Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
As a knitter, I often find myself inspired by the beautiful and intricate designs that crochet enthusiasts create. One such crochet design that caught my eye was the beloved Cindy Lo Ear Warmer. It’s a playful and practical piece that has captured the hearts of many. After seeing so many stunning versions of this ear warmer, I decided it was time to bring this crochet favorite into the knitting world. Today, I want to share with you my journey in creating the Cindy Lo Ear Warmer, a knitted take on this charming accessory.
The Cindy Lo Ear Warmer is not just your average ear warmer. It’s wide enough to cover most of your head, providing warmth and comfort on those chilly days. But what sets it apart is its open top, perfect for showcasing a big, messy bun or a high ponytail, much like the iconic hairdo of Cindy Lou Who from Dr. Seuss’s classic tale. This design feature makes it both functional and stylish, catering to those of us who love to wear our hair up but still want to keep our ears toasty.
Choosing the Right Yarn
For this project, I chose Lion Brand Thick and Quick yarn. This yarn is a personal favorite because of its bulky weight, which makes it perfect for creating warm, cozy accessories. The Thick and Quick yarn also works up quickly, making it ideal for those who want a satisfying project that can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. Plus, it comes in a variety of beautiful colors, allowing you to customize your Cindy Lo Ear Warmer to match your personal style or the preferences of the lucky recipient.
The Design Process
The first step in creating the Cindy Lo Ear Warmer was to decide on the design elements that would translate well from crochet to knitting. I wanted to maintain the essence of the original crochet design while giving it a unique knitted twist. The key feature to preserve was the open top for the messy bun, which is both practical and cute.
I began by sketching out a few ideas and swatching different stitch patterns. After some experimentation, I settled on a simple yet elegant stitch pattern that would create a textured look, adding visual interest to the ear warmer. The goal was to create a pattern that was easy to follow but also produced a professional-looking result.
Knitting the Ear Warmer
One of the things I love about knitting is how meditative it can be. With the Lion Brand Thick and Quick yarn and my trusty size 13 needles, I cast on the stitches and began knitting. The thick yarn made the work progress quickly, and I found myself lost in the rhythm of the stitches.
The ear warmer is knit flat and then seamed together, leaving the top open for the messy bun. This construction method makes it a great project for knitters of all skill levels. Even if you’re a beginner, you can tackle this pattern with confidence. The bulky yarn hides any minor imperfections, and the finished product looks polished and professional.
Adding Personal Touches
One of the joys of knitting is the ability to customize your projects. While the basic Cindy Lo Ear Warmer pattern is beautiful on its own, I couldn’t resist adding a few personal touches to make it uniquely mine. I experimented with different color combinations, creating a striped version that added a pop of color and playfulness. I also tried using variegated yarn, which gave the ear warmer a lovely, mottled appearance.
Another idea I played with was adding a small embellishment. A simple knit bow or a crocheted flower can be attached to the ear warmer, giving it a bit of extra flair. These little touches can make the ear warmer even more special, whether you’re making it for yourself or as a gift for a friend or loved one.
The Finished Product
After a few hours of enjoyable knitting, my Cindy Lo Ear Warmer was complete. I was thrilled with how it turned out. The Thick and Quick yarn lived up to its name, producing a thick, cozy ear warmer that felt incredibly soft against my skin. The wide band covered my ears perfectly, and the open top allowed my messy bun to peek through, adding a fun and whimsical touch.
Wearing the Cindy Lo Ear Warmer brought a smile to my face. It’s not just a practical accessory for keeping warm; it’s also a stylish statement piece that adds personality to any winter outfit. The compliments I received from friends and family were a testament to the charm of this knitted take on a crochet favorite.
Sharing the Joy of Knitting
Creating the Cindy Lo Ear Warmer was a rewarding experience, and I’m excited to share this pattern with the knitting community. Whether you’re an experienced knitter looking for a quick and satisfying project or a beginner eager to try your hand at creating something beautiful, the Cindy Lo Ear Warmer is a fantastic choice.
