Woodland Whispers Headband Free Knitting Pattern
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.Introducing the Woodland Whispers Headband, a detailed knit headband pattern featuring an elegant lace design.
As the seasons change and the crisp air sets in, there’s nothing quite like a warm headband to keep you cozy during cold weather.
This is the perfect project for knitters looking for a quick project that provides extra warmth while still maintaining a classic look.
Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the printer-friendly ad-free PDF here.
The Woodland Whispers Headband Knitting Pattern: A Cozy and Elegant Knit
The Woodland Whispers Headband features a cable pattern and lace details, giving it a textured, organic look inspired by the intertwining branches of forest trees.
This cute knitted headband is designed to be a great way to use up leftover yarn in your stash from previous knitting projects.
If you love working on headband knitting patterns that combine knit stitches with lace elements, this pattern is a popular choice.
Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just learning new skills, this free knitting pattern will guide you step by step through the process.
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.
- 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.
Supplies = Yarn & Materials
To make this classic headband, you will need:
- Yarn Weight: DK yarn (Light worsted/8 Ply)
- 1 x ball of Rowan Alpaca Soft DK in the shade Mulberry 207 (125 meters/137 yards/50 grams)
- Knitting Needle Size: 4 mm/US size 6 Knitting Needles.
- Notions:
- Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends.
- Scissors.
- Tape measure to check the head circumference.
- Stitch markers x 2 to help track the stitch pattern.
- Other: Blocking boards and blocking pins. Lukewarm water and a dry towel for soaking and blocking.
Sizing Information
The pattern includes multiple head sizes to ensure a perfect fit:
- Teen: 20-22″ head circumference, 18″ total length.
- Adult Small: 21-22″ head circumference, 19″ length.
- Adult Medium: 22-23″ head circumference, 20″ length.
- Adult Large: 23-24″ head circumference, 21″ length.
The widest point of the headband measures 4 inches, but you can modify it for a wider headband by adjusting the stitch pattern.
To make the width of the headband 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.
How Do You Measure Your Head for a Knitted Headband?
Measuring your head for a knitted headband is super simple!
Take a tape measure and wrap it around your head where you’d like the headband to sit—typically around your forehead and over the ears for a snug fit.
Make sure the tape isn’t too tight or too loose; you want a comfortable fit that stays in place.
Use this measurement to determine which head circumference size to knit.
If you’re making a gift and don’t have exact measurements, a general adult medium size (about 22-23 inches) is a great choice for most people.
Skill Level & Techniques
This free pattern is ideal for advanced beginners and those comfortable with:
- Knitting & purling in stockinette stitch and garter stitch
- Lace techniques (yarn overs, K2tog, PSSO)
- Cable pattern (requires a cable needle)
- Using stitch markers to track lace repeats
- Seaming with mattress stitch
- Long-tail cast on and standard bind off
If you’re a new knitter, don’t worry!
This pattern includes lots of helpful info and detailed instructions to guide you through the process.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
✔ Quick project – great for last-minute gifts!
✔ Stylish headband – perfect for outdoor activities.
✔ Uses medium-weight yarn and works up fast.
✔ Great for both new knitters and those looking to refine their knitting skills.
Knitting Abbreviations
- CO – cast on
- K – knit
- K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together (decrease)
- P – purl
- PM – Place marker
- PSSO – Pass slipped stitch over
- SL1 – Slip one stitch
- SM – Slip marker
- St(s) – stitch(es)
- Rep – repeat
- RS – Right side
- WS – Wrong side
- YB – Yarn to the back
- YFRN – With yarn in front around needle
- YF – Yarn to the front/yarn forward
- YON – Yarn over needle
Pattern Instructions
Cast on 28 stitches.
Work 1×1 ribbing for 1 inch.
- Row 1 (RS): K3, P3 (edge), PM, P1, K3, K2tog, K1, YFRN, P2, YON, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K3, P1, PM, P3, K3 (edge).
- Row 2 (WS) and every alt row: K6, SM, K1, P6, K2, P6, K1, SM, K6.
- Row 3: K3, P3, SM, P1, K2, K2tog, K1, YF, K1, P2, K1, YF, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K2, P1, SM, P3, K3.
- Row 5: K3, P3, SM, P1, K1, K2tog, K1, YF, K2, P2, K2, YF, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1, P1, SM, P3, K3.
- Row 7: K3, P3, SM, P1, K2tog, K1, YF, K3, P2, K3, YF, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, P1, SM, P3, K3.
- Row 8: K6, SM, K1, P6, K2, P6, K1, SM, K6.
- Repeat rows 1-8, slipping the markers as you work until the length measures = 17 (18, 19, 20) inches.
Work 1×1 ribbing for 1 inch.
The total length should measure around = 18 (19, 20, 21) inches.
Bind off.
Weave in any loose ends/yarn tails.
Block the work.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve finished knitting your headband, you’ll need to seam the ends together with the mattress stitch for a seamless finish.
Blocking the headband will help open up the lace pattern and enhance the snug fit.
If you’re new to mattress stitch, check out this tutorial for step-by-step guidance.
Blocking the Headband
To give your headband a professional finish:
- Soak it in lukewarm water with a mild detergent for a soak wash.
- Gently squeeze out excess water using a dry towel—don’t wring it out!
- Place the headband on a blocking board and pin it to shape. Let it air dry completely.
Get the Pattern
The Woodland Whispers Headband Knitting Pattern is now available in my shop!
Grab your needles, choose your favorite DK-weight yarn, and knit this warm headband today.
I hope you enjoy knitting this brand new pattern as much as I enjoyed designing it!
If you make a Woodland Whispers Headband, be sure to tag me on social media (@handylittleme) so I can see your beautiful creations.
Happy knitting!
