Warmer Different?
There are a lot of ear warmer patterns out there, so I want to let you know what sets this one apart.
– Six sizes, from toddler through large adult, so one pattern covers the whole family!
– Only two stitches: single crochet and double crochet
– Three finishes: the classic simple seam, cinched, and twisted
– Uses 50 to 120 yards, so one skein of Super Saver Ombre makes 4 to 9 of them!
– Works up in under an hour once you get going
– Beginner-friendly with just enough variety to keep more advanced crocheters interested!
– No shaping, no seaming as you go, no counting stripes
– Free to make, right here on the blog!
Six Sizes, Toddler Through Large Adult
You get six size options, because heads are not one size and neither are the people you’re making for 🫶. Each size comes in a standard width and a wide version. Pick based on the finished measurements below, not on age, since kids’ heads vary a lot.
| Size | Finished measurement |
| Toddler | 17″ around x 3″ wide |
| Toddler Wide | 17″ around x 4″ wide |
| Child | 19″ around x 4″ wide |
| Child Wide | 19″ around x 5″ wide |
| Teen / Adult | 21″ to 22″ around x 5″ wide |
| Teen / Adult Wide | 21″ to 22″ around x 6″ wide |
The Teen / Adult sizes include row counts for both a small adult and a large adult, so you can adjust the fit for this crochet ear warmer free pattern without changing anything else. Easy, peasy hookers!
Like Free Patterns? Then make sure you check out my most popular Free Pattern –> DC Dice Bag & Tray! Want to see even more? You can find all of my other Free Crochet Patterns <– Right here!!
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Three Ways to Finish Your Crochet Ear Warmers
All sizes start the same way. The only thing that changes is how you join the ends at the end. That means you can make the same size three times and end up with three different looks! So really this crochet ear warmer free pattern is a 3-in-1 that you can make for the whole fam!
Simple Style: A clean seam that lies flat. Wear the seam at the back. Fastest option, and the one my guys pick every time.
Cinched Style: A wrapped center that pulls the band in, a little like a bow. Kids love this one.
Twisted Style: The ends cross over each other before you stitch them. Gives you a front knot without any extra work.
How to Crochet This Easy Ear Warmer
Every row in this pattern is either single crochet or double crochet. That’s it. The pretty part comes from where the stitches go, not from anything tricky. You work back and forth in rows, then simply seam the two short ends together at the end. When we said easy crochet ear warmer free pattern we meant it!
New to either stitch, or want a refresher? I have full tutorials for Single Crochet and Double Crochet right here on the blog!
Not crocheting yet at all? Start with my Learn to Crochet series and come back. This pattern will still be here and still be free to use on the blog.
Ready for something with a bit more texture once you finish this one? Try my free crochet headband pattern, the Hopscotch Winter Ear Warmer. It teaches extended single crochet and crossed double crochet, and it comes with both photo and video stitch tutorials!
Thank you Pattern Testers!
You may or may not know this, but pattern testers play a vital role in the process of designing a pattern! I can’t begin to tell y’all how much I love getting to see what you create using my designs! I truly appreciate your assistance in perfecting the pattern, feedback, and for sharing your fantastic work! Check out this gorgeous Sweet Stripes Ear Warmer projects made by my amazing pattern testers!!
Thank you so much for testing the Sweet Stripes Ear Warmer Pattern: Catherine McClarey, Bev Winger, Denise Shroth, and Kristie Wolfenbarger!
Make a Batch for Gifts and Craft Fairs
One 482-yard skein of Red Heart Super Saver Ombre Yarn makes 4 to 9 ear warmers, depending on the sizes you pick! That’s a budget-friendly reason to choose this pattern. You can knock out gifts for a classroom, a team, or a craft fair table without buying a cart full of yarn. It’s also a great pattern to pull out your yarn scraps for!
I make my ear warmers in batches. Same size, same finish, three or four in a row while listening to an audiobook, or watching the latest flick on Netflix or Amazon Prime! Gotta love a Netflix and crochet project! Then I switch sizes. Doing it that way means you stop rereading the row counts, and it goes twice as fast!
