If you’re looking for a fun and easy knitting project, look no further than these free headband and ear warmer patterns! These patterns are perfect for beginning knitters, and there are so many adorable designs to choose from. In this blog post, we will showcase 25 of the best headband and ear warmer knitting patterns out there. So whether you’re looking for a stylish way to keep your ears warm, or just need something to keep the hair out of your face, we’ve got you covered!
Headband Knitting Patterns
Cold weather is coming, and that means it’s time to start thinking about winter accessories! One of our favorite things to wear in the winter is a cute knitted headband or ear warmer. A knit headband is a quick project that will keep you warm and look great at the same time.
In this blog post, we’ll share some of our favorite knitting patterns for headbands and ear warmers. These patterns are adorable, easy to follow, and, best of all, they knit up quickly! So whether you’re a beginner or a master knitter – if you’re looking for a quick and easy knitting project, be sure to check out these patterns!
Need another reason to give these patterns a try?
- Quick & portable. Headband patterns are so much fun and can often be made in an afternoon, so they’re great for instant gratification knitting. Plus, they’re an easy project to store in your WIP bag and take with you wherever you go.
- Stashbusting. Headbands and ear warmers don’t use a lot of yarn, so they’re great for using up bits of extra yarn.
- Gift-giving. The free knitted headband patterns below are excellent for giving as gifts (or selling at your next craft fair!)
- Great for practicing. Since they’re small, headbands are great for practicing new techniques or more complicated, cabled designs.
25 Free Headband and Ear Warmer Knitting Patterns
Enjoy these free knitted headband patterns! Happy creating!
The Thicket Headband
This adorable headband is made with slip stitches and mirrored cables. You’ll need both regular needles and cabled needles to complete this pattern. If you don’t have a cable needle, you can use a double-pointed needle instead. Step-by-step pictures are included with this pattern.
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Drops Big Merino
Hot Mess Headband
Turn a bad hair day into a cute, carefree look with this twisted headband knitting pattern. You can make this headband with one skein of yarn and keep your ears warm, too!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Ewe Ewe Yarns Wooly Worsted
Calorimetry
This headscarf is the best of both worlds when it comes to keeping your head and ears warm with long hair. It’s slightly wider than a normal headband for extra warmth and cover, yet your hair can still flow freely out the back. It features a button closure at the base of the neck.
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns ReVive
Woven Cable Headband
To make this pattern, you’ll need to know how to knit, purl, and work cable stitches. It’s knitted back and forth and seamed together using the mattress stitch. It measures approximately 4 inches wide and creates a cute solution for keeping your ears warm!
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran
Easy Headband
Beginner knitters, if you’re looking for an easy knit headband pattern with simple instructions (that’s still super cute!), you’ve found it. To make this pattern, you’ll simply need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. Plus, the size is easily adjustable.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
Floral Headband
Celebrate spring with this lovely, floral design. To make this pattern, you’ll knit the headband flat using the stockinette stitch, then embroider your flowers. This pattern includes a variety of sizes, from toddler to adult.
Yarn weight: Fingering and lace (hold both together to make this pattern)
Suggested yarn: Filcolana Vilja and Garnstudio DROPS Kid-Silk
Pin Me Up Headband
This pattern is quick to make and is perfect for using up leftover yarn. The headband is knitted flat and then tied on top of the head using a single or double knot. If you want more length to tie your headband, simply knit a few extra rows.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: LB Collection Cotton Jeans
The Nudo Headband
This headband is knitted flat using the stockinette stitch, tied, and then seamed. Before seaming but after you’ve tied your knot, make sure to try your headband on. It’s easy to adjust the size from there so that it fits your head perfectly!
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Vanna’s Choice Denim
The Chrysalis Ear Warmer
Keep your ears toasty with this adorable, cabled ear warmer headband. This pattern is knitted flat and then seamed. Using worsted-weight yarn, you’ll end up with a stylish, knitted ear warmer that’s not too bulky.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Malabrigo Rios
Headband with a Twist
The English rib technique used in this pattern produces a stretchy, thick headband. It’s worked back and forth and then seamed, and includes a video tutorial.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lima by DROPS
Holy Head Band
Here’s a cute, twisted headband that you’ll want to make in every color! It’s made with superwash yarn that you can throw in the washing machine and wear over and over.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Meriwool 100% Merino Wool Superwash
Green Forest
This headband uses the seed stitch, but can be replaced with the stockinette stitch. It buttons in the back and can be finished by intermediate knitters in just a few hours!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lima by DROPS
Convertible Center Row Lace Headband / Neck Warmer
Wider than a headband yet not quite a hat, this pattern can be worn with a ponytail and yet keeps your head extra warm. If you want, simply pull it down to be worn as a neck warmer instead!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Ruby Beach
For this headband, you can choose to fasten it on top of your head with either a tie or a button. It’s cute, quick to knit, and perfect for keeping hair out of your face while exploring nature!
