The Hushed Hoot Ear Warmer: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Forest Accessory
The Hushed Hoot Ear Warmer: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Forest Accessory
Wrap yourself in the quiet magic of the woods with this uniquely textured ear warmer, featuring a subtle owl motif created through clever cable and purl stitches. This cozy, modern accessory is perfect for crisp autumn walks and adds a touch of whimsical warmth to any outfit. The pattern is worked seamlessly in the round, making it a satisfying project for intermediate knitters looking to practice cables and bobbles.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx 100-120 yards). Sample uses Malabrigo Rios in 'Piedras' (a heathered charcoal) and a small amount of 'Damasco' (a deep burnt orange) for the eyes.
- Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) 16-inch circular needle or DPNs for working in the round, plus a cable needle.
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle.
- C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle.
- MB (Make Bobble): Knit into the front, back, front, back, front of the same stitch (5 stitches from 1). Turn work, purl these 5 stitches, turn, knit these 5 stitches, turn, purl these 5 stitches, turn, then pass the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th stitches over the 1st stitch to secure the bobble.
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together.
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches knitwise, one at a time, then knit them together through the back loop).
- BO: Bind off
Pattern
Cast On: CO 90 stitches with main color (MC). Place marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Ribbing
Rounds 1-6: *K1, P1* repeat around.
Body
Round 7: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12* repeat around (this sets up the pattern for one owl repeat; the pattern has 3 owls total).
Round 8: *K12, P3, C4F, P3, K12*
Round 9: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 10: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 11: *K12, P3, C4B, P3, K12*
Round 12: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 13: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 14: *K12, P3, C4F, P3, K12*
Round 15: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 16: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 17: *K12, P3, C4B, P3, K12*
Round 18: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 19: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 20: *K12, P3, C4F, P3, K12*
Round 21: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 22: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Eye Round
Round 23: *K12, P3, K1, MB with CC (burnt orange), K1, MB with CC, K1, P3, K12* (Note: The two bobbles are the owl's eyes. Work the bobble with the contrast color, then continue with MC for the rest of the round.)
Round 24: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 25: *K12, P3, C4B, P3, K12*
Round 26: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 27: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 28: *K12, P3, C4F, P3, K12*
Round 29: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 30: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 31: *K12, P3, C4B, P3, K12*
Round 32: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 33: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 34: *K12, P3, C4F, P3, K12*
Round 35: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Round 36: *K12, P3, K4, P3, K12*
Decrease for Top Shaping
Round 37: *K2tog, K8, SSK, P3, K4, P3, K2tog, K8, SSK* (76 stitches)
Round 38: *K10, P3, K4, P3, K10*
Round 39: *K2tog, K6, SSK, P3, C4B, P3, K2tog, K6, SSK* (64 stitches)
Round 40: *K8, P3, K4, P3, K8*
Round 41: *K2tog, K4, SSK, P3, K4, P3, K2tog, K4, SSK* (52 stitches)
Round 42: *K6, P3, K4, P3, K6*
Round 43: *K2tog, K2, SSK, P3, C4F, P3, K2tog, K2, SSK* (40 stitches)
Round 44: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4*
Round 45: *K2tog, SSK, P3, K4, P3, K2tog, SSK* (28 stitches)
Round 46: *K2, P3, K4, P3, K2*
Round 47: *K2tog, P3, C4B, P3, K2tog* (20 stitches)
Round 48: *K1, P3, K4, P3, K1*
Round 49: *K2tog, P3, K2tog, K2tog, P3, K2tog* (12 stitches)
Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in ends.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Block gently to open up the cable pattern and even out the stitches. The ear warmer should be about 4 inches wide and 20 inches in circumference.
