It's hard to say no to this free knit headband pattern, created by knitting designer Jo Allport – so why try to? Indulge yourself or a much-loved pal by casting on our knit headband pattern for a chic accessory that works well at any time of year. If you’re a fan of trying out new stitches then this quick-and-easy knit headband pattern could be for you. Worked in a superb stretchy ‘concertina’ stitch and mixed with simple purl and knit rows, it makes a snug fit for everyone. It’s so speedy you could cast it on and off in just one sitting!
If you are new to knitting, we have all the techniques and advice you need for this project right here on Gathered! Check out our guide to how to cast on knitting, how to cast off knitting and our knitting for beginners archive to help you get your skills up to speed! If you are an American knitter, use our yarn weight conversion chart to help understand the different terms for yarn weights in the UK and how to convert them to American yarns. The free knit headband pattern can be enjoyed by knitters all around the world!
The knit headband pattern was created by Jo Allport and originally published in Simply Knitting magazine issue 164.
Knit headband pattern: materials
- Rico Design Essentials Cotton Glitz DK (78% cotton, 3% polyester; 50g/130m): 1 ball of Raspberry (003) or use your favourite easy-wash DK yarn
- A pair of 3¼mm knitting needles
Knit headband pattern: tension
Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 40 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 3¼mm needles
To find out more about tension and why it is important, see our article on knitting tension squares
Knit headband pattern:measurements
To fit head size 48 (53: 58)cm
Free knit headband pattern
Cast on 20 sts using 33/4mm needles.
Knit 2 rows.
Work in the following pattern:
Row 1 (RS) Knit.
Row 2 to 6 Knit.
Row 7 *Kfb; rep from * to end. [40 sts]
Rows 8, 10 & 12 Purl.
Row 9 and 11 Knit.
Row 13 *K2tog; rep from * to end. [20 sts]
Row 14 Knit.
Rep these 14 rows until work measures 47 (53: 56)cm, when slightly stretched and ending with Row 14.
Cast off all sts.
To make up knit headband pattern
Sew cast on and cast off edges together. Weave in ends. See ball band for further care instructions.
Download your free knit headband pattern
If you prefer a PDF download you can save to your computer, or print out to work from, click the link to download your free knit headband pattern. The download is an A4 PDF with your free knit headband pattern including colours for the sizing and colour images to refer to.
More like the free knit headband pattern
We have plenty more projects like the knit headband pattern for you right here on Gathered - like this headband knitting pattern! Check out our free poppy knitting pattern for more quick makes, or add flowers aplenty with our how to knit a flower walkthrough guide, or our how to knit a rainbow KAL video tutorial. Treat yourself or a pal to a kit with our best knitting kits round up, or learn a new technique with our lace knitting guide. Or to make a headband with a different crafty skill, check out our free crochet headband pattern or our how to make headbands sewing guide.