Twisted Thermal HDC Ear Warmer
A Magpie & Moss Pattern
This ear warmer is worked lengthwise for a smooth, stretchy fit and finished with a simple twist seam. A single‑crochet foundation, thermal half double crochet body, and a final row of thermal single crochet create a thick, structured band with clean, matching edges.
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Sizing Notes
This pattern is worked lengthwise, so:
• Your starting chain = circumference
• Your row count = height
Wrap your starting chain around your head where the ear warmer will sit. It should feel snug but not tight. Thermal stitches add thickness and a bit of stretch, and the twist seam shortens the finished length slightly.
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Gauge (helpful, but not required)
This pattern is sized by wrapping the starting chain around your head, so you don’t need to match my gauge for the ear warmer to fit.
I’m including my gauge only for makers who prefer to follow stitch counts:
• 55 single crochet = 18” using Premier Just Worsted and a 6.0 mm hook
• About 3 stitches per inch
If your tension is a little looser or tighter, that’s completely fine — just adjust your starting chain until it measures the length you need.
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Materials
• Premier Just Worsted
• 6.0 mm (J) crochet hook
• Scissors
• Yarn needle
• Tape measure
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Stitch Multiple
Thermal HDC works over a multiple of 1 + 1
(any number of stitches + 1 for clean edges)
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Stitches Used
• Chain (ch)
• Single crochet (sc)
• Half double crochet (hdc)
• Thermal half double crochet (thdc)
• Thermal single crochet (tsc)
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Special Stitches
Thermal Half Double Crochet (thdc)
Yarn over. Insert hook into the back loop of the stitch in the current row and the unworked third loop of the stitch directly below.
Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
Thermal Single Crochet (tsc)
Insert hook into the back loop of the stitch in the current row and the unworked front loop of the stitch directly below.
Yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
Yarn over, pull through both loops.
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Designer’s Note
This version begins with a row of single crochet for a firm foundation and ends with a row of thermal single crochet to match the edge structure. This creates a clean, balanced finish and helps the twist seam sit neatly.
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Size Chart (Based on 3 stitches per inch)
Size Head Circumference Chain Length Approx. Stitch Count
Child 19–20” 17–18” 51–54 sc
Teen / Small Adult 21–22” 19–20” 57–60 sc
Adult 22–23” 20–21” 60–63 sc
Large Adult 23–24” 21–22” 63–66 sc
XL Adult 24–25” 22–23” 66–69 sc
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Pattern
Foundation
Chain until the chain wraps snugly around your head.
For a 23” head, this is typically 64–67 chains (≈ 63–66 sc).
(If following stitch math: use any multiple of 1 + 1.)
Row 1 — Single Crochet
Sc in second ch from hook and across.
Turn.
Rows 2 to second‑to‑last row — Thermal HDC
Ch 1.
Work thdc across the row
(back loop of current row + unworked third loop of row below).
Turn.
Final Row — Thermal SC
Ch 1.
Work tsc across the row
(back loop of current row + unworked front loop of row below).
Fasten off.
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Twist + Seam
Lay the strip flat.
Fold each short end in half to form two “C” shapes.
Nest the folded ends together (four layers total).
Whipstitch through all four layers.
Weave in ends.
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Finishing
Turn right‑side out.
Adjust the twist so it sits centered.
Your ear warmer is ready to wear, gift, or add to your market table.
Magpie & Moss 