Free Pattern: Easiest-Ever Baby Headband

This week Kimela left a comment on my blog asking if I had a beginner pattern for a baby headband. I’ve seen some really cute headband patterns online, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought that I could make a fast and super-easy beginner pattern.

What I came up with is so simple that I hesitate to call it a "pattern"!

I had two “brilliant” ideas. One – by using a no-chain foundation stitch, I could make a stretchy headband without having to sew or weave in a piece of elastic. Two – for even more stretch, I could use stretchy sock yarn. A trip to the yarn store and a few minutes crocheting and I had headbands!

What you’ll need:

A small amount of stretchy sock yarn - I used Cascade Yarns “Fixation” which is a cotton elastic mix.

A “D” hooks (3mm)

A sewing needle and a small amount of thread in a coordinating color.

(Note - you can use regular baby yarn for this pattern, but it won't have nearly as much stretch. I strongly recommend buying elasticized sock yarn. The headbands that I made with sock yarn were very stretchy. Un-stretched they had a circumference of 12”. They stretched to 16” – 18”. I made the same pattern using TLC baby yarn. The baby yarn version only stretched from 12” to 14”.

If you’re not familiar with a no-chain foundation stitch, you’ll want to learn it as it is the foundation of this “pattern”.

A great video tutorial can be found here.

The “pattern”

Using the chain-less foundation stitch, crochet a row 12” long. (you can make the row longer or shorter to fit around baby’s head). Finish off at end of row – weave in both ends.

Making sure not to twist the row, sew the two edges together.

Sew a decorative motif over the sewn seam. You can use a store bought satin bow or crochet your own motif. I used simple flower motifs that I crocheted as follows:

Using D hook, chain 4. Slip stitch to first chain to create a loop.

Chain 5, sc in center loop. Repeat 4 more times to create a simple 5 petal flower. Finish off. Pull loose edges through back of flower. Sew over seam in headband.