Knit an Adorable Mini Scarf that Doubles as a Headband

It doesn’t seem like the mini scarf trend is going away, and while I think I’ve seen enough Sophie scarves to last a lifetime, it’s nice to see some different variations on this theme.

Take, for example, the Double Trouble pattern by Susanne Sommer.

This little scarf that doubles (thus the name) as a headband is worked in two color (double doubles!) brioche stitch with an I-cord edging. It calls for fingering weight yarn in two colors.

There are two size options which allow you to wrap around your neck or head once or twice, or play with twisting or tying the ends together. The designer suggests using solid or semi solid yarns, or a solid or semi solid combined with a multicolored yarn that has good contrast. I have to say the designer picked the perfect colors to go with their hair!

You can also switch the order of the colors halfway through the knitting to give it a different look.

I want to believe this would look as cute and effortless on me but it’s probably not true. That also probably doesn’t mean that I won’t give it a try!

If you’ve hesitated to try brioche knitting, or you feel like two color brioche is too tricky, you should know that two color is actually easier in a way because you can see what you’re doing and where you need to go a bit more easily. (Though if you want to try a super simple single color brioche knitting project first, I have a headband that will teach you the basics!) Also be sure to check out Lavanya Patricella’s great book about brioche knitting if you want to learn more.

If you’re ready to get started on this adorable scarf and headband, you can grab the pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: Suzanne Sommer]

Braided Headband Knitting Pattern [Knitting]

Easy Headband Knitting Patterns [Knitting]

Free Knitting Pattern – Toddler Tied Headband

When my daughter was in early elementary school we were at Joann together (RIP) and she picked out some variegated pink and white blanket yarn for me to knit a blanket for her bed. Now probably 10 years later, it’s one of her favorite possessions. I note this because the blankets we give to little ones might seem simple on the surface, like something they need to keep warm, but they can turn into so much more.

Take the Pocketful of Love Blanket from Purl Soho. On the surface this is a pretty but also easy to knit blanket for a little one. It’s worked in garter stitch stripes using sport weight yarn (the sample is a superwash wool, but this would also be nice in cotton or a blend) and available in a crib or small throw size. Though of course because it’s garter stitch, it’s pretty easy to make it any size you want.

But what makes this blanket extra special is the little details. The slip stitch selvedges and I-cord bind off give it a crisp look that’s perfect with the garter stitch of the body.

And then there’s the pocket.

This is a big pocket. At 10 inches wide and 12.25 inches tall (that’s 25.4 by 31 cm) for the crib size and 12.75 by 14.25 inches (32.4 by 36 cm) for the throw, you can easily fit a favorite stuffed animal, toy or book into the pocket.

I love how even though it uses the same striped garter stitch pattern as the blanket, it’s stitched down so the stripes run the opposite way (horizontal when the blanket stripes are vertical), though of course you can match stripes if you’d rather.

I think this blanket has the potential to be greatly loved by the little one its given to, and by the knitter look for an easy, pretty baby blanket with a little extra useful twist.

Grab the free pattern from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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