Crochet headbands are a great first crochet project, and they are quick and easy to stitch for crocheters of all skill levels. Headbands and earwarmers and fast to stitch and useful to keep your ears warm when it’s cold out or to keep your hair out of your face any time of year.
This collection of 44 crochet winter headband patterns has something for all styles, skill levels, and occasions. And if you’ve never stitched a headband before we’ve got all the tips you need to get started.
Why Choose to Crochet a Headband?
If you still aren’t sold on making crochet winter headbands these are just some of the reasons why many crocheters love making headbands.
- They are small projects that don’t take a long time to finish.
- They’re a great way to learn new stitches and techniques.
- Crochet headbands are popular to sell at craft fairs.
- They also make great gifts for everyone on your list.
- There are so many different winter headband crochet patterns to choose from, so you can explore lots of different styles and patterns.
Choose the Right Size for Your Crochet Headband
For wearable projects, you will always have to consider if your finished project will fit the intended receiver. It is easy to learn how to make headbands fit with these quick tips.
How Wide Should the Headband Be?
Crochet headbands can be as wide or as narrow as you like. For projects that are intended to cover the ears, you can measure the width of the ear and make sure your crochet winter headband is at least that wide.
Most headband patterns range from 2 to 6 inches wide, depending on how much coverage you want.
How Long Should a Headband Be?
The length of the crochet headband depends on the head size of the recipient. In general, headbands are worked an inch or two shorter than the actual head circumference because yarn is stretchy and this will give you a fit that is snug but not too tight.
Take out your measuring tape and measure your recipient’s head around where the crochet headband is intended to be placed. An ear warmer style headband may be worn around the head like a hat, so you would measure across the forehead and around the back, covering the ears if you intend to cover the ears when it is worn.
Headbands can also be worn so they go around the hairline, in which case you would measure across the forehead and down, over the ears if desired, and around the base of the head.
Crochet Headband Size Chart
If you are unsure of the head size of your crochet headband recipient here is a helpful sizing chart guide for you.
These are actual head measurements and measure around the head like a hat would be worn. Again you may see in patterns that the size of the crochet headband is a bit smaller than the head it is intended to fit. That is by design.
Supplies Needed to Crochet a Winter Headband
You don’t need a lot of tools to crochet a headband, but it’s great to take some time to think about the tools you are using to help ensure your project is a success. Picking the right yarn is a good place to start.
How Do You Choose the Perfect Yarn to Crochet a Winter Headband?
You can crochet a winter headband using any kind of yarn you like, depending on your needs. If you want your headband to serve as a earwarmer, for example, you would likely want to choose wool yarn rather than cotton, for example.
Different projects use different yarn weights, though most of the patterns here use (4) worsted weight or (5) bulky. You’ll want to choose a yarn that feels good against your skin and make sure the design of the yarn suits the project. Don’t choose a multicolored yarn if the design is quite detailed, for example.
Some of our favorite yarns for crochet headbands and earwarmers include:
(4) Worsted
(5) Bulky
(6) Super bulky
How Many Skeins of Yarn Do You Need to Crochet a Headband?
Typically, you only need one skein of yarn for crochet winter headbands that are up to four inches wide, but if your project is wider you may need more yarn. Consult the pattern you are working from for yardage guidance.
Don’t forget to do a swatch before you start your project to ensure that it will come out the size you intended. Since headbands are often worked from a short end, you can also just stitch until your piece almost fits around your (or the recipient’s) head before finishing off.
Other Supplies for Crochet Headbands
In addition to yarn, you will need a crochet hook in the size called for in the pattern or that you need to get the correct gauge for your project. You’ll also want to have handy:
- A small pair of scissors
- A stitch marker if you are working in the round
- A tape measure for ensuring your project is the correct length
- A yarn or tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing your headband together
Crochet Stitches You Need to Know to Crochet a Winter Headband
Most crochet headband patterns use basic stitches or simple combinations that are easy to learn. These patterns make stitches that are relatively close together for warmth.
Some of the most common stitches used for crochet winter headbands and earwarmers include:
- Single crochet
- Double crochet
- Half double crochet
- Moss stitch
- Rib stitches
- Cable stitches
- Alpine stitch
- Waffle stitch
- Puff stitch
If you want to learn even more fun crochet stitches for your crochet headbands and other projects, check out our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library. Level up your crochet skills by learning 45 variations of the single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet stitches. Mix and match to fit your needs and have creative freedom in your hands with endless possibilities!