I encourage you to experiment with different colors and embellishments to make the ear warmer your own. Knitting is a wonderful way to express creativity, and projects like this remind me why I fell in love with this craft in the first place. The Cindy Lo Ear Warmer is a perfect blend of practicality and style, and I hope it brings as much joy to you as it has to me.
Happy knitting!
Material and Info
Yarn –1 skein any super bulky weight (size 6) yarn
Gauge – 7st per 2in or 5cm in 1×1 broken rib pattern
Needles – 10 (6mm) straight and circular or dpn
Sizes – (baby, toddler), (child, ladies)
Head Measurement – (35-40, 40-45), (45-50, 50-55) cms or (14-16, 16-18), (18-20, 20-22) ins
Other –yarn needle
Cindy Lo Ear Warmer Pattern
BABY
Cast on 11sts with straight needles. I used long tail cast on because it leaves a defined edge to sew with.
Row 1 – [k1, p1] across to last st, k1
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat row 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 14insins (35cms) ending after completing a row 1.
Bind off. Leave a tail that is appx 10-12ins for sewing.
Sew your headband together by following the tutorial at the end of the pattern.
With circular of dpn starting on the opposite side of the headband from the sewn edge, with right side facing out, pick up and knit 2sts for every 3 rows. Make sure to end with an even number of stitches on your needles. Join in the round.
Work in a k1, p1 ribbing for 1in (2.5cms).
Bind off using your favorite stretchy bind off. I love a sewn bind off for a nice, finished edge.
TODDLER
Cast on 15sts with straight needles. I used long tail cast on because it leaves a defined edge to sew with.
Row 1 – [k1, p1] across to last st, k1
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat row 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 16ins (40cms) ending after completing a row 1.
Bind off. Leave a tail that is appx 10-12ins for sewing.
Sew your headband together by following the tutorial at the end of the pattern.
With circular of dpn starting on the opposite side of the headband from the sewn edge, with right side facing out, pick up and knit 2sts for every 3 rows. Make sure to end with an even number of stitches on your needles. Join in the round.
Work in a k1, p1 ribbing for 1in (2.5cms).
Bind off using your favorite stretchy bind off. I love a sewn bind off for a nice, finished edge.
CHILD
Cast on 17sts with straight needles. I used long tail cast on because it leaves a defined edge to sew with.
Row 1 – [k1, p1] across to last st, k1
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat row 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 18ins (45cms) ending after completing a row 1.
Bind off. Leave a tail that is appx 10-12ins for sewing.
Sew your headband together by following the tutorial at the end of the pattern.
With circular of dpn starting on the opposite side of the headband from the sewn edge, with right side facing out, pick up and knit 2sts for every 3 rows. Make sure to end with an even number of stitches on your needles. Join in the round.
Work in a k1, p1 ribbing for 1in (2.5cms).
Bind off using your favorite stretchy bind off. I love a sewn bind off for a nice, finished edge.
LADIES
Cast on 21sts with straight needles. I used long tail cast on because it leaves a defined edge to sew with.
Row 1 – [k1, p1] across to last st, k1
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat row 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 20ins (50cms) ending after completing a row 1.
Bind off. Leave a tail that is appx 10-12ins for sewing.
Sew your headband together by following the tutorial at the end of the pattern.
With circular of dpn starting on the opposite side of the headband from the sewn edge, with right side facing out, pick up and knit 2sts for every 3 rows. Make sure to end with an even number of stitches on your needles. Join in the round.
Work in a k1, p1 ribbing for 1in (2.5cms).
Bind off using your favorite stretchy bind off. I love a sewn bind off for a nice, finished edge.
How to Sew the Twist Knot in the Front:
Step 1 – Fold your completed and bound off length in half right sides together lengthwise
Step 2 – Bring the cast on edge and bound off edge together and interweave them.
Step 3 – Sew through all 4 layers.