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How to Crochet a Leopard Print Ear Warmer

Today I’m expanding my Luxe Leopard Collection a bit by sharing another of my premium patterns here on the blog…the Luxe Leopard Headband. This intricate ear warmer is a modification of the Twist It Your Way Headband. I released this pattern last year and decided it needed some edits to add more simplified options. I do LOVE options when it comes to writing my patterns. So I hope you enjoy the new and improved Luxe Leopard Headband!

The following is a free pattern available for use on my website, if you would like to purchase a detailed, ad-free PDF version of this pattern, please visit my Etsy or Ravelry shop. All rights reserved. (Note: This pattern was updated on December 18, 2020. If you purchased on Etsy prior to this date, please email your order number and I’ll send you the updated PDF.)

**This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. This is a great way to support my small business AND get the supplies you need for your project!**


About the Headband

The Luxe Leopard Headband is a tapestry crochet ear warmer. It is designed to be adjustable to fit most sizes and has instructions for four different closure techniques. The headband was originally designed as a double layer headband but now includes instructions for a single layer headband as well. One of the nice things about the double layer headband is that you can still use waistcoat stitch for the knit-look and work in a continuous round. And you end up with an extra warm finished product!

What’s New with this Pattern

With this pattern update, I’ve added an option to make the Luxe Leopard Headband as a single layer headband as well. My main motivation for adding this option was simply that it was less time consuming. Because it’s only a single layer though, you will not be able to work in rounds like the double layer. Instead you will have to work single crochet back and forth in rows. While the finished result of carrying yarn and turning isn’t quite as tidy as rounds, you still get a cool, leopard print effect. And I have a cool trick for you to try out to help keep that tapestry looking clean.


About the Yarn

The Luxe Leopard Headband uses worsted weight yarn. My original double layer headband uses a combination of Lion Brand Basic Stitch and Lion Brand Jeans yarn. For the single layer version, I went with some Brava Worsted from WeCrochet and some I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby. Ultimately if you don’t quite meet gauge with whatever yarn you choose, your headband will just be slightly thinner or wider that mine.


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Special Techniques

For both versions of the Luxe Leopard Headband, you will need to be familiar with tapestry crochet. This means you will need to know how to change color, read color changes from a graph, and carry yarn. If you’re already familiar with tapestry crochet, keep on reading! If it’s your very first time, I highly recommend this tutorial video from Whistle & Ivy to give you a nice baseline.

Single Layer

For the single layer, you will work your tapestry crochet back and forth in rows. You can do this with plain single crochet all the way through if you’d like. However, I found the stitches looked so much neater using reverse single crochet for your wrong side. This technique takes a little practice, but I think it’s such an amazing skill to learn if you love doing color work. Below is a video tutorial to walk you through the process.

Double Layer

For the double layer version, you will need to be familiar with waistcoat stitch. This is a variation of single crochet that works between the two posts of the stitch below instead of under the loops. This creates the knit-look that you see in the double layer headband.

When working with waistcoat, try using a hook a bit larger than you normally would and be sure to keep your tension looser than normal. If you tension is too tight, it will be difficult to work between the posts. If you’re new to this stitch, check out this video tutorial from Make & Do Crew.


Materials Needed

  • 130 – 260 yds of  Worsted Weight Yarn
    • 50-100 yds of Main Color
    • 50-100 yds of Contrasting Color
    • 30-60 yds of Accent Color
  • Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook (single layer version)
  • Size J (6.0mm) crochet hook (double layer version)
  • Optional: Size K (6.5mm) or L (8.0mm) crochet hook
  • Optional: Stitch Marker
  • Measuring Tape
  • Tapestry needle 
  • Scissors 

Stitches Used

Sl St – Slip Stitch
Ch – Chain 
SC – Single Crochet
Reverse SC – Reverse Single Crochet
Whip Stitch
Waistcoat Stitch

Gauge

Single Layer: (With I hook, working flat using regular sc) 14 SC stitches x 16 rows = 4” square

Double Layer: (With J hook, working in rounds using Waistcoat stitch) 14 SC stitches x 14 rows = 4” square

Size Chart

Size Avg Head CircumferenceSuggested Headband Length
Newborn13″10″-10.5″
0-3 Months14″11″-11.5″
3-6 Months15″12″-12.5″
6-9 Months16″13″
9-12 Months16.5″13.5″
12-18 Months17″14″
18-24 Months18″15″
Toddler18″-19″15″-16″
Child19″-20″16″-17″
Teen20″-21″17″-18″
Adult Woman22″18″-19″
Adult Man23″19″-20″

Notes

  • The single layer version is worked flat with regular single crochet. The double layer version is worked in the round using waistcoat single crochet.
  • Waistcoat stitch requires loose tension. If you’re struggling with your stitches, try going up a hook size.
  • This pattern can be worked in two colors or three colors. Please be aware that the stretch of your piece will be different depending on how many strands of yarn you are carrying.
  • This pattern can easily be adjust to any size. Please reference size chart for suggestions for how long to make your piece for each size. I recommend making a more narrow headband for baby sizes. 
  • To adjust the width of each headband, reduce the number of foundation chains.

PATTERN

WIDTH (3.5”, 5”)

SINGLE LAYER HEADBAND

With Main color, Ch (13, 19). 

Row 1: Ch 1 and turn. SC in each chain across following color changes according to graph.(12,18)

Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Reverse sc in each chain across following color changes according to graph. (12,18)

Note: If you do not want to use reverse single crochet, you can use regular single crochet instead. Be sure to carry yarn on same side of work each time. You will be alternating between carry yarn in behind and in front of stitches.

Repeat Row 1-2 until work measures Suggested Headband Length from the size chart. If you reach the end of the graph before your work measures the desired length, begin graph over at beginning.

DOUBLE LAYER HEADBAND

With Main color, Ch (24, 34). 

Join with a sl st to first chain to form a circle, being careful not to twist. 

Round 1: Ch 1. SC in each chain around. Mark first stitch with a stitch marker, if desired. (24, 34) 

Round 2: Using Waistcoat stitch and working in a continuous round, Sc around following color changes according to graph. (24, 34) 

Repeat Round 2 until work measures Suggested Headband Length from the size chart. If you reach the end of the graph before your work measures the desired length, begin chart over in Row 1.


FINISHING

Closing the Tube (Double Layer only)

Holding tube closed, slip stitch across each end. Leave a long tail on one side for seaming.  

Choose your Twist Method

Cinched Center

Weave the tail in and out up one side and back down the opposite end. Pull it tight to cinch the center closed. Take your tapestry needle and go around a few more times to secure it, before weaving ends.

Flat Twist

Twist the piece once. Holding the ends together and seam it closed with a whip stitch. Once seamed, you’ll flip it inside out so that the seam is facing inward. Weave in ends.

Bow Twist

Fold the two ends in half and then interlock them. The end of one piece will be sandwiched in the center of the other end. Once you have them in place, you’ll seam through all four pieces. Tie off and weave ends. When the seam is secure, you’ll flip the headband inside out so that the seam is on the inside.

No Twist

Hold the ends together and seam them together using the whip stitch. Weave in ends. Turn work so seam is facing inside.


Final Thoughts

The Luxe Leopard Headband is such a stunner when its all done! I hope you love it as much as I do. Be sure to share some photos of your #luxeleopardheadband! I love seeing your finished makes. You can tag me at @craftingforweeks on Facebook or on Instagram. I always try to share your makes when I can.

If you’re looking for some more Leopard Print patterns, check out this round-up post of all my Luxe Leopard Collection!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Kelsie

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