Crochet ear warmers are small and light, so they ship cheap if you sell online. They also sit in a nice mid-range price point at markets, which is exactly where people impulse buy – without thinking too hard about it. And this easy, crochet ear warmer free pattern is so much fun to make you’ll truly enjoy hooking them up on repeat!
I love to gift handmade as often as I can, so, here are some gift pairings that work well with this pattern:
– Ear warmer plus a pair of matching mittens
– Ear warmer plus a travel mug and a bag of good coffee
– Ear warmer plus a hand cream and lip balm for a teacher gift
– Ear warmer plus a set of hair ties in the same shade for a tween or teen
– Two ear warmers in different finishes, tied together with ribbon
The Sweet Stripes Crochet Ear Warmer!
Make Your Own Crochet Ear Warmer Free Pattern!
Materials:
- YARN: Red Heart Super Saver Ombres Worsted Weight 4 yarn, (100% Acrylic, 10 oz/283 g, 482 yds/440 m)
- YARDAGE: 50 – 120 yds
- Sample Colors shown in photos: Jazzy, Spearmint, True Blue, Deep Teal, Scuba
- HOOK: US H/8 5.0mm crochet hook
- Yarn Needle, Scissors
Experience Level: Easy – Beginner
Gauge: Work Rows 1-12 of Child Sized Ear Warmer. Swatch should measure 4” x 4”.
Sizing:
Toddler: Fits 17” – 19” x 3” – 4” wide
Child: Fits 19” – 21” x 4” – 5” wide
Teen/Adult: Fits 21” – 24” x 5” – 6” wide
Pattern Key (Written in US English Crochet Terms):
st(s) – stitch(es)
sp(s) – space(s)
sl st – slip stitch
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
yo – yarn over
FO – fasten off
NOTES:
- Read through the entire pattern first.
- Pattern is worked in rows and seamed at the ends.
- Finishing options include simple seam, cinched, and twisted.
- Beginning chain does count as a stitch on double crochet rows.
- Beginning chain does NOT count as a stitch on single crochet rows. First stitch of these rows should be placed in the same stitch as the beginning chain.
- Repeat stitches between [ and ] the number of times indicated.
- Place/work all stitches between ( and ) in the same stitch.
- This pattern is FREE, and has been thoroughly tested and tech edited. Please feel free to share any comments or ask any questions you may have! I welcome your feedback!!
- This post and all it contains including the pattern and photographs are my intellectual property and copyright protected property of GreenFoxFarms LLC © 2020-2026. You are welcome to make as many as you like to sell, giveaway, etc. You may NOT sell, or alter and claim as your own this pattern. You may not use my photographs. This pattern is not for mass production.
- If you want to share this pattern online, you must only share a link to my blog post. You may not copy and paste my text or the pattern to another site. Thank you for respecting my work.
- By using this pattern, you are agreeing to abide by these terms.
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Sweet Stripes Ear Warmer Free Crochet Pattern
Crochet Ear Warmer Free Pattern Directions:
Toddler Ear Warmer:
- Finished size should be approximately 17” around and 3” wide.
Row 1: Ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, (10 sc).
Row 2: Turn, ch 1, sc in each st across, (10 sc).
Row 3: Turn, ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc in same st, skip next 3 st, 4 dc in next st, skip next 3 st, 3 dc in 2nd to last st, dc in last st, (10 dc).
Rows 4-5: Turn, ch 1, sc in each st across, (10 sc, 2 rows).
Rows 6-47: Repeat Rows 3-5, 14 times, (10 sts, 42 rows).
Row 48: Repeat Row 3, (10 dc). Continue with Finishing below.
Toddler Wide Ear Warmer:
- Finished size should be approximately 17” around and 4” wide.
Row 1: Ch 15, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, (14 sc).
Row 2: Turn, ch 1, sc in each st across, (14 sc).
Row 3: Turn, ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc in same st, skip next 3 st, [(4 dc) in next st, skip next 3 st,] 2 times, (3 dc) in 2nd to last st, dc in last st, (14 dc).
Rows 4-5: Turn, ch 1, sc in each st across, (14 sc, 2 rows).
