Classic Headband Knitting Pattern
I do love fall, as the days get shorter, and it's rainy and chilly outside, it's the perfect time to cuddle up on a sofa, under a blanket, and knit! I especially love some quick and simple projects I can work on along watching movies or series (like annual Gilmore Girls re-watching!).
Today I want to share with you a quick and easy project - a classic headband. It's great to use up a small skein of fingering weight yarn, especially a partial skein of beautiful hand dyed yarn. This headband is worked using only knit stitches - it's worked in the round, to create a cozy, double layer ear warmer. Let's get into the details!
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GET THE CLASSIC HEADBAND:
Classic Headband Free Knitting Pattern
If you haven’t knit from a knitting pattern yet - I highly recommend you check out my post on reading knitting patterns here - it will help you follow the instructions smoothly!
You can access a resource library here. It contains lots of helpful info on: how to read patterns and charts, how to substitute yarn, swatch, block and take care of your knits as well as techniques resources.
© Whileberry 2023. Please keep in mind that this pattern is for personal use only, and both the pattern and photos can’t be copied or reproduced on another website.
sizes
Width: 10 cm (4"), circumference - adjustable
supplies
yarn
For this headband I used a partial skein of Merino Fingering in colorway Prickly Pear from one of my favorite indie yarn dyers - Olivia and Oliver Fibers! I love Tam's yarn - the quality is really high, the yarn is super pleasant to work with and the colorways are simply gorgeous.
You can also use different fingering weight yarn - I recommend Merino as it's super soft and not itchy at all! A few options:
Fingering weight merino wool 100%:
OR fingering weight merino / nylon blend:
Yardages for 50 - 60 cm (20 - 24") head circumferences: approx. 140 - 170 m (150 - 185 yds).
needles
3.5 mm (US 4) circular needles 80 - 100 cm (32 - 40”) or DPNs, or to fit gauge
other notions
stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure
gauge
26 stitches x 32 rows in 10x10 cm (4x4”) in stockinette stitch, blocked
Stockinette stitch, worked in the round over any number of sts.
All Rnds: k until end of rnd.
pattern notes
To determine your head circumference, measure your head in the widest point using a tape measure. The knit headband should be approx. 2.5 - 5 cm (1 - 2") shorter than measured circumference, depending on preference, to make sure it sits snug on your head.
You can check the fit of the headband by wrapping it around head and pinching it together, lightly stretching.
If you'd like to knit a wider headband, cast on additional 6 sts for each 1 cm (~0.5"). It will increase yardage needed proportionally.
Tutorials for specific techniques are linked and showing as yellow.
abbreviations
k - knit
rnd(s) - round(s)
st(s) - stitch(es)
instructions
Cast on 54 sts with Long Tail Cast On, or another cast on method of your choice.
Divide your stitches between two needles, if working with magic loop method, or between four needles if working with DPNs. Join for working in the round, careful not to twist stitches and place beginning of round marker if needed.
Work Rnd 1 until your headband is approx. 2.5 - 5 cm (1 - 2") shorter than your head circumference.
Rnd 1: k until end of rnd.
FINISHING
Bind off all sts using a standard bind off and break yarn leaving a 40 cm (16") tail. Weave in the cast on edge tail. You will use the bind off tail to sew the headband.
Place the headband flat, then fold the edges inwards.
Pinch each edge so that they fold in half.
Insert one folded edge into the other so there are four alternating layers. The part with the yarn tail should be positioned outside.
Sew through all the layers back and forth until the other end of the join. Pay attention that you guide the needle through all the layers in each pass.
Break yarn and weave in ends. Turn the headband inside out. Block the headband to finish.
I hope you enjoyed knitting your project! If you share your project on Instagram, please tag me with @whileberry.creative and #knitwithwhileberry so I can see your lovely knit!
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