Monica Knits

Earlier this year I wrote about a cool weather braided headband that I knitted using a modified Lion Brand pattern. Now that the weather has become cooler, I am wearing it again. I like the comfort, warmth and versatility so much that I decided to make another gold colored braided headband, to have an alternate. This Jennifer Hagan design has clear, concise instructions and she used the provisional cast on technique that I recommended for both the braided headband and the cabled dress.

Design Features. This high relief, textured hairband, 3" wide x 18" long, is joined to form a ring using the Kitchener stitch. It features garter stitch borders, a 5-strand plaited center cable and vertical bands with slip stitch accents. The garter stitch edges provide a nice finish and cause the band hug the head, ensuring a good fit.

Construction Techniques.
Jennifer wisely used a provisional cast on, coupled with a Kitchener stitch bind off, to provide a professional join while minimizing bulk. This is an important consideration with highly textured knits, like this headband. In the photo at left, a contrasting blue yarn was used for the provisional cast on. The garter stitch side bands do double duty: providing a nice edge finish and hugging the head, ensuring a good fit. The design stretches in both directions so it is very forgiving and is a women's size medium. It is easy to lengthen or shorten the band by increasing or decreasing the number of pattern repeats.

Quality Control Tips.

1. The 8 row repeat pattern is easy to remember if you use a couple of stitch markers to set off the center plait (see the first photo for marker placement). If you are new to knitting cables, for this 8 row pattern, there are only 4 rows to remember, Rows 1, 2, 3 and 7. Rows 3 and 7 are the left and right cables. Row 1 (and 5) are the right side rows without cabling. Row 2 (like 4, 6, and 8) is the wrong side row, which is generally worked as seen; if the stitch looks like a knit stitch it is knitted and a purl stitch is purled. The only exception is the garter stitch edge, which is knitted on every row.
2. I would recommend using a tally counter and stitch register to keep track of the pattern row and number of rows completed.
3. By always loading cable stitches from the short arm of the J and knitting them off the long, straight arm you prevent twisting of the stitches. To see photos and read more about the use of the j-hook cable click here: Using a J-hook Cable Needle.
4. Use a high contrast yarn for the provisional cast on.
5. I normally add a few extra provisional chain stitches to the end, to make it easier to later "unravel" the chain. Add a purl row, in the garment yarn, for the first row after the provisional chain--this also helps to unzip the chain.
6. BlockingThe original pattern recommended blocking after joining in the round, but it is easier, quicker and produces a more professional appearance if blocking occurs before joining. The photo at right shows the use of lace blocking wires, T-pins and a blocking mat. The wires are great for making the edges square and sides parallel.

Supplies

1. Patons Classic Wool - Merino, Medium (4), 100% pure new wool, 223 yds/204 m (3-1/2 oz / 100 g), Old Gold color (00204). You can make two headbands from a single skein.
2. One (1) Shepherd's crook cable needle.
3. Two (2) stitch markers.
4. One (1) 4.5 mm (size 7) circular needle, or 2 straight needles.
5. One (1) 4.5 mm crochet needle and waste yarn for provisional cast on.
6. Tally counter
7. Darning needle.
8. Blocking tools: mat, t-pins and lace wires.

Pattern Source
Jennifer Hagan design in, "The Knitter's Book of Yarn - The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn," by Clara Parkes, Potter Craft, pp. 186-187, 2007. Potter Craft is an imprint of Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc. N.Y.

Related Posts
Cherry Licorice Headband (same headband in red wool)
Frost Green Cabled Headband (same headband in green acrylic, details on grafting)
Cabled Headband - 2 (two color - gold and red Patons merino wools, intarsia)
Provisional Cast on
Using a J-hook Cable Needle
Kitchener stitch
Tools and Sources
Knitting Needle Size Cross-Reference Chart
Product Review - Blocking Mat
Product Review - Lace Blocking Wires - Not Only for Lace