Introduction: A cute sprout that makes your headphones stand out
If you’ve ever wished your headphones looked a little more playful, this tiny crochet sprout is for you. It slips around the headband with a neat little loop and shows off two structured leaves that sit upright—lightweight, secure, and super charming. The design in your photo uses simple stitches, works up quickly, and can be made from small scraps of yarn. Because it’s modular, you can customize the length of the loop, the size of the leaves, and even the shade of green to match your style.
This step-by-step pattern is written for beginners in friendly US crochet terms, with clear counts and assembly photos in mind. There’s no sewing onto actual electronics—just whipstitching yarn pieces together—so it’s a low-risk, high-reward craft. When you’re finished, you’ll have a removable sprout clip that stays put on most over-ear or on-ear headbands and can be slipped off for washing or swapping colors.
What you’ll need (materials & tools)
Yarn
- Worsted/Aran (#4) cotton or cotton-blend for crisp, defined stitches. Acrylic also works.
- Main color (MC): light or mid green, ~8–12 g (two leaves + loop + stem).
- Optional second green: darker or lighter shade for a two-tone sprout (use in one leaf).
Hook
- 3.5 mm–4.0 mm (US E/4–G/6). Use a smaller hook than usual for a dense fabric that holds shape.
Notions & Tools
- Yarn needle (tapestry needle)
- Scissors
- Stitch marker or scrap yarn (helpful for counting)
- Pins or clips for positioning
- Measuring tape to check your headband thickness
- Optional: small piece of craft wire (22–26 ga) for poseable leaves—adults only and not recommended for children.
Finished size
- Each leaf: about 5–6.5 cm (2–2.5 in) long depending on hook and yarn.
- Loop circumference: customized to your headband (usually equal to 8–12 chains worked into a short strap).
Gauge
- Not crucial. Aim for firm stitches so the leaves stand up without stuffing.
Abbreviations (US crochet terms)
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- FO – fasten off
- RS/WS – right side/wrong side
- rep – repeat
- ( ) – stitch count at the end of the row/round
- [ … ] x N – repeat instructions in the brackets N times
All pieces are worked flat unless otherwise noted. The leaves are crocheted around a foundation chain to create a symmetrical oval/leaf shape.
How this pattern is organized
- Leaf (two sizes) – make 2 identical leaves or one small + one large.
- Optional leaf vein – easy surface slip stitch for that raised center line.
- Stem strip – a slim connector that hides under the leaves.
- Adjustable band loop – a short strap you seam around the headband.
- Assembly & finish – how to attach everything neatly and securely.
- Tips, troubleshooting, and variations – make it your own.
📌Thank you for reading the article.
1) Leaf Pattern (two sizes)
You can crochet two Medium leaves for a balanced sprout (like the photo), or mix sizes for a playful look. Both sizes use the same method: work down one side of a chain, add a tip, and return on the other side.
Medium Leaf (recommended)
With MC (or a second green if doing a two-tone sprout):Foundation: ch 12.
Row 1 (RS): sc in 2nd ch from hook (1), hdc in next (1), dc in next 5 (5), hdc in next (1), sc in next (1), 3 sc in last ch to turn the corner; continue along the back bumps of the chain: sc in next (1), hdc in next (1), dc in next 5 (5), hdc in next (1), sc in last (1), sl st to first sc to even the edge. (Total sts worked this round = 21 including the tip’s 3 sc.)Row 2 (Edging/Shape): ch 1, 2 sc in first st (adds width), sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next 5, hdc in next, sc in next, (sc, ch 1, sc) in the center stitch of the 3-sc tip, then mirror back down the other side: sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next 5, hdc in next, sc in next, 2 sc in last st, sl st to the first sc. (Final stitch count around = 24 not counting the ch-1 at the tip.) FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Gently flatten; the leaf should have a pointed tip and rounded base.
Small Leaf (optional)
Foundation: ch 10.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch (1), hdc in next (1), dc in next 3 (3), hdc in next (1), sc in next (1), 3 sc in last ch; return along the back bumps: sc in next (1), hdc in next (1), dc in next 3 (3), hdc in next (1), sc in last (1), sl st to first sc. (17 sts worked total.)
Row 2: ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc, hdc, dc in next 3, hdc, sc, (sc, ch 1, sc) in the center of the 3-sc tip, then sc, hdc, dc in next 3, hdc, sc, 2 sc in last st, sl st to first sc. (Ends with 20 sts around.) FO with a long sewing tail.
Make 2 leaves of your chosen size(s). Leave at least 20–25 cm (8–10 in) tails on each piece for neat, secure assembly.
2) Optional raised vein (surface slip stitch)
The sprout in the photo shows a clear center vein. The easiest, beginner-friendly way to add it is a surface slip stitch line.
- With MC (or a slightly darker green for contrast), insert your hook from front to back at the leaf tip.
- Pull up a loop and sl st straight down the center toward the rounded base, picking up one strand of fabric in a straight column.
- Keep tension relaxed so the line doesn’t pucker. FO on the back and weave the tails.
This line helps the leaves stand upright and adds a polished, botanical look.
3) Stem strip (connector)
The stem is a slim stripe that tucks between the two leaves and attaches to the loop.
With MC:
- Option A (super slim): ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each rem ch back (7 sl sts). FO, leaving long tails.
- Option B (sturdier): ch 7, Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across (6). Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc across (6). FO with long tails.
Either version gives you a narrow strip about 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in) long. You can adjust the length to fit your aesthetic or the width of your loop.
4) Adjustable band loop (worked flat & seamed around the headband)
Every headset is a little different. This method lets you make a loop that fits your band snugly without stretching yarn over electronics.
