Sampler Headband

This is the perfect pattern for a brand new knitter. We begin by practicing the knit stitch with a garter section, try out purling with stockinette and then discover the texture of a simple seed stitch.  It is worked flat and sewn together to finish.

Yarn

55 yards (50 meters) worsted weight yarn. Wool is preferred, but any yarn that has some stretch to it should be sufficient.

Needles and Notions

Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needle

Tapestry Needle

Stitch Marker

Sizing

One size fits most children ages 5-10 or most adult women, depending on size chosen.  Finished headband should measure 16 inches in circumference for children or 18 inches in circumference for adult women, which will stretch to accommodate a range of sizes.  

Gauge

8 stitches and 12 rows over 2 inches in Stockinette Stitch.

Note: Gauge lets you compare the sizing of your project compared to the designer’s project.  If you knit tighter or looser than called for in the pattern, adjusting the size of the needle can help you get the correct gauge.  In this pattern, gauge could cause you to have a narrower or wider headband.  Since the length is determined by measuring in inches instead of rows, it should still fit.

Pattern Notes and Abbreviations

K: Knit

P: Purl

LHN: Left hand needle

RHN: Right hand needle

RS: Right Side

WS: Wrong Side

Instructions

Cast on 17 stitches.

Tie a slipknot on to LHN, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Slide RHN through front of knot. Wrap yarn around RHN.  Pull RHN through loop made by knot, while catching the yarn that you just looped around it.  Place that loop on to LHN.  Pull it so that it’s not loose, but not so tight that it will be hard to get your needle in for the next stitch.  Repeat process, starting by putting RHN through loop you just added to LHN.  Repeat until 17 stitches are on LHN.

Begin Garter Stitch Section

Row 1: Knit to end.

Insert RHN in to first stitch on left hand needle, from the front to back.  Bring yarn around RHN. Pull RHN through loop, catching the yarn you just wrapped.  Leave that stitch on RHN. THe stitch on LHN that you just worked will come off of the needle; it’s now under the stitch you just worked. Repeat with second stitch on LHN and so on until all stitches on LHN are worked.  Be sure to keep working yarn behind your needles.

A rhyme I have used with young children to help guide their knitting:

In through the front door (Insert RHN into stitch)

Around the back (Bring yarn around RHN)

Peek through the window (Pull RHN through loop, catching yarn that was wrapped)

Off jumps Jack (Stitch just worked comes off LHN)

Once all stitches on LHN have been kit, switch needles between your hands, putting the one with all the stitches in your left hand and knit all the stitches in the same manner as the previous row.

Repeat row 1 until your piece measures 1.25 inches for child size, 1.5 inches for women.

Note: This type of knitting, where knit stitch is done on both sides of the fabric is called Garter Stitch.  It creates a rows of bumps and a thick, squishy fabric.  

Begin Stockinette Section

Stockinette is created by knit stitches on one side, and purl stitches on the other. It creates a thinner, more flat fabric and the little Vs that many people recognize as knit stitches.  Place a stitch marker on one side of your headband.  We will use this to mark the right side of the headband, which will have knit stitches.

To purl: Bring working yarn to front of work. Slip RHN into first stitch on LHN, through the front, from right to left.  Wrap yarn around RHN and pull needle through, catching working yarn and leaving it on RHN. Stitch on LHN that was just worked will come off.  

Row 1 (RS): knit to end

Row 2 (WS): k2, p 13, k2

Repeat these 2 rows until stockinette section is 3.25 (3.5) inches long, or 4.5 (5) inches from beginning of piece.

 *Note: we keep the 2 knit stitches at the beginning and end of the purl row to maintain a consistent border on the headband.

Begin Seed Stitch Section

Row 1: k2, *p1, k1* to last 3 stitches, p1, k2.

Repeat this row until seed stitch section measures 7 (8) inches, or 11.5 (13) inches from beginning.

Repeat Stockinette Section

Piece will measure 14.75 (16.5) inches at end of this section.

Repeat Garter Section

Piece will measure 16 (18) inches at end of this section.

Finishing

Using tail you just cut, sew ends of headband together. Weave in ends using tapestry needle.

Enjoy!

Contact and Support 

For questions, pattern support, and other information, please email darklakefiberart@gmail.com 

We love to see your work! Tag us on Instagram @darklake_fiberart.