Common Questions About How to Crochet a Winter Headband
In case you still have questions about how to make a crochet winter earwarmer, here are some quick answers to common questions to get you started.
How Long Does It Take to Crochet a Headband?
Winter headbands are usually quick projects using simple stitches that will only take you a few hours to a day to complete. That’s why they’re great beginner projects and perfect to make for last-minute gifts.
How Many Chains Do You Need to Crochet a Headband?
The number of crochet chains you need to start your crochet headband depends on the size of the head of the recipient and the pattern stitches used, as well as whether you are working from the short end or the long side of the headband.
Always consult your pattern to determine the length of your starting chain. If you’re designing your own headband you can make a swatch to determine how many stitches per inch you are getting and thus how many chains you will need.
How Do You Join Crochet Headbands?
Many crochet headband patterns have you working from one short end until you reach the needed length to go around the head, in which case you will need to sew the short ends together to complete your project.
If you are working from the long side, you can work in the round and no finishing will be required. Or you can work flat across the long side and then you will still need to sew the short ends together when you’re done.
How to Crochet a Twisted Headband?
The twisted headband is one of the most popular winter headband techniques out there, and while it looks tricky to pull off, once you’ve done it a time or two you’ll see how easy it is.
Basically you fold the short ends then push overlap them with each other in a kind of S shape, as shown in the photos below. Check out the twisted headbands in this pattern collection if you need more help finishing a twisted headband pattern.
44 Free Crochet Winter Headband and Ear Warmer Patterns
This collection of free and easy to stitch crochet winter headband patterns is a great introduction to these projects. You’re sure to find something here you want to make for yourself or to give as a gift.
Easy and Fast Crochet Winter Headband and Ear Warmer Patterns
Let’s start off with some easy patterns perfect for beginners or for people who love instant gratification projects.
Everly Headwrap Crochet Pattern
Designer: Mamachee
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Cascade 220
The headwrap measures 4 inches wide, so it’s perfect for keeping cozy during the cold season. It has great stretch and has great texture thanks to the half double crochet stitches worked in the back loop only.
Katie Ear Warmer
Designer: Divine Debris
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Loops and Thread Charisma
This wide ear warmer is made with warm bulky weight yarn so you’ll be able to finish it in no time. The pattern notes include information on modifying the size to get a custom fit for anyone you want to stitch it for.
Super Cozy Ear Warmer
Designer: Sweet Bee Crochet, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft Essentials
This little ear warmer project is a great opportunity to learn Suzette stitch if you haven’t tried it before. It sounds super fancy, but it’s just combinations of single and double crochet stitches.
Simple Ear Warmer
Designer: HooknBobbin, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
This is an amazing pattern for beginners because, thanks to the easy stitch pattern and super bulky yarn, it should only take you about an hour to finish. Make them in every color for everyone on your list.
Keep It Simple Ear Warmer
Designer: HooknBobbin, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
This is an amazing pattern for beginners because, thanks to the easy stitch pattern and super bulky yarn, it should only take you about an hour to finish. Make them in every color for everyone on your list.
Braided Crochet Winter Headband Patterns
The braided look is a classic for headbands, whether made by twisting stitches or working them as cables, or stitching multiple strands of fabric that are braided together. Check out all the options here.
Braided Tunisian Ear Warmer
Designer: TL Yarn Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Heat Wave
Use Tunisian simple stitch to make the strips that are braided together in this fun ear warmer pattern. You’ll need a few locking stitch markers to hold the live stitches for finishing, but the strips are so narrow you can use a standard crochet hook for this project.
Braided Cable Ear Warmer
Designer: Jessica Cooper
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
The cables on this ear warmer pattern are made by working stitches in a different order than how they present in the fabric. If this sounds confusing, there’s a good photo tutorial in the pattern to help you.
Celtic Winters Ear Warmer Crochet Pattern
Designer: Left in Knots
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Scarfie
Celtic weave stitch is the star of this crochet ear warmer pattern. It looks complicated but it’s made with just half double crochet and front post treble crochet stitches. And it’s worked in rounds so it only takes eight rounds to complete!
Braided Ends Ear Warmer
Designer: Pretty Stitch
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Scarfie
This super wide headband with braided edges is almost like wearing a hat that doesn’t have a top. The pattern is presented as a video or you can purchase a written pattern if you prefect.
Canan Cabled Headband Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Life and Yarn
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
Sometimes learning new techniques on a big project is a little intimidating, but a quick little cable project like this headband is a great way to learn. It only takes about 50 yards of yarn, too, so you you can use leftovers from your stash.
