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Merry Mischief — Free Crochet Hat Ornament Pattern

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Merry Mischief Crochet Hat Ornament is a free pattern designed by Robyn Chachula for MarlyBird.com. This adorable 9″ colorwork ornament uses approximately 100 yards of worsted weight yarn in 3 colors and is perfect for first-time crochet colorwork makers.

⚡ Quick Answer:

Yes — the Merry Mischief pattern is completely free right here on this page. It uses ~100 yards of worsted weight yarn in 3 colors, works up in one to two evenings, and is designed for advanced beginners who want to try crochet colorwork for the first time. Scroll down to the Pattern Instructions section, or click the jump link below.

Merry Mischief free crochet hat ornament — colorwork holiday hat in red, green, and cream by Robyn Chachula

Hey, bestie 💛

This one is all Robyn — and I'm here for every perfectly stitched row. When she showed me the Merry Mischief design, I knew immediately it was going to be a game-changer for anyone curious about colorwork but nervous about jumping in. It's tiny. It's satisfying. It teaches you real skills without the time commitment or yarn investment of a full sweater.

Merry Mischief is part of our annual Sleigh the Holiday 2026 make-along — the same event where I designed the knit version, In My Ornament Era. Both patterns are free, both are quick, and both are sitting pretty in your scrap yarn pile's dreams right now.

If you've been sitting on the fence about trying colorwork… girl, this is your sign. And I promise Robyn made this approachable. Video tutorials included.

🧶 Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you… and it helps support free patterns and content from my yarn-loving heart 💛 See my privacy policy here.
Free crochet hat ornament pattern — Merry Mischief by Robyn Chachula for Marly Bird

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Why You'll Love This Pattern 💖

🎄 Perfect first crochet colorwork project — Small stitch count, low-stakes learning curve, zero regrets if you frog it and start over.

🧶 Scrap yarn heaven — About 35 yards per color. That means you're using yarn that's been sitting in your stash, waiting for the right project. This is it.

⚡ Quick and satisfying — Once the rhythm clicks, most crocheters finish in one to two evenings. There's something deeply satisfying about completing a whole project in that timeframe.

🎁 Makes a gorgeous handmade gift — Ornaments hit differently when they're handmade. People know. They feel it. And Merry Mischief is the kind of gift that ends up on someone's tree year after year.

📖 Skills checklist — You'll walk away knowing how to work back-loop-only ribbing, crochet in the round, change colors intentionally, follow a chart, and shape a crown with decreases. That's a real skill set.

Quick Pattern Overview

Merry Mischief starts with a back-loop-only ribbed brim (that stretchy, polished texture that makes the ornament sit beautifully), moves into the colorwork chart section where you'll introduce all three colors, then shapes a tidy crown with decreases. Finish it off with an optional pom pom on top and a hanging loop, stuff a clear ornament ball inside to keep its shape, and you've got a handmade treasure.

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Your First Crochet Colorwork Project — Getting Started 🌈

Crochet colorwork is exactly what it sounds like: holding multiple yarn colors at once and using them strategically to build a pattern or picture. You carry the unused colors inside your stitches (staying neat), switch colors according to a chart, and watch the pattern emerge. It's like painting with yarn.

  • Small stitch count means less to frog if you goof (and everyone goofs once)
  • The colorwork section is just a handful of rounds — you're not committing to hours of chart-following
  • If the first attempt doesn't land, you've only “lost” ~35 yards per color — nothing compared to a sweater
  • The finished ornament is *genuinely* adorable, which means your brain releases happy chemicals even if technique felt wobbly
    • 🎨 Choosing Your Colors: For stranded colorwork, value contrast matters more than the colors you choose — a light, a medium, and a dark will read clearly even if all three are in the same color family. Not sure where to start? Marly has a whole deep-dive on how to choose colors for a colorwork project →
Spectrum Stitch Crochet Swoncho — colorwork crochet garment pattern by Marly Bird
✨ Designer Tip: Keep your color changes neat by always switching colors at the top of a stitch. Robyn designed this ornament to help you build that habit cleanly — the colorwork section is short enough that you can focus on the how, not just the what.

Honestly? If you can single crochet in the round and follow a simple chart, you can do this. Trust the process, trust Robyn's design, and trust that your hands know how to do this work.

💡 Good to Know: Gauge matters less for ornaments than for wearables — a slightly tighter or looser ornament is still adorable. That said, crochet colorwork can tighten your tension without you realizing it. (Our hands tend to grip the yarn differently when we're thinking about colors.) Go a half-size up in hook if you find your ornament feeling stiff. If it's slouchy, go down.

Video Tutorials 🎬

Yarn & Materials for Merry Mischief 🧶

The beautiful thing about this pattern is the yarn requirement: approximately 100 yards total across 3 colors. That's about 35 yards per color — the perfect scrap-yarn project. Raid your stash, mix brands, play with unexpected color combos. The pattern is small enough that yarn fiber meets stitch definition requirements more than fiber snob-ism.

My Pick: Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted

If you don't have scraps on hand, Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted is genuinely my top pick for this pattern. The fiber is naturally anti-pilling, which means your finished ornament won't get fuzzy in the tree; the color range is *chef's kiss* for holiday work; and the stitch definition is so clear that your colorwork chart will pop. Every stitch is visible, every color change reads cleanly.

Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted yarn in holiday colors for Merry Mischief crochet ornament
✨ Designer Tip: For colorwork, choose smooth yarns with good stitch definition — avoid fuzzy, fluffy, or ultra-textured fibers like mohair or bouclé. Those yarns blur the individual stitches, which means your chart won't read as clearly. Smooth, worsted-weight, tight-twist yarns are your friends here.

Other Worsted Weight Yarns That Work Beautifully

Great time to raid your stash! Any worsted weight (#4) works. Here are longtime favorites for colorwork:

💡 Good to Know: This is a genuinely scrap-friendly pattern. 100 yards total, 3 colors. You can absolutely mix brands as long as they're all worsted weight (#4) — a yarn from KnitPicks, a yarn from Michaels, a yarn from your mom's stash, all in one ornament, and it works beautifully.
Merry Mischief crochet hat ornament in a pink colorway — free colorwork crochet pattern

Materials List

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Merry Mischief Crochet Hat Ornament — free holiday crochet pattern by Robyn Chachula for Marly Bird

Merry Mischief || Pattern Details

Designed by Robyn Chachula for MarlyBird.com

SKILL LEVEL

Advanced Beginner

MEASUREMENTS

Finished Measurements

Hat Ornament is 9” [23 cm] in circumference by 4.25” [11 cm] long (from ribbing to top of crown).

Gauge 

8 sc x 8 rounds = 2” [5 cm] x 2” [5 cm] working single crochet in the round; use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

MATERIALS

Crochet Yarn 

Premier, Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted (100% acrylic, 180 yds / 165 m, 3.5 oz/ 100 g, CYCA# 4 worsted), small amounts of the following:

Color A: #1016 Kiwi

Color B: #1007 Really Red

Color C: #1068 Aran

Hook

U.S. H/8 [5.00 mm] crochet hook, or size required for gauge.

