Christmas is coming! And while I am not decorating until December, I am working on making lots of Christmas gifts (including the below knitted headband) ahead of time so that I can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing advent! For years I have been giving handmade things for Christmas for a few reasons:
Handmade gifts…
Cut down on the Christmas consumerism
Can be special and personalized to the recipient
Are often less expensive (but more time consuming!)
Are often better for the environment
Force me to slow down during this season and focus on enjoying a peaceful advent instead of frantically shopping all month.
Additionally: With supply chain delays and shortages this year, it is better to get off the system all together and go handmade!
There are so many more reasons but these are my main ones. This year, I am trying to shop locally or hand-make as many gifts as possible. Soon I will be posting a handmade gift guide that will compile several posts and ideas for your own crafty Christmas, so please subscribe if you would like to be notified when that is up on the blog!
This braided crown knitted headband is one of my favorite knitting patterns ever. I originally found a version of it online, but that pattern is no longer available. Last year I took matters into my own hands and created a pattern from memory in order to give this headband to a sweet friend (who absolutely loved it!). What I love about this pattern is that it is so incredibly simple while also being intricate and unique. It only takes an hour or two of easy knitting to complete this project. The only special experience you will need is a basic understanding of how to use cables. I think this pattern might have been one of my first cable projects, so it really is that easy!
Glossary of Abbreviations:
ST(s) = stitch(es)
CO = cast on
K = Knit
P = Purl
C3F = Hold three stitches in front your work with a cable hook
C3B = Hold three stitches behind your work with a cable hook
Supplies:
Around 90 yards of super bulky (weight 6) yarn:
I love using the Lion’s Brand Hometown yarn. It comes in so many beautiful colors and has the best texture!
Needles: US 13 knitting needle
Cable “J” hook
*optional* A stitch marker
Pattern
CO 11 sts
Row 1: P1 K9 P1
Row 2: K1 P9 K1
Row 3: P1, C3F, K3, Kthe 3 cable stitches back onto needle, K3, P1
Row 4: K1 P9 K1
Row 5: P1 K9 P1
Row 6: K1 P9 K1
Row 7: P1, K3, C3B, K3, K the 3 cable stitches back onto needle, P1
Row 8: K1 P9 K1
Repeat rows 1-8 until the headband wraps just around the crown of the head, covering ears and the ends coming together at the nape of the neck.
Finishing:
Cast off all stitches
Sew ends of headband to create a circle
And that is it! This headband is so cute and cozy for the cold months! I find this style to be ideal for mild southern winters because it keeps ears warm while not being too thick or toasty.
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Jaclyn says
Hi! It’s row 3 missing something? Should it be Row 3: P1, K3, slip 3 sts front, K3, K slipped stitches back onto needle, P1?
Hey Jaclyn,
Row three is correct, but I have updated the language of the pattern and the abbreviations to be more clear!
Thanks for your feedback 🙂
xo-Regina
Thank you for the quick reply! I’m getting back into knitting and am still confused, I’ll try to explain. P1 (1 stitch), C3F, K3 (3 stitches), K slipped stitches back onto needle (3 stiches) , P1 (1 stitch) so I count 8 stitches? But there should be 11, can you help me?
Yes you are absolutely right! I haven’t knitted this pattern in years so when I updated this blog recently, part of that line must have been deleted or forgotten. You need to K3 after you knit the cabled stitches back onto the needle…I updated the pattern above to reflect this. Does this make sense? I hope this helps and the pattern works out well for you 🙂
xo-Regina