This post will teach you how to crochet a headband (easy for beginners).

The crochet headband has a step-by-step tutorial so you can follow along and learn this fantastic ribbed pattern if you are a new crocheter.

This crochet ear warmer is crocheted with a bulky weight yarn and uses only one skein of yarn, making it a quick and easy crochet project for great gifts.

Make yourself the perfect winter accessory!

Please scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the printable PDF in my shop here.

What Is The Best Crochet Stitch For A Headband?

The best crochet stitch for a headband often depends on the style and design you’re aiming for and the level of stretch and thickness you want.

Here are a few popular crochet stitches that work well for headbands:

Single Crochet (sc):
- Single crochet is a tight and dense stitch, making it great for headbands. It provides good structure and can help keep the headband in place.
Half Double Crochet (hdc):
- Half double crochet is slightly taller than single crochet, offering a bit more flexibility and stretch. It’s a good choice if you want a balance between density and stretchiness.
Double Crochet (dc):
- Double crochet is even taller and creates a more open and airy fabric. If you’re looking for a lightweight headband with some stretch, double crochet can be a good option.
Ribbing (e.g., Front Post and Back Post Stitches):
- Ribbing created with front post and back post stitches can add stretch and texture to your headband. This technique is often used for hats and headbands to provide a snug fit.
Shell Stitch:
- The shell stitch creates a lacy and decorative pattern. While it might not be as dense as single crochet, it adds a nice touch if you’re going for a more intricate design.
Seed Stitch:
- Seed stitch alternates between single crochet and double crochet stitches, creating a textured and reversible fabric. This stitch can add visual interest to your headband.

Ultimately, the best crochet stitch for your headband depends on your preferences, the yarn you’re using, and the style you want to achieve.

It’s a good idea to consider the thickness and stretch of the chosen stitch in relation to the yarn weight and the desired width of your headband.

Experimenting with different stitches and combinations can be fun to create a headband that meets your specific preferences and style.

How Thick Should A Crochet Headband Be?

The thickness of a crochet headband depends on personal preference, the style you’re going for, and the intended use.

Here are some general guidelines:

Narrow Headbands:
- A narrow headband might be around 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in width. This width is suitable for simple, minimalist designs or for those who prefer a more subtle accessory.
Medium Width Headbands:
- A medium-width headband typically ranges from 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm). This size is versatile and works well for various styles, providing a balance between subtlety and visibility.
Wide Headbands:
- Wide headbands can range from 3 inches (7.5 cm) and wider. These are great for making a bold statement or for adding extra warmth during colder seasons.
Adjustable or Wraparound Headbands:
- Some headbands are designed to be wider and can be wrapped around the head multiple times. These are versatile and can be adjusted to achieve different looks.

Consider the following factors when determining the thickness of your crochet headband:

Yarn Weight:
- The weight of the yarn you’re using will influence the thickness of the headband. Bulky or chunky yarns will naturally create a thicker band than fingering or sport weight yarns.
Style and Purpose:
- Think about the style you want to achieve and the intended use of the headband. A wide, cozy headband might be perfect for winter, while a narrow one could be a delicate accessory.
Personal Comfort:
- Some people prefer a lightweight, barely-there headband, while others like the feel of a substantial and cozy band. Consider your own comfort and style preferences.

Before committing to a specific width, it can be helpful to make a gauge swatch to see how the yarn and stitch pattern you’ve chosen will behave.

This allows you to adjust your hook size or stitch count to achieve the desired thickness.

Free Crochet Headband Pattern

Here is a crochet headband pattern for you to try out!

This headband is crocheted with the single crochet stitch pattern to create ribbing; this is a great stitch to create a thick fabric for a warmer headband.

This headband is a great pattern for a beginner as it uses simple stitches, is a quick project, and has a video tutorial to help you along.

This is the perfect accessory to wear with your favorite fall outfit.

Grab your ad–free printable PDF pattern in my shop here with all the necessary photographs.

Copyright Info

Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
You may sell items produced using this pattern.
You must give pattern credit to Louise Bollanos/Handy Little Me as the designer.
Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Skill Level – Basic (Beginner)

Measurements/Sizes

Adult Size S/M = Length – 20 inches.
Width = 5 inches.
To fit a head circumference size of around 22-24 inches.
You can adjust the length easily by working fewer or more rows depending on your head size.

