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Child’s Easy Free Knitted Headband Pattern

Are you looking for something to keep your little munchkin’s ears warm, yet she’s not ready for the full winter hat? Well, we’ve got the solution: a super quick and easy knitted headband pattern! It takes less than one hour to knit…that’s it! In fact, I actually made it while sitting in the passenger seat during a mini road trip…I love multi-tasking!

A blond child wearing a knitted headband pattern with handmade driftwood buttons

Free Knitted Headband Pattern

Aside from it being quick and easy to knit, another reason I love this pattern is that our very own small driftwood buttons are the perfect size and shape for this headband. You can check out our Etsy shop for more info on these handmade buttons.  And lastly but most importantly, the headband is absolutely adorable on our little Top Model!

A child wearing a knitted headband made from a free pattern and embellished with handmade wood buttons

And if you are looking for more knitting inspiration, we have a collection of the best scarf knitting patterns around, a knitted neck warmer pattern and additional knitting and crochet patterns.

Materials:

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  • Straight Needles, US 13 (9mm) – Love this bamboo knitting needle set*!
  • Wool-Ease Thick and Quick Lion Brand Yarn, Super Bulky, 170g, Granite
  • Darning needle for finishing purposes
  • x2, 1″ diameter decorative buttons; sewing thread and needle

Back view of child's knit headband pattern

How to Knit a Headband

This headband knitting pattern is quite simple, making it the perfect beginner knitting project.

Pattern:

Sizes: XS-4 (S-5/6, M-7/8, L-10/12)

Worked back and forth on needle and sewn together at ends when finished.

Long Tail CO 36 (38, 40, 42) Sts loosely.

K2, P2, repeat 2×2 ribbing to end of row.

P2, K2, repeat 2×2 ribbing to end of row.

K row (RS).

P row (WS).

P row (RS).

K row (WS).

K row (RS).

P row (WS).

K2, P2 repeat 2×2 ribbing to end  of row.

P2, K2, repeat 2×2 ribbing to end of row.

BO loosely.

Weave in yarn ends.

Back view of a child's knitted headband from a free knitting pattern

Assembly:

Overlap the ends by approx. 1” and fasten buttons through both layers using needle and thread to secure headband in place.

This free knitted headband pattern is ideal for the beginner and great for more advanced knitters too! Next you’ll just need to knit up one of these paid or free scarf knitting patterns!

Now you’re ready to keep those little ears warm!

Like it? Pin it for later!

This free knit headband pattern for a child is super quick and easy. A great winter knitting project for beginners and advanced knitters alike.

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Carol

Sunday 26th of March 2023

Can you knit this in the round?

Jane and Sonja

Monday 27th of March 2023

Hi Carol, yes you can definitely knit this in the round using the same size double pointed knitting needs. You won't have the overlap for the button in this case. My preference, however, is to knit this flat so that you can adjust the fit on the child with the overlap. Hope that helps! -Sonja

jenean todd

Wednesday 11th of August 2021

thank you! the adult pattern is just what I was searching for

Daryl Wilenbrink

Saturday 6th of February 2021

How many should be the CO for a petite 21 month old? 30? Thank you I'm not sure if this was posted 2x as I can't tell if it "worked" the first time. Thanks again!

Daryl Wilenbrink

Saturday 6th of February 2021

Hello! My granddaughter is a petite 21 month year old. I'm thinking casting on only 30!!! Yikes!!! What do you think???

Kathy

Sunday 24th of January 2021

For the adult size, which 2 rows did you add and after which row did you add them?

Maria Paccone

Monday 24th of January 2022

@Jane and Sonja, Do I add extra 2 row on the end too for an adult size or just 2 row at the begin, thank you very much

Jane and Sonja

Tuesday 26th of January 2021

Hi Kathy, I add two extra rows in the center section to make the headband wider. Basically before you begin the second k2,p2 ribbing pattern add an extra two rows (P row on RS and then K row on WS). Also be sure to add extra stitches at CO when making adult size to fit comfortably around the head.

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