Cortina Ear Warmer: Link Stitch Tutorial and Free Pattern
My first day on the slopes. Nervous, out-of-season butterflies trembled in my stomach as I clung to the ski lift. Moments later, I reached the top. After a split second of panic, my skis seemed to take control as I soared down the slope. And by soared I mean, I glided a few feet, then immediately “braked” like the instructor had shown us. Three feet later, I braked again. Slowly, tentatively, I made my way down the slope. I watched in envy as my dad glided so easily down the snow laden hills- a true pro, I thought. Each run down the slope, I felt bolder. My confidence grew, I began to master the skis. Then I heard someone yelling, my dad had crashed. It didn’t look bad, so I kept going. The wind whistled through my hair, my ears burned from the chill, but I didn’t care. Skiing was the best!! Also, yes. My dad broke his knee and had to be hospitalized. I and my brothers decided to go skiing while he was in surgery for his broken knee - possibly not the most sensitive moment of my life…
Inspired by Cortina, the gorgeous ski resort in north Italy, this ear warmer is sure to protect you from the winter chill on the slopes. Quick and easy, this pattern can be easily worked up in the short drive up to the slopes! In fact, this unique crochet ear warmer has the look of Tunisian, but works up in a simple three rows! You don’t need a Tunisian hook, the stitch itself is not even a Tunisian stitch, but follows similar principles. If you have been wanting to dip your toes in the water of Tunisian crochet - this might be the perfect pattern for you!
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Faux Tunisian Crochet Ear Warmer Free Crochet Pattern
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The Yarn:
I used an acrylic worsted/4 weight yarn for this crochet ear warmer. Of course, I can just see this project made from a skein of hand dyed wool for an incredibly unique and warm winter accessory. I used Caron Simply Soft Tweeds in Soft White - a staple in my yarn stash! I love how silky this yarn is, with just the right amount of tweed flecks. Of course, if I’m honest, I’ll admit, the yarn tends to split, which is a little annoying. I’ve found it doesn’t split nearly as often if I go up a hook size, or use a rounded hook. Even still, I love using Simply Soft Tweeds.
The Potential:
This pattern is written to be fully adjustable. I’ve included a recommended gauge with this pattern, but it is so simple, it can be made to fit any head by using the measurement chart. As long as your starting chain wraps comfortably around the head of the intended wearer, then the ear warmer will fit! No fancy numbers or counting, this pattern is pure simplicity!
If you want, you can even add extra rows for a thicker ear warmer that covers more of your head. As it is, I liked the size three rows gave me. I image three rows of this stitch might be too thick for a very small baby head, but possibly too small if you have a larger head or very thick hair. Make it your own! Feel free to adjust this pattern to fit your needs!
Crochet Ear Warmer Free Pattern
General Sizing Chart:
*These are estimated sizes. Not all individuals in these size ranges will have the same head circumference. Obviously, measuring the recipient’s head will give the most accurate fit. But since these measurements are the industry standard, they are generally accurate. To make the crochet ear warmer in these sizes, make a starting chain to the measurement indicated, then add five chains to begin the Link Stitch.
Newborn: 12 inches
3-6 months: 14 inches
6-12 months: 16 inches
Toddler (1-3 years): 18 inches
Child (3-10 years): 20 inches
Preteen/Teen/Adult Small: 21 inches
Adult Large: 23 inches
The Link Stitch:
1. Start with a chain equal to the head measurement, then ch 5. Pull up a loop in second chain from hook (ill. A.), repeat in next 4 ch (ill. B) (6 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through two loops (C.), repeat until one loop left on hook (D.). First link stitch is made.
2. Pull up a loop in the horizontal post (the arrow in ill. D., E., and F. indicate the horizontal post) of the first section of the link st (E. and F.) and in next 3 horizontal posts. Pull up a loop in next chain (G.) (6 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through two loops (H.)—repeat until one loop left on hook (I.). Second link stitch is made. Continue this step for the entire row.
3. To make the second row, chain 5, turn (J.). Pull up a loop in second ch from hook—repeat in next 3 ch. Pull up a loop in the top of the first link stitch from Row 1 (K.) (6 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through two loops—repeat until one loop left on hook (L.). Continue making link stitches in the top of each link stitch of Row 1 as shown in step 2.
For more visual instructions, refer to the photos below.
Looking for a fun, faux knit pattern with a little more head coverage than the ear warmer? Check out this free pattern!
Treviso: Faux Knit Beanie
The Pattern:
Materials:
50-100 yds of Worsted/4 yarn
Caron Simply Soft Tweeds Off White
6.5 mm Hook
Yarn Needle
Stitches and Terms:
Ch—Chain
Link Stitch—See Special Stitches
Ea—Each
St—Stitch
Gauge:
Gauge is not required for proper fit. And estimated gauge is given, but please refer to the sizing chart and notes for more details on fit.
In Link Stitch, 2 rows x 10 st = 3”
Notes:
The earwarmer is written in a single stitch repeat. This means the pattern will read the same regardless of what size you make.
To customize the size of your earwarmer, measure the head of the intended recipient (or use the general size chart included with this pattern). Start with a chain that equals the size of your measurement, then add five chains; OR, make a long chain, wrap it around the head of the recipient to see if it will fit, then add five chains. Beginning in the second chain from the hook, begin link stitch and follow the pattern as written.
Illustrations are provided of special stitch. Only one stitch is used for this pattern. The unique texture is created by turning the work after each row, revealing the different texture of the “wrong side” of the link stitch.
For the twisted finishing seam, use this video tutorial.
Please read all notes before beginning.
Ch to head measurement (see notes) plus five.
Row 1: Begin link stitch in second chain from hook and work across five chains (See notes). Work link stitch in each ch across.
Row 2-3: Ch 5, turn. Begin link stitch in second chain from hook, working across next three chains and top of first link stitch of Row 1. Work link stitch in each stitch across.
Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for seaming.
For the twisted finishing seam, use this video tutorial.
Faux Tunisian Crochet Ear Warmer and Stitch Tutorial
This pattern is written by Rebekah Haas. I hold the copyright to this pattern. It should not be published, shared, or sold without direct permission of the designer. You are, of course, welcome to sell any items you make using this pattern. If you post pictures of your item on Instagram or Facebook, please credit me with the design by linking to my Instagram account or website. Thank you for choosing to make my pattern! I hope it inspires you!
