5 Easy Headband Knitting Patterns, From First Project to Selbu

A headband asks very little of you. A bit of yarn, one pair of needles, a few evenings at most. In return you get something you will actually wear, or a gift that fits everyone, because a headband does not care much about size.

That is why we keep recommending headbands as a first project, and why experienced knitters keep coming back to them between bigger things. You practice casting on, knitting in the round, maybe a little colorwork, and you are done before the motivation runs out.

Here are five headbands we love, ordered from easiest to most advanced, with honest notes on what each one asks of you.

1. Joo Headband, by novemberknits

The simplest one on this list. A clean, minimalistic headband knitted in stockinette stitch, which makes it a perfect first project and a great way to use up leftover yarn.

Yarn: Sandnes Garn Alpakka Ull held with Sandnes Garn Tynn Silk Mohair. Needles: 5 mm circular, 40 cm.

Best for: your very first headband, or a fast gift when you are short on time.

2. Cuddly Headband, by Knit&Note

A cozy, simple headband for both children and adults. You knit a stockinette tube in the round, fold it double and sew the cast-on edge to the bound-off edge. The seam hides on the inside, and the double layer makes it extra warm.

Yarn: Knit&Note Bouclé held with Knit&Note Highland Wool. Needles: 6 mm circular, 40 cm.

Best for: beginners who want something warmer than a single layer, and for knitting the same pattern for the whole family.

3. Honey Twisted Headband, by lene_knit

A feminine headband with a decorative twist at the front. You knit a strip from a chart to your desired length, then sew it together with the twist. It works with many different yarn combinations, so it is a lovely leftover yarn project too.

Yarn: Filcolana Tilia held with Filcolana Saga. Needles: 5 mm double pointed.

Best for: knitters who are comfortable with the basics and want to try following a simple chart.

4. Chunky Selbu Headband, by Marihønestrikk

Classic Norwegian Selbu colorwork, but at a friendlier gauge. With Viking Alpaca storm held together with a thin kid silk, 20 stitches per 10 cm, the pattern grows quickly and the motifs are easier to keep track of than on fine yarn.

Yarn: Viking Alpaca storm held with a thin kid silk. Needles: 4 and 5 mm circulars, 60 cm.

Best for: your first colorwork project. You get the full Selbu look without committing to fine needles.

5. Selbu Headband, by Marihønestrikk

The traditional one. The same Selbu-inspired colorwork as its chunky sibling, knitted in Drops Karisma at 24 stitches per 10 cm. The finer gauge gives crisp, detailed motifs, and it asks for a little more patience and attention in return.

Yarn: Drops Karisma in two colors. Needles: 2.5, 3 and 3.5 mm circulars, 60 cm.

Best for: knitters who have done some colorwork before and want that classic, refined Selbu finish.

In the Knit&Note app

All five patterns live in the Knit&Note app. The reader keeps your place with a row counter, explains abbreviations when you tap them, and for the Selbu patterns you can zoom into the chart without losing your spot. Cast on tonight and the app carries you through to the last bind off.

How to pick between them

Start from what you want to learn, not just how the headband looks.

• Never knitted a headband before: Joo Headband

• Warmest, and works for kids too: Cuddly Headband

• Want to try a chart: Honey Twisted Headband

• First colorwork: Chunky Selbu Headband

• Classic Selbu, fine gauge: Selbu Headband

FAQ

How long does it take to knit a headband?

A simple one like the Joo Headband can be done in an evening. The colorwork headbands take a weekend or a few relaxed evenings, depending on your pace.

How much yarn do I need for a headband?

Usually one skein of each yarn, often less. Headbands are classic leftover yarn projects. Check the amounts in the pattern before you buy.

What is the best yarn for a knitted headband?

Something soft that does not itch, since it sits directly on your forehead. Wool held together with silk mohair or kid silk is a popular combination, warm and gentle at the same time.

Can a beginner knit a Selbu headband?

Yes, but start with the chunky version. Thicker yarn and fewer stitches make the colorwork much easier to read while you learn to knit with two colors.

How wide should a knitted headband be?

Most headbands are 8 to 12 cm wide. Wider keeps your ears warmer, narrower sits more like an accessory. The pattern tells you what the designer intended, and you can often adjust the length to fit your head.