I used to always say that knitting a scarf was the ideal first knitting project, because it gives you a lot of time to learn the basics and it doesn’t matter if it ends up a little wonky at the edges or with extra stitches because it will still keep you warm.
But a lot of people get bored before they get to the end of a garter stitch scarf, so maybe a headband is a better first project option? They’re a great way to learn just about any knitting stitch you’d like, they make great gifts and are a nice way to add a little warmth when it’s cold inside a building without having to wear a hat.
On my website I have a pattern for learning brioche knitting by knitting a headband, for example, and I taught a class on basic knit headbands as part of a crafts summit, for example. But there’s probably a headband knitting pattern out there for any stitch pattern you want to try or technique you want to learn.
We’ve got garter stitch in Lulu Pattern’s Colorful Twist headband, worked in bulky yarn, sized from newborns through adults and available on Etsy. Or throw in a simple knit purl stitch pattern like on this design using worsted weight yarn from Binge Tricot (that one is in English and French, and you can use a provisional cast on if you want to up the skill level).
Learn cables with an easy pattern in super bulky yarn, like this one from Mirella Moments. Or add a twist to your twists as in the Twist Headband from Muki Crafts, which uses bulky weight yarn and is sized to fit a toddler, child or adult woman.
This pattern from Lara Art UA on Etsy adds a little increasing and decreasing to make a cover for your ears, while the Banda Almena from Beatriz Molina (find it on Ravelry) throws in a bit of colorwork.
Get another take on a brioche headband with this free pattern from Ysolda Teague (also on Raverly), or try your hand at double knitting with this simple headband from Etsy seller Towela Designs. So many fun choices!
Do you have a favorite headband knitting pattern? I’d love to hear about it.
