How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Find the absolute best modern knit ear warmers here that are totally on trend! A collection of free knitting patterns.

Nobody likes cold ears! So why don’t you make yourself one of these wonderful knit ear warmers? Heck, you might just want to make a few!

Free patterns for knit ear warmers are so much fun to make because they work up so fast and they don’t use very much yarn. They can really be made with any weight yarn.

Trust me when I say that these little accessories are soon going to be your best friends. They can cover up a bad hair day, add an extra special touch to any outfit, and they really do keep your ears nice and toasty. Plus, you won’t have hat hair when you take them off!  They can even double for a messy bun hat!

If you’ve ever wondered how to knit ear warmers, you are definitely in the right place. I’ve got knitted ear warmers for beginners, knit headbands with cables, knit head warmers with a twist, and so much more! Check out this list of my favorite free knitting patterns for ear warmers and prepare to get inspired!

    • 1. Headband with a Twist
    • 2. Woven Cable Headband
    • 3. Hot Mess Headband
    • 4. Calisson
    • 5. Ruby Beach Headband
    • 6. Very Warm Headband
    • 7. Vanessa Headband
    • 8. Thermal Twist Headwrap
    • 9. Saturn Rings
    • 10. Knit Twisted Headband
    • 11. Cables and Lace Headband
    • 12. Twisting Taffy
    • 13. Primo Headband
    • 14. Braided Cable Headband
    • 15. The Softest Winter Headband
    • 16. Headband Risoul
    • 17. Napping by the Fire Headband
    • 18. Center Row Lace Headband
    • 19. Whims Knit Ear warmer
    • 20. Snow Day Headband
    • 21. Tram Lines HeadBand
    • 22. Enid
    • 23. Garter Be Kidding Me
    • 24. Reagan Earwarmer
    • 25. Cablerimetry
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1. Headband with a Twist

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Avoid the dreaded “it doesn’t fit” text when gifting a knitted headband by working it up in a nice stretchy stitch pattern like English rib. The stylish twist in this knit ear warmer is much easier than it looks and it doubles as a clever way to hide the unsightly seam! 

Designer: Mirella Moments

Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Lima (DK Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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2. Woven Cable Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Cable knitting is so very rewarding once you get the hang of them and they instantly elevate any project. This chic cable knit headband is worked flat and then seamed afterwards. This free pattern is also available in French, Italian and German. Wow!

Designer: Erica and Eleanor

Yarn: Paintbox Yarn Simply Aran (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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3. Hot Mess Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Bad hair day? No problem! This fashionable headband knitting pattern was designed just for days like today! Double pointed needles are recommended for this free knitting project. This piece is worked flat in k1, p1 rib. The twist in the middle is done as a cable row. So clever! 

Designer: Ewe Ewe Yarns

Yarn: Ewe Ewe Yarns Wooly (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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4. Calisson

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

I love the generous width of this gorgeous cabled knitted headband. This looks like the perfect knit head warmer if you are looking for something nice and cozy. I especially like the way that the cables are framed by the normal stitches on the sides. 

Designer: Berroco

Yarn: Berocco Vintage Chunky (Bulky Weight #5)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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5. Ruby Beach Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

I’m totally digging the “Rosie the Riveter” vibe I’m getting from this gorgeous warmer headband! Headbands that you tie are an easy and adorable way to make your project fit a wider range of head sizes. This easy knitting pattern also has a button closure option if you’re not into the tied look. 

Designer: Tolt Yarn and Wool

Yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Loft (Fingering Weight #1)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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6. Very Warm Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Choose between 4 different gauges (DK, worsted, chunky and super bulky yarn) to make this cozy knitted headband using whatever soft yarn you have on hand. Slipped stitches on the ends make a nice edging that resembles I-cord and garter stitch ridges work up nice and toasty!

Designer: Churchmouse Yarns and Teas

Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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7. Vanessa Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Short on time? Bulky weight yarn to the rescue! Choose the thinner of the two headband options that this pattern offers and you’ll have cozy ears in no time. This headwarmer is worked flat with an 8 row repeat, and shadow cables. The cables almost look like chevrons to me and I love it!

Designer: Getting Purly With It

Yarn: Madeline Tosh (Bulky Weight #5)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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8. Thermal Twist Headwrap

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Two layers will keep your eyes twice as warm with this fabulous fashion-forward headwrap. You’ll be working in the round to make a long tube using the broken rib stitch – alternating rows of k1,p1 and k around. Then you’ll “do the twist” and then use the mattress stitch with a tapestry needle to seam the two ends together

Designer: Two of Wands

Yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Merino (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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9. Saturn Rings

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

You’re going to look out of this world in this gorgeous warmer pattern inspired by Saturn’s rings. The ribbing in this design makes it extra stretchy and it looks great too! You’ll be working in rows for this pattern using knit and purl stitches along with some basic shaping. 

Designer: DROPS Design

Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alaska (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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10. Knit Twisted Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Are you looking for more beginner friendly knitting projects? Look no further than the Knit Twisted Headband. It’s all stockinette stitches and you’ll be working in the round. There is both a written pattern and a video tutorial for this one which is perfect for visual learners. Choose a fun multi-colored yarn for the best result.  

Designer: Designs by Phanessa

Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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11. Cables and Lace Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

This stunning knit head warmer is the perfect combination of coziness and elegance. The free knitting pattern will keep you interested from start to finish with alternating rows of 6-stitch cables, lacework and purl stitches. You can seam the two ends together with a crochet hook if you hate sewing.

