Learn how to crochet the Frost Blossom Ear Warmer with this free beginner-friendly pattern. Featuring the lemon peel stitch, two-color stripes, and a stylish twisted front, this cozy headband includes sizes for children through adults.
If you are looking for an easy crochet ear warmer pattern with gorgeous texture, this is the perfect project. Using only single crochet and double crochet stitches, the stitches create a soft, richly textured fabric that looks impressive while remaining simple enough for beginners.
The two-color design gives this headband a beautiful winter-inspired look, and the stretchy fit makes it comfortable for children, teens, and adults. With multiple sizes included and detailed instructions for carrying yarn up the sides, this is a fun project you can finish in just a few hours.
Frost Blossom Collection
This easy crochet ear warmer is part of our Frost Blossom Collection and it works up quickly and is perfect for using yarn already in your stash. The twisted front gives it a modern boutique look, and with sizes for children through adults, you can make one for everyone in the family.
Make sure to check out all the patterns in the collection and create an entire ensemble for yourself or gifting. Perfect for handmade gifts for birthdays, holidays, teacher appreciation, and winter celebrations. Pair it with matching fingerless gloves, a scarf, or a cowl for a complete cold-weather set.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
- Beginner-friendly and easy to follow
- Uses only single crochet and double crochet stitches
- Quick project that can be completed in a few hours
- Great for gifts, markets, and charity donations
- Includes sizes from child to extra-large adult
- Uses less than one skein of each color
- Stylish twisted front design
- Soft, stretchy, and comfortable to wear
What is the Lemon Peel Stitch?
The lemon peel stitch is created by alternating single crochet and double crochet stitches. This simple combination forms a richly textured fabric that is soft, stretchy, and completely reversible. The stitch pattern is easy to memorize, making it a favorite for beginners and experienced crocheters alike.
Best Yarn for This Ear Warmer
Red Heart Super Saver Bitty Stripes creates beautiful self-striping color transitions, making it easy to achieve a colorful and coordinated look. Since this pattern uses two colors, you can also mix and match solid shades of or use leftover yarn from your stash. This pattern looks great using a medium weight yarn.
Estimated Time to Complete
This crochet ear warmer is a fast project that most crocheters can finish in 2 to 4 hours, depending on experience and the size being made.
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Directions: Frost Blossom Ear Warmer
Skill Level
Beginner-Friendly
You should be able to work the single crochet and double crochet stitches. The video for the stitch will also show you how to carry the yarn up the side.
Gauge
Approximately 11 stitches and 10 rows = 4″ x 4″ in lemon peel stitch.
Size
This headband is slightly stretchy. The length will stretch at least an inch. The length is determined by the initial chain stitches and the width is determined by the number of rows crocheted.
Here are some suggested sizes for your convenience. * All measurements are taken with the rectangle laying flat.
- Child = 3” X 16”
- Small Adult or Teen = 4” X 18”
- Medium Adult = 5” X 20”
- Large Adult = 5” X 22”
- X-Large Adult = 5” X 24”
Changing the Size
Measure as You Go. If you’re unsure about sizing, measure the headband around their head so you know how big around you need it. If you are not sure of what size to make it. I have a standard head size chart to help you.
Abbreviations
- CH = Chain
- DC = Double Crochet
- SC = Single Crochet
- SK = Skip
- SP = Space
- ST = Stitch
- STs = Stitches
- YO = Yarn Over
- [ ] = Repeat Between
Materials
Yarn. Red Heart Super Saver Bitty Stripes from Yarnspirations. It is a #4 medium weight yarn, 515 yards each skein. 100% Acrylic.
This pattern uses approximately 150 yards total, divided between both colors.
I used two yarn colors:
- Color A: Crayon Box
- Color B: Moonbeam
If you are not able to find the yarn locally, you can purchase it online. Savings Center – Pattern Princess
Size I 5.5mm Crochet Hook.
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
Tape Measure
Stitch Markers
Pattern Notes
Written in US Terms.
This pattern uses the Lemon Peel Stitch.
Chain 1 at the beginning of the row is the turning chain and does not count as a stitch.
This pattern is written to carry the yarn up the side of the pattern.
Important: This pattern carries the unused yarn up the side of the work. Because of this, some rows end with “No Turn.” This allows you to begin the next row from the opposite side where the alternate yarn color is waiting. The stitch pattern remains the same throughout, alternating single crochet and double crochet stitches.
Helpful Tips for Beginners
✔Alternating Stitches
You’ll always be alternating single crochet and double crochet stitches throughout this pattern.
Here’s the simple rule of thumb:
- If the stitch below is a double crochet, work a single crochet into it.
- If the stitch below is a single crochet, work a double crochet into it.
This alternating pattern gives you the signature lemon peel-like texture.
✔ Use a Stitch Marker
Because this stitch uses alternating heights, the last stitch can blend in. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the row. This prevents accidental increases or decreases that throw off your count.
