Crochet headbands for adults and kids can often be finished in a few hours with a single ball of yarn. Regardless of your skill level, these ear warmers provide a delightful blend of fashion and function.
Join me in unraveling the ultimate free crochet headband patterns that will leave you hooked!
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Crochet Headbands: Ideal for Beginners
Headbands are perfect for beginners because most are made with basic crochet stitches. You can practice new stitches without the commitment of a large blanket or sweater. Also, they often don’t require complex techniques like increasing or decreasing.
They’re quick to make too. Their ease and speed make ear warmers one of my favorite last minute crochet gifts!
Tip: Pair a DIY headband with a pair of mittens for a thoughtful handmade set.
What is the Best Stitch for Headbands?
The best stitch for a headband or hair wrap depends on when you plan to wear it.
Winter Headbands
For winter crochet headbands and ear warmers, closed stitches with a lot of texture are my top choice. These stitches are tightly packed with few gaps, providing better insulation and blocking chilly winds.
Here are a few stitches that would work well for a cold-weather headband.
- Single crochet (sc)
- Half double crochet (hdc)
- Double crochet (dc)
- Waistcoat stitch
- Basketweave stitch
- Waffle stitch
- Puff stitch
- Moss stitch
- Corner to corner crochet (c2c)
- Tunisian simple stitch (Tss)
Summer Hair Scarves
In contrast, more open crochet stitches like mesh and lace are better suited to summer hair wraps. The open structure is lightweight and breathable so you can make a style statement without overheating.
For summer headbands, here are some stitches to try.
- Granny squares
- Granny stitch
- Treble crochet
- Side saddle stitch
- Sunburst granny squares
- Solomon’s knot stitch
What Size Should My Headband Be?
Headband size depends on the crochet pattern you choose and your head size. Use a flexible tape measure to figure out your head circumference when choosing a size.
Headband Size Chart
This chart provides general measurements for headband sizing based on head circumference. The suggested headband measurements take into account the negative ease required for a snug fit.
| Age | Head Circumference | Headband Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 months | 13”-14” | 12” |
| 3-6 months | 14”-16” | 13” |
| 6-12 months | 16”-18” | 15” |
| Child | 18”-21” | 17”-18” |
| Teen | 21”-22” | 20” |
| Adult – Small | 21”-22” | 20”-21” |
| Adult – Medium | 22”-23” | 21” |
| Adult – Large | 23”-24” | 22” |
What is Negative Ease in a Crochet Pattern?
Negative ease in crochet refers to intentionally making an item slightly smaller than the body part it’s intended to fit.
This results in a secure fit and compensates for the natural stretch of crochet stitches. In my experience, ear warmers need around 2 inches (5cm) of negative ease.
Crochet Headband and Ear Warmer Patterns
Let’s get into a collection of my favorite crochet headband patterns. From delicate summer styles to chunky crochet ear warmers and elegant hairscarfs, there’s a range of designs for every season.
Top Patterns
We’ll start with your favorite free crochet patterns from the Make & Do Crew archives.
The Easiest Crochet Headband Pattern
You’ll master the simple waistcoat stitch and learn to twist the headband into this unmistakable design. All you need to know are basic crochet stitches and seaming techniques.
Vintage Boho Summer Head Wrap
Wear it around the crown of your head for a vintage-inspired look, or pull it down towards your forehead for a bohemian vibe. Use a small hook and Lion Brand Cotton Jeans yarn.
Headbands for Kids and Babies
Baby headbands are not only adorable but also practical accessories. These designs will enable you to craft smaller ear warmers to suit any little one’s wardrobe or for that special infant photoshoot.
Flower Headband Free Pattern (Baby, Toddler, Adult)
For babies and toddlers, add a small piece of elastic at the back to allow for growth. Adults can skip the elastic and make an awesome crochet headband that fits perfectly.
Adjustable Baby Headband Pattern (Infant-Adult)
This pretty headband can be adapted to fit infants and adults alike so nobody feels left out.
More Patterns for Adults
We’re not stopping yet! Here are more free crochet headband patterns from our favorite designers.
Country Cottage Double Thick Headband
Plus, it has instructions for eight sizes that’ll fit everyone on your gift list.
Autumn Ear Warmer Free Pattern
Made up of single and double crochet stitches, this alternative to ear muffs is available in three sizes (child, teen, adult).
Criss-Cross 1 Hour Crochet Headband
You’ll need a 5mm hook to complete this simple 2-row repeat. You can customize it by choosing your favorite yarn color or embellishing it with buttons or beads.
Soft Fleece Twist Headband
Quick Bulky Twist Headband
Basketweave Knotted Head Wrap
Primarily using double crochet, the headband pinches in the front, showcasing a neat knot as its focal point.
Skinny Picot Crocheted Hair Scarf
The best part? You only need 30-40 yards of medium-weight yarn to crochet this hair wrap.
Easy Crochet Knot Headband
Different styling options, such as where to tie the bow, make this head warmer a real winner. It’s also a brilliant way to use any stash yarn from previous projects.
Related: 35 Crochet Patterns to Use Up Scrap Yarn
Braided Headband Crochet Pattern
Men’s Winter Ear Warmer Pattern
This project uses super-fine yarn, so it isn’t fast as others on this list–but the time investment is worth it! Designed to fit securely on all adult head sizes, this ear warmer is contemporary and functional.
Granny Square Single Crochet Headband
Start by crocheting granny squares and pin them together to evaluate the length. Add more granny squares as needed.
