Free Summer Knit Headband Pattern (with ties!)
If your yarn stash has a skein of cotton just waiting for the right project, this is it. This free summer knit headband pattern works up quickly and features a delicate lace stitch detail that looks far more impressive than the skill it requires. The I-cord ties make it easy to wear over loose hair, a ponytail, or a breezy updo, and it’s one of those projects you can genuinely finish in an afternoon.
This is a great pattern if you’re looking for easy knitting projects that are light, wearable, and a little bit pretty. It makes a lovely handmade gift as well. Keep reading for the full free pattern, including all abbreviations, stitch instructions, and finishing tips.
At a Glance:
- Skill level: Advanced Beginner / Intermediate
- Yarn: Cotton, Size 4 (approx. 45 yards)
- Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm)
- Finished size: 4″ wide × 18″ long
- Time to complete: ~2–3 hours
Keep reading to learn how to knit a headband using a repetitive lace stitch pattern. Use one solid color yarn throughout for a cohesive look.
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Headband Knitting Pattern
The idea behind this knit headband pattern is to work in straight rows, to create one long piece. The piece will have shorter ends, made by using decrease rows. You will use BASIC KNIT STITCHES, as well as special decrease stitches, for the repetitive pattern.
The following is a list of supplies you would need to create one knit hair band. Use similar yarn (size 4, light cotton yarn) and the same knitting needle size to make your own.
Supplies
- 1 skein of size 4 (Medium) Knit Picks Comfy (109 yds per skein)
- Color: Flamingo
- or similar weight yarn (approx 45 yds total)
- Size 8 (5.0 mm) needles (straight)
- Size 8 (5.0 mm) double-pointed needles (optional for I-Cord)
Knitting Notions
Knitting Abbreviations
approx – approximately
BO – bind off
CO – cast on
K – knit
k2tog – knit two sts together
P – purl
p3tog – purl three sts together
skp – slip one st knitwise, knit next st, pass slipped st over
sts – stitches
Rep – repeat
RS – Right Side
WS – Wrong Side
yo – yarn over
Special Instructions to Make an I-Cord
You will be making two I-cords to create the straps at each end of the headband. Use the instructions below when you need to create the I-cord.
To make an I-cord with double-pointed needles:
- knit each stitch across
- do not turn work
- slide knitted stitches to right edge of needle
- keep the working yarn in the back
Repeat steps 1-4 until you reach the desired length for the I-cord.
To make an I-cord with single-pointed needles:
- knit each stitch across
- do not turn work
- slip all stitches back to the other needle purlwise (point to point) one at a time
- keep the working yarn in the back
Repeat steps 1-4 until you reach the desired length for the I-cord.
PATTERN INFORMATION
The FREE simple headband knitting pattern is provided below, but you can also get the ad-free, printable pdf pattern for the KNIT HEADBAND in the pattern shop! The pdf has some helpful photos included:
Pattern Knit Headband
Here I will walk you through each step of making this modern lace knit headband, using your favorite yarn color.
Finished Measurements:
Measurements are for finished & blocked hair band, not including I-cords.
- Width : 4 inches
- Length : 18 inches
Gauge: 4″ (10cm) square = approx. 18 sts by 20 Rows in pattern repeat, blocked
FREE Lace Headband Knitting Pattern
NOTES –
You will be knitting the hair band from the middle in rows to form the main piece. Then you will decrease to form 1 end tie, followed by picking up sts to form the 2nd end tie.
With size 8 needles, CO 18 sts with size 4 yarn.
(Alternatively, you could provisionally cast on 18 sts here).
Stitch Repeat Pattern:
Row 1 (RS): P1, k16, p1.
Row 2: K1, p16, k1.
Row 3: P1, k2, *yo, p1, p3tog, p1, yo, k2; rep from * across until last st, p1.
Row 4: Rep Row 2.
Rep Rows 1-4 until length reaches approx 12″ or your desired length, ending with a Row 4. (approx 15 total repetitions)
Decrease Rows:
Dec Row 1 (RS): K1, skp, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Dec Row 2: Purl.
Rep the two Decrease Rows six more times.
Continue with last 4 sts to make an I-cord approx 6″ length (see special instructions above).
To finish, you can bind off the last 4 sts knitwise or cut yarn & run tail through the last 4 sts, tighten and fasten off.
With RS facing,
- use size 8 needles and same yarn to pick up 18 sts along cast-on edge of hair band,
- then purl the next row.
(Alternatively, put your 18 provisional cast-on sts back on size 8 needle and begin working the RS as follows).
Decrease Rows:
Dec Row 1 (RS): K1, skp, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Dec Row 2: Purl.
Rep the two Decrease Rows six more times.
Continue with last 4 sts to make an I-cord approx 6″ length (see special instructions above).
To finish, you can bind off the last 4 sts knitwise or cut yarn & run tail through the last 4 sts, tighten and fasten off.
FINISHING the Headband
Block hair band to your desired width and length.
Weave in all loose ends to WS.
Important Tips for Knitting your Lace Headband
Some things to keep in mind as you work the Knitted Headband Free Pattern are:
- For the pattern repeat, the RS is worked on odd-numbered rows.
- Use double-pointed or single-pointed needles to make the I-cords (see special instructions).
- Feel free to adjust size as follows:
- work more/less rows to adjust length of main piece
Lace Knit Headband
The light knit headband makes a lovely hair accessory for the warmer months, worn over loose hair or a ponytail. Just tie the I-cords behind the neck to fasten.
The lace design of this headband is very pretty (especially in pink), and with the wide size and interesting texture – you’re bound to get compliments from making this beautiful pattern. I think it would also look lovely worn with an up-do.
Don’t forget that this knit headband pattern is also available in an ad-free digital pdf pattern. The pdf has a few helpful photos. Grab the HEADBAND KNIT PATTERN pattern in my shop.
Love knit hair accessory patterns? Check out these other FREE knit projects…
Did you enjoy this free knitting pattern? I think it’s also a perfect idea to make as a gift for a friend who loves lace and Knitting Accessories.
Check out all of my FREE KNIT PATTERNS HERE.
FAQ
Yes! Especially with a repetitive easy stitch pattern using basic knit stitches and simple techniques. This pattern has an Intermediate skill level, but an advanced beginner can give it a try. The decrease stitches are simple to master, and the overall pattern is very repetitive. You would also need to know how to pick up stitches (or work a provisional cast-on).
A lightweight cotton yarn (size 4 / worsted) works beautifully for this pattern. Cotton is breathable, holds its shape well after blocking, and is comfortable against skin in warm weather. This pattern uses Knit Picks Comfy, but any similar cotton or cotton-blend yarn will work. You only need about 45 yards, so it’s a great stash-buster too.
Most knitters finish this headband in 2–3 hours, making it a perfect weekend project or a relaxing evening craft. The repetitive lace pattern gets into a rhythm quickly, so it feels meditative rather than tedious.
To make it longer, simply work more rows in the main stitch repeat before beginning the decrease rows.
Yes! The I-cord ties can be made with either double-pointed or single-pointed needles. Full instructions for both methods are included in the pattern.
Knit headbands tend to have a flatter, more fabric-like drape, which works especially well for lace patterns like this one. Crochet headbands are often thicker and more structured. Both are beginner-friendly. It just comes down to which craft you prefer, or which yarn you have on hand!
Yes! The full pattern is available right here on this page at no cost. If you’d prefer an ad-free, printable PDF version with extra photos, that’s available in the shop.
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