A Headband That WORKS!

So a few days ago I was searching for a quick new project to complete.  I wanted something that wouldn't take me long to complete and look great, since I like the feeling of accomplishment.  I came across a headband pattern from my "Stitch'N Bitch Nation" book.  I have always loved the idea of headbands but for some reason they always slip off my head which irritates me to no end, so I gave up on wearing them.  UNTIL I made this headband.  It stays put! Just tie the back and it doesn't move.  It rekindled my love for headbands.  The pattern in the book also had a detailing with a huge flower and leaf - which was a bit too much for me.  So instead I just did a basic black headband.  I also changed the pattern slightly, instead of doing a 1x1 rib pattern i did a seed pattern (K1, P1) on RS then (P1, K1) on WS.  Just make sure that you watch your pattern and that you do the opposite stitch.  For example on your left needle if you see a knit stitch then purl that one.  It creates this really neat pattern. 

Headband

 I modified the pattern by using a seed stitch as opposed to a rib stitch.  Both are beautiful and will look amazing as a finished project.  The pattern in the book also provides a pattern to add a flower and leaf and vine to the headband.  I personally prefer a basic and simple headband and decided not to add the flowers.  They are so quick and easy to make and is a good gift for headband loving gals out there!

** PLEASE DO NOT JUST COPY AND PASTE THIS PATTERN INTO YOUR BLOG, PLEASE JUST ADD LINK TO MY PAGE**  THANKYOU

PATTERN

YARN: Patons Knit 'n' Save; Worsted Weight; 50 gram; 100% Acrylic; Colour - black (3210), Lot - 520.
Gauge: 18sts = 10 cm (4") on 4.5 mm (US 7) needles.

Needles: US size 8 (5mm) double pointed.  I used double pointed since the width of the headband is only about 4 inches approximately and I don't own any smaller (length) single pointed needles.  I found using the smaller needles easier to work with but be aware of the ends and make sure your work doesn't slip off.  To prevent this an easy thing to do is to put needle protectors on one end making them into single pointed needles.    ***NOTE: you do need to use double pointed needles when making the i-cord***




With main colour, on dpns, CO 2 sts.  Work I-Cord for 9".
Change to straight needles or use point protectors.

*slip all stitches purl wise* 
* For seed stitch always do the opposite stitch that you are looking at.  If the stitch you are going to work is a knit stitch, do a purl on this one and vice versa*

Inc Row 1: K1, m1, k1
Row 2: Sl1, p to end.
Row 3: Sl1, m1f, k1, m1b, k1.
Row  4: Sl1, p to end
Row 5: K1, m1f, k3, m1b, k1
Row  6: Sl1, work seed stitch (k1, p1) to last 2 sts, p2
Row 7: Sl1, m1f, seed stitch to last 2 sts, k1, m1b, k1.
Row  8: Sl1, p2, seed to last 2 sts, p2
Row 9: Sl1, m1f, seed to alst st, m1b, k1
Row  10: Sl1, seed to end
Row 11: Sl1, m1f, seed to last st, m1b, k1.

Place marker (PM) on RS of work.  Work in seed stitch, slipping the first stitch of every row purl wise, until piece measures 9 1/2" from beg, ending with RS facing.

Dec Row 1: Sl1, k2tog tbl, seed to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Row 2: Sl1, seed to last 2 sts, p2
Row 3: Sl1, k2tog tbl, seed to to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Row 4: Sl1, p2, seed to end
Row 5: Sl1, k2tog tbl, p1, k1, p1, k2tog, k1.
Row 6: Sl1, seed to last 2 sts, p2
Row 7: Sl1, k2tog tbl, k1, k2tog, k1
Row 8: Sl1, p to end
Row 9: Sl1, k2tog tbl, k2tog
Row 10: Sl1, p2tog
Row 11: K.


Change to dpns.  With RS facing you work in I-cord on rem 2 sts for 9".
Next row: k2tog, break yarn and draw tail through st to secure.