Falling Leaves Free Ear Warmer Knitting Pattern

Looking for a cozy and stylish accessory to keep your ears warm this winter?

The Falling Leaves Headband is the perfect project for knitters looking to create a warm headband that blends function and beauty.

Designed with DK yarn and 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles, this headband is an intermediate-level warmer knitting pattern that combines snug fit and classic look with a touch of nature-inspired elegance.

Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or looking to build new skills, this is a great way to dive into a fun project.

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the printer-friendly ad-free PDF here.

Features Of The Falling Leaves Earwarmer

This headband pattern offers a wider headband design with a snug fit that sits comfortably on top of the head.

It’s available in four sizes—teen, adult small, adult medium, and adult large—ensuring a perfect fit for a variety of head sizes.

The pattern uses medium-weight yarn, making it a popular choice for adding extra warmth to your winter wardrobe.

Key details include:

• Garter Stitch Edges: Create a neat edge and prevent rolling for a polished, professional finish.
• Rib Stitch Panels: Add texture and elasticity for both style and a snug fit.
• Lace Knit Stitch Body: Keeps the lace design straightforward, making it a great project for those familiar with basic knitting stitches.
• Classic Look: The nature-inspired design makes it a fun accessory that complements a variety of winter outfits.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Headband Pattern

This warm headband is more than just a practical winter accessory—it’s an opportunity to explore different styles and build your knitting repertoire.

The Falling Leaves Headband is designed with intermediate knitters in mind, offering a balance of straightforward and slightly challenging elements.

Here are a few reasons why this ear warmer pattern is such a hit:

• Perfect for Leftover Yarn: Use up that stash of medium-weight yarn or scrap yarn to create a unique and eco-friendly piece.
• A Great Project for Gift Guides: With the holiday season approaching, this quick knit headband makes a thoughtful last-minute gift.
• Extra Warmth for Cold Weather: The headband’s snug fit and dense texture make it ideal for keeping ears cozy.
• Skill-Building Opportunities: Perfect your long-tail cast-on and explore rib stitch techniques while creating a versatile winter accessory.
• Detailed Instructions and Video Tutorial: For knitters who love a bit of guidance, the video tutorial included on my YouTube channel ensures success even if you’re new to certain techniques.

Falling Leaves Ear Warmer Knitting Pattern

Skill Level – Intermediate

If you’re searching for an easy knitting pattern that’s quick to make and offers plenty of versatility, this ear warmer knitting pattern is a great choice.

Featuring a wide headband design crafted with soft yarn, it’s ideal for keeping ears warm while complementing long hair, ponytail, or any hairstyle.

The best part? It’s a great use of leftover yarn—perfect for those scraps of medium-weight yarn you’ve been saving.

The clear instructions and included video tutorial make it accessible even for knitters new to headband patterns.

Scroll down to view the free knitting pattern, or grab the printer-friendly ad-free PDF of this pattern here.

You can grab a bundle of 4 headband patterns in my shop here.

Copyright Info

• Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this ear warmer knitting pattern. 
• If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
• You may sell items produced using this pattern.
• Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your finished product listing/shop listings.
• For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Supplies You’ll Need:

Yarn

• DK weight yarn/Light worsted/8 Ply
• 1 x ball of Rowan Alpaca Soft DK in the color Vermillion 229
• 125m/137 yds/50g
• Scrap yarn can be used.

Knitting Needle Size

• 4 mm/US size 6 Knitting Needles
• These favorite knitting needles are ideal for creating the required gauge and ensuring the perfect fit.

Notions

• Tapestry needle or yarn needle (or darning needle) for weaving in ends and finishing the project with mattress stitch.
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape: To check your progress and ensure proper sizing.
• Stitch markers x 2: Optional but useful for keeping track of pattern repeats.

Other

• Blocking boards and blocking pins.
• Lukewarm water and a dry towel for soaking and blocking.

