Stylishly Warm: A Free and Easy Crochet Ear Warmer and Cowl Pattern
As the winter chill settles in, there’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in the warmth of handmade accessories (like this free and easy crochet ear warmer and cowl pattern) to keep the frost at bay.
The Easy Peasy Ear Warmer and Cowl duo not only offers a simple and enjoyable project but also promises a quick and satisfying result. Better yet, it is a free and easy crochet pattern right here (just scroll down!).
The ear warmer is designed in 5 sizes from age 3 to adult. The cowl is in 4 sizes from child to adult sizes. So it is a pattern you are sure to make time and time again.
What makes this pattern set particularly special is the use of the crunch stitch, ensuring a tight and insulating fabric that will shield your ears and neck from the biting cold. Say goodbye to the discomfort of winter wind and hello to a stylish solution that not only complements your winter wardrobe but also prevents those pesky earaches and chills during your outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re crafting for yourself or preparing a thoughtful handmade gift for a loved one, this free and easy pattern is bound to become a staple in your winter crochet collection. So, grab your yarn, hook, and let’s get started on creating a cozy masterpiece that will accompany you through the chilly days ahead!
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links – should you purchase anything using my affiliate link I may get a small commission at no extra cost to yourself!
Inspiration behind the design
My inspiration for the Easy Peasy Ear Warmer and Cowl set stemmed from a desire to create a free and easy crochet pattern accessible to both beginners and experienced crafters alike. The goal was to ensure that crocheting this set would be an enjoyable experience for those just starting their crochet journey while offering a nice rhythmic stitch for those seeking a textured project.
The choice of the crunch stitch was an easy one! It has previously featured in a few of my designs like the Richard wrist warmers and the easy peasy poncho full pattern video tutorial. It felt like the perfect fit. This stitch is not only beginner-friendly but also introduces a delightful texture to the finished pieces.
The repetitive nature of the crunch stitch contributes to a cozy fabric, making the ear warmer and cowl not only visually appealing but also pleasing to the touch. This free and easy crochet ear warmer pattern incorporates inclusivity by offering different sizes. The ear warmer pattern accommodates children, teens, and adults (small, medium, and large), allowing crafters of all ages to enjoy the warmth and style of this set. The cowl pattern is also available in four sizes, ranging from toddler sizes to adaptable adult sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit for everyone. With a focus on simplicity, texture, and inclusivity, this set is the perfect project for those seeking a hassle-free and enjoyable crochet experience.
Construction of the design
Let’s start with the ear warmer, where achieving the distinctive twist involves working the piece flat in rows and them seaming it. The twist adds a stylish dimension to the design, creating a unique and eye-catching detail. This free and easy ear warmer crochet pattern comes complete with a video tutorial, ensuring that even beginners can effortlessly master the assembly process and can effortlessly achieve the desired twist for a polished final look.
Moving on to the cowl, its construction takes a different approach. Worked in rounds, the cowl embraces the texture of the crunch stitch, creating a beautifully textured fabric. However, to ensure that the texture is evenly distributed and doesn’t favor one side, it’s crucial to turn before starting each round where the pattern tells you to. This simple yet effective technique ensures that the crunch stitch pattern is evenly distributed, giving the cowl a balanced and professional finish.
A key tip for achieving the perfect texture is to avoid working the slip stitches too tightly. Maintaining a gentle tension with the slip stitches is essential, as they serve as the foundation for the subsequent rows or rounds. This thoughtful approach to tension ensures that the crunch stitch’s unique texture shines through, resulting in a beautifully crafted cowl with a touchable, tactile appeal.
The Yarn
The yarn chosen for the Easy Peasy Ear Warmer and Cowl set plays a pivotal role in bringing this project to life. I’ve opted for the exquisite Paintbox Simply Aran, a #4 weight yarn (aran) that is 100% acrylic and lends itself beautifully to this pattern. Available in convenient 100g skeins, each boasting 184 meters (201 yards), Paintbox Simply Aran is the ideal companion for this project. With three skeins, you can create an entire adult set, ensuring you have ample yarn for both the ear warmer and the cowl.
What makes Paintbox Simply Aran my go-to yarn for projects like these is its exceptional combination of quality and affordability. This yarn comes in a stunning array of colors, allowing you to personalize your set to match your style or the preferences of your giftee. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the yarn is also budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. Additionally, Paintbox Simply Aran boasts remarkable durability and washability, ensuring that your finished creations not only look fantastic but also withstand the test of time. Its soft and pliable nature makes it a joy to work with, particularly for those new to crochet or seasoned crafters alike. When it comes to Paintbox Simply Aran, I am confident that you will love it too!
Alternative Yarn Sugggestions:
Of course, there are some great alternative yarns out there to suit all budgets. Some of my suggestions to crochet this set would be:
Brava Tweed by KnitPicks – This yarn is 97% acrylic and 3% viscose and also comes in 100g skeins (218 yards). It is gorgeous!
If you want to use a yarn that is a little more expensive but still a great fit for this project then why not try their Twill which is 100% merino will and comes in hanks of 100g (but only contains 149 yards).
Get the PDF pattern!
