Crochet Headband Sizes

Janne Kleivset
By
Last Updated

Getting the crochet headband sizes correct can be difficult. This crochet headband size guide will help you choose the correct size of crochet ear warmer for you or your loved one.

Below you will get information about how to measure your head to decide on the crochet headband size and find a crochet headband size chart.

It will also give you a few crochet headband sizing guidelines.

Crochet Headband Sizes

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

What size should you make a crochet headband?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the crochet headband sizes will depend on the intended wearer’s head circumference. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed in order to ensure that the headband is the right size.

  1. Measure the circumference of the head for which the headband is being made. This will give you an idea of how wide the circumference of the headband needs to be.
  2. A good rule of thumb is to make the headband about 1 inch smaller than the head circumference (negative ease), so that it will fit snugly without being too tight. Keep in mind that crochet ear warmers can stretch a bit, so it’s better to err on the side of making it too small rather than too large.
  3. Next, measure the length of the head, from the top of the head to the bottom of the ear. This will give you an idea of how wide the headband needs to be. Deciding the width also depends on the trend and preference of the one that will use the headband in the end.
  4. Once you have these measurements, you can start crocheting the headband. Make sure to try it on the intended recipient periodically to ensure that it is the right size.

Save on Pinterest!

Crochet Headband Sizes

Crochet Headband & Ear Warmer Dimensions

There are 2 main measurements you need to know for crochet headbands and ear warmers.

  1. Circumference
  2. Width

How to Measure Head Circumference

There are a few different ways to measure the head circumference to figure out the crochet headband sizes. The most common way is to measure around the forehead, just above the eyebrows. Another way is to measure around the largest part of the head, which is typically just above the ears.

To get an accurate measurement, it is best to use a soft tape measure or a string that can be easily wrapped around the head. Once you have the measurement, you can refer to a crochet headband or ear warmer size chart to find the corresponding size.

When crocheting a ear warmer, it is important to keep in mind that the finished product should be slightly smaller than the actual head circumference. This is because the crochet fabric will stretch a bit when worn.

Headband vs Head Circumference on Crochet Headbands

To figure out how wide the headband should be, you can measure the head circumference and subtract about 1 inch.

The headband circumference should be slightly smaller than the head circumference, because stitches may stretch a bit when you wear the headband and to avoid the headband being too big, you should not make the headband exactly as wide as your head.

For a more fitted headband, subtract more than 1 inches.

How To Decide Headband Width on Crochet Ear Warmers

Headband width height refers to how wide you crochet the headband.

When deciding how wide to make a crochet headband consider how covering you want it to be.

Some also prefer a crochet headband to be narrow, while others like it wider. Look at some examples on photos or headbands you already have to get an idea of how wide you prefer it to be.

Crochet Headband Sizes

Crochet Headband Sizes Chart

The charts below provide the average crochet headband sizes measurements for crochet headbands and ear warmers for 12 different age groups, in both inches and centimeters.

As noted, these figures are averages, and actual sizes can vary depending on the crochet pattern you follow.

When making a headband for someone, it’s always best to check their head circumference as well, to ensure you’re making the correct size.

Crochet Headband Sizes Chart (cm)

Head CircumferenceHeadband Circumference
Preemie23 – 30.520.5 – 28
Newborn33 – 35.530.5 – 33
3-6 Months3835.5
6-12 Months40.538
12-18 Months4340.5
18-24 Months45.543
2-5 Years4845.5
Child5148
Teen /
Adult Small
5351
Woman /
Adult Medium
5653
Man /
Adult Large
58.556
Adult X-Large6158.5

Crochet Headband Sizes Chart (inches)

Head CircumferenceHeadband Circumference
Preemie9 – 128 – 11
Newborn13 – 14 12 – 13
3-6 Months15 14
6-12 Months16 15
12-18 Months1716
18-24 Months1817
2-5 Years1918
Child2019
Teen /
Adult Small
2120
Woman /
Adult Medium
2221
Man /
Adult Large
2322
Adult X-Large2423

Things that may affect the crochet headband sizes

There are a few thing that may affect the crochet headband size, such as the head circumference of the receiver, the stitch pattern and the yarn fiber used to crochet it.

Head Circumference Doesn’t Match The Size Chart

The actual head size of the receiver may not match the crochet headband sizes charts above.

If you are able to actually measure the receivers head size according to the descriptions above, you don’t have to worry about it not fitting.

However, if it’s a gift and you can’t ask, here’s a few solutions.

  1. Use the suggested size for the age from the size chart and cross your fingers it fits.
  2. See if it’s possible to measure a headband they already have.
  3. Ask if someone knows if the receiver has a “bigger” or “smaller” head than average.

Stitch Patterns May Change Crochet Headband Sizes

When crocheting headbands, its typical to subtract 1 or sometimes 2 inches from the head size. That is done because the crochet fabric usually stretch a bit when you start wearing the headband.

However, if you notice that there’s not much stretch in the crochet stitch fabric when you start crocheting, add back the 1 inch to be sure it fits.

On the other hand, ribbed crochet headbandss often has extra stretch, which may mean you could subtract 2-3 inches as well.

Keep an eye on it & try it on as you crochet if possible.

Crochet Headband Sizes

Yarn Fiber and Headband Size

The yarn fiber you use may affect the crochet headband sizes as well, as some yarn fibers give more stretch than others.

Regular wool and acrylic yarns usually give a normal amount of stretch. For smoother fibers, such as alpaca, you may find it will give even more stretch.

On the other hand, “fluffy” or “hairy” yarns may in some instances give less stretch.

Cotton headbands tend to give some stretch as well, especially mercerized cotton.

Lining Fleece Inside The Crochet Headband

If you line the crochet headband with fleece fabric, you may see that the crochet headband sizes are affected.

The fleece liner may reduce the amount of stretch.

Because of that, you should crochet the headband slightly bigger if you plan on lining it with fleece fabric.

how to line a hat

Free Crochet Headband Patterns

We have more than 18 Free Crochet Headband Patterns for you to choose from, however here are some of the most popular patterns:

Commonly Asked Questions About Crochet Headband Sizes

How do you size a crochet headband?

To size a crochet headband you need to measure your head circumference, then reduce 2.5 cm / 1 inch to get the crochet headband circumference. The headband width is customized according to preference.

Janne Kleivset

Janne Kleivset

Founder, Crochet Pattern Designer & Owner of Joy of Motion Crochet.

Janne has helped millions of crocheters find their next crochet project with more than 250 free crochet patterns and 110 crochet tutorials on her blog.

With more than two decades of crochet experience, and crochet designing since 2011, she's been featured on multiple prominent sites such as Lion Brand Yarn, in crochet magazines and the OML "Make" book.

Learn more about Janne.



GRAB CROCHET CHEAT SHEETS

Sheets included: Hook sizes, Yarn weights, Crochet Hook for Yarn Weight, US vs UK Terms, Crochet Chart Symbols

Grab your copy now 👇