Ears' Delight - A FREE Knit Earwarmer Pattern

In searching for an earwarmer that: 1) actually covers my ears, 2) is warm enough over them, and 3) is thicker and wider in the back than the front, I decided that one - or at least a good free one (knit OR crocheted) did not exist. (No offense to those of you who have made your own pattern; I'm just REALLY picky!)

So, like most things where need is the mother of invention I created one. This has only been tested by me, so feel free to ask questions and beat this pattern up if you find flaws.

(I'm calling this an "intermediate" pattern only because you have to know how to increase (M1L) both knit-wise and purl-wise, and M1A. Otherwise, this is a very easy, straightforward pattern.) http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/increases

Now, without further ado...

Ears’ Delight (Earwamers)

Designed by: SunnydazeStyle Knits

Materials:

*Worsted weight yarn (RH Super Saver in Aran Fleck used in the model) (Maybe 2 oz total)

*Size 8 Needles – Straight (Circulars can be used, but do not join.)

Gauge: 20 sts = 3”, 16 rows = 3” in K2P2 pattern

Finished size will be 19” long and 3” at the widest point, unstretched. Will stretch to fit up to 22 inch circumference.

Stitches: Knit

Purl

M1L = make one left. There are two ways this stitch needs to be done: M1L knit-wise is the correct way as shown in the video. M1L purl-wise is the same stitch, but done backwards.

M1A = make one away.

Instructions:

CO 20 sts.

Work in K2 P2 ribbing for 6 inches. (20 sts) <--- This creates a 3" wide (unstretched), thicker fabric.

Next row: K2 tog, P2 tog to end. (10 sts)

Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 7 inches. (10 sts) <--- This creates a 1.5" wide, thinner band for over the top of your head.

Next row: K1, M1L knit-wise. *P1, M1L purl-wise. K1, M1L knit-wise. Repeat from * to last stitch. M1 (aka M1A), P1. (20 sts)

Work in K2 P2 ribbing for 6 inches. (20 sts) <--- This finishes the band in a wider left side to match the right side.

FO, leaving a long tail to sew seam. Make sure to cast off knit-wise on the knit stitches and purl-wise on the purl stitches.

Sew the beginning CO edge to the FO edge. Weave in ends.

Ta-dah! You now have an awesome earwarmer to wear!

Hats for BABIES!!!!

Here are some hats that I made for Save the Children (a.k.a. GoodGoes.org/caps). Some knitted, some crocheted... All with the same purpose: To warm the head of an infant in need. :)

365 days of yarn... OR something close to that...

I have decided that I will be knitting or crocheting every day of this year, journaling what project I'm working on and how much time I've spent on it. I hope this does two things: 1) shows me just how much time I've spent working on the projects and 2) keeps me accountable for FINISHING! :)