Size Information

• Teen = Head Circumference 20-22″ / Headband Length 18″
• Adult Small = Head Circumference 21-22″ / Headband Length 19″
• Adult Medium = Head Circumference 22-23″ / Headband Length 20″
• Adult Large = Head Circumference 23-24″ / Headband Length 21″
• Width of the headband = 4 inches.
• If you wish to make the width smaller (for the teen size), you can subtract stitches from the edge – for example, K2, P2 (cable pattern) P2, K2. With 4 edge stitches instead of 6.

Gauge – 22 stitches/30 rows in 10 x 10 cm/4 inches.

Knitting Abbreviations

• CO – cast on
• K – knit
• K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together (decrease)
• P – purl
• PM – Place marker
• PSSO – Pass slipped stitch over
• SL1 – Slip one stitch
• SM – Slip marker
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• Rep – repeat
• RS – Right side
• WS – Wrong side
• YB – Yarn to the back
• YFRN – With yarn in front around the needle
• YF – Yarn to the front/yarn forward
• YON – Yarn over needle

Falling Leaves Ear Warmer Knitting Pattern Instructions

Cast on 28 stitches using the long tail cast-on method.

Work 1×1 ribbing for 1 inch.

• Row 1 (RS): K3, P3 (edge), PM, K1, YF, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, P1, K2tog, K1, YFRN, P1, YB, SL1, K1, PSSO, P1, K2tog, [YF, K1] Twice, PM, P3, K3 (edge).
• Row 2 (WS): K6, SM, P5, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P4, SM, K6.
• Row 3: K3, P3, SM, K1, YF, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, P1, K2tog, K1, P1, YB, SL1, K2tog, PSSO, YF, K3, YF, K1, SM, P3, K3.
• Row 4: K6, SM, P7, K1, P2, K1, P4, SM, K6.
• Row 5: K3, P3, SM, [K1, YF] Twice, SL1, K1, PSSO, P1, [K2tog] Twice, YF, K5, YF, K1, SM, P3, K3.
• Row 6: K6, SM, P8, K1, P1, K1, P5, SM, K6.
• Row 7: K3, P3, SM, K1, YF, K3, YF, SL1, K2tog, PSSO, P1, YON, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, P1, K2tog, K1, YF, K1, SM, P3, K3.
• Row 8: K6, SM, P4, K1, P3, K1, P7, SM, K6.
• Row 9: K3, P3, SM, K1, YF, K5, YF, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, P1, K2tog, K1, YF, K1, SM, P3, K3.
• Row 10: K6, SM, P4, K1, P2, K1, P8, SM, K6.
• Repeat rows 1-10 until the length measures = 17 (18, 19, 20) inches.

Work 1×1 ribbing for 1 inch.

The total length should measure around = 18 (19, 20, 21) inches.

Cast off.

Weave in any loose ends/yarn tails.

Block the work.

Making Up

Seam the ends together with the right sides facing you.

Use the mattress stitch for an invisible seam.

Mattress stitch tutorial.

Blocking the Headband

To give your headband a professional finish:

1. Soak it in cold water or lukewarm water with a mild detergent for a soak wash.
2. Gently squeeze out excess water using a dry towel—don’t wring it out!
3. Place the headband on a blocking board and pin it to shape. Let it air dry completely.

Creative Uses For The Headband

This knitted headband isn’t just a warmer headband for chilly days; it’s a versatile piece with multiple uses.

Wear it as an ear warmer during outdoor activities, use it as a stylish alternative to a winter hat, or gift it to a loved one as part of a handmade winter accessories set.

Its timeless design ensures it’ll be a cherished item for years to come.

Why It’s A Perfect Project

Whether you’re creating for yourself or a loved one, the Falling Leaves Headband is a delightful knitting project.

It’s a great way to practice or perfect foundational techniques while crafting something beautiful and practical.

This free pattern offers detailed instructions, ensuring you’ll enjoy the process as much as the final product.

So grab your 4 mm needles, that medium-weight yarn from your stash, and start knitting!

This headband is sure to become a go-to favorite, offering warmth, style, and a classic look that pairs beautifully with any winter outfit.

Don’t forget to check out the video tutorial for extra help along the way.

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making the knit ear warmer design, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme to be featured.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!

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