This headband knitting pattern covers two different headband styles with a simple and stylish twist.
The first headband style is knit in Double Stockinette Stitch, which yields a double-layer of stockinette stitch.
The resulting fabric is extra warm, and unlike regular stockinette stitch, it doesn’t curl!
The second headband style is a classic Fisherman’s Rib. This stitch is super stretchy and looks wonderful knit into a headband.
This tutorial video teaches you how to knit these two headbands from beginning to end. It includes tips like how to insert a lifeline (very essential!) and how to size the headband for a perfect fit.
These headbands are great last-minute gifts, so knit them up for the holidays!
Twisted Headband Materials & Notes
Yarn Used For Double Stockinette Stitch: one ball of Rico Essentials Merino DK in the color Brick Red (79)
Yarn Used For Fisherman’s Stitch: one skein of Swans Island Washable Wool Sport in the color Edgecomb Grey
The Swan’s Island yarn used for the Fisherman’s Rib Headband is unfortunately hard to find these days, so I’ve included similar substitutes below.
Other Similar Yarns:
- Lang Lang Yarns Merino 120 (100% merino with dozens of colors)
- Paintbox Yarns Simply DK (100% acrylic affordable yarn with lots of colors)
- Berroco Quechua (luxurious merino-alpaca-yak blend with a beautiful sheen)
- Fyberspates Vivacious DK (color Dovestone similar to Swans Island Grey)
- Madelinetosh Sport (color Kitten similar to Swans Island Grey)
Recommended Needles: 1 pair of 4.00mm needles for Double Stockinette Stitch Headband and 1 pair of 3.75mm needles for Fisherman’s Rib Headband.
Notions:
- tapestry needle (LoveKnitting) (Amazon)
- scissors (LoveKnitting) (Amazon)
- scrap yarn
Pattern Notes
Goldilocks Wrap Test: The easiest way to know when to cast off and start seaming is to wrap the headband around your head with the edges touching. If it feels comfortably snug then you’re ready to cast off.
Too tight? Then knit a bit more and try again. Too loose? Unravel to a point where the fit is comfortable. I call this the Goldilocks Wrap Test because like Goldilocks, you’re trying to find a size that feels just right.
Flexible Gauge: While I’ve designed these headbands for sport and DK weight, these headbands can be knit in any yarn weight. You’ll just need a bit of trial and error to figure out the number of cast on stitches. Then, knit as outlined in the instructions below and use the Goldilocks Wrap Test (see above) to determine when to cast off. Seam the twist as shown in the video, et voila, you’re done!
Construction: These headbands are knit flat and then seamed together to form the twist in the middle.
Lifelines: Fixing mistakes in both Fisherman’s rib and double stockinette stitch is a real pain. So, make knitting easier by inserting lifelines into your work. This technique is covered in the tutorial video.
Twisted Headband Video Tutorial
This tutorial video walks you through how to knit these headbands from beginning to end.
Double Stockinette Stitch Headband Instructions
With 4mm needle, CO 40 (or an even number of stitches)
(Note: the cast on stitches will look very wide, but the width will shrink as you knit)
All rows: *K1, sl1 with yarn in front as if to purl; repeat from * to end of row
Repeat the row above until piece measures the desired length based on the Goldilocks Wrap Test.
Cast off, leaving a long 12″ tail. This tail will be used for seaming. Skip down to “Seaming the Twist” for instructions on how to seam the headband together.
Fisherman’s Rib Stitch Headband Instructions
With 3.75 mm needle, CO 25 (or an odd number of stitches)
Set-up row: purl all sts
Row 1: K1, *P1, knit into stitch below; repeat from * to last 2 sts, P1, K1
Row 2: *P1, knit into stitch below; repeat from * to last stitch, P1
Repeat Rows 1-2 until piece measures the desired length based on the Goldilocks Wrap Test.
Cast off, leaving a long 12″ tail. This tail will be used for seaming.
Seaming the Twist
Once you’ve cast off, it’s time to join the headband together by seaming the two ends closed. By twisting the two ends into each other, we create the twist. Let’s start seaming!
Which side of the headband will be the “right side”? This side faces out to the world while the “wrong side” faces your forehead. Once you decide on the “right side,” lay it facing up.
Make sure that all four edges of the hug are flush against each other at the sides and on top.
Thread the tail end of the yarn with a tapestry needle and seam the four hugging edges together. Backstitch is my preferred seaming method because it’s very secure. However, feel free to use your preferred seaming method.
Abbreviations
* *: repeat instructions between asterisks the number of times indicated
CO: cast on
K: knit
P: purl
Sl: slip 1 stitch
St(s): stitch(es)
Help Support Sheep & Stitch!
While the pattern instructions and video tutorial are free and available above, for the price of a fancy coffee, you can support Sheep & Stitch by purchasing a PDF file of this pattern. This PDF file is beautifully laid out and ready to be printed and marked up by you!
