Celtic Cable Knit Headband Pattern

A Celtic Cable Knit Headband is a great project for cold weather, offering both style and warmth.

As the chilly season approaches, it’s the perfect time to dive into cozy knitting projects.

Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out with cables, this knit headband pattern is a popular choice for those looking to combine practicality with a touch of Celtic charm.

Below, you’ll find lots of helpful info to inspire your next creation!

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the printer-friendly ad-free PDF here.

Why Choose A Knitted Headband?

Knitted headbands are fun accessories that serve multiple purposes.

They keep your ears warm, add flair to your outfit, and are a great use of leftover yarn.

Plus, they’re versatile—create a wider headband for extra coverage or stick with a classic headband style.

This project is perfect for headband pattern enthusiasts who love quick knits that don’t require a lot of yarn.

With a medium weight (worsted weight yarn) and a striking cable pattern, this headband is an ideal addition to your ear warmer knitting pattern collection.

What Makes This Project Special?

1. Skill Level: Intermediate, although it could be an easy project that is approachable for any advanced beginners ready to tackle cables, thanks to its simple headband design and lots of helpful info included.
2. Materials: Use your favorite knitting needles and a solid color yarn to let the cable details shine. Worsted weight yarn, which falls in the weight category of medium weight, works beautifully for this cable headband.
3. Construction: The pattern incorporates knit stitches, a garter stitch border, or a moss stitch border, and a long tail cast on for a seamless start.
4. Style Options: Adjust for head circumference to fit all head sizes. Whether you’re making an adult size or experimenting with a different style, this is a great pattern to personalize.
5. Practicality: It’s not just an ear warmer pattern—it’s also a great way to practice cables, try new color combinations, or use up leftover yarn from previous projects.

Celtic Cable Knit Headband Pattern

Skill Level – Intermediate

This Celtic Cable Knit Headband is a great pattern for knitters of advanced levels, combining style, comfort, and practicality.

Grab your yarn, cast on, and let this quick knit become your new winter staple!

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the printer-friendly ad-free PDF here.

You can grab a bundle of 4 headband patterns in my shop here.

Copyright Info

• Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
• If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
• You may sell items produced using this pattern.
• Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
• For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Size Information

• Teen = Head Circumference 20-22″ / Headband Length 18″
• Adult Small = Head Circumference 21-22″ / Headband Length 19″
• Adult Medium = Head Circumference 22-23″ / Headband Length 20″
• Adult Large = Head Circumference 23-24″ / Headband Length 21″
• Width of the headband = 4 inches.
• If you wish to make the width smaller (for the teen size) you can subtract stitches from the edge – for example, K2, P2 (cable pattern) P2, K2. With 4 edge stitches instead of 6.

Gauge – 22 stitches/30 rows in 10 x 10 cm/4 inches.

Knitting Abbreviations

• CO – cast on
• Cont – continue
• C6B – (K3 and 3) – Slip the next 3 sts onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, K3 from the left-hand needle, and then knit the 3 sts on the cable needle.
• C6F – (K3 and 3) – Slip the next 3 sts onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, K3 from the left-hand needle, and then knit the 3 sts from the cable needle.
• C5L – (K3, P2) – Slip the next 3 sts onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, P2 from the left-hand needle, and then knit the 3 sts from the cable needle.
• C5R – (P2, K3) – Slip the next 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, K3 from the left-hand needle, and then purl the 2 sts from the cable needle.
• K – knit
• M1 – make one stitch
• P – purl
• PM – place marker
• SM – Slip marker
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• Rep – repeat
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• 1×1 ribbing – K1, P1, every row.

Celtic Cable Headband Knitting Pattern

*Please note the edges are in moss stitch.

You can change this to garter stitch – knit on both the RS and WS edge stitches only if you wish.

Cast on 37 stitches.

Work in 1×1 ribbing for 2.5 inches.

Cable Pattern

• Row 1 (RS): K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, PM, K3, P4, K6, P4, K6, P2, PM, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1.
• Row 2 (WS): K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, SM, K2, P6, K4, P6, K4, P3, SM, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1.
• Row 3: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, SM, K3, P4, C6F, P4, C6F, P2, SM, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1.
• Row 4: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, SM, K2, P6, K4, P6, K4, P3, SM, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1.
• Row 5: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, SM, C5L, C5R, C5L, C5R, C5L, SM, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1.
• Row 6: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, SM, P3, K4, P6, K4, P6, K2, SM, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1.
• Row 7: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, SM, P2, C6B, P4, C6B, P4, K3, SM, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1.
• Row 8: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, SM, P3, K4, P6, K4, P6, K2, SM, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1.
• Row 9: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, SM, C5R, C5L, C5R, C5L, C5R, SM, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1.
• Row 10: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, SM, K2, P6, K4, P6, K4, P3, SM, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1.
• Repeat rows 1-10, slipping the markers as you work until your headband measures 15.5 (16.5, 17.5, 18.5) inches from the cast-on edge.

Work in 1×1 ribbing for 2.5 inches.

The total length should measure around = 18 (19, 20, 21) inches.

Cast off.

Weave in any loose ends/yarn tails.

Block the work.

Making Up

Seam the ends together with the right sides facing you (the right side of the headband with the cables should be facing outwards).

Use the mattress stitch for an invisible seam.

Mattress stitch tutorial.

Blocking the Headband

To give your headband a professional finish:

1. Soak it in lukewarm water with a mild detergent for a soak wash.
2. Gently squeeze out excess water using a dry towel—don’t wring it out!
3. Place the headband on a blocking board and pin it to shape. Let it air dry completely.

Tips for Success

• Cables: Don’t be intimidated by the cable pattern! With a bit of practice, you’ll master the twist to create intricate designs on the right side of your work.
• Sizing: Measure the head circumference carefully. A snug but comfortable fit is essential for a polished knitted headband.
• Customization: Experiment with width to create a wider headband or stick to a classic headband style for simplicity.
• Yarn Choice: Opt for solid colors to highlight the cable details or play with color combinations for a fun twist.

Why You’ll Love This Project

This Celtic Cable Knit Headband is more than just an easy headband—it’s a rewarding project that makes an excellent gift or a staple for your own winter wardrobe.

It’s a great use of leftover yarn and a fun accessory to create during the colder months.

Plus, with the detailed instructions provided in the free pattern, you’ll have much fun crafting your new favorite ear warmer pattern.

More Inspiration for Knitters

If you’re looking for additional knitting projects, be sure to check out my YouTube channel for tutorials and tips.

There’s lots of helpful info to guide you through everything from the long tail cast on to the care of your knits.

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making the Celtic cable knit headband pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme to be featured.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!

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