- Measure the thickness (circumference) of the headband where you’ll place the sprout. For most over-ear bands, a strap of 8–12 chains is enough; flatter bands may need fewer.
- With MC: ch 8 to start (adjust later if needed).
- Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (7).
- Row 2–4: ch 1, turn, sc across (7).
- Try wrapping this short rectangle around the band. The short ends should just meet without gaps.
- If it’s too tight or too loose, redo with more or fewer chains until it fits your band snug but not stretched.
FO with a long tail for seaming. You’ll whipstitch the short ends around the headband during assembly so the loop doesn’t need to slide over any hardware.
Alternative: Make a tiny “button tab.” Crochet the rectangle 1–2 rows longer, sew a small button to one end, and ch 6 to form a button loop on the other end. This gives you a removable loop without seaming on the band.
5) Assembly & finishing
A. Join the leaves to the stem
- Place the two leaves with their rounded bases touching, either side-by-side or with one slightly behind the other for dimension.
- Lay the stem strip centered underneath the bases.
- Using the leaf tails and a yarn needle, whipstitch through the bases of both leaves and the stem, creating a tidy cluster. Hide knots and tails on the underside.
B. Add stiffness (optional)
- For adult decorative use only, you can slip a short piece of thin craft wire between the leaves and the stem before you finish stitching. Bend ends inward and cover them entirely with yarn so nothing sharp remains.
- For kid-safe makes, skip wire and rely on blocking (see below).
C. Seam the loop around your headband
- Decide the placement (centered or off to one side). Wrap the rectangle around the band with the long tail pointing outward.
- Whipstitch the short ends together to form a ring. Keep the seam on the underside where it will hide behind the leaves.
D. Attach the sprout cluster to the loop
- Center the leaf cluster on top of the loop, with the stem running down the seam side.
- Sew the stem securely to the loop first. Use several passes so the weight of the leaves sits on the stem, not on a single stitch.
- Add a few anchoring stitches at the bases of the leaves, catching the top edge of the loop so the cluster doesn’t wobble.
- Weave in all remaining tails on the inside of the loop.
E. Shape & block
- Steam-block carefully by hovering an iron or steamer above (do not touch the yarn). Flatten each leaf between your fingers and pinch the tip to define the point.
- Let cool and dry. Your leaves should stand up with a gentle curve.
📌Thank you for reading the article.
Troubleshooting (beginner FAQ)
My leaves curl a lot.
A tiny curl is normal and cute. If yours curl too much, lightly steam and flatten. You can also add the surface slip-stitch vein a little tighter; it acts like a spine.
The loop slides on my headband.
Make it snugger (fewer beginning chains), or add two hidden stitches through the fabric covering the headband if it’s removable. You can also add a tiny drop of removable craft adhesive on the underside—avoid getting glue on electronics.
The leaves flop.
Use a smaller hook for a denser fabric, add the center vein, or position the leaves so they lean slightly toward each other. Optional craft wire adds structure for display pieces.
I see holes at the base of my leaves.
When sewing, work several small stitches across the entire base line instead of one or two big “anchor” stitches. This spreads the tension and closes gaps.
Care & safety
- Spot clean the sprout with a damp cloth. If you must wash, remove the loop (if buttoned) or carefully unseam and reseam after drying.
- Keep wire-reinforced versions away from small children. For kids, make the leaves without wire and stitch the loop very securely.
Variations & styling ideas
1) Color play
- Use two shades of green—one leaf light, one leaf dark—for a natural look exactly like the collage photo.
- Try spring pastels (mint + lemon) or autumn tones (olive + chartreuse).
- Embroider veins in a contrasting color for a botanical sketch vibe.
2) Leaf sizes
- Two medium leaves look balanced.
- Make one medium + one small for a “new sprout” feel.
- For an oversized cosplay-style sprout, add an extra shaping round to the Medium leaf:
Extra round suggestion: ch 1, [sc, hdc, dc 2] across each section, placing (sc, ch 1, sc) in the tip and symmetrical increases at the base corners. Keep the outline smooth; no sharp jogs.
3) Alternative loops
- Ribbed loop: Work the strap in short rows of sc in back loops only (BLO) for a slightly stretchy band that grips smooth plastic.
- Tie style: Instead of seaming the loop, make two long chains at the strap ends and tie a bow under the band. This looks charming on slim headbands.
4) Not just headphones
- Clip the sprout on bag straps, camera straps, bike baskets, or a pet carrier. For these, make the loop a bit longer and add a button closure so you can remove it easily.
5) Add a dew drop
- Sew on a tiny clear bead near the tip of one leaf for a “morning dew” accent (avoid for small children).
Step-by-step condensed pattern (quick reference)
Leaves (make 2)
- Medium: ch 12; Row 1: sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc, 3 sc in last; other side: sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc; sl st (21). Row 2: ch 1; 2 sc, sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc, (sc, ch 1, sc) in tip; sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc, 2 sc; sl st (24). FO long tail.
- Small: ch 10; Row 1: sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc, 3 sc in last; other side: sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc; sl st (17). Row 2: ch 1; 2 sc, sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc, (sc, ch 1, sc) in tip; sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc, 2 sc; sl st (20). FO long tail.
- Optional vein: surface sl st from tip to base.
Stem
- Option A: ch 8, sl st back (7). FO long tails.
- Option B: ch 7; Row 1: 6 sc; Row 2: 6 sc. FO long tails.
Loop (adjust to fit)
- ch 8; Row 1: 7 sc. Rows 2–4: 7 sc. FO long tail. Wrap around headband and whipstitch short ends to form a snug ring (or add button closure).
Assembly
- Sew leaves together at bases with stem underneath.
- Seam loop around band.
- Stitch stem (and then leaf bases) to the top of the loop.
- Weave in ends; steam-shape leaves.
