If you’ve been following my work for a while, you know I have a deep love for the specific ribbed texture used in the Claire collection. After designing the Claire Top, it just made sense to expand the collection into a few cozy accessories.
Here is a little confession: I am a total Hat Gal. Give me a beanie any day of the week. However, when I want to go running or just have my hair up in a messy bun, hats just don’t work. That is where the Claire Earwarmer comes in. It is practical, keeps your ears toasty, and accommodates a ponytail perfectly.
This pattern is designed to be made-to-measure, meaning you can use any yarn in your stash and guarantee a perfect fit for anyone from a toddler to an adult male. Whether you are whipping this up for a last-minute gift or treating yourself, I hope you are going to love this free beginner crochet Earwarmer Pattern.
Scroll down for the free pattern below, or support my work and purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
Customizable Fit: Because this is a made-to-measure pattern, you aren’t stuck with a “one size fits most” result. You customize the length and width to your specific preference.
Stash Buster: You can use any yarn weight you have on hand.
Simple Geometry: If you are intimidated by working in the round, don’t worry! This project is worked flat as a strip and seamed at the end. It’s very beginner friendly!
Textured Ribbing: The combination of back-loop and front-loop stitches creates a squishy, dense fabric that looks far more complex than it actually is.
Materials & Tools
Since this is a freestyle, made-to-measure pattern, your materials will vary based on the yarn you choose.
- Yarn: Any yarn weight! The brown sample in the photos was made with Schoeller Cosima (50g = 70m), and I used one whole 50g skein. The gray sample is made using …
- Hook: I recommend using a hook 1-2 sizes smaller than what is recommended on your yarn label.
Why? A tighter gauge creates a denser fabric with fewer gaps, making the earwarmer much warmer. If you use a larger hook, the wind might cut right through it.
- Yarn Needle: For seaming and weaving in ends (optional as you can use your hook for this).
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape: Essential for getting the size right!.
Sizing
This pattern is designed to be made-to-measure, ensuring a perfect fit for any head size. However, I know we don’t always have the recipient’s head nearby to measure! That is why I have included standard sizes as well, just in case you are making this as a gift.
Option 1: Made-to-Measure (For the Perfect Fit)
If you are making this for yourself or someone you can measure, you will get the best results by customizing the length.
How to calculate the Base Strip Length: To ensure your earwarmer stays snug while running or wearing it out and about, we need to subtract “negative ease” from the head circumference.
The Formula:
Head Circumference - Negative Ease = Base Strip Length
Negative Ease Guidelines:
Adult sizes: Subtract 5–6 cm (2–2.5 in) from the head circumference.
Toddler/Child sizes: Subtract 4 cm (1.5 in) from the head circumference.
Option 2: Standard Sizing (For Gifts)
If you cannot measure the recipient, simply use the chart below. These measurements include the negative ease calculated for you.
| Size | For | Head Circumference | Earwarmer Length (Base Strip) | Earwarmer Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toddler | 41–46 cm (16–18 in) | 39.5 cm (15.5 in) | 5 cm (2 in) |
| 2 | Child | 46–51 cm (18–20 in) | 44.5 cm (17.5 in) | 7.5 cm (3 in) |
| 3 | Adult Female | 51–56 cm (20–22 in) | 48.5 cm (19 in) | 10 cm (4 in) |
| 4 | Adult Male | 56–61 cm (22–24 in) | 53.5 cm (21 in) | 10 cm (4 in) |
Pattern Notes & Abbreviations
Terminology: US Terminology.
Turning Chains: Ch 2 or Ch 1 at the beginning of rows does not count as a stitch.
Construction: You will crochet a rectangular base strip, sew the ends together, pinch the seam to create a bow shape, and wrap a small center band around the seam.
Abbreviations:
- Ch: Chain
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Hdc: Half double crochet
- Sl st: Slip stitch
- Blo: Back loop only (insert hook under only the loop farthest from you).
- Flo: Front loop only (insert hook under only the loop closest to you).
- WS: Wrong side
- RS: Right side
The Claire Earwarmer Pattern Instructions
Part 1: The Base Strip
Start: Make a chain that equals your Length Measurement (Head Circumference minus Negative Ease).
Standard lengths: 39.5 (44.5) 48.5 (53.5) cm or approx. 15.5 (17.5) 19 (21) in.
Row 1: Ch 2. Work 1 Hdc in every chain across.
Row 2 (RS): Ch 2 and turn. Work 1 Blo Hdc (Back Loop Only) in every stitch across.
Row 3 (WS): Ch 2 and turn. Work 1 Flo Hdc (Front Loop Only) in every stitch across.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your work reaches your desired width.
Standard Widths: 5 (7.5) 10 (10) cm or approx. 2 (3) 4 (4) inches.
Tip: Try on your earwarmer as you work to find your ideal width. If you want to use up a whole skein, stop when you have about one-quarter of the yarn left to save for the center band.
Finish: Leave a long tail for sewing. Cut your yarn and fasten off.
Note: If you want to block your earwarmer, now is the best time.
Part 2: Seaming & Shaping
1. Seam: Fold the strip in half (aligning short ends). Sew the two ends together using a mattress stitch or your preferred method.
2. Pinch: To get that classic “bow” look, pinch the seam to create a gathered effect. You can pinch to form either 2 bumps or 3 bumps depending on your preference.
3. Secure: Take a piece of yarn and weave it through the folds you created. Pull tight and tie a secure knot to hold the shape.
Part 3: The Center Band
Start: Make a chain that is long enough to wrap around the pinched seam of your base.
Row 1: Sl st in every chain.
Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Blo sl st in every stitch.
Repeat Row 2 a total of 8 (8) 10 (10) times, or until you reach your desired center width.
Assembly:
1. Leave a long tail for sewing and cut your yarn.
2. Wrap the center strip around the pinched seam of your base.
3. Sew the two ends of the center band together.
4. Pro Tip: Tie your center band to your base while weaving in ends to ensure it doesn’t slide around.
Finishing Touches
Weave in any remaining ends with your yarn needle. You are done!.
This pattern is so quick, you can easily make one for every outfit or whip up a batch for holiday gifts.