Rows 6-47: Repeat Rows 3-5, 14 times, (14 sts, 42 rows).
Row 48: Repeat Row 3, (14 dc). Continue with Finishing below.
Child Ear Warmer:
- Finished size should be approximately 19” around and 4” wide.
Row 1: Ch 15, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, (14 sc).
Row 2: Turn, ch 1, sc in each st across, (14 sc).
Row 3: Turn, ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc in same st, skip next 3 st, [(4 dc) in next st, skip next 3 st,] 2 times, (3 dc) in 2nd to last st, dc in last st, (14 dc).
Rows 4-5: Turn, ch 1, sc in each st across, (14 sc, 2 rows).
Rows 6-53: Repeat Rows 3-5, 16 times, (14 sts, 48 rows).
Row 54: Repeat Row 3, (14 dc). Continue with Finishing below.
Child Wide Ear Warmer:
- Finished size should be approximately 19” around and 5” wide.
Row 1: Ch 19, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, (18 sc).
Row 2: Turn, ch 1, sc in each st across, (18 sc).
Row 3: Turn, ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc in same st, skip next 3 st, [(4 dc) in next st, skip next 3 st,] 3 times, (3 dc) in 2nd to last st, dc in last st, (18 dc).
Rows 4-5: Turn, ch 1, sc in each st across, (18 sc, 2 rows).
Rows 6-53: Repeat Rows 3-5, 16 times, (18 sts, 48 rows).
Row 54: Repeat Row 3, (18 dc). Continue with Finishing below.
Teen/Adult Ear Warmer:
- Finished size should be approximately 21”-22” around and 5” wide.
Row 1: Ch 19, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, (18 sc).
Row 2: Turn, ch 1, sc in each st across, (18 sc).
Row 3: Turn, ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc in same st, skip next 3 st, [(4 dc) in next st, skip next 3 st,] 3 times, (3 dc) in 2nd to last st, dc in last st, (18 dc).
Rows 4-5: Turn, ch 1, sc in each st across, (18 sc, 2 rows).
Rows 6-59: Repeat Rows 3-5, 18 times, (18 sts, 54 rows).
TEEN/SMALL ADULT:
Row 60: Repeat Row 3, (18 dc). Continue with Finishing below.
LARGE ADULT:
Rows 60-62: Repeat Rows Rows 3-5, (18 sts, 3 rows).
Row 63: Repeat Row 3, (18 dc). Continue with Finishing below.
Teen/Adult Wide Ear Warmer:
- Finished size should be approximately 21”-22” around and 6” wide.
Row 1: Ch 23, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, (22 sc).
Row 2: Turn, ch 1, sc in each st across, (22 sc).
Row 3: Turn, ch 3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc in same st, skip next 3 st, [(4 dc) in next st, skip next 3 st,] 4 times, (3 dc) in 2nd to last st, dc in last st, (22 dc).
Rows 4-5: Turn, ch 1, sc in each st across, (22 sc, 2 rows).
Rows 6-59: Repeat Rows 3-5, 18 times, (22 sts, 54 rows).
TEEN/SMALL ADULT:
Row 60: Repeat Row 3, (22 dc). Continue with Finishing below.
LARGE ADULT:
Rows 60-62: Repeat Rows 3-5, (22 sts, 3 rows).
Row 63: Repeat Row 3, (22 dc). Continue with Finishing below.
FINISHING EAR WARMER:
SIMPLE FINISH:
Bring Rows 1 and 48 (54, 60, 63) together, sl st across. Fasten off, weave in ends, and turn so that the seam is on the inside of the Ear Warmer. Enjoy!
CINCHED FINISH:
Bring Rows 1 and 48 (54, 60, 63) together, sl st across. Fasten off, leaving a 3-4 foot tail. Turn so that the seam is on the inside of the Ear Warmer. Pinch the seam and use the long tail to wrap tightly around the Ear Warmer to create the cinch, stopping when you have about 6 inches left. Tie off and weave in ends. Enjoy!