Braided Headband
Designer: Littlejohn's Yarn
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
As if the five strands braided together in this headband pattern weren’t enough, they’re also worked in two colors for even more drama. But it’s all worked in half double crochet and slip stitches, so it’s great for a beginner or those with more experience.
5 Strand Braided Ear Warmer
Designer: Lisa Auch Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
This simple pattern uses five strands of double crochet stitches braided together to make a pretty and stylish headband. Once you understand how it comes together you can make them in whatever yarn weight you like.
Braided Headband
Designer: Studio Madelaine
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
Here’s another take on the five stranded braid headband, this time with half double crochets worked in the back loop. It’s fun to see how different stitch variations give these crochet winter headband patterns totally different looks.
Crochet Easy Cable Headband
Designer: Crochet Beja
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
This is a totally different option for making a braided or cabled look on your project. It’s worked with chain stitches between panels of double crochet stitches. When you finish stitch you pick up the chains to form the braid, and the last loop becomes a buttonhole closure.
3 Braid Ear Warmer Headband
Designer: Lisa Auch Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
Hold two strands of worsted weight yarn together to make the plaits for this easy three braid headband. There’s a video tutorial if you need help with this project.
Bow Look Crochet Winter Headband Patterns
For extra cuteness, put a bow on it! These bow style earwarmer patterns are super easy to stitch up, and the little bit of finishing they require is definitely worth the effort for the adorable look.
Faux-Bow Easy Crochet Headband Pattern
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Chainette
This sweet pattern uses granite stitch worked in the round to make a tube that is folded and seamed together at the short ends. This is easier than the twist option but still super cute.
Country Cottage Crochet Headband Pattern
Designer: The Turtle Trunk
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
The pretty texture of this design comes from alternating double crochet and front post double crochet stitches. There are eight size options so you can make them for everyone or sell them at craft fairs.
Simple Crochet Ear Warmer Pattern for Beginners
Designer: Maria’s Blue Crayon
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
This project only uses chain stitch and double crochet, so it’s super quick and easy, even for beginners. You’ll want one in every color and use up all the leftover yarn in your stash making these cuties.
Easy Cable Crochet Ear Warmer Pattern
Designer: Dessert Blossom Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Mary Maxim Woodlands
Here’s another fun cable headband with a little bow twist. It uses several different basic stitches but it is still a quick and easy project and a fun introduction to cables in crochet.
Quick and Easy Herringbone Moss Stitch Pattern
Designer: HanJan Crochet
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
This pattern uses herringbone half double crochet stitch, which the designer explains in a video tutorial with the pattern. This design comes in four sizes and the center band that makes it into a bow is stitched right onto the headband.
Retro Pin-Up Headband Crochet Pattern
Designer: Hopeful Honey
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Heaven
This sweet headband has a retro look straight out of the 1950s. The little ties are adorable but that part is worked separately if you’d prefer a plain look to your headband.
Free & Easy Crochet Ear Warmer Pattern
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
Keep it simple with this headband pattern that only uses single crochet and half double crochet stitches. It’s available in five sizes and even includes a men’s size so you really can make this for anyone.
Knotted Headband Crochet Pattern
Designer: All About Ami
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
Headbands are always a staple for every girl and woman. They keep your hair in place while making you look great! The knotted headband is one of the most fashionable headbands to add to your wardrobe.
Bow Headband Crochet Pattern
Designer: People Webs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
While the rest of these patterns look like bows on their own, this one literally has a bow attached. The project is almost all single crochet so it’s perfect for beginners even though it doesn’t look like a beginner project.
Twisted Crochet Winter Headband Patterns
The twisted crochet headband look is surely one of the trendiest crochet techniques out there. And once you’ve made one you’ll see that it’s not that hard to do!
Easy Crochet Velvet Twist Headband
Designer: Daisy Farm Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Sirdar Super Happy Chenille
The Velvet Twist Headband is an incredibly soft and fashionable headband, you’d never want to take it off! It’s super warm, cozy and also easy to make.
Simple Twisted Ear Warmer Crochet Pattern
Designer: Yarn and Chai
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Heaven
The ribbed look of this headband comes from working half double crochet in the back loops. The pattern includes a video tutorial if you need help with the stitches or the finishing.
Zinnia Headband
Designer: Pam’s Cozy Corner
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Swish
If you want to add a dash of color to your crochet twisted headband, then the Zinnia Headband is for you! The technique used to add the second color is really easy – no need to work with two colors at once.
