Make a Super Simple Ribbed Headband: Easy Knitting Pattern (Single & Double Thick)
Quick, cozy, and stylish — the Super Simple Ribbed Headband is an easy knitting project that delivers a classic ribbed look and warm coverage for your ears. Suitable for beginners and more experienced knitters, this pattern is worked in the round and offers both a single-thick and a double-thick option so you can customize warmth and structure.
Worked in the round: if using circular needles, choose a needle length at least equal to your headband circumference. To obtain the stated gauge of 13 stitches and 16 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in K2, P1 rib, the designer used US size 9 (5.5 mm) needles.
Yarn requirements depend on the size and thickness you choose. For the single-thick version use approximately 15, 18, 24 (27, 34, 40) yards / 14, 16, 22 (25, 31, 37) grams of bulky weight yarn. For the double-thick version you will need about 38, 45, 59 (67, 79, 93) yards / 35, 41, 54 (61, 72, 85) grams of bulky weight yarn. For the double-thick version you will also need a set of needles two sizes smaller than the needles used to obtain gauge (example: if gauge was achieved on US 9 / 5.5 mm, use US 7 / 4.5 mm as the smaller size).
If you wish to modify the size of your headband, adjust the number of cast-on stitches in multiples that preserve the K2, P1 pattern repeat and alter the number of rounds worked to reach your desired width.
Instructions — Single Thick Version:
Cast on 36, 42, 48 (54, 57, 60) stitches using a long-tail cast-on method. Place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round and join carefully, ensuring the stitches are not twisted.
Work the ribbing in the round as (K2, P1) to the end of the round. Repeat this round for a total of 10, 10, 12 (12, 14, 16) rounds — corresponding to approximately 2.5, 2.5, 3 (3, 3.5, 4) inches.
Bind off purlwise. Weave in ends and block if desired. Enjoy!
Instructions — Double Thick Version:
Cast on 36, 42, 48 (54, 57, 60) stitches using a provisional cast-on and the needle size you used to obtain gauge. Place a marker for the beginning of the round and join, taking care not to twist the stitches.
Work the ribbing as (K2, P1) and repeat that round for 12, 12, 14 (14, 16, 18) rounds.
Switch to the smaller needles (two sizes down) and continue the K2, P1 rib for an additional 14, 14, 16 (16, 18, 20) rounds so the total rounds equal 26, 26, 30 (30, 34, 38) rounds — approximately 6, 6, 7 (7, 8, 9) inches.
Fold the headband in half with the right side facing out and bind off using the Kitchener stitch, grafting to the provisional cast-on. Weave in ends and block if desired. Enjoy your warm, ribbed headband!