Easy Ear Warmers
Easy Ear Warmers
A simple, seamless knit with a modern twist
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These Easy Ear Warmers are a quick, satisfying project that look polished but require only basic skills. Knit in the round and finished with a simple twist using Kitchener Stitch, they’re cozy, practical, and endlessly giftable.
This is a perfect project for relaxing knitting — smooth stockinette, simple construction, and a clean finish.
Size
One Size
Finished Measurements:
4.5” wide (9” in the round) x 18” circumference
11.5 cm (23 cm in the round) x 46 cm circumference
Recommended fit includes 1–3” / 2.5–7.5 cm of negative ease for a snug, comfortable wear.
Yarn
Approximately 130 yards / 119 meters of DK weight yarn (or similar yarn that meets gauge)
Sample shown in Brown Sheep Company Prairie Spun DK
Choose a yarn with good elasticity and structure for best results.
Needles
US 5 / 3.75 mm
Two 32" circular needles (for magic loop)
Gauge
11 stitches x 15 rows = 2” / 5 cm in pattern
Gauge is important for fit, especially since this piece relies on negative ease.
Abbreviations
BOR – Beginning of Round
CO – Cast On
PM – Place Marker
Rnd(s) – Round(s)
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Construction Overview
This ear warmer is worked as a long tube in stockinette stitch. The stitches are provisionally cast on, knit in the round to the desired length, then twisted and grafted together using Kitchener Stitch to create a clean, seamless finish.
The twist is created at the very end — no shaping required.
Directions
Cast On
Using scrap yarn and a Provisional Cast-On method, CO 50 sts.
Join main yarn and knit 1 row.
Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Knit one round.
If using the magic loop method, separate stitches so one half (25 sts) are on one needle, and the other half (25 sts) on the second needle. Place a removable stitch marker to note BOR.
Body
Continue knitting in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until piece measures approximately 18” / 46 cm, or desired length for comfortable fit.
Recommended fit includes 1–3” / 2.5–7.5 cm of negative ease.
Tip:
I recommend steam blocking at this point to ensure the fabric relaxes to the size you prefer before finishing.
Once desired length is reached:
Knit 25 stitches.
This places the BOR on the wrong side and positions your working needles opposite the spare needles for finishing.
Finishing
Pick up stitches from the provisional cast on and carefully remove the scrap yarn.
When the fabric is laid flat, make sure the needles at each end are facing opposite directions.
Twist one end 180 degrees so the needle tips are now facing the same direction.
Using Kitchener Stitch, graft the two ends together seamlessly.
Block as desired.
Customization Notes
This pattern is easily adjustable.
To adjust width:
Add or remove stitches from your cast on in even numbers.
To adjust circumference:
Knit longer or shorter before finishing, keeping negative ease in mind.
A Cozy, Polished Finish
This project is simple enough for beginners comfortable with knitting in the round, and satisfying for experienced knitters who want a quick, wearable accessory.
The combination of smooth stockinette and a clean twist finish gives this ear warmer a modern, minimal look that pairs beautifully with winter layers.
It’s an easy knit — with just enough technique at the end to feel accomplished.
Happy knitting 🧶