Quick and Easy Knit-Look Headband Pattern
Designer: Briana K Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Swish
Using split single crochet stitches, this headband has the look of knitting with the simplicity of crochet. It’s worked in the round to make a super cozy tube of stitching that’s finished with a twist.
Modern Twist Bulky Crochet Headband Free Pattern
Designer: Nana’s Crafty Home
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Need a project you can finish super fast? This one takes about 30 minutes! It’s worked as two rectangles that are stitched together to make the twist, so it’s super easy to do.
Stone Port Crochet Headband Pattern
Designer: The Unraveled Mitten
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
Use a little bit of leftover yarn to make this pretty earwarmer headband using half double crochets worked in the front and back loops. It has a great photo tutorial on how to make the twist if you’re still unsure how to make that work.
Twisted Crochet Ear Warmer Headband Pattern
Designer: Sarah Maker
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
Here’s another take on ribbing made with single crochet and slip stitches. This easy pattern is worked flat, folded and seamed to give it the twist.
Picot Crochet Headband Pattern
Designer: The Turtle Trunk
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Bring bobbles to the party with this fun headband, which has three different sizes for babies, kids and adults. The designer has lots of patterns using this stitch if you like it, and there’s a video tutorial to help you along.
Golden Fave Twist Headband Crochet Pattern
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
Using moss stitch gives you a reversible fabric that’s perfect for this style of headband. Instead of the usual twist in the ends, this pattern is worked flat, then twisted at the front and seamed along the back. It’s a different look but so pretty.
Simple Tunisian Crochet Ear Warmer Pattern
Designer: One Little Hook
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
Brush up on your Tunisian crochet with this simple ear warmer headband. It creates a beautiful knit-like fabric that is super stylish and great to wear with any of your outfits.
Twisted Mixed Cluster Headband Crochet Pattern
Designer: Cream of the Crop Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash
Use cluster stitch and single crochets to make this soft and comfortable headband that keeps your ears warm and is so much cuter than wearing a hat when it’s cold outside.
Malia Twisted Crochet Headband Pattern
Designer: Yarn and Chai
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Muse Hand Painted Aran
This project uses large bean stitch, which brings lots of texture to projects but isn’t that difficult to stitch. The designer also has a scarf and cowl worked in this pattern, and there’s a video tutorial demonstrating how to make this stitch.
Traverse Bay Twisted Headband Pattern
Designer: Traverse Bay Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Scarfie Lite
Traverse Bay Twisted Headband features a unique texture made with single crochets and front post double crochet stitches. It looks great in any yarn and you can use either worsted or bulky weight yarn.
Classic Tunisian Twist Ear Warmer Pattern
Designer: 1 Dog Woof
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Baby Alpaca
Here’s a great project if you’re learning Tunisian crochet. It uses the Tunisian knit stitch and looks just like classic knit stockinette stitch, but it’s crocheted!
Glacier Twist Crochet Headband Pattern
Designer: MJ’s Off the Hook Designs
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hometown
Using only simple stitch patterns, this chunky headband pattern can be stitched up in 20 or 30 minutes. They’re perfect for last minute gifts or charity projects.
Crochet X-Twist Headband
Designer: Cludetta Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
If you like to stitch along with videos, this simple headband project is a great one to try. It also shows two different ways to twist the headband when you finish it: the standard twist and an x twist.
Courtney Crochet Twist Headband Pattern
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
The stitch pattern used in this headband is so pretty, but it just uses chains, half double crochets and modified half double crochet three togethers. If that last one is new to you there are photos to show you what to do in the pattern.
Katuna Headband
Designer: Noowul Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Chic Sheep
If you can make chains, single crochet and double crochet, you know everything you need to make this pretty free headband pattern. It’s worked from the long side flat, so it’s super easy and quick to stitch.
Prim and Proper Crochet Headband Pattern
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
Add a lacy look to your wardrobe with the Prim and Proper headband. The ruffles on the edges are optional but definitely make the look so much cuter and more unique.
Crochet Ear Warmer for Beginners
Designer: Kimcraft
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Katia Merino Aran
Finish this crochet project within the day! This video tutorial makes it super easy to make your own crochet winter headband in no time using double crochet stitches.
Want to Crochet Even More Wonderful Things with Just Rectangles?
One of the things that makes crochet headbands great projects for beginners is that they are just big rectangles. But there are lots of other things you can do with this simple shape!
Our Crochet Anything with Rectangles workshop includes 25 projects all made with rectangles. You’ll find video tutorials to walk you through making a hat, slippers, a shrug, and other projects, plus free patterns to boost your confidence while keeping the shaping easy.
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