This free lace knit headband pattern is a pretty little project for chilly days when you want your ears covered without reaching for a full hat. The Miriam Headband is the newest addition to my Free Headband Knitting Patterns collection, with a repeating lace design framed by simple ribbed edges.

I used Hobbii Soft Alpaca and 3 mm circular needles for a soft accessory that is easy to tuck into a coat pocket. With sizes from toddler through large adult, this free lace headband knitting pattern gives you several options for making something useful for yourself or someone on your gift list.

Sometimes a smaller project is exactly what you need between those bigger knits. The Miriam Headband gives you a chance to enjoy lace knitting without committing to an entire shawl or sweater.

The lace adds a gentle ripple to the fabric, while the ribbing gives the edges a tidy finish. It is a lovely combination when you want a cold-weather accessory with a little extra detail.

What Yarn and Needles Do You Need for This Free Lace Knit Headband Pattern?

I knit my Miriam Headband with Hobbii Soft Alpaca and 3 mm circular needles. Softness matters for a project that sits against your forehead and ears, and I wanted this headband to feel comfortable as well as look pretty.

The pattern calls for approximately 40–80 yards of yarn, depending on the size you make. That smaller yarn requirement makes it a nice project to consider when you have some yarn left from another accessory.

You will also need a yarn needle for weaving in your ends and a needle setup that lets you work comfortably around the headband’s circumference. Choose a circular needle length that suits your size, or use your preferred method for working smaller circumferences.

If you are considering a different yarn, take a look at my Best Yarn For Earwarmers roundup. It is a helpful place to think through softness, warmth, and how well a yarn will hold its shape.

For this pattern, check that your chosen yarn gives you the required gauge of 28 stitches and 40 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette. A washed and dried swatch will also help you see how the fabric behaves before you cast on your headband.

How Do You Knit the Miriam Lace Headband?

The Miriam Headband is worked in the round, so there is no seam to sew at the end. You begin with 1×1 ribbing, work the lace section through the center, and finish with another band of ribbing.

The lace uses yarn overs and paired decreases to create its repeating shape. A four-round repeat keeps the pattern manageable, with the decorative stitches concentrated in one round and plain knitting in the others.

That balance is one of the nice things about this lace knit headband pattern. You get a round that asks for a little more attention, followed by time to settle back into knitting and watch the design develop.

Before joining, check that your cast-on stitches are sitting evenly around the needle without any twists. A beginning-of-round marker is helpful, and additional markers between lace repeats can make it easier to catch a missed yarn over or decrease.

The pattern includes toddler, child, small adult, and large adult sizes. Measure the wearer’s head before choosing a size, rather than relying only on the age label.

For help understanding head measurements, stretch, and a comfortable fit, visit How To Knit A Headband That Fits. You want the finished headband to stay over your ears comfortably without squeezing.

When you finish, bind off loosely enough that the upper edge can stretch. Gently block according to your yarn’s care instructions, letting the lace settle into shape without stretching the ribbing excessively.

What Should You Knit After the Miriam Headband?

If you enjoyed making the Miriam Headband, these free patterns give you a few more ways to add handmade accessories to your cold-weather collection:

• Daisy Headband — Try a decorative flower stitch for a playful change from lace.
• Martha Headband — Enjoy another lace design, this time combined with garter texture and worked flat.
• Hezekiah Headband — Choose a wider headband with faux cable detail and ribbed edges.
• Peace Headband — Switch to simple knit-and-purl texture for your next accessory.

Each pattern gives you something different to enjoy, whether you prefer lace, decorative stitches, or straightforward texture. Check the individual yarn and needle requirements before choosing your next project.

The Miriam Headband is a lovely option when you want a smaller knit with enough stitch detail to keep things interesting. Its seamless construction also keeps the finishing simple: weave in your ends, give it a gentle block, and get it ready to wear.

Make one in a neutral shade to wear with several coats, or choose a favorite color that brings a little brightness to chilly mornings.

Miriam Headband Free Pattern

Materials Needed: Approximately 40–80 yds/37–73 m worsted-weight yarn (I used Hobbii Soft Alpaca, 180 yds/50 g), US 2 (3 mm) circular needles, yarn needle.

Gauge: 28 stitches x 40 rounds in 4x4ins/10x10cm in stockinette

Sizes (appx head circumference) [appx finished width laid flat]:

toddler (40cms, 16ins) [19.5cms/7.8ins]

child (46cms,18ins) [21cms/8.4ins]

small adult (51cms, 20ins) [24cms/9.6ins]

large adult (56cms, 22ins) [25.5cms/10.2ins]

Stitch Key:

K – knit                           

K2tog – knit 2 stitches together            

M1 – Make 1 stitch.

p – purl

p2tog – purl 2 stitches together

SSK – Slip 1 stitch knitwise, slip the next stitch knitwise, then knit the slipped stitches together through the back loops.

st(s) – stitch(es)

yo – yarn over

Stitch Chart

Round 1 – knit across
Round 2 – knit across
Round 3 – [k2tog, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, ssk, ssk] across
Round 4 – knit across

HEADBAND INSTRUCTIONS

Cast on (110, 120) 132, 142. Join in the round, taking care not to twist, and place a beginning-of-round marker.

Work 2cms or .75ins k1p1 ribbing.

Child and Large Adult only: M1, knit to end of round. You now have 121 (143) sts.
Toddler and Small Adult only: Knit 1 round. You have 110 (132) sts.

Work in stitch chart a total of 7 times, then work just round 1 one more time.

Child and Large Adult only: K2tog, knit to end of round. 120 (142) sts.

Set up round for sizes toddler & small adult: knit 1 round

Now work k1p1 ribbing around for 2cms or .75in.

Bind off loosely. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

What color would you choose for your Miriam Headband? Tell me in the comments—I would love to hear what you have planned!

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