NOTIONS

merry mischief crochet hat ornament in a variety of different colorways.

ABBREVIATIONS

Ch – Chain(s) 

RS – Right Side 

Sc – Single Crochet

Sl st – Slip Stitch

St(s) – Stitch(es)

Tch – Turning Chain

WS – Wrong Side

SPECIAL STITCHES 

⭐Back Loop: This is the furthest loop to you of the top 2 loops of the stitch indicated, regardless if you are on the RS or WS.

⭐️ Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog): *Insert hook into indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop; repeat from * in next stitch indicated, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook. (1 decrease)

NOTES

  • Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round.
  • Change your color when you have 2 loops left on your hook of the previous stitch. 
  • If the round starts with a new color, join with the old color and change to the new color in the first chain of the round.
  • Hat ornament is worked in the round from the bottom up.
  • A DIY ornament ball is placed into the finished hat to help it hold its shape.
  • A hanging loop is attached to the hat.

VIDEO TUTORIALS

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Merry Mischief || Pattern Instructions

RIBBING

With color B, ch 5. 

Row 1: Sl st in the back bump of each ch across, turn – 5 sts. 

Rows 2-59: Sl st in the back loop of each st across, turn.

Row 60: Fold ribbing in half to work on previous row and foundation row at the same time.  Holding yarn to the inside of the brim, sl st in the back loop of the next st on the previous row and into the foundation ch at the same time across.  This joins the first and last row. Do not fasten off. 

BODY

Round 1: Working on edge of ribbing, evenly place 36 sc around edge, thread free loop through first sc to join, change color to A, do not turn – 36 sc. 

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, thread free loop through first sc to join, do not turn.

Rounds 3-9: Ch 1, follow color chart below changing colors as needed while placing a sc in each sc around, thread free loop through first sc to join each round, do not turn.

Merry Mischief colorwork stitch chart — diagram for the colorwork rounds of the hat ornament

CROWN

Round 10: With color A, ch 1, *sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog over next 2 sc; repeat from * around, thread free loop through first sc to join, do not turn – 30 sc. 

Round 11: Ch 1, sc in next sc, *sc2tog over next 2 sc, sc in next 3 sc; repeat from * around to last 4 sc, sc2tog over next 2 sc, sc in last 2 sc, thread free loop through first sc to join, do not turn – 24 sc. 

Round 12: Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog over next 2 sc; repeat from * around, thread free loop through first sc to join, do not turn – 18 sc. 

Round 13: Ch 1, *sc2tog over next 2 sc, sc in next sc; repeat from * around, thread free loop through first sc to join, do not turn – 12 sc. 

Round 14: Ch 1, *sc2tog over next 2 sc; repeat from * around, sl st to first sc, fasten off long tail for seaming – 6 sc. 

Using tail, weave through remaining stitches to cinch closed top of crown. 

Fasten off all remaining colors and weave in ends.

FINISHING

POM POM

Make pom-pom with leftover yarn and sew to top of hat.

ORNAMENT

Place clear plastic ornament inside of hat to fill out hat.  Add twine to hang on tree

Blue starburst with red hearts, colorful “Favorite This on ravelry” text, and a small white peacock at the bottom.

More Holiday Crochet Patterns You'll Love 🎄

Love a quick holiday project? Here are more favorites to keep that hook moving:

Frequently asked questions about the Merry Mischief free crochet hat ornament pattern

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Merry Mischief crochet pattern really free?

Yes! The full pattern is free to read right here on the blog. Scroll up to the Pattern Instructions section or click the “Jump to pattern” link at the top of the page. An ad-free printable PDF will be available for purchase on Ravelry, Etsy, and my Shopify shop after the Sleigh the Holiday 2026 Make-Along event.

What if I've never tried crochet colorwork before?

This ornament is genuinely designed with first-time colorwork crocheters in mind! The colorwork section is just a handful of rounds, the stitch count is small, and the video tutorial walks you through every step. If you can single crochet in the round, you can do this.

Can I use any worsted weight yarn, or does it need to be a specific fiber?

Any worsted weight (#4) yarn works! For colorwork, look for smooth yarns with good stitch definition — you want to see each stitch clearly so the color pattern pops. Avoid fluffy or textured yarns like mohair or bouclé. Check out the yarn suggestions in the Yarn & Materials section above.

What size crochet hook do I need?

The pattern is written for a US H/8 (5mm) crochet hook, but use whatever size you need to obtain gauge. Gauge is not critical for this ornament, so don't stress it — just pick up your H hook and dive in.

How long does it take to crochet Merry Mischief?

Most crocheters finish in one to two evenings. The whole project uses about 100 yards — it's a very quick make once you get the colorwork rhythm going. Perfect for a movie night project.

Can I make this with two colors instead of three?

Absolutely! Simplify the colorwork chart to two colors by designating one main color and one contrast color. The finished ornament will look different from the sample, but it'll still be adorable. You can also go wild with four or more colors if your chart allows — this tiny hat handles creativity beautifully.

What is Sleigh the Holiday VIP and how is it connected to this pattern?

Merry Mischief was designed as part of the Sleigh the Holiday 2026 Make-Along — Marly Bird's annual event where crocheters and knitters stitch holiday ornaments together! The VIP version gives you access to the full exclusive ornament collection. The free Merry Mischief pattern is right here on this page — no VIP needed to make it.

Final Thoughts

Here's the thing about Merry Mischief: Robyn designed it to be achievable — and it delivers on every single level.

It's small. It's satisfying. It teaches real skills. It uses yarn you already own. It makes a gift that actually means something. And it looks completely adorable on a Christmas tree.

If you've been putting off trying crochet colorwork because it felt like too big a leap… this is your sign to start here. On a tiny ornament. With your scrap yarn. With video tutorials walking you through every step.

I cannot wait to see what color combinations you choose. 💛

When you make one, tag us! Find me as @marlybird on Instagram or Facebook and use #MMMDI (Marly Made Me Do It), #MarlyBird, or #MerryMischiefOrnament so we can see your beautiful work.

❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird

A cartoon avatar of a person with glasses and a brown bun smiles warmly. Their green shirt and black jacket add a stylish touch, while colorful hearts surround them like loving temperature blankets, stitching together an aura of love and positivity. -Marly Bird

Boysenberry Bramble Cowl: Free Single Crochet Entrelac Pattern

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This free crochet entrelac pattern teaches you single crochet entrelac… a beginner-friendly version of the “scary” knit technique you’ve probably heard about. The Boysenberry Bramble Cowl is a smaller, faster project worked in a CYCA #4 worsted gradient cake yarn… finished with a tidy reverse single crochet edge for a polished neckline. Designed by Marly Bird, originally published in 2018 and lovingly refreshed for 2026.

