Looking for a free knit headband pattern that’s stylish, easy to make, and perfect for all ages? The Martha Headband is just what you need! It features the same gorgeous garter and lace stitch pattern as the Martha Beanie and Martha Socks, creating a beautifully textured accessory that looks intricate but is surprisingly simple to knit.
Why You’ll Love the Martha Headband
As a knitter, I love patterns that look impressive but don’t require complicated techniques. The Martha Headband is exactly that—a free knit headband pattern with a stunning garter and lace stitch combination that creates an elegant texture while remaining beginner-friendly. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your little one, or as a thoughtful gift, this pattern is a joy to knit.
One of the best things about this headband is its versatility. It comes in sizes ranging from baby to large adult, so you can make one for everyone in the family. Plus, because it’s worked flat and sewn together, it’s incredibly easy to adjust the size for a custom fit.
The Inspiration Behind the Martha Headband
The Martha Headband is part of a coordinating set that includes the Martha Beanie and Martha Socks. When I designed the free knit headband pattern, I wanted something that would match the cozy, textured aesthetic of the beanie and socks while also standing out as a stylish accessory on its own. This headband is perfect for those who love a delicate yet warm piece to wear on chilly days.
I chose Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted (affiliate link) for this project because it’s soft, durable, and holds stitch definition beautifully. The combination of garter stitch and lace really pops with this yarn, making the finished piece both practical and elegant.
Materials and Construction
This free knit headband pattern is made with size 7 knitting needles and worsted-weight yarn, which makes for a quick and satisfying project. It’s worked flat, which means no fiddling with circular needles or double-pointed needles—just straightforward knitting back and forth. When you’re done, you’ll simply seam the ends together to create the finished headband.
Working flat also means you can easily customize the length. If you prefer a looser or snugger fit, just add or subtract rows before seaming. This makes it a great project for knitters of all levels, whether you’re new to lace knitting or looking for a quick, relaxing knit.
How to Style the Martha Headband
I love how versatile the Martha Headband is! Whether you want to keep your ears warm on a brisk morning walk or add a touch of handmade charm to your outfit, this free knit headband pattern has you covered. Here are some of my favorite ways to style it:
- Casual Chic: Pair it with a cozy sweater, jeans, and boots for a relaxed fall or winter look.
- Cozy at Home: Wear it while lounging with a cup of tea and your favorite book.
- Sporty and Functional: It’s great for keeping your hair back on a hike or run in cooler weather.
- Mommy and Me Matching: Since it comes in baby through large adult sizes, you can knit matching headbands for you and your little one!
Why You Should Try This Free Knit Headband Pattern
If you’re looking for a free knit headband pattern that’s quick, beautiful, and beginner-friendly, the Martha Headband is a perfect choice. Here’s why knitters love it:
- Easy to knit: The garter and lace stitch pattern is simple yet visually stunning.
- Quick project: You can finish one in an evening or two, making it perfect for last-minute gifts.
- Customizable fit: Since it’s worked flat, adjusting the size is effortless.
- Great stash buster: Uses minimal yarn, so it’s ideal for leftovers from other projects.
- Matches other patterns: Complements the Martha Beanie and Martha Socks beautifully.
Tips for Success
Even though the lace and garter stitch combination looks complex, it’s straightforward once you get into the rhythm. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this free knit headband pattern:
- Use stitch markers: Placing markers between pattern repeats can help keep track of where you are in the lace section.
- Block your headband: Gently blocking your finished piece will help the lace open up and look even more beautiful.
- Seam carefully: Since the headband is worked flat, a neat seam is essential for a polished look. A mattress stitch will give you an invisible finish.
- Experiment with yarns: While Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted (affiliate link) is my favorite for this pattern, you can try other worsted-weight yarns for different textures and effects.
Get Started on Your Martha Headband
I love sharing patterns that make knitting enjoyable and rewarding. The Martha Headband is a wonderful way to practice lace knitting in a simple, structured project. Whether you’re making one for yourself or as a gift, this free knit headband pattern is sure to become a favorite in your collection.
If you love this pattern, be sure to check out the Martha Beanie for a matching hat that’s just as easy and beautiful to knit. Happy knitting!
Are you excited to try this free knit headband pattern? I’d love to see your finished projects! Tag me on social media or share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s keep creating beautiful handmade pieces together!
Materials and Info
Materials Needed: 30-50yds worsted weight yarn (I used Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted (189y/100g),size 7 (4.5mm) dpn or circular, yarn needle
Gauge: 20sts/10cms or 4ins
Sizes (appx head circumference) [appx finished measurements laid flat]:
baby (38cms, 15ins) [19×16.5cms, 7.5×6.5ins]
toddler (43.5cms, 17ins) [22x18cms, 8.5x7ins]
child (46cms,18ins) [23x19cms, 9×7.5ins]
teen/small adult (51cms, 20ins) [25.5x18cms, 10×8.5ins]
large adult (56cms, 22ins) [28x23cms, 11x9ins]
Stitch Key:
K – knit
p – purl
st – stitch
k2tog – knit 2 stitches together
ssk – slip, slip, knit the slipped sts together
k1b –Knit in row below, inserting right needle into the st in the row below the next st. Knit this st as well as the stitch above it on left needle.
Martha Headband Pattern
Cast on 17.
Row 1 – p2, k1b, p2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, p2, k1b, p2
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – p2, k1b, p2, k5, p2, k1b, p2
Row 4 – purl across
Work rows 1-4 until your work measures appx 35.5, 40.5, 46, 51, 56 cms or 14, 16, 18, 20, 22ins from cast on edge ending after completing a row 2.
Bind off. Cut yarn leaving a long enough tail to weave in ends.
Sew the cast on and bind off edges together.
Weave in ends.
Block as desired.
Martha Headband PDF
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