Get ready to crochet a set that is about to become your favorite new winter staple: The one piece headband (earwarmer) and cowl made with bulky yarn!
Named The Basic Stitch Accessory Set, these are exactly the kinds of projects beginners look for (easy, but also help to build skills), and experienced crocheters appreciate (rhythmic, and relaxing make).
Picture this: a chilly day, a hot beverage, and you, with your head-turning headband (earwarmer) and cowl combo made in the colors you love the most!
Prepare yourself for all the compliments that are coming your way.
Accessories like these are ones that everyone loves to wear – you might have to crochet a set for everyone you know.
What makes this crochet headband (earwarmer) and cowl even better? The fact that these projects are one-piece construction with bulky yarn, which them super quick to create.
These are satisfying projects because they work up so quickly, the yarn feels like a warm hug against the cold, and you’ll easily be able to style them with your favorite outfits.
Intrigued? Well, you should be!
Let’s unravel the details of these fantastic patterns that are as delightful to make as they are to wear.
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Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Basic Stitch Accessory Patterns: Introduction
What Is A Cowl
So, you’ve probably heard of scarves, right?
Well, imagine a scarf that’s cozier, more snuggly, and basically a warm hug for your neck – that’s a crochet cowl!
Instead of trailing down your front like a traditional scarf, a cowl is a tube that sits comfortably around your neck.
It’s like a stylish, yarny donut that keeps you warm and looking fabulous.
The best part? There’s no need to fuss with loose ends or worry about it unravelling.
A crochet cowl is perfect for those chilly days when you want to stay toasty and look effortlessly chic.
What Is A Headband
You know those days when you want your hair out of your face, but a hat is just too much?
Enter the crochet headband, your new best friend.
Also known as an earwarmer (ear warmer), these sit snugly around your head, keeping your hair in check while adding a dash of crochet charm.
Think of it as a cute strip of yarny goodness that’s wide enough to make a statement but not so wide that it smothers your fabulous locks.
Have you heard of the “Messy Bun” style? Well, this crochet headband has an open back to help you achieve your best messy bun look.
Perfect for those “I woke up like this” moments when you want to look effortlessly chic without any fuss. And the best part? You can whip one up in no time with your favorite bulky yarn, giving you instant coziness and style points.
Now, imagine combining that snug goodness with a matching crochet cowl in one seamless yarn adventure.
Excited much? Well, you should be!
Let’s dive into the world of one-piece construction with this bulky yarn heaven!
One Piece Construction
What’s the hype about one-piece construction?
Well, it’s like the crochet universe decided to make our lives easier.
Instead of crafting separate pieces and then puzzling them together, this headband and cowl set are crocheted in rows.
As soon as you get the size you need, just sew the first and last rows together evenly. Easy!
It’s like a crochet hack that not only saves time but also results in a sleek, cohesive look.
So, if you’re up for a crochet adventure that’s as seamless as the final product, you’ll love the one-piece construction of this set!
Selecting The Perfect Yarn
What Yarn Are These Made With
When the weather cools down, I like crochet accessories that look and feel cozy.
For this crochet headband and cowl set, I first looked through my local yarn stores to find something that was soft around my face and neck (the places these pieces are going to be), without being uncomfortable or scratchy.
Because Lion Brand Yarn is one of my go-to brands, I decided to give one of their newest lines a try: Basic Stitch Thick & Quick Anti-Microbial.
This weight 5 yarn is a bulky, chunky size made with recycled polyester and another fiber that has anti-microbial materials called Amicor (I had to look that last one up for a description).
This yarn is soft, not scratchy, can be machine washed, and the retail price is currently set at $6.99 per skein.
With 87 yards per skein, and 12 different colors to choose from, I could not resist.
Can I Choose Another Yarn
To get the bulky look and feel of this crochet headband and cowl set, I do suggest working in the weight 5, bulky range.
Choose the kind of yarn that feels like a warm hug and still works up quickly, so you’re not stuck in a perpetual crochet marathon.
But, if you would like to choose another weight of yarn that is absolutely possible. Just measure as you go for the best size and fit.
When it comes to the fiber contents of your yarn, and finished project, you can choose any ones that that you think are the most comfortable (wool, cotton, linen, alpaca, acrylic…).
