Free Crochet X-Twist Earwarmer Pattern: Cross-Front Headband

The chunky texture is modern and has that gorgeous knit-look ribbing created with the camel stitch (HDC in the 3rd loop).

It’s one of those designs that looks complicated from the outside but is actually really straightforward once you’ve mastered the technique.

If you’re already comfortable working in rows and crocheting into the third loop, this pattern feels smooth and almost meditative.

HDC in the 3rd Loop (Camel Stitch)

This stitch is the whole reason the headband looks knitted instead of crocheted. Instead of working into the top two loops like usual, you’ll slide your hook into the horizontal bar just below the stitch that’s the “3rd loop.”

When you place your HDC there, the front loops roll forward and create that beautiful ribbed texture.

Working in Rows

The main body of the earwarmer is just a straight rectangle worked back and forth. No shaping, no increases, no decreases.

You’re simply building height with a starting chain, then adding alternating rows of camel stitch until the full length fits comfortably around your head.

This crochet sitch and technique is a resemblence for a knit 2, purl 1 ribbed effect by working through the hidden stitch.

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It’s honestly such a satisfying stitch once you get the hang of it.

FIRST ROW How to work HDC in the 3rd loop (quick recap):

1. Yarn over
2. Insert hook into the horizontal bar/3rd loop behind the stitch
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook)
4. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops

The 2nd Row you will TURN your work and the Diagonal Loop/3rd loop will now be facing you,

If you’re new to camel stitch, don’t stress too much. After a couple of rows, you will start to understand the motion of working into that hidden loop from the half double crochet stitch.

Gauge: Not critical for this project. Go by SIZE and whether it fits around your head

Finished Sizes of The X Front Ear Warmer (approx.):

• Teen/Adult Small: 19″
• Medium Adult: 20″
• Large Adult: – 22″

Note: These measurements are approximate. Adjust the starting chain length to fit your head circumference.

Materials you will need to crochet the Earwarmer

• Yarn: Double Knit (or Aran) weight yarn (suggested) – The PURPLE earwarmer was made holding 2 strands of ARAN weight Yarn and a 7.00 mm crochet hook
• Hook Size: K/6.5 mm
• Yarn Needle: For sewing
• Tape measure
• Optional Faux Leather Tags – Shop ETSY HERE

Abbreviations (US Terms):

• ch: chain
• Turn: Turning Chain
• HDC: Half Double Crochet
• HDC sl-st: Half Double Crochet slip stitch (insert hook, yarn over, and pull through ALL loops)
• Camel Stitch: Work into the third loop (the diagonal loop) of the previous row’s stitch.

X Twist Earwarmer Crochet Pattern Starts HERE

Starting Chain: Chain stitches to equal your desired headband length. Teen/Adult Small: 19″ Medium Adult: 20″ Large Adult: 21″

Row 1: HDC in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn.

Row 2: (Wrong Side) Ch 2, work 1 Camel Stitch (Front facing diagonal Loop) in each st across. Turn.

Row 3: (Right Side) Ch 2, work 1 Back 3rd Loop Camel Stitch in each st across. Turn.

Repeat Row 2: and Row 3 until the headband reaches your desired width for ear coverage.Teens / Small Adults: 3.5 – 4.5 inches, Adult: 4 – 5 inches Large Adult : Wide / Extra Coverage 5 – 6 inches

Fasten off. Leaving a Long tail to be able to join the sides toether to create the TWIST front.

How to get the X-twist :

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1. Lay your rectangle flat
2. Fold each Short side into a C shape. Like a Cup in your hand.
3. Sandwich them together in an alternating stack so they look like the image above
4. And join by sewing with a yarn /tapestry needle straight across ALL 4 pieces

• Using a yarn needle, sew the edges of the headband together where they overlap.
• Fasten off securely and weave in ends.
• When you turn right way out and open it up, the seam forces the fabric to flip into that perfect X-shaped twisted ear warmer