Here’s the thing nobody tells you about entrelac… single crochet entrelac is NOT the scary knit version. It’s NOT Tunisian entrelac either. It’s plain old single crochet… the very first stitch you ever learned… worked in a clever order that builds up interlocking woven blocks. If you can sc, you can do this. The Boysenberry Bramble cowl is the perfect place to start.

Marly Bird wearing the Boysenberry Bramble single crochet entrelac cowl in a purple-pink-green gradient yarn, showing the woven block texture.

Hey, bestie 💛 If entrelac has been on your “someday when I’m braver” list, today is your day. The Boysenberry Bramble cowl uses one stitch (single crochet), one gorgeous worsted gradient cake yarn, and one set of tier instructions that build on themselves to create a fully-shaped 28½″ neckline cowl with a 46″ bottom flare. It’s the smaller, faster, more wearable cousin of my Pieces of You single crochet entrelac wrap… and a perfect first SC entrelac project before you graduate to the full wrap.

Affiliate disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you click through and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend yarns and tools I’ve used and trust with my yarn-loving heart. Thank you for supporting free patterns on the blog 💛

Colorful crochet cowl in greens, yellow, and pink; visible stitch detail and texture as worn by a smiling woman.

What You Will Love About This Pattern 💖

✨ Only one stitch. Single crochet, start to finish. No Tunisian hook, no special technique you’ve never tried. If you can chain, single crochet, and slip stitch… you can crochet entrelac. Promise.

🌈 Gradient yarn does the heavy lifting. The Boysenberry Bramble cowl is designed for cake yarn… that magical self-striping yarn that shifts colors all on its own. You get a cowl that looks like you spent hours planning a color sequence… when really, the yarn did it for you while you watched your shows.

🎯 Cowl-sized commitment. The full Pieces of You wrap is gorgeous but takes 35-50 hours. The Boysenberry Bramble cowl is the perfect “learn the technique without committing to a giant wrap” project. Smaller stakes, same beautiful woven look.

📐 Repeatable rhythm. Once you finish Tier 1 (base triangles) and Tier 2 (your first squares), the rest of the cowl follows the same rhythm. It becomes meditative… the kind of project you pick up in the evening and don’t put down.

🪡 Tidy, finished neckline. The cowl is shaped (46″ bottom circumference, 28½″ top circumference) for a flattering fit, and finished with a single round of reverse single crochet. That little twisted-rope edge along the top is what makes it look professionally designed instead of homemade.

Quick Pattern Overview

🧶 Skill Level: Intermediate (advanced beginner with patience can absolutely do this)

📏 Finished Size: Bottom circumference 46″ / 117 cm; neck circumference 28½″ / 72.5 cm; length 20½″ / 52 cm

📐 Gauge: 15 sc = 3¼″ and 15 sc rows = 2¾″ after blocking

🌈 Yarn: Originally designed for Red Heart Unforgettable (now discontinued); the recommended substitute is Loops & Threads Facets from Michaels. Both are CYCA #4 worsted-weight gradient acrylic, ~270 yd / 100g.

🪝 Hook: Size G-6 (4.25 mm) or size required for gauge

🎨 Construction: Worked flat in tiers of triangles and squares, then seamed at the end. The fabric grows on the bias, building tier by tier from a base of triangles up to a final tier of triangles for a clean straight top edge.

A woman displays a single crochet entrelac blanket in pink, yellow, and green checkerboard; yarn shelves fill the cozy background.

Is This Crochet Cowl Right for You?

This pattern is a beautiful fit if you’ve crocheted a few projects beyond a granny square and you’re ready to try something that looks impressive without actually being hard. You should be comfortable working single crochet, slip stitch, and reading row-by-row instructions. Each square is just sc… but the connection between squares (the sc2tog into the previous tier + slip stitch turn) takes a few rounds of practice before it clicks.

If you’ve been intimidated by entrelac on knitting Instagram or by Tunisian entrelac videos… this is your gateway. SC entrelac is genuinely the most approachable version of the technique that exists. And once you’ve made one cowl, you’ll want to graduate up to the bigger Pieces of You wrap next.

If you’re a brand-new beginner who has never finished a project? Save this for your second or third make. You’ll enjoy it so much more once basic single crochet feels automatic.

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What Is Single Crochet Entrelac?

Entrelac is a technique where small geometric shapes (usually squares) are worked one at a time and connected to the previous row of squares as you go. The result is fabric that looks woven, like a basket or a tile floor, even though it’s all one continuous piece worked with one tool.

A single crochet entrelac pattern uses only single crochet stitches plus slip stitches to build those interlocking blocks. There’s no Tunisian hook, no special equipment, and no new stitch to learn. The “magic” is in the order you work the squares… you work into the edges of previous squares to anchor the next row of blocks, which is what creates the woven illusion.

That’s literally the whole secret. Stitches worked into edges of previous squares = interlocking blocks. The fabric does the impressive part for you.

Woman models a pink and yellow crochet scarf with visible textured stitches; bookshelves and home decor in the background.

SC Entrelac vs Knit Entrelac vs Tunisian Entrelac

If you’ve Googled “entrelac” before and ended up overwhelmed, here’s why… most of the entrelac content online is one of two intimidating versions. Let me break down all three so you can see exactly where SC entrelac fits.

Knit entrelac. Worked with two knitting needles using a combination of pick-up stitches, short rows, and constant turning. Beautiful, but a real commitment of brain power. Most “entrelac is hard” reputations come from knit entrelac. As somebody who literally wrote a book on How to Knit Entrelac… I promise it’s doable, but it’s a different beast.

Tunisian entrelac. Worked with a Tunisian (Afghan) hook… the long one with a stopper on the end. Tunisian crochet has its own learning curve before you even get to entrelac, and many crocheters never use a Tunisian hook at all.

Single crochet entrelac (this pattern). Worked with a regular crochet hook using single crochet, slip stitch, and sc2tog. The same tools you already own. The same stitches you already know. That’s it. That’s the whole technique. SC entrelac is the friendliest version of entrelac that exists, and it produces a fabric just as beautiful as the other two.

You are just building squares one on top of another. Very similarly to how corner-to-corner crochet is worked… if you’ve made a C2C blanket, you already know the construction logic.

This is the differentiation that matters: when you see “entrelac” in the wild and feel a little flutter of fear… remember, the Boysenberry Bramble cowl is single crochet. Just single crochet. You’re already qualified.

Yarn & Materials

Original Yarn: Red Heart Unforgettable (Discontinued)

The Boysenberry Bramble cowl was originally designed in 2018 using Red Heart Unforgettable in the Sugarcane colorway… a 100% acrylic, worsted-weight gradient cake yarn at 270 yd / 100g.

Heads up… Red Heart Unforgettable has been discontinued and most colorways (including Sugarcane) are no longer in production. You can still find skeins at clearance pricing on Yarnspirations or in destash listings, but it’s not a yarn you’ll want to count on for a fresh project. The good news? There’s a near-perfect substitute that’s actively in production.

