Knit replacement pads for your earbuds

There are a lot of bad earbuds out there, but it seems that even the ones that are halfway decent are covered in half a micron of cheap black foam that tears at the slightest provocation.

Why not replace the foam with a well-knit cover made from good yarn? Here's how.

NOTE: this Instructable assumes that you have a basic knowledge of knitting techniques: casting on, knit, purl, and increasing.  If you don't, I recommend you spend some time perusing the Yarn section of Instructables, check out some knitting books from your library, or find some like-minded folks to help you get started.

Step 1: Materials

Besides your target earbuds, you need a few other items to make this project happen.

Yarn - the finest you can get.  I used some fingering lambswool I recycled from a thrift store sweater (Great info on recycling sweaters is available here).  It's okay to use pure wool, since this won't ever get washed.  Sock yarn would be great.
Knitting Needles - smaller is better! I used my finest double-pointed set from KnitPicks: 2mm in diameter. You'll need four needles.
Sewing Needle (pictured at Step 5). This project has to be stitched shut, so a good needle is essential.  Try to find a thin one with a blunt point and large eye, usually sold as "tapestry" needles.
Crochet Hook (optional, pictured at Step 3). With such small yarn and a tiny first loop, a good small hook can be helpful for casting on.

Comments

[Boomfly]

Ah, I tried crocheting something like this, it came out horrible, but these seem like they'll work. I can't wait to give it a go, but the only fine yarn I have is wool sock yarn, and I'm a little uneasy about wool in my ears. The idea is even itchy, and much to warm.

[yoyology]

They don't itch, at least in my experience, and they soften with use as the wool absorbs oils and wax from your skin and becomes conditioned. As for excess warmth, they are no hotter than the synthetic foam.

[Boomfly]

Thankies, that's good to know.

[CakadaOokamiko]

Do you have a pattern for the crocheted ones?

[yoyology]

There was no pattern, really. I basically made a teeny tiny granny square and worked my way around from there.

[Harvard82]

Nice job...I wonder if you could make one for my gear shifter in my car? I have an aluminum shift knob that bakes in the sun and can barely shift without burning my hands in the summer.

[albylovesscience]

Take a brown paper lunch bag and throw it on the shift stick before you leave your car for a long period of time.lol or put a sock over it

[Harvard82]

As great of an idea as that is because it would actually work, I was hoping for something a little more fashionable.

[yoyology]

If you want something that just fits loosely, and is removable, I could probably do that. PM me if you are interested.

[yoyology]

I'm sure it could be done, but unless you live in Oklahoma, or want to pay my travel expenses from here, it doesn't make much sense for me to do it. I would need to be able to work right there and test-fit as I went. You'd be better off finding a local knitter to take the project on. Google the name of your city and "LYS" or "local yarn store" to find a place where knitters gather. Walk in with the photo above and ask politely if anyone wants to try something interesting. I'll bet you have volunteers within 10 minutes. Knitters love a challenge. :-)

[danielemur]

I have those same earphones and the foam piece came off on both sides! :) Great instructable.

[yoyology]

Thanks! Good luck with your version. If you make a set, post a pic!

[bad ass pope]

Are these not incredibly itchy? It's a funky idea, but the thought of putting wool (or yarn) in my ears is making me feel all itchy.

[yoyology]

I've not had a problem with itchiness. Someone who has a wool allergy would obviously have trouble. To be frank, after a couple of uses, the natural oils and wax from your ear canals smooth down any protruding fibers in the yarn.

[halberdear]

Just wondering, what on earth is your avatar a picture of?

[bad ass pope]

It's the inside of my mouth. You can see the uvula hanging in the back there :-) And the teeth at the top and that big flat bit at the bottom's my tongue! Glaaaar!

[jatoha]

Great idea! I want to try a crochet version!

[yoyology]

Crochet is actually a bit easier to start, but it ends up bulkier because of the nature of the crochet stitch. Basically, you would use your smallest hook and make a teeny-tiny granny circle. :-)

[amybmorris]

Would it be easier to not bind off and use a needle to thread the tail through the live stitches, place the cover on the ear bud, pull the tail to tighten and stitch to secure?

[yoyology]

It would certainly work. I don't know if it would be easier or harder. I'd find threading the tail through the stitches more fiddly than binding off, but that's a personal preference. I also like the way the crisscrossing stitches look on the back.