8 Fantastic, Free Ways to Knit a Fabulous Headband

If you need a quick, easy, frugal, fun knit, look no further than these headband knitting patterns

Is there any point to knitting a headband?

Oh, yes, there is. Don’t make the mistake of believing that a headband is a simple scrap of fabric without much purpose. Or that a knitting pattern for a headband would suit no one.

Knitting a headband, in fact, can solve many problems faced by many a knitter (or non-knitter, for that matter):

1. You have a small amount of gorgeous yarn that you want to knit something with. But you’re not sure what you could knit with such a small amount.
2. You desperately need a knitting win. You’re drowning in time- and yarn-consuming projects. You really want to knit something quickly and feel the heady rush of completion.
3. A birthday — or some other sort of gift-giving occasion — snuck right up on you, and you don’t have much time to knit a gift.
4. You’re tired of your ears freezing, and you’re not willing to let all the time you spent on your hair this morning go to waste after you tug a beanie over them.

Headband knitting patterns can solve any or all of these problems. Best of all, the collection of patterns I’m about to show you? All are totally free!

This collection is divided into two parts. If you’re looking for a light headband to hold back hair (or dress up a baby’s sweet head), that’s your section.

But if you want an earwarming headband, head for the second section.

Take a look at other quick knitting patterns for accessories here!

Light Headbands to Simply Hold Your Hair in Place

1. Wheat Headband

• What you’ll need to make it: About 50 yards sport weight cotton yarn; US Size 2.5 or 3 needles, in whatever type you wish–though you will want DPNs for the I-cord ties

• Why you’ll want to: This adjustable headband (it ties at the base of the head) is pretty and feminine, great for holding the hair back on warm days.
  Mirella Moments has many other delightful headband knitting patterns, too–you may want to check those out while you’re at it!

2. Life Saver Headband

• What you’ll need to make it: About 75 to 125 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 7 needles; tapestry needles

• Why you’ll want to: This adorable headband features eyelets designed to look like little rows of Life Saver candies. So cute!

3. Checkerboard Headband

• What you’ll need to make it: About 80 yards worsted weight cotton yarn; US Size 6 needles; tapestry needles

• Why you’ll want to: Perhaps the quickest (adult-sized) knit in this collection, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to keep hair out of their face and sweat out of their eyes during a workout.

4. Little Bow Headband

• What you’ll need to make it: 20 to 30 yards DK weight yarn; US Size 6 needles; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: This super-adorable headband is the perfect way to dress up a baby’s head. (Especially a baby with longish hair that frequently falls into the eyes.)

Beefy Headbands to Keep Your Ears Warm

5. Dew Drops Headband

• What you’ll need to make it: 120 yards DK weight yarn; US Size 6 needles; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: It’s simple, pretty, and cozy. The broken rib stitch provides a lovely texture. And the decorative twist in the front hides the seam.
  Celeste Knitwear has many, many other pretty headband patterns featuring that lovely front-twist. Check out her blog for more fabulous patterns!

6. Adjustable Cabled Headband

• What you’ll need to make it: 174 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 7 needles; cable needle or spare DPN; two 1 1/4-inch buttons

• Why you’ll want to: The beautiful cables make it a show-stopper; the buttons that keep it secure on your head seal the deal. This is a lovely and cozy cold-weather headband.

7. Skull & Bones Earwarmer

• What you’ll need to make it: About 170 yards fingering weight yarn (in at least two colors); US Size 2 needles; tapestry needle (if you decide to knit flat and seam)

• Why you’ll want to: A skull & crossbones design instantly makes any design cooler. (I’m pretty sure this has been scientifically proven.) This delightful headband is no exception. If anyone in your life is resistant to covering their ears in any way–but constantly complains when it’s cold–this is their headband.
  
  I also love that this headband can be knitted flat and seamed, or knit in the round.

8. Posie

• What you’ll need to make it: About 220 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 1 or 2 needles; US Size C crochet hook (optional); tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: This beautiful cold-weather headband is a great ear-warmer for any child who hates wearing hats. It’s a dazzling headband either with or without the optional crocheted flowers.

Few projects are as quick-knitting and almost instantly satisfying as headbands! Whip up several, and you’ll always have some on hand for birthday or holiday gifts.