Designer: Mirella Moments

Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Lima (DK Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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12. Twisting Taffy

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Fake it ‘til you make it with this pretty knit ear warmer design. You’ll be working a faux cable for the big twist in the middle and the rest is just knit, purl, and slip stitches along with some yarn overs. There is even a chart to follow along with to make it easier for you!  

Designer: DROPS Design

Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Merino (DK Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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13. Primo Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Unleash your inner prima donna with this marvelous mohair headband. The yarn makes this knit head warmer extra soft and snuggly. This pattern is worked in the round using basic stitches and easy 4-stitch cables. When you’re done you will sew the ends of your tube closed and then twist and seam. 

Designer: The Magic Loop

Yarn: YarnArt Mohair Classic (Worsted Weight Yarn #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern! 

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14. Braided Cable Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

I love everything about this adorable knit headband – the chunky braided cable, the width and just how gosh darn cozy it looks! This is a 6-stitch cable with 3 knit stitches in between the two halves. You’ll be working this free knitting pattern in rows.  

Designer: Transient Expression

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Lana Grande (Super Bulky Weight #6)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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15. The Softest Winter Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

I never get tired of free knitting patterns with cables. They just have that “wow” factor, you know? This design is worked flat with 6-stitch cables and ribbed edges. Don’t worry about the seam from whip stitching the ends together – it will be hidden at the back of your head. 

Designer: Leelee Knits

Yarn: Knit Picks Biggo Superwash Merino (Bulky Weight #5)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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16. Headband Risoul

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Add a small band around your headband for an easy and adorable bow look. I love how cute and casual this knit earwarmer is, plus look at all that lovely texture that comes from the moss stitch! The band is knit in stockinette stitch for a nice contrast. 

Designer:  Izzieknits

Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Nepal (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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17. Napping by the Fire Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and the raised diamonds in this stunning knit headband are no exception! It’s hard to believe that this pattern is all just knit and purl stitches worked in rows. Add a little bit of stitch witchery at the end when you seam the ends together to make that iconic twist. 

Designer: Un Peu Savage

Yarn: Piccolo Alpaca (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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18. Center Row Lace Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

I’ve never thought of using a wide headband as a neck warmer before but I’m totally stealing this idea. Versatility is a great friend to have when your wardrobe is small. Make every piece count! You’ll be working this free knit pattern in rows which basic stitches and simple shaping.

Designer: Rewind Knits and Crochet

Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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19. Whims Knit Ear warmer

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Nail the casual chic look with this fabulous and free knit earwarmer pattern. I love how the relaxed 12-stitch cables are framed by the knit ribbing on the edges. People are seriously going to think you went and bought this at the shops!

Designer: Briana K Designs

Yarn: Furls Whims Merino (DK Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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20. Snow Day Headband

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Keep the knitting simple when you’re working with novelty yarns like faux fur. They are a little trickier to work with but the end result is simply stunning – not to mention extra soft and warm. You’ll be using garter stitches for most of this free knit pattern, with knit front backs to increase the edges on the first half and knit 2 togethers to decrease on the second half. 

Designer: Lee Meredith for Knit Picks

Yarn: Knit Picks Fable Fur (Super Bulky Weight #6)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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21. Tram Lines HeadBand

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

The geometric look is super popular right now and it really makes this pretty knit headband look so modern. This design is a little more complicated. You’ll be following along with a chart and using a few different combinations of basic stitches, slip stitches and yarn overs. When you’re done with the free knit headband pattern you can make the matching gloves!

Designer: DROPS Design

Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Karisma (DK Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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22. Enid

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

Try your hand at the fair isle knitting technique with this pretty flower headband. There are plenty of pictures to help you out along the way and you’ll even learn a new trick for adding in a new color of yarn without leaving any ends to weave in. 

Designer: Ann Kingstone

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed (DK Weight #3)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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23. Garter Be Kidding Me

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

If you can knit the garter stitch, then you can make this fabulous knit headband! First you make a garter stitch square and then fold and wrap with yarn to form the adorably huge bow. Then you make a long garter stitch rectangle for the band. Sew your bits and bobs and you’re done!

Designer: Knitkatpaddywhack

Yarn: DK Weight #3

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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24. Reagan Earwarmer

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

You’ll be as cute as a button in this lovely and ridged knit earwarmer. You’ll be working in the round using basic knit and purl stitches. This results in a super stretchy ribbing – which means you won’t need much yarn and it’s sure to fit! 

Designer: Crafts by Sarah Liz

Yarn: Patons North America Classic Wool (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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25. Cablerimetry

How long should knitted ear warmers be?

The vertical cables on this headband really make it stand out from the crowd. The tapered sides use short row knitting techniques and stretchy knit ribbing, while the top is worked in regular rows of cables. This is a great option for someone with short hair. 

Designer: The Kninja

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Are you ready to start rocking the knit ear warmers look? Which free knitting pattern was your favorite? Did I miss one of your go-to knitting patterns? Please share with me in the comments below!

Oh, and before you go, make sure to share and save this link so you can find it again when you’re ready to make another knit ear warmer! Click on the bookmark button or save a quick pin to your knitting Pinterest board. 

I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3

Happy Knitting!
Amanda

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How wide should a knitted ear warmer be?

A great standard width for crochet ear warmers is 3.5″ wide. I have found this width to work well from toddler size to adult size. Of course you can go narrower or thicker, but 3.5″ wide generally gives total ear coverage which is important when you are trying to keep those ears nice and warm!

How long should an ear warmer headband be?

Child: 18″, chain 55. Teen or Adult Small: 20″, chain 61. Adult Medium: 21″, chain 64. Adult Large: 22″, chain 67.