The Garter Ridge Headband combines a simple, textured stitch to allow the color-changing, netted yarn to shine. This is the eighth pattern in the Finishing Touches Knit Along with KAL Corner and it works up quickly to make a great last-minute gift, or even a last-minute earwarmer for a cold snap.
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. Materials for the sample were generously provided by Lion Brand and Clover USA.
The weather has been warming up in New York City, but it is still dipping regularly below 40 degrees. I don’t quite feel that a hat is necessary, but some nights after work, I still want to cover my ears.
Recently, I got the chance to try a new-to-me yarn, Lion Brand Stitchbird. It has a black netting over the fiber which is light and airy, like roving. The yarn changes color in unexpected ways. I really enjoyed working with it, but I knew that a complicated stitch pattern would get “lost” in the yarn…
I decided to use one of my favorite classic stitch patterns, the garter ridge. (I’ve previously used it in a square in the Anthology Blanket here, and in the Garter Ridge Dishcloth here.)
I used my Clover Takumi Bamboo Circular needles for this project because they are gentle on my hands. In the winter months and in transitional weather, metal needles are not as comfortable for me.
If you’re just hearing about the Finishing Touches Knit Along, you can get all the details including the schedule and how to win prizes from Lion Brand, Clover USA, and Search Press North America in this blog post.
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Garter Ridge Headband
Knitting Pattern by Underground Crafter
This headband works up quickly in a bulky yarn. A simple, textured stitch pattern allows a special yarn to shine. This is the eighth pattern in the Finishing Touches Knit Along with KAL Corner.
Finished Size
- Adult: 20” (51 cm) headband circumference x 3” (7.5 cm) height. See Pattern Notes for instructions for customizing size.
Materials
- Lion Brand Stitchbird yarn (83% acrylic/17% wool, 3.5 oz/100 g, 131 yd/120 m) – 1 skein in 503 Hummingbird, or approximately 55 yd (50.5 m) in any bulky weight yarn.
- US 11/8 mm knitting needles, or any size needed to obtain correct gauge. – I used Clover Takumi Bamboo Circular needles.
- Yarn needle.
- Clover Extra-Large Pom Pom Maker (optional).
Gauge
- 11 sts = 3” (7.5 cm) across in pattern. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
- BO – bind off
- CO – cast on
- k – knit
- p – purl
- rep – repeat
- RS – right (front) side
- sl – slip stitch knitwise
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- *Repeat instructions after asterisk as indicated.
Pattern Notes
- A video tutorial for this stitch pattern is available at the end of this pattern.
- A tutorial for seaming with the mattress stitch is available here.
- To customize this headband pattern to a different finished size:
- The cast on stitches will determine the height of the headband. Adjust your cast on stitches in multiples of 4 sts, + 3 sts so that it is as wide as you want your headband to be.
- The length will determine the circumference of the headband. I recommend 1” – 2” (2.5 cm – 5 cm) of negative ease for headbands. This means that the headband will measure 1” – 2” (2.5 cm – 5 cm) smaller than the circumference of the head you want it to fit.
- If you want to make the headband for someone whose head you can’t measure, my preferred hat sizing chart is this one from Top Toppers. Remember that this lists head circumference, not headband circumference.
Pattern Instructions
Headband
- CO 11 sts, or any multiple of 4 sts, + 3 sts.
- Row 1: (RS) Sl 1, *p1, k3; rep from * across to last 2 sts, p2.
- Row 2: Sl 1, k1, *p3, k1; rep from * across to last st, p1.
- Row 3: Rep Row 1.
- Row 4: Sl 1, k to last st, p1.
- Rep Rows 1-4 until headband measures approximately 20” (51 cm) long, or approximately the desired finished headband circumference, ending after a repeat for Row 3.
- BO in pattern for Row 4. Fasten off with a long yarn tail for seaming, approximately 12” (30.5 cm) long.
Assembly and Finishing
- Thread yarn needle with long yarn tail. With wrong (back) sides facing, seam short edges together using the mattress stitch (see Pattern Notes).
- With yarn needle, weave in ends on inside of headband.
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