From Scratch: Knitting for Seasons Past

So here's the thing about knitting: it takes a lot of time.

When I start knitting something in the fall, I can never seem to finish it before spring. I have yet to truly learn this lesson, but I hear tale of wise old knitters who start their winter knits in June, so that by November they are cuddled up in fine new sweaters and hats and blankets. But this is a blog about me and my projects. And I am neither old nor wise; so I give you my lovely new winter headband just in time for spring (the sweater is still in the works; don't hold your breath).

You can make any stitch pattern into a cozy headpiece, so feel free to substitute any stitch pattern of your choosing. Anyone who is interested in designing their own patterns should invest in a stitch dictionary (I use Reader's Digest's The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches).

Here's my pattern:

(If you need help reading knitting patterns, Knitting Help is a great source.)

What You'll Need

Worsted weight wool

Size 6 needles

Cable needle

Stitch markers

Darning needle

Scissors

CO 32 sts. Sl first st and k last st of every row (do not include these first and last sts when counting sts)

P6, pm, p3, pm, p12, pm, p to end.

RS: k1, work 4 sts in seed st, k1, p3, k12, p3, k1, work 4 sts in seed st, k1.

WS: sl1, work 4 sts in seed st, sl1, k3, p12, k3, sl1, work 4 sts, in seed st, k1

Repeat these two rows, cabling center 12 sts (see below) until headband reaches desired length. BO.

(Note: Seed st is essentially a checkerboard of knits and purls, knit on top of your purls, and purl on top of your knits and you have seed st.)

12-Stitch Plait (from Reader's Digest's The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches)

1st row (RS): knit

2nd row and every alt row: purl

3rd row: C8F, k4

5th and 7th rows: knit

9th row: K4, C8B

11th row: knit

12th row: purl

Rep these 12 rows.

(Note: C8F means you are reversing the position of 8 sts, cabling to the front. So the first 4 sts are swapping position with the following 4, traveling in the front. Place the first 4 sts on a cable needle, and hold the cable needle out of the way towards the front while you k the second 4 sts. Replace your sts on the needle, off the cable needle and k them. C8B is the same, only holding the sts on the cable needle to the back of your work.)

Tie:

CO 10 sts.

1st row (RS): sl1, k1, work in seed st to last 2 sts, k2.

2nd row: sl2, work in seed st to last 2 sts, sl 1, k1.

Repeat these 2 rows until piece measures 4". BO.

Finishing:

Using leftover yarn and a darning needle, sew together the ends of your main headband piece. Weave in any loose ends. Scrunch up your headband at the seam and wrap the tie piece around the seam. Sew together the ends of the tie and weave in any loose ends.