Remember, these should feel like a cozy, warm hug!
For more tips when it comes to substituting yarn for your crochet projects, check out my easy reference for crocheters (look for the cheat sheets):
To help you find a good alternative, here are some yarn suggestions from yarnsub.com:
Yarn Alternatives
If you would like to get adventurous with this crochet headband and cowl set, you can try different yarn weights and colors.
While I do suggest starting with the same weight of yarn to make a test swatch, you can adjust the fabric size to be a bit larger or smaller to your taste.
Just measure as you go for the best fabric size and fit, especially with these tips to help you crochet a swatch:
Sizing Options
How Many Sizes Are Included For The Earwarmer
When using the same yarn and crochet hook size as the pattern calls for, your stitch and row gauge should match the finished measurements to create four different sizes:
- 18″ around (rows) x 5″ tall (stitches)
- 20″ around (rows) x 5″ tall (stitches)
- 22″ around (rows) x 5″ tall (stitches)
- 24″ around (rows) x 5″ tall (stitches)
Because the circumference (around) is created by adding or omitting rows of crochet, you can measure as you go to create the best size and fit.
This headband (or, earwarmer) should be slightly smaller than the actual measurement around the head and ears, but no smaller than one or two inches (the larger the head measurement, the greater the ease – the smaller the head measurement, the lesser the ease).
For more details about how to measure for accessories worn on the head, check out my easy guide for crochet: What Size Hat To Make (yes, this can work for headbands and earwarmers too).
How Many Sizes Are Included For The Cowl
Just like the earwarmer pattern, when you use the same yarn and crochet hook size as the pattern calls for, your stitch and row gauge should match the finished measurements and create three different sizes:
- 26″ around (rows ) x 7.5″ tall (stitches)
- 30″ around (rows) x 7.5″ tall (stitches)
- 34″ around (rows) x 7.5″ tall (stitches)
The circumference (around) is created by adding or omitting rows of crochet, so you can easily just measure as you go to create the best size and fit.
This cowl should be slightly larger than the actual measurement around the head, and should actually slide comfortably over the head.
While you can wear a cowl as closely or loosely around the neck as you like, most people may want a bit of space between their neck and the fabric.
Choosing which size to follow for the best style and fit can easily be done by starting with your actual head measurement and following the pattern that is six to ten inches larger.
Can I Adjust The Size For This Pattern
Because the crochet headband and earwarmer patterns each begin in rows (the project height; tall), the circumference (around) is created by adding or omitting rows of crochet.
That means you can easily just measure as you go to create your preferred style, size and fit.
Helpful Resources
Stitch Counting
You know how you start a project all excited, but somewhere along the way, things start to look a bit wonky?
Well, that’s where stitch counting and identification becomes your new best friend.
Picture this: you’re working on the slip stitch ribbing for your new Basic Stitch Crochet Headband or Cowl, and you lose track of your stitches.
Suddenly, your long rectangle looks more like an abstract art project.
That’s where the magic of stitch counting comes in.
Counting your stitches, and using stitch markers on top of the first stitch of each row, ensures that each row aligns perfectly – no more wavy or uneven sides, thank you very much!
Using stitch markers are like having a crochet GPS, guiding you to that finished masterpiece without any unexpected detours.
Plus, it helps you catch mistakes early on, so you’re not unraveling hours of hard work.
For tips about what counts as a stitch in crochet (including those pesky turning and starting chains) here are some tips, with pictures to help: Does the chain count as a stitch in crochet?
And let’s not forget stitch identification – because not all stitches are created equal.
Knowing your single crochet from your slip stitches is crucial for achieving the right texture in this pattern.
It’s like having a crochet dictionary in your toolkit, making sure you’re speaking the language of stitches fluently.
So, fellow crocheters, please use stitch markers and embrace the art of counting and identifying stitches.
It’s not just a crochet chore; it’s the secret sauce to turning your yarn into something truly magical.
More Crochet Accessory Patterns
If you love quick and satisfying accessories like headbands (earwarmers) and cowls, here are other crochet patterns you can view on our site just like this one:
Policy for Individual Use
This crochet pattern is designed by Salena Baca Crochet for the American Crochet Association.
Pattern instructions are protected by copyright laws.