✔ Counting Made Easy
If you start with an odd number of chains, you’ll end up with an even number of stitches, which ensures the alternating pattern lands correctly on the next row.
✔ Make sure to watch the video tutorials to see how to crochet the lemon peel stitch and how to change yarn color. They are located after the written directions.
Crochet Stitches Used
Chain Stitch (CH ST)
Begin the chain stitch by making a slip knot on the crochet hook. Leave about a 5-inch tail on the yarn. This will be weaved in later.
Next snug up the yarn loop that is on the crochet hook; while it should be firm, it should also be loose enough to slide on the hook with ease.
Keeping the loop on the hook, wrap the yarn over the crochet hook from back to front. Draw the yarn through the loop. (The first chain stitch is complete).
HOW TO CROCHET THE CHAIN STITCH video tutorial
Double Crochet (DC)
Yarn over, insert the hook in a stitch and pull up a loop. Next, yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook. Lastly, yarn over again and pull through the last two loops on the hook.
HOW TO CROCHET THE DOUBLE CROCHET STITCH video tutorial
Single Crochet (SC)
Insert the hook in a stitch, pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the two loops on the hook.
HOW TO CROCHET THE SINGLE CROCHET STITCH video tutorial
Begin Crochet Pattern
Chain any odd number of chain stitches.
Crochet a Foundation Row
Starting with yarn color A
Begin the chain stitch by making a slip knot on the crochet hook.
Here are some suggested starting chains for using a #4 medium weight yarn.
- Child = 45 chain stitches for 16”
- Small Adult or Teen = 51 chain stitches for 18”
- Medium Adult = 57 chain stitches for 20” (shown)
- Large Adult = 63 chain stitches for 22” (shown)
- X-Large Adult = 69 chain stitches for 24”
Row 1
SC in 2nd CH from the hook. DC in next CH. [SC in the next ST, DC in the next ST]. Repeat across between [ ]. End with a DC in the last St. Turn (You’ll have an even number of stitches.)
Do not cut your yarn. Add a stitch marker.
Row 2
Change to yarn color B. Pull the new yarn color through the loop on the hook and snug up yarn color A. Continue with the pattern using yarn color B.
CH 1 (Turning Chain Doesn’t Count as a Stitch). SC in the first DC ST, DC in the SC ST. [SC in the next ST, DC in the next ST]. Repeat across between [ ]. End with a DC in the last St.
Add a stitch marker.
Row 3
Change back to yarn color A
Now you’ll see the unused color strand (Color A) waiting at the other end.
To reuse it.
- Insert your hook into the first stitch.
- Gently pull up Color A and yarn over with it to start the row.
The unused yarn will be carried neatly up the side.
CH 1 (Doesn’t Count as a ST). DC in the first SC ST, SC in the DC ST. [DC in the next ST, SC in the next ST]. Repeat across between [ ]. End with a SC in the last St. Turn
Row 4
Change back to yarn color B
CH 1 (Doesn’t Count as a ST). DC in the first SC ST, SC in the DC ST. [DC in the next ST, SC in the next ST]. Repeat across between [ ]. End with a SC in the last St. No Turn
Row 5
Change back to yarn color A
CH 1 (Doesn’t Count as a ST). SC in the first DC ST, DC in the SC ST. [SC in the next ST, DC in the next ST]. Repeat across between [ ]. End with a DC in the last St. Turn
Row 6
Change back to yarn color B
CH 1 (Doesn’t Count as a ST). SC in the first DC ST, DC in the SC ST. [SC in the next ST, DC in the next ST]. Repeat across between [ ]. End with a DC in the last St. No Turn
Rows 7 and beyond
Continue repeating rows 3-6 until desired width.
- Child = 3” work 8 rows
- Small Adult or Teen= 4” work 10 rows
- Medium Adult = 5” work 13 rows
- Large Adult = 5” work 13 rows
- X-Large Adult = 5” work 13 rows
When you’re done, leave a long tail. About 15-20 inches. You will be using this to sew the ends together.
This photo is of a different headband, but it shows how to fold the ends together for seaming.
Final Steps
Twisted Seam Instructions
- Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise.
- Fold each short end in half.
- Nest one folded end inside the other so the folds interlock.
- Using the yarn tail and a tapestry needle, sew through all four layers.
- Pull the seam tight, fasten off, and weave in all ends.
Video Tutorials on our YouTube Channel
In this video, we’ll guide you step-by-step through creating this cozy, textured stitch in both a solid yarn color and alternating yarn colors. Learn how to carry the yarn up the side to save time and for minimal yarn ends to weave in.
How to Crochet the Lemon Peel Stitch right hand
How to Crochet the Lemon Peel Stitch left hand
Enjoy your beautiful Frost Blossom Ear Warmer!
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.