top braided headband pattern

I have spent my holiday vacation making a bunch of new knit headbands. They are fun, quick, and a great way to practice cabling. As an end of the year treat, I am sharing my pattern for a top braid headband. The wide band in the back keeps your ears nice and warm, while the cute braid in the front pulls the band out of your eyes. I use a super bulky 50% wool, 50% acrylic yarn. (All wool would be too scratchy.)

If you don't feel like knitting your own, you can purchase one knit by yours truly from my Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/annaknitsetc!

See pictures of me sporting this headband in spearmint here, here, and here. See me in DC wearing a charcoal version here.

~Top Braided Headband Pattern ~

Yarn: Super Bulky, I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool
Needles: US15
K=knit
P=purl

Cast on 12 stitches
Rounds 1-16: Knit stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl the next, repeat) starting with a knit row and ending with a purl row (or until you reach about 5 1/2 inches).
Round 17 (or however many rows you needed to reach 5 1/2 inches): Slip 4 stitches to cable needle or double pointed needle and hold in the back, K4 from the left hand needle, K4 from the cable needle or double pointed needle, K4.
Round 18: P
Round 19: K
Round 20: P
Round 21: K4, Slip 4 stitches to cable needle or double pointed needle and hold in the front, K4 from the left hand needle, K4 from the cable needle or double pointed needle.
Round 22: P
Round 23: K
Round 24: P
Repeat rounds 17-24. 32 rounds complete.
Repeat rounds 17-21. 37 rounds complete. 
Rounds 38-end: Knit stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl the next, repeat) starting with a purl row until the headband fits tightly around your head (about 14 rows). Remember, the headband will stretch slightly when blocked.
Bind off leaving a tail long enough to sew the back seam.  

Block using your preferred method.

Using mattress stitch, or your preferred method, attach the two ends of the headband together.

Go outside and test your Top Braided Headband! 

See the Ravelry posting here. 

anna knits - top braided headband

I hope everyone is having a nice holiday week! I was lucky enough to have a few days off of work, and have been busy experimenting with different knit headbands - and hanging out with my parents' pug, Mae. So far, this top braided headband is my favorite. The cable on the front adds a little flair, while the band in the back is wide enough to keep my ears warm in Boston cold wind. I have knit a few up in different colors, which I will share soon. I'm currently having a blocking party to get them all ready!

knit picks, etc. - 12.18.13

  

 

(gift) Reusable hand-warmer topped with a foxy knit cover. (cookies) Gingersnap love. (winter) These crochet gloves would be fun to make. (nails) DIY nail art. (yum) New ramen in NYC.

holidays, etc. - handmade ornaments

There is still time to make an ornament for yourself or a gift this year! Here are three of my favorite handmade ornaments:

Arne and Carlos' 55 Christmas Balls to Knit:



Crochet Ice Skates - tutorial here:

Mini Santa Hat from the blog Wooly Wormhead:

Do you have a favorite handmade ornament?

knit picks, etc. - 12.11.13

 

   

(eat) Marcella Hazan's penne with rosemary and bacon. (christmas) It's crunch time to finish knit ornaments in time for holiday gift giving! (stamp) This stamp would be cute on packages being sent to buyers. (read) Amazing series following a girl living in an NYC shelter. (cookies) I made these cookies this weekend, and they are great for anyone who likes peanut butter desserts - like me!. (knit) Free program to turn images into gridded patterns for knitting. 

knit picks, etc. - circle time

   

  

(nom) Perfect for a winter weekend. (crochet) You don't often see crochet stockings, but this pattern is quite cute. (art) Artist lets her four-year-old finish her drawings - amazing results. (party) I think this garland would look great in white, black, and gold for New Year's Eve. (diy) Make your own bauble wreath!

holidays, etc. - thanksgiving 2013

 

  

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love getting together with family to relax, enjoy good food, and - if I'm lucky - find some time to knit. This year I was able to make a few christmas ornaments (more to come!), and another braided knit headband. Did you get a chance to work on any projects?

Happy Thanksgiving!