If you’re looking for your next quick fall/winter crochet project, this Tunisian crochet waffle stitch ear warmer is it.
With a plush texture, modern design, and cozy warmth, it’s a quick and satisfying make, perfect for gifting or treating yourself.
This pattern uses two worsted-weight yarns (a soft solid and a vibrant variegated) to create a stunning contrast that really shows off the stitch definition.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
- ✅ Quick & beginner-friendly: Just a few stitches to learn
- 🎨 Beautiful texture: The waffle stitch adds depth and warmth
- 🧶 Stash buster: Great for leftover yarns and color combos
- 🎥 Step-by-step videos: Perfect if you're new to Tunisian crochet
What You’ll Need
Yarn:
- Yarn A: Big Twist Value Pound Plus – Light Grey (approx. 50 yds)
- Yarn B: Red Heart Roll With It Melange – Showtime (approx. 38 yds)
💡 Tip: Use YarnSub.com if you’d like to swap out for something from your stash.
Hook:
- 6.5 mm Tunisian crochet hook (You can browse some of my favorite sets in my Amazon store HERE)
Notions:
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Gauge (2" x 2"): 8 sts x 8 rows
Finished Size
- Before seaming: 3 ¾” wide x 20” long
- After seaming: ~10 ½” long (fits average adult head snugly)
Special Techniques + Tutorials
If you're new to Tunisian crochet or waffle stitch, don’t worry—these tutorials walk you through each step:
- 🔄 How to Tunisian Crochet the Waffle Stitch
- 🎨 How to Change Colors in Tunisian Crochet (one section in this video covers this)
- 🧵 How to Seam a Twisted Ear Warmer
Pattern Notes
- This stitch pattern is a multiple of 3 + 2.
- Do not fasten off when switching colors—carry the yarn up the side. The carried yarn will be hidden by the seaming.
Stitch Abbreviations
ch chain
rep repeat
yo yarn over
FwP forward pass
RetP return pass
Trs Tunisian reverse stitch
Tss Tunisian simple stitch
XLTfpdc Extra Long Tunisian front post double crochet
fpdc Front post double crochet
bpdc Back post double crochet
Lts last Tunisian stitch
sk skip
sl st slip stitch
Tslst Tunisian slip stitch
st(s) stitches
Special Stitches
Trs Tunisian reverse stitch
Insert hook in back vertical bar, yo, pull up a loop.
XLTfpdc Extra Long Tunisian Front Post Double Crochet
yarn over, insert hook under the front and back vertical bars of the stitch 3 rows down, yarn over, pull up a loop, chain 1, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook.
Lts Last Tunisian stitch
insert hook under both vertical bars of the last stitch and complete as for Tunisian simple stitch
RetP Return Pass
ch 1, *yo, pull through the next 2 loops*, repeat between * and * until only one loop remains on the hook
Tslst Trs
Bring up a loop in the back vertical bar, pull through loop on hook as for slip stitch
Tutorial video HERE
The Pattern
Foundation row: With Yarn A Ch 74, pull up a loop in 2nd back bump and in each back bump across (74 loops on hook), RetP
Switch to Yarn B when you have two loops left on your hook of the RetP, do not fasten off Yarn A
Row 1 With Yarn B, Trs across to last stitch, working the last st as for Lts, RetP
Row 2: With Yarn B, Tss across to last stitch, working last st as for Lts, RetP
Switch to Yarn A when you have two loops left on your hook of the RetP, do not fasten off Yarn B
Row 3: With Yarn A, Tss, XLTfpdc, *Tss 2, XLTfpdc*, repeat from * to * to last two sts, Tss, working last st as for Lts, RetP
Switch to Yarn B when you have two loops left on your hook of the RetP, do not fasten off Yarn A
Row 4: With Yarn B, trs across to last stitch, working last st as for Lts, RetP
Row 5: With Yarn B, Tss across to last stitch, working last st as for Lts, RetP
Rows 6 - 12: Repeat rows 3 - 5, ending with a row 3
Fasten off Yarn B
Row 13: With Yarn A, Tslst trs (see special stitches section - I also show how to do this row in the tutorial video)
Leave about a 12-inch tail, draw through loop on hook. Fasten off. Weave in all loose ends except for 12-inch tail.
Continue to seaming instructions.
Seaming the Twist
For the beautiful twisted finish, follow these steps:
For Seaming - Video tutorial HERE
Thread 12 inch long yarn through a tapestry needle
Step 1: Begin with the right side of your work facing upwards. Fold both ends of your piece in half, making sure to take note of where the tail ends are located.
Step 2: Bring the folded halves together in a zigzag pattern.
Step 3: Start weaving the needle through all four layers, then reverse direction and weave through the layers again, making sure to pass through any edge loops available. Continue this weaving process until you reach the end of the work. Be mindful that the first and last weaves might be a bit challenging due to the curve of the fabric. However, as long as you manage to catch a stitch from each layer, the final appearance will be fine.
Step 4: Complete the project by fastening off and neatly weaving in any loose ends. Then, turn your work right side out to reveal the finished look.
📽️ Watch the full twist seaming tutorial here
Final Thoughts
Whether you're new to Tunisian crochet or a seasoned maker, this waffle stitch ear warmer is a fun, fast, and stylish project. The texture is super squishy and warm, and the color-blocking possibilities are endless.
If you make one, tag me on Instagram @icancrochetthat so I can see your beautiful work!
🧶 Want more Tunisian crochet projects?
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