Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Ear Warmers - Versions 1 & 2


Free Pattern: Ear Warmers - V. 1 & 2

Yes, it's another chunky pattern (I have a lot of stash I'm trying to use up). These ear warmers/headbands are inspired by Knitty's Calorimetry pattern, which can be found here. I love the look, but didn't like the button, plus the one I did came out way to wide for my taste. So these are worked in the round with quick chunky yarn. V. 1 is is worked in K1, P1 rib, and is thinner than V. 2, which is worked in broken rib. You can see the difference in the picture to the right. Both fit around the head about the same. The picture below is of V. 2.

Supplies:
US #8 circular needles - 16" length
1 skein Bernat Softee Chunky in Natural Earth (this is enough for both versions with some left over)
11 stitch markers (make sure one is a different color than the others)

Finished Measurements:
Both will fit a 20" to 24" head
V. 1 is is 3.75" wide, V. 2 is 4.75" wide

Gauge:
16 sts X 24 rows = 4" worked in stockinette

Abbreviations:
pm = place marker
rm = remove marker
sl = slip stitch purl wise
wyib = with yarn held in back
wyif = with yarn held in front

V.1 Directions:
Cast on 80 stitches using long tail cast on, place main (different color) marker and join in the round. Work 2 rows of k1, p1 ribbing.

3 - *k1, p1* to last 6 sts, pm, turn
4 - sl 1 wyib, p1, *k1, p1* to last 6 sts, pm, turn
5 - sl 1 wyib, p1, *k1, p1* to 6 sts before first marker, pm, turn
6 - 10 - repeat row 5, you will have 1 main marker, and 8 contrast markers in place

*When working back over slipped sts, be sure to knit the 2 sts before and after the gap snugly to reduce the size of the hole.

11 - sl 1 wyib, p1, *k1, p1* to marker, rm, work to 2 sts before next marker, turn
12 - sl 1 wyif, p1, *k1, p1* to marker, rm, work to 2 sts before next marker, turn
13 - 18 - repeat rows 11 & 12 3 more times until all contrast markers are removed, working last 2 rows until 2 sts before main marker

Do not turn work, begin working k1, p1, ribbing in the round. Work 2 rows ribbing, and bind off. Weave in ends and enjoy!

V. 2 Directions:
Cast on 80 stitches using cable cast on, work one round knitting all sts, place main color marker, and join to begin knitting in the round.

2 - *k1, p1* to end
3 - k
4 - *k1, p1* to end

5 - k to last 6 sts, pm, turn
6 - sl 1 wyif, p1, *k1, p1* to 6 sts before marker, pm, turn
7 - sl1 wyib, knit to 6 sts before marker, pm, turn
8 - sl1 wyif, p1, *k1, p1* to 6 sts before marker, pm, turn
9 - 14 - repeat rows 7 & 8 3 more times, you will have 1 main marker and 10 contrast markers in place

15 - sl1 wyib, k to marker, rm, k to 2 sts before next marker, turn
16 - sl 1 wyif, p1, *k1, p1* to marker, rm, *k1, p1* to 2 sts before next marker, turn
17 - 24 - repeat rows 15 & 16 4 more times until all contrast markers are removed, working last 2 rows until 2 sts before main marker

Do not turn work, begin working in the round again, knitting all sts on row 25.
26 - *k1, p1* to end
27 - k
28 - *k1, p1* to end

Bind off in pattern, weave in ends, and enjoy!

Tips:
Knittingpatterncentral.com has great instructions for cast on methods and working in the round.

This pattern is free for personal use only. Please do not use for profit unless all proceeds go to charity.