Pop Rock Winter Twisted Ear Warmer: Crochet Pattern for A Headband!

Searching for the perfect crochet pattern for a headband to use up that “difficult” yarn? We all have that one beautifully variegated, busy, but fun skein in our stash that we just don’t know how to use. You can finally stop the endless searching of free patterns, because I’ve got one here for you!

The Pop Rock Twisted Headband is specifically designed to make colorful yarns shine. Unlike standard flat ear warmers, its bumpy, ribbed texture breaks up color changes, making even the wildest yarn look intentional and chic.

Why You’ll Love This Project

While my original Easy Crochet Twist Headband is a reader favorite for its simplicity, sometimes you need a project with a little more personality.

Here is why this textured ear warmer needs to be next on your hook:

• It Tames Busy Yarn: The unique stitch texture creates a bumpy fabric that showcases variegated yarns beautifully.
• Quick Stash Buster: You need less than one skein of medium #4 weight yarn (approx. 100–150 yards).
• The Perfect Fit: The pattern includes sizing from Child (Size 1) all the way to Large Adult (Size 7), making it the perfect crochet pattern for a headband that fits everyone in the family.
• Fun Construction: It is worked flat in rows and seamed with a twist, plus it’s easier than it looks!

Short on Time? Save this pattern for later!

If you love this pattern but don’t have time to crochet it now save this project to your crochet board on Pinterest!

Picking Your Yarn

For the samples pictured, I used I Love This Yarn! Print in the colorways Bloomtique, Orange Zest, and Lollipop Love. But there’s so many different styles you can make this crochet headband by simply switching up the yarn. But back to the yarn I used, it’s is a 100% acrylic worsted weight yarn, which makes it durable, washable, and soft against the forehead. Not scratch at all!

If you are shopping your stash, look for any Medium #4 Weight Yarn. Because this pattern relies on texture, I recommend using a 5.5mm (I-9) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge) to keep the fabric squishy but structured.

Skill Level

This is an Advanced Beginner pattern. You will need to be comfortable with:

• Chaining
• Single Crochet
• Double Crochet
• Working in the Back Loop Only (BLO): This is the secret sauce that creates the ribbed texture starting from Row 2.

Video Tutorial

If you find following written instructions alone difficult? Don’t worry friend, I’ve got you! I made a full video tutorial that walks you through the entire project. To make this fun textured crochet headband right along with me, click on the play button below!

Disclosure

*This post may contain affiliate links.  Please see my disclosures page for more information.

All patterns on this blog are for personal use only and may not be redistributed, copied, blogged, or sold as your own.  You may sell items made by my patterns as long as the item is made by you personally (not mass produced) and that proper credit is given back to me and my site, Just Be Crafty. You may not use my photos for your online sales listings. 

Sizes

• Sizes listed as follows: 1(2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)
• See “Finished Measurements & Sizing” for fit details.

Yarn

• Medium #4 weight yarn
  • 100 (105, 110, 125)(135, 145, 150) yds
  • 55 (60, 60, 70)(75, 80, 85) g
  • 90 (95, 100, 115)(125, 135, 140) m

Suggested Yarn

• All sizes: 1 ball, I Love This Yarn! Print (pictured in Bloomtique, Orange Zest and Lollipop Love), Medium #4-weight, 100% acrylic yarn
  • Each ball is 252 yds / 142 g / 230 m

Suggested Hook

• 5.5 mm hook (mine’s from this set)
  • Or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions + More

• Scissors
• Yarn Needle
• Measuring Tape

Gauge

• 8 stitches over 7 rows = about 2″ (5 cm) in pattern stitch
  • Be sure to check your gauge! Adjust your hook size if needed.

Finished Measurements & Sizing

This headband is designed to have 2-3″ (5-8 cm) negative ease. This means that the finished headband circumference should be about 2-3″ (5-8 cm) less than your actual head circumference to ensure a snug fit.

How to Pick Your Size

Measure the circumference of the recipient’s head (either you or the person you’re making it for), and pick the “Finished Circumference (Assembled)” size that is 2-3″ (5-8 cm) smaller than that measurement.

Example: The model (page 7) has a 22″ head circumference and is wearing a Size 5 with 3″ / 8 cm negative ease. (19″ / 48 cm finished circumference)

How to Measure Your Head

Take a flexible measuring tape and measure around your head starting at your forehead and around the back of your head. This measurement is your head circumference.

Note: If the ear warmer is for a gift or you simply do not have the head measurement of the recipient, use the common head measurements listed on the following page to help select the best size.

