Easy FREE Crochet Braided Headband Pattern

This FREE Pattern creates a stunning and stylish braided headband earwarmer with this free pattern.

This trendy chunky braided ear warmer is not only practical for cold weather but also adds a fashionable touch to any outfit.

While the technique involves basic crochet stitches, the finished product looks very complicated and like it’s been knitted.

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This effect is achieved by incorporating slip stitches into the middle of the double crochet rows, to create texture, making the headband st

The earwarmer is made up of a 3 strand braid, each created using different variations of double crochet stitches.

These strands are then woven together to form the braid. Once you try this project, you’ll be amazed at how simple and fast it is to complete. And you can make them in different colors.

Free Crochet braided headband pattern Step by Step video tutorial of how to crochet the ear warmer with step-by-step crochet pattern instructions available on YouTube

YouTube video

Materials You’ll Need to Crochet the Earwarmer

  • Any yarn and hook combination that fits the required measurements
  • I used 2 strands of DK (Worsted Weight) yarn held together for this chunky effect
  • 5.5mm (I-9) crochet hook
  • Kebab skewer or knitting needle or something long and thin to help secure the braids while you plait the crochet strips
  • Yarn tapestry needle
  • Scissors

Skill Level  – The ear warmer pattern uses basic crochet stitches and is Suitable for Beginners.(Ff you are familiar with the basics). You will make 3 strips of double-crochet stitches, with a slip stitch row down the middle of the pieces, all connected together by chaining a length and working BACK along the Chain. The Twist is created by making a simple plait using the strips; you do not need a button as you will sew the 2 crocheted ends together.  

Crochet Abbreviations (US TERMS)

  • ch – Chain
  • sc – Single crochet
  • dc – Double crochet
  • sl st – Slip stitch
  • RS – Right Side
  • Rep – Repeat Row

How to make the 3-Strand Braided crochet Headband:

Headband Measurements:

  • Adult Small Woman: Approx. 19” in length
  • Adult Medium Woman: Approx. 20-21” in length
  • Adult Large Woman: Approx. 22-23” in length

You can adjust the size by changing the chain length, or use different yarn weights to customize the headband to your liking. For the sample pictured, I used two strands of Aran weight yarn together for a chunky, cozy feel.

NOTES:
 Look closely at the photo to SEE where to make the Slip stitch along in the Second ROW 

All strands are worked in the same way.  you simply ch the same lengths each time after completion of ROW. 

Step 1: Create the Crochet Strands

  • You will need to make three separate crochet strands to form the braid. Here’s how to create each strand
  • Make your CHAIN sts LOOSE, and the SLip Stitches LOOSE, even go up a size if you crochet tightly!

**Chain 65 +PLUS 3 for turning chain (or the desired length based on the headband size).

Row 1: starting in the 3rd cha from hook and In the back bump of the chain, dc in each chain stitch until you reach the end. Turn.

Row 2: Work sl st back along the row. This gives the piece its textured, knitted appearance. Turn.

Row 3: ch 2, Work dc into the furthest away BACK loop (3rd loop you can see at the top of work, which is actually the fron tloop of the sl-st of each stitch from Row 1, continue in double Crochet into this loop along, Turn.**

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 from ** to ** Do not fasten off. GO STRAIGHT BACK TO THE BEGINNING ** and remake another 2 STRANDS the same way, all connected.

Step 3: Join the Strands Together

Once your three strands are ready, you’ll need to join them to form the braid. Use a kebab skewer or something thin to hold the strands in place while you join them.

  1. Row 1: Using a single crochet (sc), work 10 sc evenly across all 3 strands to join them together.
  2. Row 2: Skip 1 stitch, then sc to the end (9 stitches).
  3. Row 3: Skip 1 stitch, then sc to the end (8 stitches).
  4. Row 4: Skip 1 stitch, then sc to the end (7 stitches).
  5. Row 5: Skip 1 stitch, then sc to the end (6 stitches).
  6. Row 6: Skip 1 stitch, then sc to the end (5 stitches). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for joining.

After plaiting the headband you will Repeat this process for the other side of the headband.

Step 4: Plait the Strands: Now, it’s time to braid the three strands:

  1. Lay the three strands flat and begin braiding them by crossing one outside strand over the center strand, then alternating with the other outside strand. Continue this pattern until you’ve braided the entire length of the strands.
  2. Secure the strands in place using the skewer, making sure they stay aligned and flat as you work.
  3. Join the ends together by working sc along the edges, just like you did earlier.

Repeat as for the first side 

Row 1: Sc 10 sts EVENLY along all the EDGES of the 3 strands to join 

Row 2: skip 1 st, sc to end (9sts) 

Row 3: skip 1 st, sc to end (8sts) 

Row 4: skip 1 st, sc to end (7sts) 

Row5: skip 1 st, sc to end (6sts) 

Row6: skip 1 st, sc to end (5sts) FASTEN OFF , leaving a long tail to join

SEW the BOTH ends of 5 sts together, ensure headband is not twisted and the Braid lies flat 

Step 5: Join the Ends to Form the Headband

Once your braid is complete, sew the ends of the headband together:

  1. Use the long tail left from the last row to sew the ends of the braid together, making sure that the headband is not twisted and the braid lies flat.
  2. Fasten off and weave in all the ends.

Finishing Touches:

Once you’ve joined the ends and the braid is secure, give the headband a final check. Make sure there’s no twisting and that it fits comfortably around your head.

Check out my other FREE crochet patterns for headbands and ear warmers on my website, and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more free patterns and crochet tips!

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Lisa Auch Crochet crochet pattern designer
Lisa Auch – Crochet Pattern Designer LisaAuch is a professional crochet designer with over twenty years of experience creating beginner-friendly baby crochet patterns that transform simple stitches into timeless, wearable designs. With a background in visual arts and education, she combines creativity with teaching skill to make her instructions clear, practical, and easy for beginners to follow. Since founding Lisa Auch Crochet in 2011, she has built a trusted resource for free crochet patterns specializing in baby clothes, hats, bonnets, booties, blankets, and accessories. Her baby crochet hat patterns free are among her most popular designs, loved for their classic style and reliable fit. Today, Lisa is recognized as a leading voice in the crochet community. She continues to publish new patterns, step-by-step tutorials, and educational resources, helping crocheters of every level build confidence while keeping the traditions of crochet alive. Browse all of LisaAuch Crochet Free Patterns below.

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