My #1 swap for Unforgettable is Loops & Threads Facets from Michaels. It’s a worsted-weight gradient acrylic that was made to fill the Unforgettable gap… same weight (CYCA #4), same gradient cake construction, same drape. You’ll need approximately 4 balls for this cowl… check your gauge and yardage on whichever colorway you choose.

Other worsted gradient cake substitutes (backup options): Lion Brand Mandala (worsted gradient, ~590 yd cake… fewer balls needed), Caron Cakes (worsted acrylic/wool blend gradient cake), or any LYS worsted-weight gradient cake yarn at CYCA #4. Just check your total yardage… aim for ~1,000 yd of worsted gradient yarn for the full cowl.

⭐️ Designer Tip… Match your second cake. When you start ball 2, begin from the same color point you started ball 1 at. This keeps the gradient flowing visually instead of jumping mid-cowl. Take 3 minutes to wind off (or pull from the center) until you reach the matching color… it's worth the small bit of waste for a cowl that looks cohesive.

Tools & Notions

  • Crochet hook: Size G-6 (4.25 mm) or size required for gauge
  • Stitch markers… you’ll use these to mark the last sc of every Row 15 (the corner of each finished square). They’re essential, not optional.
  • Bent-tip yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming
  • Blocking mats and pins (or blocking wires)… entrelac fabric blooms beautifully when blocked.
  • Wool wash… I love Eucalan for blocking, no rinse needed.
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Video Support

Need to see the technique in motion? Watch my single crochet entrelac tutorial on YouTube before you cast on… it walks you through the same connecting stitch (sc2tog into the previous tier + slip stitch turn) used throughout this pattern.

Woman models the Boysenberry Bramble Cowl, showing off its textured stitch pattern in a cozy room with bookshelves and plants.

Love the Pattern but Want an Ad-Free PDF?

The full Boysenberry Bramble pattern is right here on the blog for free, forever. But if you’d rather have a clean, printable, ad-free PDF you can take to your reading chair (or to your favorite yarn shop), the formatted PDF with charts is available on Ravelry:

Or sign up for the newsletter below to unlock the in-page Grow version (free… just takes your email) and get future free patterns straight to your inbox.

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Boysenberry Bramble — Pattern Details

Skill Level

Intermediate

Finished Measurements

Bottom Circumference 46″ / 117 cm
Neck Circumference 28½″ / 72.5 cm
Length 20½″ / 52 cm

Boysenberry Bramble Single Crochet Entrelac Cowl schematic by Marly Bird, showing the trapezoid shape with bottom circumference 46 inches, neck circumference 28.5 inches, and length 20.5 inches.

Gauge

15 sc = 3¼″ and 15 sc rows = 2¾″ after blocking. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

Materials

  • Yarn (original): RED HEART® Unforgettable™; 3.5 oz (100 g) ball, 270 yd (247 m), 100% Acrylic; 4 balls #3962 Sugarcane (discontinued… see Loops & Threads Facets above as the recommended substitute)
  • Hook: Size G-6 (4.25 mm) or size required for gauge
  • Notions: Bent-tip yarn needle, stitch markers

Abbreviations

  • ch = chain
  • hdc = half double crochet
  • ea = each
  • linked hdc = linked half double crochet (see Special Stitches)
  • rep = repeat
  • RS = right side
  • sc = single crochet
  • sk = skip
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • sp = space
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • WS = wrong side
  • * to * = work directions from * to * the number of times specified or to a specific stitch

Special Stitches

⭐️ Sc2tog: Pull up a loop in each of 2 indicated sts, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

⭐️ Sc3tog: Pull up a loop in each of 3 indicated sts, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

⭐️ Reverse Single Crochet (Crab Stitch): Sc in last st of previous row or round, * sc in next st to the RIGHT of last st; rep from * around (reversing normal direction of round), sl st in 1st sc to connect. Fasten off. This is what gives the finished cowl its tidy, twisted-rope edging at the top.

Stitch Diagram & Layout Charts

Boysenberry Bramble Single Crochet Entrelac Cowl stitch chart key by Marly Bird, showing the symbols used for chain, single crochet, slip stitch, and direction of work.
Boysenberry Bramble Single Crochet Entrelac Cowl stitch chart by Marly Bird, showing the stitch placement for one tier of squares.
Boysenberry Bramble Single Crochet Entrelac Cowl layout chart by Marly Bird, showing the 13 tiers stacked from base triangles up to ending triangles with directional arrows.

Notes

  • Cut yarn and re-join with a sl st in indicated st after each tier of squares or triangles.
  • The working direction of each tier is the opposite of the previous tier (this is what makes the squares stack on the bias and creates the woven look).
  • If you would like an ad-free PDF that includes a chart for the stitches used, grab it on Ravelry.

⭐️ Designer Tip… The “slip stitch in place of the ch-1 turn”: When you reach the end of a row that connects to the previous tier, you'll work an sc2tog (joining your new square to the previous tier) and then a slip stitch into the next stitch on the previous tier. That slip stitch takes the place of the ch-1 you'd normally do after turning. So when you turn for the next row, do NOT chain 1… the slip stitch already counts as your turning chain. Read this twice. Then read it a third time as you work Square 1 of Tier 2. By Square 2 it will be muscle memory.

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A pink and yellow Boysenberry Bramble Cowl with textured stitches, wrapped around a woman's shoulders indoors.

Boysenberry Bramble — Pattern Instructions

Tier 1
Entrelac builds upon itself on the bias in this pattern. In order to do that we have to begin with a tier of base triangles that we can work off of to make our square blocks on the next tier.
Base Triangle 1
Ch 2.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and mark this sc — 1 st. Ch 2 (does not count as a st), turn.
Row 2: (Hdc, sc) in sc — 2 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first 2 sts and in next ch — 3 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 4: (Hdc, sc) in first st, sc in each of next 2 sts — 4 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Sc in first 4 sts and in next ch — 5 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 6: (Hdc, sc) in first st, sc in each of next 4 sts — 6 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 7: Sc in first 6 sts and in next ch — 7 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 8: (Hdc, sc) in first st, sc in each of next 6 sts — 8 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 9: Sc in first 8 sts and in next ch — 9 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 10: (Hdc, sc) in first st, sc in each of next 8 sts — 10 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 11: Sc in first 10 sts and in next ch — 11 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 12: (Hdc, sc) in first st, sc in each of next 10 sts — 12 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 13: Sc in first 12 sts and in next ch — 13 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 14: (Hdc, sc) in first st, sc in each of next 12 sts — 14 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 15: Sc in first 14 sts and in next ch, mark last sc made — 15 sts. Ch 1 loosely; do not turn.
Mark RS of triangle to keep track of RS of work.

Woman wears a hand-knit, textured Boysenberry Bramble Cowl indoors, with shelves of books and yarn in the background.

