Cabled headbands are basically knitted crowns to wear in the winter.

Pattern: Queensland Beach 

Yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Arbor in ‘Vintner’

Needles: 3.5 mm (US 4)

Mods: The original pattern calls for worsted weight yarn and 4.5mm needles, so I went down a couple sizes for my DK weight yarn. I wanted a nice, dense fabric, to help keep the wind out. I love how it turned out! This pattern worked great modified for the DK weight.

You can find my Ravelry project page for this knit here.

I’ve previously posted about this project ages ago here– I started this, misplaced the project, forgot all about it, then recently rediscovered it in a project bag and was so happy! I really enjoy the Brooklyn Tweed Arbor yarn. It’s much stronger than their Shelter yarn, and gives incredible stitch definition, which makes it perfect for cables. It only took about half a skein!

When it comes to a good fit for your headband, make sure topin it and try it on before seaming (or in my case, working a 3 needle bind off) and see if it feels comfortable. The goal is not too tight, or it won’t stay in place; and not too loose or it won’t keep your ears warm. When you try it on, make sure you can still slip two fingers in between your head and the headband, but no more. I find that works best for an optimal fit.

This sort of project would also be a great way to experiment with cables, or try out cable knitting for the first time. As you are basically just knitting a long cable until it wraps around your head, it gives you the chance to really customize it however you want. If you are in anyway inclined to experiment with some cable knitting and think that you might wear a cabled headband,  I really recommend- it’s amazing for destashing, too.

While cabled headbands are not hte warmest of winter headgear, they are a nice change when you feel like you’ve been wearing the same hats forever, and they are flattering on a wide variety of hairstyls- even short, which I know some of you won’t believe until you try it! I also like that I can wear the headband when I’m wearing my hair up, as well- usually in a ponytail or a bun.