Ballet-Core Cream Knit Headband with Blush Stripe Free Pattern

Introduction

This ballet-core cream knit headband is the perfect first project for anyone who has just learned to knit and purl. It is a simple flat rectangle worked in stockinette stitch, seamed into a loop, and topped with a tiny knitted bow for that soft, dancer-inspired look. The single blush stripe adds just enough color to make it feel special without any complicated colorwork. The finished fabric is soft, stretchy, and cozy, so it hugs your head comfortably for everyday wear, whether you are running errands or heading to the studio.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or cotton blend. Color A (cream): 50 yd. Color B (blush): 10 yd.
• Needles: 5.0 mm (US 8) knitting needles.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, scissors, and a tape measure.
• Finished size: Approx. 3.5 inches wide x 18 inches circumference (unstretched), fits most adults.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on, the way you put the first stitches onto your needle.
• k: Knit stitch.
• p: Purl stitch.
• st(s): Stitch(es).
• RS: Right side, the side of the fabric that faces out.
• WS: Wrong side, the inside of the fabric.
• garter st: Garter stitch, knitting every stitch on every row.
• stockinette: Stockinette stitch, knit on the RS rows and purl on the WS rows.
• BO: Bind off, the way you finish and secure the last row of stitches.

Gauge

16 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Knit a small swatch in stockinette, lay it flat without stretching, and count your stitches and rows over 4 inches to check that your gauge matches.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your tension relaxed and even. A stretchy, soft fabric is what makes this headband comfortable, so avoid pulling the yarn tight.
• Count your 14 stitches at the end of every row for the first few rows. It is easy to add or lose a stitch at the edges when you are learning.
• Change to blush (B) at the very start of Row 9 and back to cream (A) at the start of Row 13, leaving a short tail to weave in later.
• Do not stretch the band while seaming. Match the edges gently so the loop stays the right size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Headband Band (Color A)

Row 1: CO 14 sts. k all sts (14 sts).

Rows 2-4: k all sts in garter st (14 sts).

Row 5: k all sts (RS) (14 sts).

Row 6: p all sts (WS) (14 sts).

Rows 7-8: repeat Rows 5-6 (14 sts).

Change to Color B.

Row 9: k all sts (14 sts).

Row 10: p all sts (14 sts).

Rows 11-12: repeat Rows 9-10 (14 sts).

Change to Color A.

Row 13: k all sts (14 sts).

Row 14: p all sts (14 sts).

Rows 15-104: repeat Rows 13-14 (14 sts). You will end on a purl row (WS).

Rows 105-108: k all sts in garter st (14 sts).

Bind off: BO all 14 sts.

Bow (Color A)

Row 1: CO 10 sts. k all sts (10 sts).

Row 2: p all sts (10 sts).

Rows 3-16: repeat Rows 1-2 (10 sts).

Bind off: BO all 10 sts, leaving a long tail for seaming and wrapping.

Assembly and Finishing

Fold the headband band in half lengthwise with RS together so the long edges meet. Using the tapestry needle, seam the two short ends together to form a loop, then turn the band RS out so the seam sits at the back. Take the bow rectangle and seam its short ends together to form a ring, using the long tail. Flatten the ring into a bow shape, pinch the center, and wrap the remaining yarn around the middle several times to secure it. Knot the yarn at the back of the bow and trim. Attach the bow to the front of the headband, centered over the blush stripe, stitching it down securely. Weave in all remaining ends on the WS. Block lightly by misting with water and laying flat to dry, shaping the band to its finished 3.5 x 18 inch size without stretching.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the blush stripe for any accent color, or add two narrow stripes for a different ballet-inspired look.
• Make a matching set by knitting a second band in blush with a cream stripe and bow.
• For a wider band, cast on 18 sts instead of 14; your row count stays the same and the band will simply be a little broader.