Lazy Cables Ear Warmers/ MB Hat / Beanie

Lazy Cables Ear Warmers, Messy Bun Hat & Beanie by Kathy Lutz

Project Overview

This downloadable crochet pattern collection by Kathy Lutz features three coordinating headwear designs: ear warmers, a messy bun hat, and a beanie. All three projects showcase a distinctive lazy cable stitch pattern and are worked at an intermediate skill level using worsted to aran weight yarn.

What Is Being Made

• Lazy Cables Ear Warmers: A smaller accessory project requiring 109 yards of yarn, perfect for quick makes and layering with other winter pieces
• Messy Bun Hat: A functional hat design featuring an open crown area, allowing hair to be styled in a bun while wearing the hat. Uses 160 yards of yarn and includes an optional elastic hair tie for securing the bun
• Beanie: A classic close-fitting hat design requiring 165 yards of yarn, suitable for everyday wear

Crochet Techniques & Stitches

The pattern employs post stitches to create the signature lazy cable effect. These dimensional stitches are what give the designs their textured, cable-knit appearance despite being crocheted rather than knitted.

Primary stitches used include:

• Foundation chains to establish the base of each project
• Single crochet (sc) for tight, dense fabric areas
• Half double crochet (hdc) for moderate fabric weight and drape
• Double crochet (dc) for taller stitches and lighter fabric sections
• Front post half double crochet (fphdc) to create forward-facing cable texture
• Back post half double crochet (bphdc) to create recessed cable texture
• Front post double crochet (fpdc) for taller dimensional cables
• Back post double crochet (bpdc) for recessed taller cables
• Half double crochet 2 together (hdc2tog) for decreasing and shaping
• Slip stitch (sl st) for joining rounds and finishing

The combination of front post and back post stitches creates the visual illusion of woven or twisted cables without the complexity of traditional cable techniques, making this pattern accessible to intermediate crocheters.

Materials & Tools

Yarn: Lion Brand Scarfie in Taupe and Cream colorways. The yarn weight is worsted to aran, providing good stitch definition for the post stitch cables. Specific yardage requirements vary by project: ear warmers need 109 yards, messy bun hat requires 160 yards, and the beanie requires 165 yards.

Crochet Hook: 5.5 mm hook, sized to work with the chosen yarn weight and achieve proper gauge.

Additional Materials: Optional elastic hair tie for securing the bun in the messy bun hat style.

Gauge & Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 5 rows by 8 double crochet stitches equals 2 inches by 2 inches (5 cm by 5 cm). Achieving proper gauge is essential for these fitted headwear projects to ensure the finished pieces fit comfortably.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern for personal use. The pattern includes standard crochet abbreviations and instructions for all three coordinating designs in a single document. Photography in the pattern showcases the finished projects and demonstrates how the lazy cable stitch creates dimensional texture.