Sometimes, we just want that kind of pattern – easy, quick, and perfect for the yarn you have in mind. It takes the barest minimum of planning, almost no forethought, and can be altered on the fly with excellent results. Well…one day, I needed just such a pattern. And this is what I got!
Easy Peasy Headband
Size: approximately 21.5″ long
Gauge: 25 sts/3″ worked in 1×1 rib
Yarn/Needles: You may use any yarn and needles you like; for the sample, I used Handmaiden iSilk, 1 skein; US 6 straight or circular needle
NOTES:
-First and last stitch of every row is knit
-You will begin by working the increase section, then work the main body section, then work the decrease section; finally, you will work the buttonhole.
-You will increase 2 stitches every 4th row by working a m1 at each side.
-Work m1 as follows to create the appropriate stitch:
m1k: lift bar between stitches with the L needle from front to back; k through back loop
m1p: lift bar between stitches with the L needle from back to front; p through front loop
-Turn at the end of each row.
INCREASE SECTION
CO 1 st.
Row 1: Kfbfbf. (5 sts)
Row 2: K2, p1, k2.
Row 3 (increase row): K1, m1k, p1, k1, p1, m1k, k1. (7sts)
Row 4: *(K1, p1)* repeat across to last st, k1.
Row 5: K2, p1, k1, p1, k2.
Row 6: Repeat row #4.
Row 7 (increase row): K1, m1p, (k1, p1) twice, k1, m1p, k1. (9 sts)
Row 8: K1, *(k1, p1)* repeat across to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 9: Repeat row #4.
Row 10: Repeat row #8.
Row 11: K1, m1k, *(p1, k1)* repeat across to last 2 sts, p1, m1k, k1. (11 sts)
Row 12: Repeat row #4.
Row 13: Repeat row #8.
Row 14: Repeat row #4.
Row 15: K1, m1p, *(k1, p1)* repeat across to last 2 sts, k1, m1p, k1. (13 sts)
Row 16: Repeat row #8.
Row 17: Repeat row #4.
Row 18: Repeat row #8.
Continue in this way, repeating rows 11-18, maintaining stitch pattern and increasing 2 sts every 4th row, until you have 25 sts across.
MAIN BODY:
Work main section by maintaining stitch pattern until 16.5″ long (or total length minus length of increase section), ending with a row #8.
DECREASE SECTION:
Row 1: K1, k2tog, work in pattern to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (23 sts)
Work 3 rows in pattern.
Row 2: K1, p2tog, work in pattern to last 3 sts, p2tog, k1. (21 sts)
Work 3 rows in pattern.
Continue in this way, maintaining stitch pattern and decreasing 2 sts every 4th row, until you have 7 sts across.
BUTTONHOLE:
1: K2, BO3, k2. (4 sts)
2: K across.
3: K4tog.
Cut yarn and bring tail through loop remaining on needle to finish off.Weave in ends. Sew button on point opposite buttonhole.
MODIFICATIONS:
To modify to any length and width with any yarn/needle combination, begin by measuring the head where headband will sit. Don’t worry about including length for the button hole overlap; the stretch of knitted fabric will work it out.
Work pattern as written, increasing until desired width. Measure length of increase section.
Work pattern for main body section until piece measures [TOTAL LENGTH] minus [INCREASE SECTION LENGTH].
Work pattern as written for decrease section and button hole.
