Knitting a headband is easy, especially when you start with something simple like this one! You can learn how to knit a headband with this free, beginner-friendly pattern and tutorial. You can find the free pattern here on this page, or you can buy the ad-free, printable PDF from our shop. I also have a video that shows you how to knit this headband step-by-step!
UPDATED: JANUARY 22, 2025 BY BRITTANY
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Skill Level | Beginner
Finished Size | Fits 21″-22″ Head Circumference
I adore a good ribbed knit headband because they look cute on everyone, even if you’re not usually into headbands.
For this pattern, we use a super textured medium-weight yarn, which gives it a lovely organic look and feel. But, if you have any medium-weight yarn at home, feel free to use that instead. No need to go yarn shopping—unless you want to!
This simple guide will take you through the easy steps to knit your very own headband.
About Our Beginner-Friendly Knit Headband
When I say simple, I really mean it! This comfy ribbed knit headband is crafted in simple rounds, with just two types of stitches that are a must for new knitters to master. The stitch pattern is one of my favorites because it makes the stretchiest cozy headband.
This easy knit headband looks great in a solid color, two colors (like you see in the photos), and even with variegated yarns. So feel free to get as creative as you like! This is a great project to start with if you want to learn how to knit on circular needles. Knitting a headband on circulars is probably the easiest project you can make. You’ll also get to practice your knit and purling skills as you work a popular ribbed stitch pattern.
If you’re curious about this project, have questions, or need pattern details, keep reading. Or, if you’re excited to begin, just head straight down to the free pattern. Happy knitting!
Pattern Overview:
You can view the pattern completely free on this page. But, if you prefer having a digital copy that you can save or print, we’ve got you covered with that option as well.
If you’d like to support our work here at B.Hooked, purchasing the digital pattern is a wonderful way to do so!
Recommended Supplies
- Any Bulky (#5) Weight Yarn; Shown Patons Alpaca Blend, Birch & Smoke
- Baby 35 yds
- Toddler 40 yds
- Child 45 yds
- Adult 50 yds
- US 10.5 (6.5mm) Circular Needle, 16″
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations
- CO Cast On
- K Knit
- P Purl
- Rep Repeat
- Sts Stitches
Pattern Notes
This beginner-friendly knit headband is knit in simple rounds using circular needles. For all sizes, you will want to use 16″ circular needles (that’s measured from tip to tip). Since this pattern is knitted in the round, we’ll save our straight needles for another project.
Gauge: 6 stitches and 8 rounds = 2″ worked in 2×1 ribbing
Never heard of gauge before? No worries! Gauge is just a simple but crucial step to ensure your stitches are the size they’re supposed to be. This way, you can be confident that your hat will match the size dimensions listed below. Why bother checking? Even if you use the same yarn and needle size, your stitches might turn out a tad bigger or smaller than those in the pattern.
Think of knitting like handwriting – we all use the same letters, but everyone’s style is unique. You might knit your stitches a bit tighter or looser than someone else.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to check your gauge. Use whatever needle size you need to match the pattern’s gauge, ensuring your hat turns out the perfect size and that you have just enough yarn to finish. I have a really helpful article about gauge, and it’s worth reading if you want to knit more projects!
Knit Headband Sizing Details
Alright, let’s talk about sizing for this headband pattern. I’ve got it set up for 4 sizes, but you won’t see words like ‘baby’, ‘toddler’, or ‘adult’ written out. Instead, you’ll see instructions like this:
51(60, 63, 75)
Here’s the deal:
- The first number (51 in this case) is for the baby size.
- The second number (60 in this case) is for the toddler size.
- The third number (63 in this case) is for the child size.
- And the last number (75 in this case) is for the adult size.
So, if you’re knitting the baby size, you’ll use the first number; for the toddler size, go with the second number; and for the child size, use the number.
Just keep an eye out for these sets of numbers as you go through the pattern, and you’ll be making the perfect size hat without any confusion!
Finished Sizes
- Baby | Fits 14″-16″ circumference; 2″ long
- Toddler | Fits 16″-18″ circumference; 3″ long
- Child | Fits 19″-21″ circumference; 3″ long
- Adult | Fits 22″-23″ circumference; 3.5″ long
How to Knit a Headband – Pattern Instructions
Round 1:Â CO 51(60, 63, 75). Join to knit in the round. Then *K2. P1. Rep from * to the end of the round.
Round 2:Â *K2. P1. Rep from * to the end of the round.
Repeat:Â Rep round 2 until your work measures about 2″(3″, 3″, 3.5″) from the cast on edge. Then move on to the bind off steps.
Tip! If you want to knit a two-color headband, rep round 2 with your first color for 4(6, 6, 7) total rounds. Then switch to your next color for the same number of rounds to finish it off.
A digital pattern is available in our shop so you can print out the pattern
Bind Off
Step 1: Knit the first two stitches. Then pass the first loop over the last.
Step 2: Purl the next stitch. Then pass the first loop over the last.
Step 3: Knit the next stitch. Then pass the first loop over the last.
Step 4: Knit the next stitch. Then pass the first loop over the last.
Repeat: Rep steps 2 through 4 until you reach the last stitch. Then purl the last stitch, and pass the first loop over the last.
One loop should remain on your needles. Trim and tail, and feed it through the loop. Weave in Your ends, and enjoy!
By using this pattern, you agree to our terms of use:
This pattern is for personal use only. You agree not to modify, publish, transmit, sell, create derivative works or in any way exploit any of the content within this page, in whole or in part. If you wish to share this pattern, share a link to this webpage only. You may sell finished items made from this pattern.
Copyright, B.Hooked Crochet, LLC
How to Knit a Headband Step-by-Step Tutorial
Video not displaying? Watch this tutorial on YouTube instead.
More Knitting Tutorials + Patterns for Beginners
Making step-by-step tutorials for beginners is kind of our thing. If you aren’t ready to knit a hat yet, check out some of our other tutorials with free knitting patterns specifically for beginners:
