A Quick Winter Headband Knitting Pattern
If you’re looking for a knitting project that’s fast, warm, and mildly addictive, this chunky cable knit winter headband is it. It’s one of those patterns that makes you feel productive without requiring a ridiculous amount of time—perfect for those of us who like instant gratification. I kid you not, this headband is so soft and cozy that my daughter wears the one I made for her in the house!
This pattern is great for if you’re looking for last-minute stocking stuffers or quick items to sell at a craft fair. They work up so fast, you can make a whole stack of them in no time! Plus, the cable design looks fancy enough to impress people, but it’s straightforward enough that you won’t lose your mind knitting it. Win-win right?!
Pattern PDF File
The free knitting pattern for this chunky winter headband is available right here on this page, as this site is sustained through ad support.
If you’d like your own copy, the Ad-Free PDF file (which will be emailed to you automatically) can be purchased through Ravelry, or by clicking the “Purchase PDF File” button to the right.
Thank you so much for your support! It means the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful to be able to share my passion with you all.
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Chunky Cable Knit Headband Pattern
Materials:
Here is what you will need to make one super soft cable knit headband:
- US 10.5 (6.5 mm) Straight Knitting Needles
- 55 yards of Bulky Weight Yarn
- Scissors
- Cable stitch holder
- Tapestry Needle to weave in ends
Choosing Yarn for your Headband
I wrote the pattern for Knitpicks Biggo bulky weight yarn which has to be the softest bulky weight yarn I have found to date. Unfortunately Biggo has been discontinued, but worry not, I’ve listed a few alternative yarns that are bulky with a bit of stretch that are perfect for this headband pattern.
- Berocco Vintage Chunky
- Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky
- James C. Brett Chunky with Merino
- Berocco Comfort Chunky
Gauge:
3.25 stitches = 1” in stockinette stitch
Sizes:
Child (Adult)
Abbreviations:
K: Knit
P: Purl
C6F: Cable 6 Front (slip 3 stitches onto your cable stitch holder to the front of your work, knit the next three stitches, then knit the three stitches off of the cable needle).
C6B: Cable 6 Back (slip 3 stitches onto your cable stitch holder to the back of your work, knit the next three stitches, then knit the three stitches off of the cable needle).
FreePattern:
Cast on 17 stitches.
Row 1: K2, P2, K9, P2, K2.
Row 2: K4, P9, K4.
Row 3: K2, P2, C6B, K3, P2, K2.
Row 4: K4, P9, K4.
Row 5: K2, P2, K9, P2, K2.
Row 6: K4, P9, K4.
Row 7: K2, P2, K3, C6F, P2, K2.
Row 8: K4, P9, K4.
Repeat rows 1-8 until work measures 14” (child) or 16.5” (adult). Cast off in pattern, leaving a 12” tail for seaming.
Finishing:
Fold headband in half with wrong side facing out. Join the cast on and cast off ends together using the whip stitch method. Weave in all loose ends!
Pattern PDF File
I hope you enjoyed this free chunky cable knit headband pattern.
If you’d like your own copy, the Ad-Free PDF file (which will be emailed to you automatically) can be purchased through Ravelry, or by clicking the “Purchase PDF File” button to the right.
Thank you so much for your support! It means the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful to be able to share my passion with you all.
37 Responses
I think I’ve had a brain lapse. I can’t remember what abbrevation Kg and Pg stand for. Thank you
I’m so sorry, the font makes the number 9 look like a g! Its not a g, its a nine:)
Thanks so much. That makes pattern totally clear. Thanks so much Marsha Jo
Do you have this pattern in crochet? I love it but I can’t knit?
I’m sorry Caryl I do not, but I will try and make one soon!
Oh, it’s beautiful. I was wondering how did you get the snow photos, but I see now that it was real snow:)))
Haha yes! This is our snowiest October on record already!
Hi, can you use different yarn?
You could, but I would highly recommend using the same yarn as the weight can vary quite a bit, which will alter the thickness and warmth of the headband.
I LOVE this! So pretty! I am Canadian as well. I live in Ontario. Are you buying this yarn form the states, or have you found somewhere in Canada that sells it? Thanks!
No, unfortunately the yarn is only available from knitpicks.com. But they have free shipping to Canada if you spend a certain amount ($75 I believe). I’ve always been happy with their service and it takes about a week for the yarn to arrive.
I LOVE this headband and can just imagine how soft it must be. Since you are Canadian (as am I), I was wondering are you getting this yarn from the states, or have you found someone in Canada that sells it?
Thank you, I’m a beginner at knitting but have knitted these for the grandkids, and learned to cable at the same time ?
Thank you for this pattern.
Thank you for this pattern
This is a beautiful headband. I made this one. Yarn not from knit picks though. Just a chunky yarn. Worked out perfectly. I see you are from Canada as well ??. I’m from Newfoundland. My son is living in Alberta though. It’s definitely a beautiful place to live. Thanks for the lovely pattern ❤️❤️
Hi Vivian! Love hearing from fellow Canadians! We are so blessed to live here 🙂
And you are welcome, I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the pattern!
Hello,I am from u.s. and although my winter is mild,I am making the headbands for Christmas presents for family who get severe winter weather..this a beautiful pattern that as you knit it,takes shape so nicely and is a joy to make.you are right,the correct yarn makes all the difference in fit,softness and ease of knitting.thank you for a gorgeous pattern and beautiful Christmas present idea.
So glad to hear this Jennifer! Thank you for the thoughtful comment!
Hello, just wondering, is the pattern the same as the picture of you wearing it??? It seems longer and thinner on the photo. I love that one.
Hi Carol, yes… when you wear it, it stretches out and appears thinner and longer 🙂
Hi! I’m from SD and we have cold winters here with lots of strong winds so a cozy warm headband is a necessity. This knits up quickly and nicely using Lion Brand wool ease chunky. Thank you for sharing your pattern
You’re welcome Kimberly! Thanks for the yarn recommendation too!
Thank you for the adorable pattern! I’ve knitted it in a bulky acrylic yarn and wondered if I needed to make an attempt at blocking it? I’ve never had any success blocking acrylic yarn. It is so cute and the pattern was a dream to use!
Love this pattern! I’m in the UK (although was born in Canada – Deep River, Ottawa ??♥️) and have knitted using a chunky wool. Found it very easy to follow and really pleased with the results!
I tried out the headband free pattern and really liked it. I made one for each female in my family. So easy to follow. Thankful.
You’re most welcome Ata!
Thank you so much for this beautiful pattern, I usually run from cables but really wanted to practice my cable work for Christmas and Hanukkah gifting, this was just enough with a braid, I used Hometown USA Super Bulky #6 Acrilic/Acrilico because Im allergic to wool, for that yarn It fit my head perfect stopping at 15 inches and I used a 7.0 Needle almost 1 skien,if that helps anyone who also has allergies needs a sub yarn.Your work is lovely and site beautiful Thank you! Maria
Thank you Maria, that means a lot to hear! Glad you enjoyed the pattern and found a yarn thats good for people with allergies to wool!
I finally know how to knit a cable! What a great pattern! I made this out of some yarn I had lying about! Thank you for the freebie! I had my hours cut at work and every little bit helps!
This makes me so happy to hear! I’m sorry about your hours being cut, but good for you for staying positive, hugs!
Hi! I was wondering if I can knit this with circular needles. Thanks!
Love this pattern, I’ve knitted a dozen for Christmas and just because gifts. Thanks so much for sharing. The Northern Ontario gals are keeping toasty warm❤
I just tried the first 8 rows…my ear warmer is 3″ wide and I would like to make it at least 5″ wide…do you have any suggestions in how to ” enlarge” this pattern?
Regards,
Julie
Hi Julie, You could make it wider by adding stitches to the beginning and end of each row (so instead of k2 at the beginning and end, try k4 or k6 for the odd number rows and K6 or k8 for the even number rows)
I can’t wait to try this pattern. It’s not only attractive but practical. I walk my dog in Wisconsin winter weather and I’m always looking for Warm winter patterns to try.
Thank you so much for your kind comment! I’m so glad you like the pattern and I hope it keeps you cozy on your dog walks!