Related: 43 Projects to Make With Granny Squares
Shell Stitch Ear Warmer
Experience in single (sc) and double crochet (dc) stitches is all you need. Grab a 6.0mm hook and 266 yards (or 40g) of aran-weight yarn.
Honeycomb Tunisian Stitch Ear Warmer
This design uses aran-weight yarn, but you can change it to bulky or worsted weight yarn since the pattern provides instructions to crochet a headband in any size.
Delicate Lace Headband Video Tutorial
Granny Square Head Wrap
Crocus Cross Stitch Crochet Headband
Half double, double, and crossed double crochet combine to form this dainty headband.
Faux Knit Stitch Head Wrap
Easy Ruched Ear Warmer Tutorial
Ribbed Head Wrap Pattern
Herringbone Moss Stitch Headband
Use a 9mm crochet hook and grab some chunky yarn to begin. Available in all sizes, from infants to adults, you can make one for the whole family! There’s also a handy video tutorial.
Spring Crochet Headband for Beginners
Experiment with treble crochet and add this quick crochet headband to your spring and summer wardrobe.
Easy Crochet Pearl Headband
This easy-level pattern has a short stitch repeat, making it ideal for crochet newbies. Written for multiple sizes, it’s a fantastic Christmas gift option for women.
Diamond Stitched Headband Tutorial
Lightweight Workout Crochet Headband
Don’t worry if you’re not a runner, you’ll still love it for its style and comfort. For early spring and winter alike, this headband is highly adaptable.
Picot Twist Headband with Bobble Stitch
Chunky Crochet Winter Headband
Double Crochet Plaid Twist Headband
Elegant Hairscarf Pattern
You can wear the crochet hairscarf in various ways, like wrapping it around a ponytail or bun, draping it down from your head, or creating a bow on top of your head. You can also use it as a belt or scarf to mix up your look.
Customizable Crochet Headband Pattern
Versatile in design, you can wear this ear warmer with any outfit, whether it’s casual or formal. And if you want to change the look, add or remove a flower.
Modern Twist Bulky Yarn Headband
Faux Fur Head Warmer
Related: How to Crochet Chunky Mittens
Supplies for Crochet Head Warmers
Once you’ve found a crochet headband pattern that tickles your fancy, there are a few essential crochet supplies you’ll need to start your project:
- Crochet hook – check the pattern for the hook size required
- Tapestry needle – for weaving in ends and possibly joining pieces together
- Accessories – some designs may need buttons or beads, or you may choose to add these later to customize your creation
The Best Yarn For a Crochet Headband
When choosing a yarn to crochet a headband there are a few things to keep in mind. You’ll need to consider the color, thickness, and texture and ensure the yarn complements the pattern. It’s also helpful to know if the person who will wear it has allergies to animal fibers like wool.
Here are some yarns I like to use for crocheting headbands:
- Lion Brand Heartland (category 4) – soft acrylic that works well for those with wool allergies
- Lion Brand Scarfie (category 5) – you can make a headband with one ball of this self-striping ombre yarn
- Lion Brand Homespun (category 5) – produces a chunky, boucle look that is soft and comfortable to wear.
How to Customize Your Head Wrap
Crocheted headbands are the perfect project to get creative with crafty accessories. Here are some of my favorite ways to customize ear warmers.
Crochet Flowers
Flowers can be amazing accents to crochet head wrap patterns. They’re easy, fast to make, and entirely customizable. 3D crochet flowers in particular can add a striking look to your headband.
Learn how to crochet an easy flower using our free crochet flower patterns.
Beautiful Buttons
Buttons don’t just have to be a functional addition to your headband. They can also add a cute, decorative touch.
Wooden, fabric, or shiny buttons can provide a nice texture contrast to the soft stitches. Sometimes a button is all you need to make a beginner crochet headband look sophisticated.
Embroidery/Embellishments
Try enhancing your crochet headband with embroidery or playful pom poms. Learn how to make a pom pom in this tutorial.
I love adding leather tags to beanies and headbands to plus up the polish. You could also try adding beads or cross-stitch designs atop the crochet stitches.
FAQs About Crochet Headbands
Here are the basic steps for crocheting a headband:
1. Begin with a foundation chain that fits comfortably around your head
2. Next, work rows of single crochet until the reaches the desired thickness
3. Finish the headband by sewing the ends together
If you’re still wondering how to crochet a headband, check out the free patterns above for more detailed instructions.
Headband size and tightness vary depending on the pattern and personal preference. Crochet ear warmers are usually made with negative ease, meaning they are made smaller than needed to fit more securely.
Over time, crochet naturally stretches, so beginning with some negative ease helps ensure the headband doesn’t become too loose.
There is no strict size for these crochet headbands – it depends on the age and head circumference of the person you’re making it for.
The best practice is usually to make the headband 1.5-2″ smaller than the head circumference. Take a head measurement and follow the guidance on your chosen crochet pattern.
Don’t forget to check out our Headband Size Chart included in this article for a clearer idea of sizing.
Hats and Beanies to Make Next
Ready for your next fast crochet project? Check out our favorite hat and beanie patterns or try your “hand” at a pair of fingerless gloves.
Learn a New Skill
When you’re ready to master a new skill, check out our detailed guides that include everything you need to know to level up your crochet game.
- How to Corner to Corner (C2C) Crochet for Beginners – with video tutorials to get you started
- How to Crochet a Beginner Hat – make an entire beanie in 1.5 hours!
- How to Crochet Amigurumi for Beginners – the ultimate guide to making your own toys and plushies
- How to Tunisian Crochet – learn with this video and a standard hook
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting headbands and lots of other projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each other’s questions and share their stitches. Join us!
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