Upon purchase, the pattern PDF file will be delivered to you by email. Thank you for your support!
Yay! So glad to see a new post! I learned how to knit thanks to you Davina!
i love her vids
Oh it makes me so happy to see a new pattern on your website ! I’m in the middle of my second everyday raglan and starting my second moss stitch scarf so after those are done, I’ll definitely give this one a try ! Thanks for making and sharing these amazing patterns and videos !
I’ do glad this site is still active! It’s my absolute favourite knitting website!
Love this pattern but when I reach the end of a row my yarn begins to split as I complete the last stitch and the 1st stitch of the second row. Am I doing something wrong? Or is it the yarn I’m using? Thanks!
Do you really need double-pointed needles for this pattern?
No you don’t need double pointed needles at all! Just regular flat needles or even circulars (just don’t join in the round) are fine.
Davina I think you are fantastic. I love your videos and patterns and I have learnt so much from you. Thank you for everything you do.
hi, thank you for the pattern! i’m using the Double Stockinette Stitch but my first and last stitch of every row are very loose and now my ends don’t look as good, do you know what the problem is?
I’m having the same issue with sloppy looking first and last stitches. I am putting the yarn in front prior to slipping the last stitch. It doesnt seem to be helping. Any suggestions?
Hi,
I have a question for you regarding the Harry Potter scarf I just finished.
I tried e mailing you but got a not deliverable message.
Can you please contact me with your email address so I can correspond directly?
You are a great teacher! Your demonstrations are excellent resources and love your time stamp reference.
If my headband fits snugly before I cast off, won’t it be too tight after I put the twist in place?
Yes! Make sure the headband fits just right (not too tight, not too loose) before you cast off.
Two questions. One, if I am doing a variety of sizes for a group of women but don’t have their head sizes, is there a minimum and maximum length you would recommend? Second question the asterisk means repeat but video shows the asterisk just before the Pearl 1. So, did I understand correctly for row 1 to knit 1 ,pearl one then knit below after that going to repeat same steps K1, P1 and K below?
I would just use your own head as reference if you’re knitting for other women. Unless one of their heads is extremely larger or smaller than yours, the sizing should be fine. As for the asterisk, I’m not sure which instructions you’re referring to. The video goes through the instructions step by step, so that could offer the answer.
As a beginner loved this pattern and merino wool. Unfortunately though,found it difficult and one ball was not enough. I am persevering and have ordered more wool. The wool was extra fine and 50 g? Thanks
These knitting videos have been such an amazing help for me. I’m going to buy some patterns when I cam remember what to do without the video.
If I want to make this for my daughter, what would you recommend in terms of cast on?
Thank you!
Hi there, the longtail cast on used in the pattern will work fine
Beautiful website! I just discovered your YouTube channel, you do an amazing job with the directions and the videos! Congrats on the 100k it’s well deserved!
Angela R.
I love this pattern and you have saved me from a lifetime of knitting mistakes. I avoid knitting large pieces because unlike with crocheting, I am unable to fix my mistakes knitting. Thank you so much, that lifeline has changed knitting for me for sure! Thank you so much!
For the last stitch you should be bringing the yarn forward before you slip that stitch off purlwise to the other needle. So you are not knitting or purling that stitch. I find if I then knit the first stitch by knitting into the back of it the edge looks neat.
I’m so confused 😐 at the start of the first headband you have both bits of wool together after you have cast on before you start. I have the end of my wool at one end of my row of stitches and then the wool working with at the end where I’m about to start knitting. I’m probably being so stupid but how do I have both bits together like you do before I start my first stitch? Any help really appreciated 🙂
I tried the fisherman rib stitch and it worked perfectly for me but somehow the double stockinette stitch is not working for me. The stitches are coming out as too tight and I am not able to knit the 4th or 5th row. Please help. Am I doing something wrong?
Hello, I just purchased the pattern and unable to download. Please advise.
Thank You!
Hi there, sorry about that. Can you send an email to davina@sheepandstitch.com with your order receipt? I’ll send you the PDF asap.
Hello Davina,
Hope you’re well. (◍•ᴗ•◍)
I want to make the double stockinette headband using an aran weight yarn. Which size needle should I use? And will the cast on counted be reduced, as a result? Thanks so much for all your help. ^_^
How wide did your headbands turn out, Davina?
I’m currently making the double stockinette stitch headband. I’m almost on the seaming part. I really like the way that it’s coming out so far.
Happy to hear it!
When I try to purchase the $4.00 pattern it comes up as $4.99. Makes me wonder if all is legit. Why is the price different?
Hi Donna, sorry about the confusion. The price has increased since the pattern was first published. I just changed the buy button’s pricing as I understand it can be confusing to have the button say $4.00 when the actual price is $4.99. Again, I apologise for the confusion.