Some of the best ideas I have been able to stitch has come from people suggesting new items to me. This knit basketball ear warmer is no exception. My mother in law decided she wanted to buy all the girls in the family an ear warmer for Christmas in 2013. Most of them were involved in a sport of some kind, so she had the awesome idea of adding the applique ball to the knit ear warmer. They have been a HUGE hit!!
Now, in an effort to limit the repetitiveness for some of these posts, I did in fact decide to do a 2 in 1 post this time. This post is actually based on two identical ear warmers I stitched for that holiday season. Additionally, I know it says “Knit Basketball Ear Warmer” in the title. While that is true of the headband portion itself, the basketball applique was actually crocheted. Therefore this is a combo knit and crochet project and not simply just a knit one.
*This post may include affiliate links that I can earn a small commission from if you shop through them at no additional cost to you. Think of it as another way to help support my small business. ☺️ Please see my full disclosure for more information.*
Knit Basketball Ear Warmer Project Info:
Craft: Knit and Crochet
Made For: Karen
http://www.stayathomestitchings.etsy.com
Size Made: Standard
Ear Warmer 1: Started: November 14, 2013
Completed: November 21, 2013
Ear Warmer 2: Started: November 16, 2013
Completed: November 23, 2013
Needle size: US 8 – 5.0 mm
Knit Basketball Ear Warmer Pattern Information:
The pattern that I used to base this project off of was:
A Simple Headband/Ear-warmer by Devin Lynch. However, this project is stitched considerably different than that pattern instructs. Initially I was inspired by this pattern, though, so I want to give credit to where the idea was originally sourced from.
I also crocheted the basketball for my ear warmer and did not knit it. I did not use any pattern for this portion of the project. In fact, I created this part of the project myself. Unfortunately I did not write down the instructions for what I did. However I am fairly confident I would be able to recreate this again today if I wanted to. Undoubtedly with what my skill level was at that time it was super simple.
Free Patterns on my website
As previously stated, I pretty much redesigned this ear warmer. Whereas the original was worked in the round, my version had a tapered edge and closed with a button. Even though I never actually created a pattern for this particular project, I do offer others. In fact I have two that are available for free on this website: Simple Seed Stitch Dishcloth Pattern and my Moss Stitch Dishcloth pattern. Not to mention, if you scroll to the end of either of those links you will see an option to download the PDF file.
What yarn was used for this Knit Basketball Ear Warmer?
Black: Hobby Lobby I love this yarn
Orange: I did not notate which brand of yarn I used for the orange.
As previously stated for each project made with this pattern, this Knit Ear Warmer could be made using any worsted weight yarn. For this reason I am going to include several links of my recommendations. Keep in mind I am only sharing worsted weight yarns as that is the size the pattern calls for. However you can substitute to your own preferences. You need to love your finished work.
Other good yarn choices I would recommend to use to make this would be Lion Brands Pound of Love, Vanna’s Choice and Wool Ease. Caron simply soft and Red Heart Soft also works well. Places to yarn shop for these brands would be Amazon , Lion Brand and Create For Less websites. Many times my hats and ear warmers are requested in sparkle yarn. One of my favorites to use is Caron Simply Soft Party Yarn. A good substitute would even be the Red Heart Glitter yarn.
What needles and tools did I use?
For the crochet portion of this project I would recommend Knit Picks / We crochet hooks. Without a doubt this company carries my favorite hooks and needles.
For this project I used a U.S. Size ? but most likely H or I.
Next I want to share my favorite needles which are also at Knit Picks. Previous posts of mine go into greater detail as to why I have chosen them over other brands, please scroll through and check my story out. Even better, comment on this post or send me an email and I would be happy to discuss with you.
In order to be fair and give more than just one option, I’m also including a few links to Amazon for some interchangeable sets that come with excellent reviews. I believe interchangeable is one of the most economical ways to get started in knitting. These sets are versatile and can be used for just about any knitting project. In fact, you can even use them to knit in the round if you learn the magic loop!!
 | eBook Snow Day Sets to Knit – $7.99 Everybody bundle up! The days of snowmen and sledding are on their way, so why not get your family ready now? These toasty hats and matching mittens by Lila Sargent are excellent chill chasers, and they’re sized for toddlers through adults. All seven sets and an extra pair of mittens use medium weight yarn–and the patterns are easy for anyone with intermediate knitting skills. We also include instructions to work on 2 or 4 needles! There is a delicious hot cocoa recipe everyone will enjoy, too. Designs include Basic Mittens, Perfectly Pink Mittens, Winter in the Tropics Set, Winter Sunshine Set, Snow Drift Set, Red Berries Set, Blue Ice Set, Red Raspberry Set, and Evergreen Set. |
Additional Tools for when your wrists and/or hands ache
If you are like me and you knit and crochet a lot, something that I have found is useful at times is a pair of stress relief gloves. I own a few different kinds, but I do think any of them is better than not using anything at all if your hands and wrists are bothering you. I’ll include a few links for you to check out.
Need a little more help?
That should be about all you need if you want to try this one out. If you feel like you might need a little extra assistance and want online classes to help you, check out the link below for Annie’s and Crafty websites. I take online classes often to improve and advance my skills. You can always learn something new!
I taught myself to knit and crochet through kits that I found at my local craft store, so there is always that option as well. I’ll share links to kits similar to what I used that you can also find on Amazon if you can’t find at your local craft store or can’t get to one soon.
If you have any questions about the information in this post please just leave me a comment. If you don’t knit and/or crochet yourself and would prefer to order the finished item, please check out my Etsy shop: Stay@Home Stitchings and/or email me at stayathomestitchings@live.com.
Happy Stitching!
🧶💖
~Mindy~
Please be sure to check out the link below for Faith Gear.
Saved by Grace Men’s Hoodie – $39.00
from: Faith Gear