Users must acknowledge and respect the intellectual property rights of pattern creators and designers as follows:
- This pattern is for personal use only. Pattern instructions may be accessed and used by individuals for personal, non-commercial purposes only. Users may create finished products based on the pattern instructions for personal use or gifting.
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By accessing and using pattern instructions, individuals agree to abide by the usage policy herein.
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Making The Crochet Cowl and Headband
Yarn
Lion Brand Yarn Basic Stitch Thick & Quick Anti-Microbial, Bulky weight #5 yarn (65% Recycled Polyester, 35% Amicor Acrylic; 87 yds/80 m per 3.5 oz/100 g skein), Hazelwood.
- Ear Warmer: 1 (1, 2, 2) skeins
- Cowl: 2 Skeins (all sizes)
- Check for yarn substitutes!
Hook and Other Materials
- US Size K/ 10.5 (6.50mm) Hook
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
Gauge
- 17 pattern Sts = 5”
- 20 pattern rows = 6”
Finished Measurements
- Headband: 18 (20, 22, 24)” around x 5” tall
- Cowl: 26 (30, 34)” around x 7.5” tall
Stitch Key
- Ch(s) = chain(s)
- Sc = single crochet
- Sl St = slip stitch
- St(s) = stitch(es)
Specialty Stitches and Techniques
- BLO (Back Loop Only): Use only the back loop of a stitch to work, ignoring the front loop.
- Whip Stitch: Use yarn needle to join (sew) fabric together.
Pattern Notes
- Pattern is worked in rows of stitches, beginning and ending with slip stitch ribbing. Once total circumference of fabric is reached (measured in the center of the fabric, not the sides), join first and last rows to form a tube.
- Rows of pattern may be adjusted in multiples of 2, for desired fit.
- Fabric sides (slip stitches) will be shorter than fabric center. This will taper the sides for a better product fit.
Instructions
Ear Warmer
18 (20, 22, 24)” around x 5” tall
For the best fit, measure around forehead where Ear Warmer will be worn, follow pattern with row length that is 1-2” smaller than actual measurement.
Row 1: Ch 18, skip 1 Ch (not a St, here and throughout), Sl St into BLO of next 4 Sts, Ch 1, skip 1 St, [Sc, Ch 1, skip 1 St] until 4 Sts remain, Sl St into BLO of last 4 Sts – 17 Sts; 8 Sl Sts + 5 Ch + 4 Sc
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, Sl St into BLO of next 4 Sts, Ch 1, skip 1 St, [Sc, Ch 1, skip 1 St] until 4 Sts remain, Sl St into BLO of last 4 Sts – 17 Sts; 8 Sl Sts + 5 Ch + 4 Sc
Repeat Row 2 until 60 (68, 74, 80) rows are complete, measuring 18 (20, 22, 24)”. Fasten off 24” tail end, thread onto yarn needle. Sew first row to last row worked (forming a tube). Fasten off.
Cowl
26 (30, 34)” around x 7.5” tall
For the best fit, measure around head at ears (largest part of head), follow pattern with row length that is 6-10” larger than actual measurement.
Row 1: Ch 28, skip 1 Ch (not a St, here and throughout), Sl St into BLO of next 4 Sts, Ch 1, skip 1 St, [Sc, Ch 1, skip 1 St] until 4 Sts remain, Sl St into BLO of last 4 Sts – 27 Sts; 8 Sl Sts + 10 Ch + 9 Sc
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, Sl St into BLO of next 4 Sts, Ch 1, skip 1 St, [Sc, Ch 1, skip 1 St] until 4 Sts remain, Sl St into BLO of last 4 Sts – 27 Sts; 8 Sl Sts + 10 Ch + 9 Sc
Repeat Row 2 until 84 (96, 110) rows are complete, measuring 26 (30, 34)”. Fasten off 24” tail end, thread onto yarn needle. Sew first row to last row worked (forming a tube). Fasten off.
Finishing
Fabric is reversible (either side of fabric can be right side). Assure tail ends are sewn to conceal on both sides. Sew in ends, trim excess.
Video Chat
to hear more about the Basic Stitch crochet headband and crochet earwarmer patterns, watch my quick video chat right here:
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Peace + Love + Crochet
Salena
