5 Quick knitted headband patterns

The year was 1985.

Princess Diana was in Melbourne, Australia as part of a royal tour celebrating Queen Victoria’s 150th anniversary.

In a few hours they would be attending a gala, dancing the night away, and she needed to get ready.

She adjusted the bow on the shoulder of her aquamarine dress, designed by Elizabeth Emmanuel (who also did her wedding dress), and looked in the mirror.

All she needed now was some sparkle.

Her Majesty the Queen had given Diana the perfect item as a wedding gift. It was a jeweled choker, encrusted with diamonds and a large emerald. The original necklace belonged to Queen Mary, made from emeralds given to her by the Ladies of India in 1911.

Diana, not wanting to waste time with the clasp, tried to fit the choker over her head. Only she couldn’t.

“My honker is too big!” she cried.

Vic Chapman, a Canadian diplomat waiting to escort the royal couple, said “Leave it there. It’s young and fun like you.”

And so Princess Diana of Wales walked into the gala that evening, wearing a $20 million dollar emerald choker…as a headband.

Princess Diana wearing an emerald headbandwhile dancing with Prince Charles, 1985

Why we love knitting headbands

I mentioned in my 10 Levels of Knitting Mastery that the BEST first project is a ribbed headband.

There are many reasons for this.

They knit up fast so you can have a quick win. That’s really encouraging for beginners.
They’re useful. Knitting a square swatch might be *easier* than a headband, but it’s mostly good as a coaster or maybe a pot holder. A headband is something almost everyone can wear.
They’re versatile. A headband can be simple or elaborate, thick or thin, lacey, cabled, or beaded. They can be decorative and dainty or warm and cozy.
They make great gifts. There’s not a lot of functional handmade gifts that can me knit in a couple hours.
They’re a good way to explore new knitting techniques without investing in a lot of yarn or time.
There’s A TON of free headband patterns.

Headbands have been functional and fashionable, and surprisingly important throughout history.

Our favorite quick knitted headband projects

As I mentioned before, headbands are a great project type to explore new techinques. The patterns below offer a variety of new things to try, from fair isle to smocking to cables. There's also some easier projects for beginners, and many of them are even free! Let's dive in!
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Twisted Turban Headband by North River Knits

A simple cable twist gives this ribbed headband a turban style look. Bulky yarn and ribbed construction make it extra toasty warm for your ears.
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Chain Link Headband by Knit Picks Design Team

This cabled headband features a center panel with a chain link cable stitch pattern. Using two cables at the same time can be complicated, but the end result is beautiful and worth the effort.
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Arrowwood Headband by Lindsey Faciane

This project was designed as an easy way to learn lace knitting. Knit with a bulky yarn it's easy to see your stitches and it knits up very fast.
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Serenity Smocked Headband by Kendra Nitta

Smocking takes simple 2x2 rib to the next level, creating texture and dimension in this wide ear-hugging headband. Simple shaping and hidden seaming keep this project well within reach of beginners.
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Braided Headband by Lion Brand Studio

This simple headband looks more complicated than it is. Constructed from three strips of knitted fabric, they are then braided to create this fun look.
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Wrap and Tie Headband by Jenise Hope

A casual take on headbands. This one is easy to adjust and fun to wear. If you can knit, purl, increase, and decrease, you can make it!
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