P302 Cat Ears Headband

How to Crochet the Cat Ears Headband

Crochet a playful cat ears headband using Colourmate acrylic yarn. The headband is worked in the round to suit the wearer’s head circumference, while each ear is created from layered Rose and Black sections before being sewn into place.

The pattern includes Infant, Child and Adult sizing and is written in UK crochet terms.

Measurements

Yarn Requirements (Based on Adult Size)

Crochet Hook & Equipment

• 5mm crochet hook
• Scissors
• Wool needle for sewing in ends

Tension

Using a 5mm hook.

16 dc x 22 rows = 10cm x 10cm

Crochet Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• dc: double crochet
• dc2tog: double crochet two together
• sk: skip
• st: stitch
• fdc: foundation double crochet

HEADBAND

Using the measurements table as your guide, ch until you reach your desired measurement (you may prefer to use a fdc or a bigger hook size for your foundation chain to help maintain stretch).

Join with a sl st to create a circle ensuring you don’t twist your foundation ch.

Using 5mm hook.

Round 1: 1 dc in every ch. Sl st to join, ch 1.

Round 2-4: 1 dc in every st. Sl st to join, ch 1.

Round 5: 1 dc in every st. Sl st to join.

Fasten off, sew in ends.

EARS (MAKE 2)

Using 5mm hook and ‘Rose’ yarn

Ch 7, turn.

Row 1: sk first st, 1 dc in every ch. Ch 1, turn. (6)

Row 2: dc2tog, 1 dc in next 4 sts. Ch 1, turn. (5)

Row 3: dc2tog, 1 dc in next 3 sts. Ch 1, turn. (4)

Row 4: dc2tog, 1 dc in next 2 sts. Ch 1, turn. (3)

Row 5: dc2tog, 1 dc in next st. Ch 1, turn. (2)

Row 3: dc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (1)

Fasten off.

Repeat above steps using ‘Black’ yarn.

JOINING EARS

Lay ‘Rose’ section on top of ‘Black’ section. With ‘Rose’ section facing you, attach ‘Black’ yarn in the bottom right corner with a dc.

Row 1: dc through both layers to join, working up the side of your ear. Once you reach the top corner complete 3 dc in corner to help maintain shape. Continue to dc down the other side of the ear until you reach the bottom. Ch 1, turn.

Do not crochet across the bottom of your ear.

Row 2: 1 dc in every st.

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing on ear. Hide any remaining ends inside ear.

ATTACHING EARS

To ensure correct placement of ears you may wish to try your headband on and mark where you’d like your ears to sit using stitch markers.

Sew ears in place using a darning needle and ‘Black’ yarn.

Sew in any remaining ends.

Alternative Yarns

The original pattern uses Colourmate 100% Acrylic in ‘Black’ and ‘Rose’. When choosing an alternative yarn, select a yarn that can achieve the original tension of 16 dc x 22 rows = 10cm x 10cm using a 5mm crochet hook.

Suitable Yarn Types

• Acrylic yarn – the closest easy-care substitute with good stretch and colour availability.
• Wool-acrylic blend – adds warmth while retaining useful elasticity.
• Machine-washable wool – suitable for a warmer version with a natural fibre finish.
• Cotton-acrylic blend – can provide clearer stitch definition with some flexibility.
• Leftover coordinating yarns – ideal for the small inner ear sections provided they match the main yarn weight.

Customisation Ideas

• Change the inner ear colour to create different cat-inspired colour combinations.
• Use a neutral headband colour such as grey, cream or brown for a softer look.
• Add small embroidered details to the ears after assembly.
• Use sparkle yarn for the inner ear section for a costume or party version.
• Adjust ear placement by trying the headband on and marking the preferred position before sewing.

To retain the original proportions, keep all ear chain counts, row counts and joining instructions unchanged when making decorative customisations.

Care Instructions

Follow the washing and care instructions provided on the ball band of the yarn used.

1. Sew in all ends securely before washing.
2. Check that both ears are firmly attached.
3. Wash using the method and temperature recommended for the selected yarn.
4. Avoid excessive heat that may distort acrylic fibres.
5. Gently reshape the headband and ears while damp.
6. Lay flat to dry where appropriate.