Crochet Elephant Ears Headband Free Pattern
Introduction
This crochet elephant ears headband is a playful, earthy accessory that's as fun to wear as it is to make. A simple dusty rose double crochet band wraps comfortably around the head, while two soft grey ears stand upright on top, each finished with a dusty rose inner-ear patch. It's a wonderful project for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable with basic increases and decreases, and it works up quickly in worsted weight yarn. Whether you're making it for a costume, a photo shoot, or just everyday whimsy, the finished piece looks charming and feels soft and lightweight against the head.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — approximately 100 yards dusty rose (Color A) and 80 yards grey (Color B)
- Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, small amount of polyester fiberfill for stuffing the ears, rust-proof pins for assembly
- Finished size: Headband 20 inches circumference x 1.5 inches wide; each ear 4 inches wide x 5 inches tall
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook
- dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops
- sc — single crochet: insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops
- inc — increase: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch
- dec — decrease: work 2 single crochet stitches together into one
- sl st — slip stitch: insert hook in stitch, yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook
- st(s) — stitch(es)
Gauge
16 double crochet x 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). To check, crochet a small swatch in double crochet and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed so the headband comes out to the correct 20-inch circumference.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your double crochet tension even on the headband so the band lies flat and doesn't curl at the edges.
- When joining the headband into a ring, double-check that the strip isn't twisted before you slip stitch the ends together.
- Work the ears with a slightly tighter single crochet tension so they hold their upright shape well.
- Pin the inner ears and the ears to the headband before sewing so you can adjust placement and keep both ears symmetrical.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Headband (Color A)
Ch 81.
Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across (79 dc).
Rows 2-3: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across (79 dc).
Fasten off. Join short ends with sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist.
Edging: Join A at seam, ch 1, sc evenly around entire outer edge, join with sl st. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Outer Ear (Color B) — make 2
Ch 11.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (10 sc).
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, inc in first st, sc in each st across to last st, inc in last st (12 sc).
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (12 sc).
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, inc in first st, sc in each st across to last st, inc in last st (14 sc).
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (14 sc).
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, dec over first 2 sts, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, dec over last 2 sts (12 sc).
Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (12 sc).
Row 8: Ch 1, turn, dec over first 2 sts, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, dec over last 2 sts (10 sc).
Row 9: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (10 sc).
Row 10: Ch 1, turn, dec over first 2 sts, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, dec over last 2 sts (8 sc).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Inner Ear (Color A) — make 2
Ch 7.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (6 sc).
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, inc in first st, sc in each st across to last st, inc in last st (8 sc).
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (8 sc).
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, dec over first 2 sts, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, dec over last 2 sts (6 sc).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly and Finishing
Pin each inner ear centered on an outer ear with the bottom edges aligned. Using Color A and a whipstitch, sew the inner ear to the outer ear, leaving a small opening to add stuffing if desired. Stuff lightly, then close the opening. Using Color B and a whipstitch, sew the ears to the top of the headband approximately 3 inches apart, making sure they stand upright. Weave in all remaining ends. Lightly block the headband and ears with a spritz of water or steam, shaping the ears so they hold their upright position as they dry.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the colors for a different animal look — try pink and white for a bunny or tan and brown for a bear.
- Add a few extra rows to the headband for a wider, cozier ear warmer on cold days.
- Skip the stuffing for flatter, lighter ears, or use a small piece of craft felt inside for extra structure.
