Knitted Cable Headband

The knitted cable headband is a cozy and stylish accessory that will keep you warm and looking fabulous during the colder months. Not only does it add a touch of charm to your outfit, but it also serves the practical purpose of keeping your ears nice and toasty. The intricate cable design gives it a unique and eye-catching look that will surely earn you compliments wherever you go. So, whether you're heading out for a walk in the crisp autumn air or just want to add a little flair to your winter wardrobe, the knitted cable headband is the perfect choice!

Supplies You’ll Need:

Before diving into the pattern, gather the following supplies:

Yarn

• DK weight yarn/Light worsted/8 Ply
• 1 x ball of Rowan Alpaca Soft DK in the color Dark Burgundy 230
• 125m/137 yds/50g

Knitting Needle Size

• Size 4 mm needles (US 6)
• Cable needle

Notions

• Darning needle/tapestry needle or yarn needle
• Scissors
• Tape Measure
• Stitch markers x 2

Other

• Blocking boards and blocking pins.
• Lukewarm water and a dry towel for soaking and blocking.

Size Information

• Teen = Head Circumference 20-22″ / Headband Length 18″
• Adult Small = Head Circumference 21-22″ / Headband Length 19″
• Adult Medium = Head Circumference 22-23″ / Headband Length 20″
• Adult Large = Head Circumference 23-24″ / Headband Length 21″
• Width of the headband = 4 inches.
• If you wish to make the width smaller (for the teen size) you can subtract stitches from the edge – for example, K2, P2 (cable pattern) P2, K2. With 4 edge stitches instead of 6.

Gauge – 22 stitches/30 rows in 10 x 10 cm/4 inches.

Knitting Abbreviations

• CO – Cast on
• C4F (Cable 4 Front) – Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit next 2 sts from left hand needle and then knit 2 sts from cable needle.
• K – Knit
• P – Purl
• PM – Place marker
• SM – Slip marker
• St(s) – Stitch(es)
• St st – Stocking stitch
• T4B (Twist 4 Back) – Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at back of work. Knit next 2 sts from left hand needle, then purl 2 sts from cable needle.
• T4F (Twist 4 Front) – Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, purl next 2 sts from left hand needle, then knit 2 sts from cable needle.
• Rep – Repeat
• RS – Right side
• WS – Wrong side
• 1×1 Ribbing – K1, P1 repeat.

Pattern Instructions:

Panel of 16 sts on a background of rev st st.

Cast on 28 stitches.

Work 1×1 Ribbing for 1 inch.

• Row 1 (RS): K3, P3 (edge), PM, P2, C4F, P4, C4F, P2, PM, P3, K3 (edge).
• Row 2 (WS): K6, SM, K2, P4, K4, P4, K2, SM, K6.
• Row 3: K3, P3, SM, P2, K4, P4, K4, P2, SM, P3, K3.
• Row 4: As row 2.
• Rows 5-6: As rows 1-2.
• Row 7: K3, P3, SM, [T4B, T4F] Twice, SM, P3, K3.
• Row 8: K6, SM, P2, K4, P4, K4, P2, SM, K6.
• Row 9: K3, P3, SM, K2, P4, C4F, P4, K2, SM, P3, K3.
• Row 10: As row 8.
• Row 11: K3, P3, SM, K2, P4, K4, P4, K2, SM, P3, K3.
• Row 12: As row 8.
• Rows 13-22: Rep rows 9-12 twice more, then rows 9-10 again.
• Row 23: K3, P3, SM, [T4F, T4B] Twice, SM, P3, K3.
• Row 24: As Row 2.
• Rep rows 1-24 until the length measures = 17 (18, 19, 20) inches.

Work 1×1 ribbing for 1 inch.

The total length should measure around = 18 (19, 20, 21) inches.

Cast off (in ribbing).

Weave in any loose ends/yarn tails.

Block the work.

Making Up

Seam the ends together with the right sides facing you (the right side of the headband with the cables should be facing you).

Use the mattress stitch for an invisible seam.

Blocking the Headband

To give your headband a professional finish:

1. Soak it in lukewarm water with a mild detergent for a soak wash.
2. Gently squeeze out excess water using a dry towel—don’t wring it out!
3. Place the headband on a blocking board and pin it to shape. Let it air dry completely.