Base Triangle 2
Row 1 (RS): Sc in left edge of last sc worked — 1 st. Ch 2, turn.
Rows 2-15: Work same as Rows 2-15 of Base Triangle 1.
Mark RS of triangle to keep track of RS of work.
Base Triangles 3-11
Work same as Base Triangle 2.
Fasten off.

Tier 2
This tier is built on Base Triangles of Tier 1.
Each square will begin with WS facing.
Join yarn with sl st to top corner of last completed triangle.
Square 1
Row 1 (WS): Working along side edge of triangle, sc in edge st of first 14 rows of triangle, sc2tog over edge st of next row and marked st on next triangle, remove marker, sl st in next st on same triangle — 15 sts. Turn.
Row 2: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 15 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first 14 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining triangle, sl st in next st on same triangle — 15 sts. Turn.
Rows 4-14: Rep the last 2 rows 5 more times, then rep Row 2 only once more.
Row 15: Sc in first 14 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining triangle, mark sc2tog just made. Ch 1 loosely; do not turn.
Squares 2-11
Work same as Square 1.
Fasten off.

Tier 3
This tier is worked evenly, building on Tier 2.
Each square will begin with RS facing.
Join yarn with sl st to top corner of last completed square.
Square 1
Row 1 (RS): Working along side edge of square, sc in edge st of first 14 rows of square, sc2tog over edge st of next row and marked st on next square, remove marker, sl st in next st on same square — 15 sts. Turn.
Row 2: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 15 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first 14 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, sl st in next st on same square — 15 sts. Turn.
Rows 4-14: Rep the last 2 rows 5 more times, then rep Row 2 only once more.
Row 15: Sc in first 14 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, mark sc2tog just made. Ch 1 loosely; do not turn.
Squares 2-11
Work same as Square 1.
Fasten off.

Tier 4
This is a 1-st decrease tier.
Each square will begin with WS facing.
Join yarn with sl st to top corner of last completed square.
Square 1
Row 1 (WS): Working along side edge of square, sc in edge st of first 12 rows of square, sc2tog over edge sts of next 2 rows, sc2tog over edge st of next row and marked st on next square, remove marker, sl st in next st on same square — 14 sts. Turn.
Row 2: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 14 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first 13 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, sl st in next st on same square — 14 sts. Turn.
Rows 4-14: Rep the last 2 rows 5 more times, then rep Row 2 only once more.
Row 15: Sc in first 14 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, mark sc2tog just made. Ch 1 loosely; do not turn.
Squares 2-11
Work same as Square 1.
Fasten off.

Tier 5
This is a 1-st and 2-row decrease tier.
Each square will begin with RS facing.
Join yarn with sl st to top corner of last completed square.
Square 1
Row 1 (RS): Working along side edge of square, sc in edge st of first 12 rows of square, sc2tog over edge sts of next 2 rows, sc3tog over edge st of next row, marked st on next square, and next st on same square (this is the one you would have normally worked sl st into), remove marker, sl st in next st on same square — 14 sts. Turn.
Row 2: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 14 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first 12 sts, sc3tog over next 2 sc and next st on adjoining square, sl st in next st on same square — 13 sts. Turn.
Row 4: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 13 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Sc in first 12 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, sl st in next st on same square — 13 sts. Turn.
Rows 6-12: Rep the last 2 rows 3 more times, then rep Row 2 only once more.
Row 13: Sc in first 12 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, mark sc2tog just made. Ch 1 loosely; do not turn.
Squares 2-11
Work same as Square 1.
Fasten off.

Tier 6
This is a 1-st decrease tier.
Each square will begin with WS facing.
Join yarn with sl st to top corner of last completed square.
Square 1
Row 1 (WS): Working along side edge of square, sc in edge st of first 10 rows of square, sc2tog over edge sts of next 2 rows, sc2tog over edge st of next row and marked st on next square, remove marker, sl st in next st on same square — 12 sts. Turn.
Row 2: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 12 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first 11 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, sl st in next st on same square — 12 sts. Turn.
Rows 4-12: Rep the last 2 rows 4 more times, then rep Row 2 only once more.
Row 13: Sc in first 12 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, mark sc2tog just made. Ch 1 loosely; do not turn.
Squares 2-11
Work same as Square 1.
Fasten off.

Tier 7
This is a 1-st and 2-row decrease tier.
Each square will begin with RS facing.
Join yarn with sl st to top corner of last completed square.
Square 1
Row 1 (RS): Working along side edge of square, sc in edge st of first 10 rows of square, sc2tog over edge sts of next 2 rows, sc3tog over edge st of next row, marked st on next square, and next st on same square (this is the one you would have normally worked sl st into), remove marker, sl st in next st on same square — 12 sts. Turn.
Row 2: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 12 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first 10 sts, sc3tog over next 2 sc and next st on adjoining square, sl st in next st on same square — 11 sts. Turn.
Row 4: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 11 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Sc in first 10 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, sl st in next st on same square — 11 sts. Turn.
Rows 6-10: Rep the last 2 rows twice more, then rep Row 2 only once more.
Row 11: Sc in first 10 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, mark sc2tog just made. Ch 1 loosely; do not turn.
Squares 2-11
Work same as Square 1.
Fasten off.

Tier 8
This is a 1-st decrease tier.
Each square will begin with WS facing.
Join yarn with sl st to top corner of last completed square.
Square 1
Row 1 (WS): Working along side edge of square, sc in edge st of first 8 rows of square, sc2tog over edge sts of next 2 rows, sc2tog over edge st of next row and marked st on next square, remove marker, sl st in next st on same square — 10 sts. Turn.
Row 2: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 10 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first 9 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, sl st in next st on same square — 10 sts. Turn.
Rows 4-10: Rep the last 2 rows 3 more times, then rep Row 2 only once more.
Row 11: Sc in first 10 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, mark sc2tog just made. Ch 1 loosely; do not turn.
Squares 2-11
Work same as Square 1.
Fasten off.

Tier 9
This is a 1-st and 2-row decrease tier.
Each square will begin with RS facing.
Join yarn with sl st to top corner of last completed square.
Square 1
Row 1 (RS): Working along side edge of square, sc in edge st of first 8 rows of square, sc2tog over edge sts of next 2 rows, sc3tog over edge st of next row, marked st on next square, and next st on same square (this is the one you would have normally worked sl st into), remove marker, sl st in next st on same square — 10 sts. Turn.
Row 2: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 10 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first 8 sts, sc3tog over next 2 sc and next st on adjoining square, sl st in next st on same square — 9 sts. Turn.
Row 4: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 9 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Sc in first 8 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, sl st in next st on same square — 9 sts. Turn.
Rows 6-8: Rep the last 2 rows once more, then rep Row 4 only once more.
Row 9: Sc in first 8 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, mark sc2tog just made. Ch 1 loosely; do not turn.
Squares 2-11
Work same as Square 1.
Fasten off.