You can find the ad-free PDF Pattern for this one in all of my shops:
NOTE: if you are here for the From Me To You event these links will NOT get you the PDF Pattern – you need to click the special event button in the next section…
From US to You Event:
This pattern previously featured in the From Us to You Event in January 2024. If you are interested in finding out more about this donation challenge and the patterns that are included (which will all be free not he blog posts forever) click the button below.
Tester Appreciation:
It’s no secret that I love seeing my patterns worked up by crocheters! It is also one of my favourite parts of the testing process. Check out these Easy Peasy Ear Warmers from some of my testers:
The pattern specifics:
Materials:
| #4 weight yarn of your choosing – you will need approx. 190 (220, 246, 270) yards for the cowl and 80-120 yards for the ear warmer. 5mm hook. Stitch markers (optional). Scissors. Tapestry needle. Measuring tape. |
Gauge:
| 8 sts and 8 rows of main pattern = 2” |
Sizing:
For the ear warmer crochet pattern – there are 5 sizes; child, teen, adult small, adult medium, adult large. *Please make sure your gauge is correct to ensure your ear warmer is the correct size!
For the cowl crochet pattern – there are 4 sizes; age 2-3, 4-10, teen and adult
Abbreviations used:
| Ch(s) – chain(s) St(s) – Stitch(es) Rep – Repeat Hdc – half double crochet Fhdc – foundation half double crochet Ss – slip stitch FO—fasten off YO—yarn over |
Special Stitches:
Camel Stitch – also known as hdc in the third loop
YO, insert hook into the THIRD loop of the HDC from the previous row (this will be a horizontal bar below the two loops you normally work into. Working in the round, it will be on the INSIDE of your work). YO and pull through, YO and pull thru all 3 loops on your hook.
You can find our video tutorial on how to do this here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUuktGH7tmw
Other notes for the easy crochet ear warmer and cowl patterns:
| Written in US terms Ch1 stitches at the beginning of a row do not count as a st unless otherwise stated. Slip stitches to join never count as a stitch. Where instructions differ for sizing these will be noted as: 2-3 (4-10, teen, adult) for the cowl and child (teen, adult small, adult medium, adult large) for the ear warmer. The stitch count is in parenthesis at the end of row 1. These counts remain the same for the whole pattern. Remember to turn where the pattern tells you to. When working your rounds you will work all ss’s into the hdc sts from the previous round, and all hdc sts into the ss’s from the previous round. |
The Free and Easy Ear warmer and Cowl Crochet Pattern:
** This is a free pattern on the SunflowerCottageCrochet.com blog. If you are reading this anywhere else it is stolen content. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn will allow me to continue to create free content for you!**
For the cowl:
Round 1 – Fhdc 100 (120, 128, 140)
OR
CH 101 (121, 129, 141), hdc in second ch from hook and each ch across. SS to join.
(100 (120, 128, 140) sts)
Round 2 – Turn, CH1, Camel st in each st across. SS to join
Round 3 – Turn, CH1, HDC in first st, SS in next st, *HDC in next st, SS in next st*. Rep from * to * around. SS to join.
Round 4 – Turn, CH1 (counts as a SS), *HDC in next st (this will be the SS from the previous row), SS in the next st (this will be the HDC from the previous row)* Rep from * to * around. SS to join.
Rounds 5- 30 (34, 38, 40, 46) – Rep round 4 or until as tall as desired (making sure to end on an even numbered round).
Round 31 (35, 39, 41, 47) – HDC in each st across. SS to join.
Round 32 (36, 40, 42, 48) – Camel st in each st across. SS to join.
FO and weave in ends.
For the ear warmer:
Row 1- Fhdc 67 (71, 75, 79, 83) ORCH 68 (72, 76, 80, 84), hdc in second ch from hook and each ch across. (67 (71, 75, 79, 83) sts)
Row 2- Turn, CH1, Camel st in each st across.
Row 3- Turn, CH1, HDC in first st, SS in next st, *HDC in next st, SS in next st*. Rep from * to * untilyou have 1 st left, HDC in last st.
Row 4– Turn, CH1 (counts as a SS), *HDC in next st (this will be the SS from the previous row), SSin the next st (this will be the HDC from the previous row)* Rep from * to * across.
Row 5– Turn, CH1, HDC in first st, SS in next st, *HDC in next st (this will be the SS from theprevious row), SS in next st (which will be the HDC from the previous row)*. Rep from * to * until you have 1 st left, HDC in last st.
Rows 6- 10 (12, 12, 14, 14) – Rep rows 4 and 5
Row 11 (13, 13, 15, 15) – HDC in each st across
Row 12 (14, 14, 16, 16) – Camel st in each st across
FO Leaving a long tail of around 8” for sewing the ends together.
Assembly:
Note: you can also find a video tutorial for how to sew the twist into this easy crochet ear warmer pattern on my YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/yw94WCahxUI
To sew the twist:
1: with right side facing you (this is the side with the camel stitch ridge facing you) lay the ear warmer flat.
2: fold the ear warmer in half so that right sides are together.
3: Holding the ear warmer with the open edges at the top, separate the ends a little and fold each end in half creating 2 V shapes.
4: interlock the V shapes together.
5: sew the four layers together.
FO and weave in ends
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