Common Head Measurements

Below are ranges for common head sizes. Each group has a bit of overlap.

• Child: 18-20″ / 46-51 cm
• Tween: 20-22″ / 51-56 cm
• Small to Medium Adult: 21-23″ / 53-58 cm
• Medium to Large Adult: 22-24″ / 56-61 cm

Sizes in the pattern are listed as: 1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)

Project Measurements

To Fit Head Circumference:

• 18,(19, 20, 21)(22, 23, 24)”
• 46 (48, 51, 54)(56, 59, 61) cm

Finished Circumference (Assembled):

• 15 (16, 17, 18)(19, 20, 21)”
• 38 (41, 43, 46)(48, 51, 54) cm

Abbreviations

US Terms

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• dcblo = double crochet in back loop only
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side (front of work)
• sc = single crochet
• scblo = single crochet in back loop only
• sk = skip
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• WS = wrong side (back of work)

Pattern Notes

Below are important notes for completing this pattern.

Construction

This headband is worked flat in rows. The length of the foundation chain determines the headband’s circumference, and the number of rows determines the thickness. The short ends are seamed together to create the twisted look.

Working the Pattern

• The headband is worked in a single crochet/double crochet combination stitch. These stitches are always worked into the single crochets of the previous row. You will always skip the double crochet stitches for the entirety of the project.
• From Row 2 onwards, all stitches are worked into the Back Loop Only (blo) to create the ribbed texture.

Adjusting the Crochet Headband Thickness

To adjust the thickness of the headband, simply complete rows until you’ve reached your desired thickness, ending after completing a RS row. 

Note: Adding more rows to increase the headband’s thickness will require more yarn.

Pop Rock Crochet Twisted Headband Pattern – Starts Here

Read complete pattern and NOTES before beginning. (Be sure to check your gauge!)

Ch 65 (69, 73, 77)(79, 85, 89)

Row 1 (WS): Starting in 2nd ch from hook, make a sc, then dc in next ch, *sc in next ch, dc in next ch; rep from * to end of row, turn.

64 (68, 72, 76)(78, 84, 88) sts total.

Row 2 (RS): Ch 1, sk first st, (scblo and dcblo) in next st, *sk next st, (scblo and dcblo) in next st; rep from * to end of row, turn.

64 (68, 72, 76)(78, 84, 88) st’s total.

SIZES 1-3 ONLY

Rows 3-10: Repeat Row 2

SIZES 4-7 ONLY

Rows 3-12: Repeat Row 2

Note: At the end of the final row, the width of your piece should measure approximately:

• 16 (17, 18, 19)(20, 21, 22)”
• 41 (43, 46, 48)(51, 53, 56) cm

ASSEMBLY (ALL SIZES):

Cut yarn and secure, leaving a 16″ (41 cm) tail for seaming.

See video tutorial for visual help with forming the headband.

Step 1:

Lay work flat with wrong side facing up.

Step 2:

Using both hands, place hands under the short side edges of the work. Pinch both short side edges upward, and put them together by interlocking them into a layered stack.

Step 3:

Using your yarn needle and yarn tail, sew through all four layers to create the headband. Secure with a knot.

FINISHING

Weave in all ends. Turn headband RS out to reveal finished headband.

Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

How to crochet a simple headband for beginners?

I’m glad you asked friend! This simple crochet pattern for a headband walks you through the entire process. However, if you start to watch the tutorial to follow along and find you’re not sure what I’m talking about, I have tutorials that will teach you all the basics you need to know! 

Just scroll up to the Skill Level section and you’ll find all the tutorials you need right there!

How many crochet chains for a headband?

That depends! What is the measurement of your head? But no worries, I’ve done all the mathing for you! I’ve calculated the stitch count for 7 different head sizes. Simply measure your head and pick the corresponding size, or use the common head measurement chart!

You’ll want to pick the Finished Circumference size that is 2-3″ (5-8 cm) less than your head measurement.

How many rows for a headband?

That totally depends on you! In the pattern I suggest the number of rows depending on size, however, you can make your headband as thin or thick as you’d like. 

Just remember if you end up making your headband thicker (by adding more rows) you’re going to need more yarn. And depending on the size you’re making, you may need to buy an extra skein. So just pay attention to yardage amounts.

What is the average head size for a headband?

There’s not a one size fits all here. But like I said before, I’ve done all the math for you! Above you’ll find a list of common head sizes. And as you’ll see, from child to large adult there’s not really a ton of change! Most heads range from (18″-24″) with the smaller end ranging with children and the larger end an adult male.