Tier 10
This tier is worked evenly.
Each square will begin with WS facing.
Join yarn with sl st to top corner of last completed square.
Square 1
Row 1 (WS): Working along side edge of square, sc in edge st of first 8 rows of square, sc2tog over edge st of next row and marked st on next square, remove marker, sl st in next st on same square — 9 sts. Turn.
Row 2: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 9 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first 8 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, sl st in next st on same square — 9 sts. Turn.
Rows 4-8: Rep the last 2 rows twice more, then rep Row 2 only once more.
Row 9: Sc in first 8 sts, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, mark sc2tog just made. Ch 1 loosely; do not turn.
Squares 2-11
Work same as Square 1.
Fasten off.
Tiers 11 & 12
Work same as Tier 10, being sure to begin all Tier 11 squares with RS facing, and all Tier 12 squares with WS facing.

Tier 13
This tier is worked in Ending Triangles to make a flat top edge.
Each triangle will begin with RS facing.
Join yarn with sl st to top corner of last completed square.
Ending Triangle 1
Row 1 (RS): Working along side edge of square, sc in edge st of first 8 rows of square, sc2tog over edge st of next row and marked st on next square, remove marker, sl st in next st on same square — 9 sts. Turn.
Row 2: Sk sl st, sc in each of next 7 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts — 8 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc2tog over first two sts, sc in each of sc to last sc, sc2tog over next sc and next st on adjoining square, sl st in next st of same square — 7 sts. Turn.
Row 4: Sk sl st, sc in each sc to last 2 sc, sc2tog over last 2 sts — 6 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 5-7: Rep the last 2 rows once more, then Rep row 3 only once more — 3 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 8: Sk sl st, sc in next st, sc2tog over last 2 sts — 2 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 11: Sc3tog in over next 2 sts and next st on square — 1 st. Ch 1; do not turn.
Ending Triangles 2-11
Work same as Ending Triangle 1. Do not fasten off.
Finishing
Work 1 round in Reverse Single Crochet around top edge.
Fasten off.
Weave in ends.
Block to schematic measurements.

Blocking Tips

Entrelac fabric is the kind of fabric that blooms when it’s blocked. Before blocking, the squares can look a little compressed and the woven effect feels subtle. After blocking, the squares relax open, the diagonal lines between them become crisp, and the whole cowl finally looks like the photos. Do not skip this step.

Wet block (recommended for this cowl):

  • Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water and a tiny splash of Eucalan wool wash. Soak the finished cowl for 15-20 minutes… gently press it under the water; do not agitate.
  • Drain the water without lifting the cowl (lifting a soaking-wet piece by one corner stretches it permanently). Press out as much water as you can with the cowl still in the basin, then transfer it onto a clean towel.
  • Roll the cowl up in the towel like a burrito and press to remove excess water.
  • Lay the cowl flat on blocking mats. Pin it to the schematic dimensions: bottom 46″, top 28½″, length 20½″. Use blocking pins along both straight edges and at the bottom corners. Take your time getting the angles even.
  • Let it dry completely before unpinning… usually 12-24 hours depending on humidity.

Spray block (faster alternative): Pin the dry cowl to size on your blocking mats, then mist it thoroughly with cool water from a spray bottle until the fabric is damp throughout. Let dry completely. Less dramatic than a full wet block, but still effective.

⭐️ Designer Tip… Pin every corner of every square. If you really want the woven effect to pop, place a pin at each corner of each entrelac square (where four squares meet). It's tedious but the difference is striking. The blocked fabric will show every interlocking block clearly. This is how you get that “did you really make that?” reaction.

Want to Go Deeper Into Crochet Techniques?

If single crochet entrelac sparks something in you… if you finish this cowl and immediately want to learn more crochet techniques that look harder than they are… check out the courses inside Marly Bird House. It’s where I teach the deeper, more technical side of crochet (and knitting) for crafters who want to grow past beginner-level patterns. Plus, members get early access to new free patterns and a private community to share your makes in.

A woman wears a colorful crocheted Boysenberry Bramble Cowl, showing wavy stitch texture and drape; blurred shelves behind her.

More Crochet Patterns You’ll Love

If you fall in love with single crochet entrelac (and you will), here are more crochet patterns from the blog to add to your queue:

Favorite & Queue on Ravelry

Save the Boysenberry Bramble cowl to your Ravelry queue so you can come back to it any time:

Favorite This Pattern on Ravelry - Marly Bird
A woman waves while holding a mug, surrounded by yarn for the Boysenberry Bramble Cowl crochet project and a checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is single crochet entrelac hard?

Honestly, no… it just looks hard. If you can single crochet, slip stitch, and sc2tog, you have every stitch you need. The trickiest moment is the “slip stitch in place of the ch-1 turn” technique that joins each new square to the previous tier. It takes a few squares before it clicks, but once it does, the rest of the cowl is meditative repetition. Single crochet entrelac is genuinely the friendliest version of entrelac that exists.

What yarn can I substitute for Red Heart Unforgettable?

My #1 substitute is Loops & Threads Facets from Michaels… it’s the same weight, same gradient cake construction, and same drape as Unforgettable. Lion Brand Mandala and Caron Cakes also work beautifully. The key is to stay in worsted weight (CYCA #4) and stick with a self-striping gradient cake yarn so you keep the color-shift effect that makes this cowl look intentional.

Do I need a Tunisian hook for crochet entrelac?

Nope! That’s Tunisian entrelac, which is a different technique. The Boysenberry Bramble cowl uses a regular crochet hook (size G-6 / 4.25 mm) and only single crochet, slip stitch, and sc2tog. No special equipment, no new stitches to learn. If you already crochet, you already own everything you need.

How do I block an entrelac cowl?

Wet block by soaking the finished cowl in cool water with a small amount of no-rinse wool wash for 15-20 minutes. Press out the water (do not lift or wring), roll in a clean towel to remove more moisture, then pin to the finished schematic dimensions on blocking mats. Let dry completely before unpinning. Blocking is essential for entrelac fabric… the squares relax open and the woven effect becomes much more pronounced.

Why does the working direction change every tier?

Great question… that’s actually how entrelac fabric is constructed on the bias. Each tier of squares is worked in the opposite direction from the tier below it (RS facing one tier, WS facing the next). That alternating direction is what stacks the squares diagonally and creates the woven, interlocking-block look. If you worked every tier in the same direction, you’d end up with a flat striped fabric instead of the basket-weave effect.

What weight is Loops & Threads Facets?

Loops & Threads Facets is a CYCA #4 worsted-weight yarn, 100% acrylic, in a gradient cake construction. It’s designed as Michaels’ in-house counterpart to Red Heart Unforgettable, so it slots in as a one-for-one substitute in any pattern that originally called for Unforgettable… including this one.

How much yarn do I need for this cowl?

The original pattern calls for 4 balls of Red Heart Unforgettable (270 yd / 100g each), so plan for approximately 1,000-1,100 yards of CYCA #4 worsted-weight gradient yarn. If you’re using Lion Brand Mandala (which has more yardage per cake at ~590 yd), you’ll need roughly 2 cakes. Always check your gauge before buying so you can adjust yardage if needed.

