14. Alpine Stitch Winter Headwrap
What This Idea Means
The Alpine Stitch Winter Headwrap features a rich, diamond-like woven texture created by alternating front post treble crochets with standard stitches. The resulting fabric is dense, heavily textured, and exceptionally wind-resistant, providing optimal ear protection during chilly autumn and winter months.
How to Make It
- Foundation Row: Chain an even number of stitches (e.g., 18 stitches for a 4.5-inch wide band). Work 1 row of single crochet.
- Alpine Row 1: Work alternating 1 dc, 1 front post treble crochet (fptc) into the sc two rows below.
- Alpine Row 2: Work a full row of plain single crochet across the back.
- Alpine Row 3: Offset the post stitches: 1 fptc into sc two rows below, 1 dc.
- Seaming: Continue alternating Rows 1–3 for 19 inches. Seam the short ends flat or assemble into a crossover knot.
Tips and Variations
- Texture Highlight: Solid neutral colors or subtle heathered yarns show off the complex diamond weave far better than busy variegated yarns.
- Width Flexibility: Make it extra wide (6 inches) to double as a full neck cowl when pulled down.
- Variation: Line the interior with faux-fur fabric for extreme arctic cold weather protection.
Needs to Make That Thing
- Aran weight (Category 4) tweed or wool yarn
- 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape