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!
25+ Knitting Patterns for Headbands and Ear Warmers
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 fantastic 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)
Cable knitting is so very rewarding once you get the hang of it and it instantly elevates any project with style. This chic cable knit headband is worked flat and then seamed afterward. This free pattern is also available in English, Danish, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Wow!
Designer: Erica and Eleanor
Yarn: Paintbox Yarn Simply Aran (Worsted Weight #4)
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)
I love the generous width of this gorgeous cabled knitted headband, making it the ideal knit headwarmer 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 so that the intricate patterns are highlighted beautifully.
Designer: Berroco
Yarn: Berocco Vintage Chunky (Bulky Weight #5)
I’m totally digging the “Rosie the Riveter” vibe I’m getting from this selection of knitted headband patterns! Gorgeous warmer headbands that you tie are an easy and adorable way to ensure your project fits a wider range of head sizes. This easy knitting pattern also offers a button closure option if you’re not into the tied look, giving you the flexibility to personalize your creation.
Designer: Tolt Yarn and Wool
Yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Loft (Fingering Weight #1)
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)
Short on time but still want to create something warm and stylish? Bulky-weight yarn is the solution! Choose the thinner of the two headband options that this pattern offers and you'll need to invest minimal time for maximum coziness. This head warmer is worked flat with an 8-row repeat and shadow cables, which almost look like chevrons to me – and I love it!
Designer: Getting Purly With It
Yarn: Madeline Tosh (Bulky Weight #5)
Two layers will keep your ears twice as warm with these fabulous, fashion-forward headband patterns. 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, creating a chic and cozy accessory for chilly days.
Designer: Two of Wands
Yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Merino (Worsted Weight #4)
You’re going to look out of this world with this easy-knit headband pattern inspired by Saturn’s rings. The ribbing in this design not only makes it extra stretchy but also adds a great visual texture! You’ll be working in rows for this pattern, utilizing knit and purl stitches along with some basic shaping to create a headband that's both stylish and functional.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alaska (Worsted Weight #4)
Are you looking for more beginner-friendly knitting projects to bolster your collection of winter accessories? Look no further than the Knit Twisted Headband. It’s a project featuring all stockinette stitches, and you’ll be working in the round to create a cozy addition to your winter wardrobe. 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 a vibrant and stylish result.
Designer: Designs by Phanessa
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn (Worsted Weight #4)
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)
Master the look of intricate cabling with this twisted headband knitting pattern. This pretty knit ear warmer design features a faux cable for the big twist in the middle, allowing you to achieve a complex appearance without the need for actual cable knitting. The rest of the pattern is a simple combination of knit, purl, and slip stitches, along with some yarn overs. To make the process even more accessible, a chart is included that you can follow along with for ease and clarity.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Merino (DK Weight #3)
Unleash your inner prima donna with these beautiful knitted headbands crafted from marvelous mohair. The yarn makes this knit head warmer extra soft and snuggly, ensuring both comfort and elegance. 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, then twist and seam, resulting in a chic accessory that's as stylish as it is cozy.
Designer: The Magic Loop
Yarn: YarnArt Mohair Classic (Worsted Weight Yarn #4)
I love everything about this adorable knit headband - the chunky braided cable, the width, and just how gosh darn cozy it looks! This ear warmer headband is a great way to keep warm and stylish with its 6-stitch cable and 3 knit stitches in between the two halves. You’ll be working this free knitting pattern in rows, creating a snug and fashionable accessory for chilly days.
Designer: Transient Expression
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Lana Grande (Super Bulky Weight #6)
I never get tired of free knitting patterns with cables—they just have that “wow” factor, you know? This ear warmer knitting design is worked flat with 6-stitch cables and ribbed edges, creating a piece that's as functional as it is visually appealing. Don’t worry about the seam from whip stitching the ends together; it will be neatly hidden at the back of your head, ensuring your knit piece looks seamless and polished.
Designer: Leelee Knits
Yarn: Knit Picks Biggo Superwash Merino (Bulky Weight #5)
Add a small band around your headband for an easy and adorable bow look. I love how cute and casual this knit ear warmer 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)
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—an excellent example of how simple techniques can create sophisticated results. Remember that a little bit of stitch witchery at the end, when you seam the ends together, will make that iconic twist come to life beautifully.
Designer: Un Peu Savage
Yarn: Piccolo Alpaca (Worsted Weight #4)
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, especially when your wardrobe is small—make every piece count! This free knit ear warmer pattern is worked in rows with basic stitches and simple shaping, offering you a chic and multipurpose accessory that's as practical as it is stylish.
Designer: Rewind Knits and Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Worsted Weight #4)
Nail the casual chic look with this fabulous and free knit ear warmer pattern, great for adding a touch of handmade elegance to your ensemble. I love how the relaxed 12-stitch cables are framed by the knit ribbing on the edges, creating a professional finish. 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)
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 together to decrease on the second half.
Designer: Lee Meredith for Knit Picks
Yarn: Knit Picks Fable Fur (Super Bulky Weight #6)
The geometric look is super popular right now, and it really makes these free-knitted headband patterns look so modern and chic. This design is a little more complicated, adding an engaging challenge to your knitting. You’ll be following along with a chart and using a few different combinations of basic stitches, slip stitches, and yarnovers to create that sought-after geometric effect. When you’re done with the free knit headband pattern, you can even make the matching gloves for a complete set!
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Karisma (DK Weight #3)
Try your hand at the fair isle knitting technique with this pretty flower headband—you'll want to show off your skills with this eye-catching design. 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, making your crafting experience as seamless as the finished product.
Designer: Ann Kingstone
Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed (DK Weight #3)
If you can knit the garter stitch, then you're already equipped to make this fabulous knit headband, which is one of the best projects for beginners and seasoned knitters alike looking for a quick and satisfying creation. First, you make a garter stitch square and then fold and wrap it with yarn to form the adorably huge bow. Then, you knit a long garter-stitch rectangle for the band. Sew your bits and bobs together, and you’re done with a charming and stylish accessory!
Designer: Knitkatpaddywhack
Yarn: DK Weight #3
You’ll be as cute as a button in this lovely and ridged piece from knitting headbands. You’ll be working in the round using basic knit and purl stitches, which results in super stretchy ribbing. This means you won’t need much yarn, and it’s sure to fit snugly and comfortably around your ears!
Designer: Crafts by Sarah Liz
Yarn: Patons North America Classic Wool (Worsted Weight #4)
The vertical cables on this headband really make it a standout addition to your collection of warmer patterns. The tapered sides employ short-row knitting techniques and stretchy knit ribbing, while the top is worked in regular rows of cables, creating a piece that's as stylish as it is functional. This is a great option for someone with short hair, offering a chic way to keep warm without compromising on style.
Designer: The Kninja
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 (Worsted Weight #4)
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Are you ready to start rocking the knit ear warmer 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 earwarmer! 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