Can I make this cowl smaller or larger?

Yes… entrelac scales beautifully because the construction is repeatable. To make it smaller, work fewer base triangles in Tier 1 (each base triangle adds about 4″ of bottom circumference). To make it larger, work more base triangles. Just remember that every Tier 2-12 will then have that same number of squares, so plan your yardage accordingly. For a closer-fitting cowl, work fewer triangles; for a more dramatic shoulder-cape effect, add a couple.

A pink and green checkered crocheted cowl with visible textured stitches, worn draped around the neck indoors.

Final Thoughts

The Boysenberry Bramble cowl was the pattern I designed back in 2018 to introduce crocheters to single crochet entrelac in a friendly, achievable way… and seven years later, it’s still doing exactly that. If you make it, share it with me using #BoysenberryBrambleCowl. I love seeing your color choices.

And remember… single crochet entrelac is NOT the scary version. It’s the friendly version. You’ve got this 💛

❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird

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#mmmdi

Spring Fling 2026: 20 Days of Free Spring & Summer Patterns

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🌸 SPRING FLING 2026 — COMPLETE! 🌸
20 days of free spring and summer patterns. The event has ended, but every pattern featured below is still 100% free on the blog.
Browse the full collection ⬇️

Spring Fling was Marly Bird's May 2026 daily pattern event. From May 4–29, a free spring or summer knit or crochet pattern was featured every weekday (Mon–Fri @ 10:30am EST), with 65% off the ad-free PDF for 24 hours. 20 days of free patterns. 20 days of seasonal inspiration. All patterns remain free on marlybird.com.

Hey, bestie! 💛

Welcome to the Spring Fling 2026 Archive… my May 2026 event celebrating all things spring and summer crochet and knit! Every weekday from May 4 through May 29, I put one of my free patterns in the spotlight on this hub page… and the ad-free PDF for that pattern went 65% off for 24 hours. 🌸

Why do I love events like this? Because every spring my readers tell me the same thing: “I have so much yarn but I don't know what to make for warmer weather.” Spring Fling was your answer.

Twenty days of curated, hand-picked spring and summer patterns… lightweight cardigans, breezy tees, gorgeous shawls, beach cover-ups, and so much more.

A cheerful woman in glasses waves amid illustrated flowers, skeins of yarn, and birds; spring craft themes are featured.

Here's how it worked:

  • 🗓 Every weekday in May (Mon–Fri), I featured a free pattern as the daily spotlight
  • 📧 The morning email announced which pattern was in the spotlight
  • 💸 The ad-free PDF for that day's pattern was 65% off for 24 hours only on Etsy, Shopify, and Ravelry
  • 📍 You can still browse ALL the featured patterns right here on this hub page
  • 🌿 Every pattern works for spring or summer crafting

🔖 The event has ended, but all 20 patterns are still free on the blog. Browse below and cast on whenever you're ready! 🌷

Spring Fling 2026 — Marly Bird's free pattern event with 20 days of free spring & summer knit and crochet patterns plus 65% off ad-free PDFs

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you… and it helps keep these free patterns coming straight from my yarn-loving heart to yours. 💛

📅 The Full Spring Fling Lineup (20 Days)

Here's every pattern that was featured during Spring Fling 2026. All patterns remain free on the blog — click any link to get started!

Week 1: May 4–8

Week 2: May 11–15

Week 3: May 18–22

Week 4: May 25–29

  • ✅ Day 16 — Mon May 25: 🇺🇸 Memorial Day, community thank-you, no sale
  • ✅ Day 17 — Tue May 26: Coral Ridge Crochet Shawl 🦋 (four-color triangle shawl, Marly + Robyn Chachula collab)
  • ✅ Day 18 — Wed May 27: NEW Shangri-La Knit Lace Shawl 🏔️ (refreshed knit lace scarf/shawl, three sizes)
  • ✅ Day 19 — Thu May 28 ✨ BICRAFTY BONUS DAY (KNIT + CROCHET): Lyvia Crochet Ruana 🌸 (oversized cardigan-meets-ruana, with pockets) PLUS Almond Brittle Knit Wrap 🥤 (free bulky knit lace wrap pattern, beginner-friendly Lace Bands stitch in 2 cakes of Caron Macchiato Cakes)
  • ✅ Day 20 — Fri May 29 ✨🌷 BICRAFTY BONUS FINALE (KNIT + CROCHET): Garden Party Crochet Cardigan 🌷 (size-inclusive XS-5XL closer!) PLUS Thistlevine Knit Tunic Vest 🧶 (free sleeveless knit lace tunic, sizes XS-5X, wear it tunic length or cropped)

📚 Browse All Spring Fling Patterns

Every pattern featured during Spring Fling 2026. Each pattern's blog post is free forever!

📌 Save Spring Fling on Pinterest

Want to save this collection for later? Pin this hub to your Pinterest board so you can come back anytime. 📍

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📧 Join the Newsletter

Want to know about future events like this? Join my newsletter to be the first to hear about sales, new patterns, and seasonal events:

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About Marly's Spring Fling 🌸

Spring Fling was the May version of one of my favorite traditions: a daily celebration where my readers and I gathered around a single shared pattern, color, or technique each day for a full month. The first one I ran was Treat Yourself January, which became a community ritual you all loved… and I figured spring deserved the same energy.

Why I loved this event:

  • Daily inspiration … a fresh “what should I make today?” answer 20 times in a row
  • Community moments … we all knit/crochet the same thing on the same day, shared photos, swapped color choices
  • Real savings … 65% off ad-free PDFs was the deepest discount I ran all year
  • Easy to follow … bookmark this hub, sign up for the email, and let me do the curating

If you joined Treat Yourself January with me… thank you for coming back. If this was your first event with me… I hope you found something to cast on! ✨

🌞 What's Next? Flat Marly!

Spring Fling is complete, but the fun continues! Flat Marly is now live! 🎉

Flat Marly is my annual summer adventure community campaign. From June 1 through August 31, you download the free Flat Marly printable, take her on your summer adventures (vacations, beach trips, knit night, the grocery store, anywhere!), and share photos with the community using #FlatMarly. There are surprise giveaways, a year-end Travel Trophy, and a whole summer of community fun.

👉 Get Flat Marly + read all the details here (the printable PDF is free)

A smiling woman with curly hair waves amid colorful flowers, a clipboard, coffee cup, and question marks below an FAQ banner.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Spring Fling run?

Spring Fling ran Monday May 4 through Friday May 29, 2026. A new spring or summer pattern was featured each weekday (Mon–Fri only). 20 days total.

Can I still get the patterns?

Yes! All 20 patterns are still 100% free on the blog. The 65% off PDF discount was 24-hour only during the event, but you can still purchase ad-free PDFs at regular price on Etsy, Shopify, or Ravelry.

Will there be another Spring Fling?

