Free Knitting Pattern

Knit a beaded tube in the round, thread elastic through it, and seam the ends to make this headband.

Sizes & Gauge

Instructions are written as smaller size [larger size]. When only one number is given, it applies to both sizes. The smaller version lies flat when worn; the larger version gathers when worn.

Gauge: 14 stitches × 20 rows = 2 × 2 inches.

Finished measurements listed in the PDF: 20 inches (51 cm) knit circumference, 1¼ inches (3.2 cm) wide. Adjust the fit by changing the elastic length and/or the length of each knitted portion.

Yarn & Materials

50 yards (46 m) [75 yards (69 m)] fingering weight yarn, shown in Brooklyn Tweed Peerie in Kettle [Nocturne].

US 3 (3.25 mm) 40-inch circular needle for magic loop, or double-pointed needles; 6/0 4 mm seed beads — approximately 51 [71]; No. 6 (1 mm) crochet hook; tapestry needle; ⅜-inch (0.95 cm) elastic; sewing needle and thread; scissors.

Cast On & First Plain Section

Cast on 20 stitches and join in the round. (Video 3:31)

Knit every round for 4 inches (10 cm) [6 inches (15 cm)].

Beaded Section

Beads are placed only on the first 10 stitches of each round. Always knit the remaining 10 stitches without beads. Use the crochet hook to place each bead on its stitch, then knit that stitch. See the video at 4:30 for the bead-placement demonstration.

The written rounds below follow the chart in the PDF. Stitch positions are counted from the beginning of the round. Knit all stitches not listed as beaded.

Starter Bead Round: Place beads on stitches 2 and 9.

After each bead round, knit 5 plain rounds.

Bead Round 1: Place beads on stitches 2, 6, and 10.

Bead Round 2: Place beads on stitches 4 and 7.

Bead Round 3: Place beads on stitches 1, 5, and 9.

Bead Round 4: Place beads on stitches 4 and 7.

Repeat Bead Rounds 1–4, with 5 plain rounds after each bead round, until the beaded section measures 12 inches (30 cm) [18 inches (46 cm)]. Finish with the End Bead Round.

End Bead Round: Place beads on stitches 2 and 9.

Final Plain Section

Continue without adding any more beads. Knit for 4 inches (10 cm) [6 inches (15 cm)].

Cast off. Cut the yarn, leaving an 18-inch (46 cm) tail.

Add the Elastic

Measure the elastic to the length you want for your headband. Add ¾ inch (1.9 cm) for the overlap when sewing, then cut the elastic. (Video 9:54)

The sample uses 12 inches + ¾ inch (30.5 cm + 1.9 cm).

Thread the elastic through the knitted tube, taking care not to twist it. Overlap the ends and sew them together with a sewing needle and thread.

Seam the Headband

Using the tapestry needle and cast-off tail, sew the two ends of the knitted headband together. (Video 12:40)

Weave in any remaining ends.