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Loft
Thermal Twist Headwrap
Make this headband using the broken knit stitch and enjoy the extra warm, double-thick design on the coldest days! To make this easy pattern, you’ll need to know how to knit, purl, work in the round, and create a basic seam.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: LB Collection Merino Yak Alpaca
Garibaldi
Using super bulky yarn, this adorable headband makes for a quick project. You’ll need to know how to slip stitch, knit in the round, and decrease, making this pattern ideal for the advanced beginner.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Calisson
This lovely headband pattern is accented by its braid-like design running through the center. The chunky yarn makes for a quicker knit, though this pattern is best for intermediates.
Yarn weight: Chunky
Suggested yarn: Berroco Vintage Chunky
Friendship Cable Headband
Knit this headband up in just a few hours, then make a few more for your friends! Headbands are perfect for Christmas gifts. This pattern includes a video tutorial.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Northwind Headband
This headband is made with squishy brioche stitches. If you haven’t tried brioche knitting yet, a headband is a great project to start on due to its small size and simple design. The headband is joined together with a stylish twist.
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran
Braidhead
This headband is worked in the round. After knitting, the front portion is braided together to create a unique and beautiful headband.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: LB Collection Cotton Jeans
Rose City Headwrap
If you’re looking for a lighter-weight headwrap, this pattern is a great choice. It’s excellent for adding some color to your outfit and keeping your ears warm (but not too warm!) too.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Caprino
Sleigh Ride
Keep warm during all of your winter activities with this cabled headband! It’s knitted flat and features a thinner width.
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Quince & Co. Osprey
The Épicéa Headband
The seersucker stitch used in the pattern creates the effect of small trees. To make this diamond pattern, you only need to know how to knit and purl.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Super Saver
Everyday Ear Warmer
This wide ear warmer made with super bulky yarn will keep you warm during all your winter activities. Enjoy sledding, ice skating, hiking, and all your other winter favorites with warm ears! This is an easy knitting project that can be completed in a couple of hours.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Braided Cabled Ear Warmer
Ready to learn to cable knit? This is a perfect pattern to get started. With the included cable knitting video and the smaller size of this project, it’s an unintimidating way to learn to cable knit. You can do it!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Super Saver
Headbands are a Great Beginner Project
A simple headband pattern is an excellent project for a beginning knitter. It’s true! A simple rectangular headband pattern is not much more complicated than knitting a large gauge swatch.
Some patterns, such as this easy headband (number 5 above), use only simple knit and purl stitches. The only new technique you’ll need to learn is how to knit in the round – and that’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it.
Because headbands are a smaller project and don’t require a lot of yarn, they’re also a great way to practice new stitches or techniques you’ve been wanting to learn.
Whether you want to learn new skills or make a cute knitted accessory, you’ll find plenty of knitted headband patterns in the list below.
Knitting Techniques to Know
Here are some of the basic knitting techniques you may need to know to knit a headband:
- Casting on
- Binding off
- Knitting and purling
- Knitting in the round
- Seaming
- Cable knitting
- Increasing or decreasing
- Sewing on buttons and creating buttonholes
Remember that not all of these techniques are necessary for every pattern.
Tip: Before you start knitting, read through your pattern thoroughly to ensure you understand the required techniques. Many patterns also include instructions for specific stitches and/or video tutorials.
Supplies You’ll Need
To knit a headband, you’ll need the following:
- Yarn
- Knitting needles
- Scissors
- Other notions (tapestry needle, stitch markers, button, etc.)
Check your pattern to find the suggested yarn type, needle size and type (regular, circular, cable, etc.), and any other notions required.
What Yarn is Best for Headbands?
Knitted headbands and ear warmers can be made with a variety of different yarn weights, from fingering weight to super bulky. However, you’ll find that most of the headband patterns in the list below call for worsted-weight yarn.
Can’t find the exact yarn called for in the pattern? In most cases, it’s easy to substitute a different yarn in the same weight category. Just be sure to check your gauge and try on your ear warmer or headband before seaming or binding off.
Tip: We’ve included a suggested yarn after each pattern for your convenience.
How Many Skeins of Yarn Do I Need to Knit a Headband?
Most headband patterns on this list will require one or two skeins of yarn, or even less. For this reason, knitted headbands and ear warmers are an excellent way to use up your scrap yarn.
More Knitting Patterns
If you love knitting, here are some more free patterns to take a look at.
- 25 Free and Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 27 Free Loom Knitting Patterns for All Skill Levels
- 25 Free Scarf Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 27 Free & Easy Knit Hat Patterns
- 25 Free & Easy Sweater Knitting Patterns (Great for Beginners!)
- 21 Free Mitten Knitting Patterns
What’s Next?
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