The Resistance Ear Warmer Story
For September’s pattern in the Machine Knit Community’s 12 Months of Hats KAL, I wanted to explore something both timely and timeless. Bonnets have been having a moment—appearing everywhere from runways to retailers to craft blogs; in forms that range from full head coverage to minimal ear-warming bands. I was intrigued by this simple, vintage silhouette but I wanted it to have meaning beyond just nostalgia and or a passing fad.
One of my goals with this design was to introduce a stitch that hadn’t been featured in the KAL yet. For this piece, I chose a two-color slip stitch rib. It creates visual interest and texture differently than stranded colorwork and plaiting by using the standard tools that come with a ribber. While it is a more obscure technique I liked that it is accessible while still offering a fresh design.
The slip stitch rib pattern has a beautiful definition that I’ve come to appreciate. Once you establish the rhythm, it becomes meditative.
My sample turned out bright and cheerful, partly because that’s the yarn I had on hand. (This ear warmer is great stash buster!) But I’m learning to embrace bold color as part of my design language. There’s something powerful about using strong color to make a statement and letting the texture catch your eye upon further inspection.
The two-color slip stitch rib means you can create tonal variation with a single color of yarn, or go for high contrast if that suits your aesthetic. Both approaches work beautifully with this technique.
I named this the Resistance Ear Warmer with a dedication: to the women who used conventional appearances for radical purposes.
Throughout history, there have been women who understood that looking traditional, even conservative, could be strategic. A way to move through the world with less suspicion while doing the important work of creating equality and justice. That duality — a gentle exterior with a fierce interior — felt like the right conceptual foundation for this piece.
It’s a small gesture, but I wanted the design to honor that tradition while creating something that’s wearable in contemporary life.
The pattern explores slip rib variations in a classic, versatile silhouette. It’s suitable for intermediate machine knitters and works up relatively quickly once you establish your rhythm with the slip stitch technique and color changes.
The construction is straightforward: knit flat with ties that can be styled in multiple ways depending on your preference. I’ve included guidance on adjusting the fit and styling options so you can make it work for your head size and personal style!
The work continues to evolve and I’m grateful to be figuring it out alongside all machine knitters, in community! These are a few of the projects from MKC members ❤️. Thanks Ann-Christine, Katie, Lesley & Fiona for letting me share your Resistance Ear Warmers!
The Resistance Ear Warmer pattern is available now to everyone! Check out the companion video teaser here.
