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!
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!
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
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.
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!
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Thank you. I made one for my 10 year old granddaughter and I think the 52 cast on is going to be too big for her. How many co for the s?
Thank you
I do love the pattern!
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn, Thank you for your question and comment. You are correct, 52 CO is much too long for that size so it must have been a typo. For the youth size L(10/12), a CO of 42 stitches will work much better. I just quickly whipped one up for my 8 year old!
Hi how many stitches do you think for adult female
Funny you ask! I just completed one for myself and I made it with 44 stitches but I also increased the width of the headband by adding two additional rows at the center.
Hi 36 stitches seems wide for a four year old ? love the pattern Thank you, I might have sent this message twice.
Pamela Henley,
Can I ask how many stitches did you Cast On for a 4 year old?
Thank You.
Made 2 for a set of twins the are beautiful Thank you for the pattern I finally read it right !
That’s great, thanks Pamela! I hope the twins will enjoy their gifts.
Love this pattern, I want to knit one for my granddaughter who is 3, how long would you suggest i make it and would you say co 36 stitches…anxiously awaiting your response…another Canadian Nanny sharing the beauty of handmade…thank. Penny
Hi Penny, Thanks for your question! Since this headband can really stretch A LOT, I think you could start with casting on 32 stitches. And you can still play around with the overlap amount to adjust the fit later if needed.
Good Morning
How many stitches would you suggest for a 4 year old who wants a Headband? She is the Victim of the California Fires and wanted a Rainbow Scarf with Pockets. I am making one using RED HEART YARN. How long should it be? I knitted 30 inches, cast on 17 stitches on US #9 needles. I Would Like for her to Wear the Headband and Scarf for a while.
Thank You very much and Hope to hear from you.
Hi Rita, Thank you so much for your question. Since you’re using a different yarn and needle size, it’s hard for me to know how many stitches you’ll need. However, I do know that a child’s head circumference at that age (age 4) is typically between 20″ to 21″. So that means the length of the headband should be less than this since it will stretch. I’d suggest making the headband about 18″ long before joining/overlapping the ends (you also have some room to adjust the size with the overlap).
GOOD EVENING,
Hi how many stitches do you think I should Cast On for a 5 Year Old Girl who is a victim of Pacific Fires, CA. She is 3 feet 5 inches with a Head Circumference of 22 inches.
I just bought the Wool-Ease Thick and Quick Lion Brand Yarn, Super Bulky in Blue.
Thanks for your help.
Hi, I’m a beginner in knitting, and I would like to try this for my 3 year old daughter for her birthday. Please help me how many Cast on should I do? Will CO 36 be right? Or should I go for lower?
Hi Irene, Sorry for the delay in responding! CO with 36 stitches, that should be fine. If it is too big, you can always overlap the ends more to fit.
For the adult size, which 2 rows did you add and after which row did you add them?
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.
@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
Hello! My granddaughter is a petite 21 month year old. I’m thinking casting on only 30!!! Yikes!!! What do you think???
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!
thank you! the adult pattern is just what I was searching for
Can you knit this in the round?
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