Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Easy Headband Knitting Patterns

by

I used to always say that knitting a scarf was the ideal first knitting project, because it gives you a lot of time to learn the basics and it doesn’t matter if it ends up a little wonky at the edges or with extra stitches because it will still keep you warm.

But a lot of people get bored before they get to the end of a garter stitch scarf, so maybe a headband is a better first project option? They’re a great way to learn just about any knitting stitch you’d like, they make great gifts and are a nice way to add a little warmth when it’s cold inside a building without having to wear a hat.

On my website I have a pattern for learning brioche knitting by knitting a headband, for example, and I taught a class on basic knit headbands as part of a crafts summit, for example. But there’s probably a headband knitting pattern out there for any stitch pattern you want to try or technique you want to learn.

We’ve got garter stitch in Lulu Pattern’s Colorful Twist headband, worked in bulky yarn, sized from newborns through adults and available on Etsy. Or throw in a simple knit purl stitch pattern like on this design using worsted weight yarn from Binge Tricot (that one is in English and French, and you can use a provisional cast on if you want to up the skill level).

Learn cables with an easy pattern in super bulky yarn, like this one from Mirella Moments. Or add a twist to your twists as in the Twist Headband from Muki Crafts, which uses bulky weight yarn and is sized to fit a toddler, child or adult woman.

This pattern from Lara Art UA on Etsy adds a little increasing and decreasing to make a cover for your ears, while the Banda Almena from Beatriz Molina (find it on Ravelry) throws in a bit of colorwork.

Get another take on a brioche headband with this free pattern from Ysolda Teague (also on Raverly), or try your hand at double knitting with this simple headband from Etsy seller Towela Designs. So many fun choices!

Do you have a favorite headband knitting pattern? I’d love to hear about it.

Looking for more Knitted Headband Patterns? Check these patterns out on Etsy. Headbands are a great gift idea as they knit up fast and are well received by friends and family. Everyone loves wearing Knit headbands right? Check out this free knitted Autumn Ear Warmer headband on our sister site.

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.