Simple Elastic Headband

A simple headband that is easily adjustable to any size head and to any width. I crocheted it around a hair elastic so that it can fit snuggly to your head without stretching out the yarn. You can decorate it with a bow or your favourite flower.

For those who are not afraid of math, please see the end of the pattern on how to customize the size of the headband. I have a Masters in Mathematics and I don't get to "do" math very often in my job or at home so I jump very quickly at my chances to "nerd it up". If you are afraid of math, just skip my table and have fun making lots of headbands.

You can download the pattern here in PDF format.


Simple Elastic Headband

FINISHED SIZE
2” wide, 20” length (fits an adult head)

Headband crocheted over a two-layer (doubled) hair elastic

MATERIALS

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn. I used Bernat Super Saver.
• Crochet hook: Size 6mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Hair elastics: I used Goody Ouchless elastics. They come in a variety of colours to match any yarn.

GAUGE
14 sc = 4”

PATTERN
Ch 5.

Foundation Row (Elastic Attachment): This row is crocheted the same way you crochet over the ends of your work. Sc in second ch from hook ensuring that you put the hair elastic behind your chains so that the yo catches it in the stitch. Keeping the elastic behind, sc to end. The elastic should be “woven” into the stitches behind the row. I used a darker elastic (single layer) in the photos so that it would stand out from the yarn. (4 sts). Ch 1, turn.

NOTE: I doubled the elastic to shorten it and to make the hairband less stretchy. You can do the same thing or buy smaller elastics.

“Catching” the elastic to the foundation row.

Row 1 (Increase Row): 2 sc in next 3 sts, sc in last st. (7 sts) Turn.

Row 2:  Ch 2, 2 dc in first st, * sk st, 2 dc in next st *. Repeat from * until 2 st remain, dc in last st. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 2, * 2 dc in “space” between the groups of 2 dc in the previous row, sk st * (see images below). Repeat from * until last st, dc in last st. Turn.

The three spaces between the 2dc groups.

Making 2dc groups between the 2dc groups in the previous row.

Repeat row 3 until headband is 1 inch less than required.

Decrease Row: Ch 1, sc2tog until 1 st remains, sc in last st. (4 sts) Turn.

Elastic Attachment Row: Hold the other side of the hair elastic to the back of the last row, ensuring the headband is not twisted. Similar to the first row where the elastic was crocheted into the headband, sc in each st making sure that the yo catches the hair elastic in the stitch. As with the foundation row, the elastic should be “woven” into the stitches behind the row (4 sts). Fasten off leaving a long tail.

Weave in the loose ends of yarn.

Flower
I used the pattern from Rose Hip for the flower.
http://rosehip.typepad.com/rose_hip_blog/2007/09/september-blur.html

I love the layered petals.

Flower assembly
You can sew the flower directly onto the headband. For my headband, I sewed on a large snap on the flower and the headband so that I can change out the flower for whatever mood I’m in.

Snaps make it easy to change the decoration on the headband.

Adjusting the width of the headband
The pattern is a repeat of 2 sts + 1 selvedge st. To adjust the width of the headband, choose a stitch count that is a multiple of 2 + 1 extra stitch. For example, you can make a headband twice as wide by using 14 + 1 stitches. This means you need to have 8 sts in your foundation row.

Here comes the math!
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Headband Width	2”	3”	4”	½(n + 1)”
Beg Ch	Ch 5	Ch 7	Ch 9	Ch (n + 2)
Foundation Row	4 sts	6 sts	8 sts	(n + 1) sts
Pattern	7 sts	11 sts	15 sts	(2n + 1) sts

You may use this pattern for personal use. You may not reproduce this pattern or sell it. You may sell items made with this pattern as long as you credit Yarn Over Mo with the design. Please link to my blog, yarnovermo.blogspot.ca, if you want to refer to my pattern. Thank you!