How to Crochet a Beaded Ear Warmer
So today I have something kinda different that I’ve been meaning to try for awhile. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with adding beads to my crochet work. This is something that I’ve been meaning to do since I started my business nearly two years ago. I finally sat down and created something using this technique. And that bring us to The Bauble Headband.
**The following is a free pattern, if you would like to purchase a detailed, ad-free PDF version of this pattern, please visit my Etsy or Ravelry shop**
About the Bauble Headband
The foundation of the Bauble Headband is actually pretty basic. It’s something you might even make for the base of a beanie. Since I was planning to spice it up by adding beads, I decided to keep the crochet portion of it pretty simple.
This pattern is totally adjustable, however, I ended up only making one adult size and one child size. While you could easily adjust it to any size, my thought was that adding beads to them for babies and toddlers might be a choking hazard. So thats something to keep in mind when adjusting the sizing. My 4 year old son tried it on for me, and needless to say, I think we’re definitely ready for baby girl around here.
About the Stitch
The band is worked with just a series of slip stitches worked in the back loops only. This is actually my favorite type of band to make. It takes awhile, but it has great stretch and I think it retains its shape pretty well. Plus, it has sort of a knitted, ribbed look to it, which is kinda fun. One nice thing about this headband is that you can easily adjust it to the size you need by just adding or subtracting rows.
About the Supplies
To make the Bauble Headband, I used worsted weight yarn and a larger sized hook (7.0mm). I wanted to make sure that my slip stitches didn’t get too tight as I went and using a slightly larger than recommended hook is so helpful with that. After making this headband, I realized that 7.0mm is a somewhat abnormal size hook, but a 6.5mm hook is a great option if you don’t have one.
I also needed beads and a hook small enough to put through my beads. The beads I used were from Hobby Lobby by Bead Design Co. I got an assorted pack of 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm plastic round beads, but you could easily work with just one size or color. The larger tub was $17.99, but with a 40% off coupon it was a little over $10, and I believe the assorted color tub is a few dollars less than the ivory and white. The hook I used to add beads was a 1.50mm. (Note: I tried using some 4mm beads, but found that I needed a smaller hook to fit through them and they also were so small they got lost in the yarn.)
Special Techniques
Now, of course, to make this headband the “Bauble Headband” you’ll need to know how to add some baubles! I actually did a whole tutorial on how to add beads to crochet without pre-stringing them. You can find that post here! But if you’d like to just check out the video, click here.
As far as adding the beads to this particular project, to keep it sort of uniform and easy to replicate, every 4th row I added either 3 or 4 beads in a repeating pattern. For my rainbow colored headband, I just tried to space out colors and sizes as I went, but mostly just put on whatever bead I picked up.
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Materials Needed:
1 Skein worsted weight yarn, approx. 80 yds
7.00mm (K) Crochet hook
1.50mm (size 8) Crochet Hook
Assorted Beads (6mm, 8mm, 10mm)
Tapestry needle
Stitches Used:
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Slip Stitch in Back Loop Only (sl st in BLO)
Add Bead Technique:
Remove hook from work, keeping loop pulled up. Place bead onto 1.50mm crochet hook. Pull working loop through bead using crochet hook. Re-insert hook into work where it was removed with bead below hook and working loop. Continue to crochet as pattern calls for. In next row, gently push bead to front of work when continuing pattern. For tutorial on this, see here.
Gauge:
16 sl st = 4”
26 rows = 4”
Finished Measurements:
Approx. 17” circumference (adult), 15.5” circumference (child)
Approx. 3” width
Skill Level:
Advanced Beginner
Pattern
Row 1: Chain 13. Loosely slip stitch in 2nd chain from hook and each stitch across. (12)
Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Loosely sl st in back loops of first stitch and each stitch across, working in back loops only (12). Note: all slip stitches from this point forward will be worked in back loops only.
Row 3: Working in back loops, sl st in first two stitches. Add bead. *Sl st in next 3 stitches. Add bead.* Repeat from * 2 times for a total of 4 beads in the row. Sl st in the final stitch of row. (12)
Row 4-6: Repeat Row 2
Row 7: Sl st in first 3 stitches. Add bead. *Sl st in next 3 stitches. Add bead* Repeat from * 1 more time for a total of 3 beads in the row. Sl st in the final 3 stitches of row. (12)
Row 8-10: Repeat Row 2
Row 11: Sl st in the first stitch. Add bead. *Sl st in the next 3 stitches. Add bead* Repeat from * 2 times for a total of 4 beads in the row. Sl st in final 2 stitches of row. (12)
Row 12-14: Repeat Row 2
Repeat pattern from Rows 3-14 until work measures approx. 17” adult (15.5” child) ending with 3 rows of sl st.
Finishing
With right sides (beadwork) facing in, hold ends of headband together. Sl st in back loops across both pieces, closing end of headband. Do not break yarn.
Loosely Sl St in every other row, the low point of the ridges, around top edge of headband. (Note: Be sure to slip stitch very loosely or the headband will not stretch) Sl st in first sl st to join, tie off and weave in ends. Attach yarn to bottom of headband. Loosely sl st in every other row around bottom edge of headband. Sl st in first sl st to join, tie off and weave in ends.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy this pattern and have fun adding beads to your crochet work. Be sure to use the hashtag #thebaubleheadband and tag me @craftingforweeks on Instagram for a chance to be featured! Plus I love seeing your makes, so that tag will just make my day!
If you’re looking for some other fun headband patterns to make check out the Twist It Your Way Headband or the XOXO Earwarmer.
Until next time, Happy Crafting!
Kelsie
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