TWISTED FINISH:
Fasten off leaving a 12-15 inch tail. Fold both ends in half the short way, facing toward the center of the warmer. Fold Ear Warmer in half the long way and bring ends together. Sandwich the ends together so that the two v-shaped ends overlap, and stitch together using the yarn tail and a yarn needle, making sure to go through all 4 layers, from one edge to the other. Weave in ends. Turn right side out so seam is on the inside and twist is on the outside. Enjoy!
Tips for Your Best Ear Warmer Yet
A few things I’ve picked up after making more of these than I can count. Most of them I learned the hard way, which is the only way I ever seem to learn anything. 😜 You’ll thank me for these after you’ve made your own pile of this fun and easy crochet ear warmer free pattern!!
- Swatch first, even for this one. A half inch off in gauge turns into two inches off around the head. Ten minutes of swatching beats frogging 50 rows. Plus I made it easy – your gauge swatch is the first 12 rounds of the child sized headband so if you meet gauge you’re already well into making your first headband!
- Measure the head if you can. If you can’t, go by the finished measurements in the chart above. Acrylic has some give, so a snug fit is better than a loose one.
- Batch by size, not by finish. Make all your child sizes together, then switch. Your hands learn the row counts meaning you stop re-checking the pattern.
- Use the ombre for gifts, a single color for orders. Ombre skeins shift differently, so two won’t match exactly. That’s fine for gifts and lovely for markets, but you’ll need to tell custom buyers up front.
- Weave ends before you seam. Much easier while the piece is still flat.
- Save your leftovers. Even 40 yards is enough for a toddler size if you go a little snug.
Want the matching set? The Sweet Stripes Slouch and Fingerless Gloves and Sweet Stripes Skinny Scarf use the same yarn and the same stitch pattern. Who doesn’t love a matching set??
Crochet Ear Warmer Questions (FAQs)
What size crochet hook do I need for an ear warmer?
This pattern uses a US H/8 5.0 mm hook with worsted weight 4 yarn. That combination gives you a fabric with enough body to hold its shape but enough stretch to be comfortable. If your gauge swatch comes out too small, move up to an I/9 5.5 mm. Too big, go down to a G/6 4.0 mm.
Can a beginner crochet an ear warmer?
Yes. This pattern only uses single crochet and double crochet, and it’s worked flat in rows with no shaping. If you can chain, single crochet, and double crochet, you can make this. The trickiest part is seaming the two ends together at the finish, and even that is straightforward.
How long does it take to crochet an ear warmer?
Under an hour for most sizes once you find your rhythm. Your first one takes longer while you get used to the stitch placement. After that, they fly. This is a good project for an evening in front of the TV when you don’t want to think too hard.
What's the best yarn for a crochet ear warmer?
Worsted weight 4 acrylic is the practical pick. It’s washable, it holds up to daily wear, and it doesn’t itch against the forehead the way some wool can. Red Heart Super Saver Ombre gives you a striped look with no color changes. Any worsted weight 4 yarn substitutes fine, just swatch first.
How do I know which ear warmer size to make?
Measure around the head, just above the ears, and pick the size closest to that measurement. If you can’t measure, go by the finished sizes in the chart. Kids’ head sizes vary more than you’d expect, so the wide versions give you a bit more coverage without changing the fit around.
Please Share your Sweet Stripes Ear Warmer Projects!
I really hope you enjoy this crochet ear warmer free pattern! Because I loved creating it for you! It would be amazing if you would share your gorgeous Sweet Stripes Ear Warmer Projects on Ravelry and social media too! I would love to see your finished ear warmers!! It really makes me so happy every single time y’all tag me in your photos and I get see what you’ve made! It’s why I do what I do!! If you like Free Crochet Patterns (<– like these) and would like to see more of them on my blog, you can help me by sharing this Post and subscribing to my VIP newsletter! Thank you so much! You are the reason I’m get to be here, getting to do what I do! OK… to be honest, I’m in it for the yarn too!! 😉 If you have questions or need help of any kind with the pattern, please don’t hesitate to contact me or leave a comment on the blog. I’m here to help!
Make sure to share your pics and tag #greenfoxfarms #greenfoxfarmsdesigns @greenfoxfarms on any social media! Please share your finished creations on Ravelry too!
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