Gauge – 12 sts and 14 rows = 4in/10cm in single crochet ribbing.

How do I know my headband size?

To determine your headband size, you’ll need to measure the circumference of your head.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to accurately measure your head:

Materials Needed:

A flexible measuring tape
A mirror (optional, but it can be helpful)

Steps:

Prepare the Measuring Tape:
- If your measuring tape is retractable, ensure it’s fully extended. If it’s not retractable, make sure it’s not twisted or tangled.
Position the Measuring Tape:
- Place the measuring tape around your head where the headband would sit. The tape should be positioned across your forehead, just above your ears, and around the widest part of the back of your head.
Check the Placement:
- Look in a mirror or ask someone to assist you to ensure that the measuring tape is level and sits parallel to the ground. It should go around your head in a natural and comfortable position.
Take the Measurement:
- Without pulling the tape too tight or letting it sag, take the measurement in inches or centimeters. Make sure the tape is snug but not constricting.
Note the Measurement:
- Record the measurement. This is your head circumference.
Consider Comfort:
- If you prefer a snug fit, you can use your exact head circumference measurement. If you prefer a looser fit, you might add a small amount (half an inch to an inch) to the measurement.

Now that you have your head circumference measurement, you can use it to adjust the size of your headband.

Keep in mind that crochet and knit fabrics often have some stretch, so your headband can have a bit of negative ease (be slightly smaller than your head circumference) for a snug fit.

If you’re making a headband for someone else or as a gift, it’s a good idea to measure their head or use general head circumference size charts based on age groups to estimate the size.

The supplies you need…

Yarn

Bulky Yarn 05/Chunky/12-Ply
I used 1 ball of West Yorkshire Spinners Chunk Roving RE: TREAT in the color Peace 1655.
One ball is 100g/153 yards/140m.
Around half will be enough to make one headband (50g/76.5yds/70m).

Crochet Hook

(US J/10) 6 mm Hook.

Notions

Tape measure
Darning needle/tapestry needle or yarn needle
Scissors

Abbreviations/ Crochet Abbreviations And Terms (US + UK) List

This warmer pattern is written using US terms and abbreviations.
BLO – Back loop only
CH – Chain
Cont – Continue
HDC – Half double crochet
SC – Single crochet
Rem – Remaining
Rep – Repeat
St(s) – Stitches
SL ST – slip stitch

Watch The Video Tutorial On My YouTube Channel Here…

Heck yeah!

Time needed: 1 day, 3 hours and 30 minutes

How To Crochet A Headband

Step 1 – Create the foundation chain
To begin your crochet headband, make a slipknot and create a starting chain (CH). This chain is the foundation row of your project, which you will build on. With your hook and yarn, you will chain 60.
Step 2 – Row 1
Row 1: For the first row, you will work 1 single crochet (SC) into the 2nd chain (CH) from the hook and in each chain (CH) to the end of the row and turn the work ready for row 2.
Step 3 – Row 2
Row 2: To begin, you will chain (CH) 1 stitch, then work 1 single crochet (SC) in the back loop only (BLO) of the next st and each stitch to the end of the row, then turn to continue.
Step 4 – Row 3
Row 3: You will chain (CH) 1 stitch, then work 1 single crochet (SC) into each chain (CH) to the end of the row and turn the work.
Step 5 – Repeat the pattern
Repeating rows: You will now repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have worked around 5 inches.
Finish with a sl-st (slip stitch) into the last st and leave a long tail of yarn for seaming.
Step 7 – Making up
Lie the headband out flat with the right side facing up.
Fold the ends into the middle.
Step 8 – Prepare for the twist
Then offset them so that half of one side is touching the other half at an angle – like in the second photo below.
Step 9 – Hold the edges together
Hold the ends together.
Step 10 – Fold the edges
Fold the top section over onto the right side of the fold.
Step 11 – Fold the remaining edges in
Fold the bottom section over and hold it into place.
Step 12 – Seaming the twist
Then, push your needle through, catching all four sections, seaming until the end, and securing with a knot. Weave in any loose ends.
Step 13 – Turn the right side out
Turn the right side out and lay flat.
Your headband is now ready to wear or gift.