I hope so! Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know about future events.

Can I share my finished projects?

Please… that's the BEST part! Tag @themarlybird on Instagram and use #SpringFling2026, #mmmdi, and #marlybird. I love seeing what you make.

💬 Final Thoughts

Spring Fling 2026 was my way of celebrating warm weather, breezy stitches, and the pure joy of having too many beautiful patterns to choose from. I designed (or co-designed) every single one of these patterns… and it was a JOY to see them all featured one by one throughout May.

Thank you to everyone who cast on, shared photos, and joined me for this celebration. The patterns are here whenever you're ready to come back. 🌸✨

Love, Your BiCrafty Bestie, Marly Bird

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Festive Crochet and Knit Headband and Ear Warmer Patterns (Free + Easy Designs)

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🎄 Countdown to Christmas 🎄

—
Days
—
Hours
—
Mins
—
Secs

Until Christmas Morning! 🎄

🤴 Start your handmade gifts now — December comes faster than you think! 🎅

Why Choose Crochet and Knit Headbands for the Holidays?

When the winter chill sets in, few accessories are as practical and charming as crochet and knit headbands. Unlike bulky hats, ear warmers offer warmth while letting you showcase your hairstyle. Add a holiday twist—snowflakes, reindeer, Christmas lights—and you’ve got a festive accessory that turns heads at every holiday gathering.

Handmade headbands also make perfect DIY holiday gifts. They’re quick to make, don’t require much yarn, and can be personalized with colors and embellishments. Whether you’re an advanced crocheter or just starting out, festive headbands are one of the best holiday projects to whip up.

Collage of colorful knit holiday headbands and earwarmers with festive patterns like snowflakes, reindeer, and Christmas trees. Some are laid flat, others modeled by women. Text reads "HOLIDAY Earwarmers. -Marly Bird

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more please visit my privacy policy here💖

How to Style Festive Headbands and Ear Warmers

A holiday headband isn’t just about staying warm—it’s about adding a splash of seasonal cheer to your outfit.

  • Casual Winter Outfits: Pair a Christmas-themed ear warmer with jeans, a chunky sweater, and boots.
  • Holiday Parties: Match your headband to your festive dress or skirt for a subtle but fun accessory.
  • Family Photos: Coordinating headbands in Christmas colors make adorable photo props.
  • Gifting Idea: Wrap your handmade ear warmers with a ribbon and tag for a thoughtful handmade present.

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Free Crochet and Knit Festive Headband Patterns

Here’s a collection of free festive crochet and knit headband and ear warmer patterns you’ll love making this holiday season.

1. Reindeer Crochet Headwarmer

This playful design features reindeer antlers and a red nose, making it the ultimate holiday statement piece. Perfect for holiday parties or even a family photo shoot.

Free Crochet Pattern - Reindeer Headwarmer by A Crocheted Simplicity

2. Snowflake Headband Crochet Pattern

A delicate snowflake design adds elegance to this festive headband. Great for crocheters who want something both seasonal and stylish.

Crocheted toddler top and teddy, green crocheted sweater, and textured crochet accessories displayed on a fence.

3. Faux Fur Crochet Headband

Faux fur yarn transforms a simple headband into a luxurious winter accessory. Super soft, trendy, and perfect for gift giving.

Faux fur crochet headband free pattern

4. Noelle Crochet Ear Warmer

Classic stitches with a modern twist, the Noelle ear warmer is simple yet festive. A quick project that’s beginner-friendly.

Crochet headband in green, red, and white, featuring a twisted knot design on a wooden surface.

5. Christmas Tree Crochet Headband

This pattern incorporates little Christmas trees across the band—perfect for showcasing holiday spirit in a subtle, creative way.

Christmas Trees Crochet Headband - FREE Crochet Pattern

6. Crochet Christmas Lights Ear Warmer

Who doesn’t love Christmas lights? This headband features colorful yarn “lights” that pop against a dark background.

Crocheted headband with pink base, black trim, and colorful pom-poms in yellow and green, set on a playful background.

7. Christmas Tree Graph Headband

A graph-style design makes this perfect for those who enjoy tapestry crochet. The Christmas tree design stands out beautifully.

Free Crochet Pattern Christmas Tree Headband

8. Classic Knit Ear Warmer (Beginner-Friendly)

This simple knit design is ideal for beginners. A timeless, versatile piece that can be made in festive colors for the holidays.

KNITTING PATTERN: The Holly Berry Headband / 2 Knit Ear Warmer Patterns, Holiday Stranded Colorwork Knitting Patterns ,Worsted Knit Pattern image 1

9. Christmas Ear Warmer with Bow

Add a festive bow for an extra holiday touch. Play with colors like red, green, or sparkly yarn for maximum cheer.

christmas-headband-ear-warmer

10. Cozy Winter Knit Ear Warmer

Soft, warm, and perfect for chilly days, this knit pattern is a go-to for both everyday wear and festive gatherings.

Christmas Festive Adult Pkg of 5, headband patterns, adult, earwarmers, reindeer, snowflake, sheep, Christmas trees, bells, fair isle image 1

Extra Roundups You’ll Love for Holiday Crafting

If you loved these festive crochet and knit headband and ear warmer patterns, you’ll also enjoy these holiday pattern roundups:

Tips for Making Your Holiday Headbands Unique

  • Add Embellishments: Try beads, sequins, or buttons for extra sparkle.
  • Experiment with Yarn: Use velvet or glitter yarn for a luxurious feel.
  • Mix Techniques: Combine crochet and knit elements for a hybrid design.
  • Personalize with Names: Use tapestry crochet or embroidery to spell out names for personalized gifts.

FAQs About Crochet and Knit Holiday Headbands

1. Can beginners make these festive headbands?
Yes! Many of these patterns are beginner-friendly, especially the knit and faux fur designs.

2. What yarn works best for ear warmers?
Soft acrylic and wool blends are best for warmth and durability. Faux fur and velvet yarns add luxury.

3. How long does it take to make one?
Most festive headbands can be completed in 1–3 hours, making them quick projects.

4. Can these patterns be resized for kids?
Absolutely—most patterns include size adjustments, or you can alter stitch counts.

5. Are crochet or knit ear warmers warmer?
Both provide warmth, but crochet allows for more decorative stitches while knit fabric tends to be stretchier.

6. Can I sell finished items from these patterns?
Check each designer’s terms, but many allow selling finished products with credit.

Conclusion: Add Festive Cheer with Handmade Headbands

Whether you’re crocheting for holiday gifts, family photos, or personal winter wear, these festive crochet and knit headband and ear warmer patterns are the perfect way to combine warmth with seasonal fun. Pick your favorite, grab your yarn, and start stitching your way into the holiday spirit.

❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird

A cartoon avatar of a person with glasses and a brown bun smiles warmly. Their green shirt and black jacket add a stylish touch, while colorful hearts surround them like loving temperature blankets, stitching together an aura of love and positivity. -Marly Bird