Core Memory Headband

Check out CORE MEMORY COWL for the cowl cousin version of this design.

Knitting a headband is one of my new favorite ways to try out a technique and create a small usable piece in the process. CORE MEMORY HEADBAND allows the knitter to try out color combinations and use up special bits of DK weight yarn or fingering weight leftovers held together. This functional headband is reversible, and the pattern includes directions for 2 widths and 3 head sizes.

This design is knit flat and grafted using 2-color fisherman’s rib and garter stitch. Pattern includes photo and video tutorials for techniques used in this design.

YARN – MAIN COLOR

Cesium Yarn Merino DK, 100% Superwash Merino, 231 yd / 211 m per 100 g, or similar DK weight yarn, 1 skein. http://www.cesiumyarn.com/.

YARN – CONTRAST COLOR

Cesium Yarn Sock, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon, 463 yd / 423 m per 100 g, or similar fingering weight yarn, 2+ fingering weight mini skeins held double.

For CC, use DK weight yarn, bits of handspun, or anything you desire! Sample shown in fingering weight mini skeins held double, changing colors for each CC section. If using DK weight yarn for CC, refer to gram estimate.

YARN ESTIMATE – NARROW

MC: 71 (76, 85) yd / 65 (70, 78) m

31 (33, 37) g

CC: 35 (35, 35) yd / 32 (32, 32) m

8 (8, 8) g

YARN ESTIMATE – WIDE

MC: 92 (99, 111) yd / 84 (91, 101) m

40 (43, 48) g

CC: 50 (50, 50) yd / 46 (46, 46) m

11 (11, 11) g

Yarn estimate includes 10% buffer.

Sample: Size 2, Wide

MC: Cesium Merino DK, colorway Grandma’s Pert, 90 yd / 82 m, 39 g

CC: Cesium Yarn Sock, various mini skeins from Pyrex collection held double, 46 yd / 42 m, 10 g

FINISHED CIRCUMFERENCE – BOTH WIDTHS

Sizes 1 (2, 3)

Circumference: 17.75” (19”, 20.5) / 45 (48, 52) cm

FINISHED HEIGHT – NARROW

Height at start: 3.5” / 9 cm

Height at midpoint: 4.5” / 11 cm

FINISHED HEIGHT – WIDE

Height at start: 4.9” / 12 cm

Height at midpoint: 5.8” / 14.5 cm

NOTE: this piece is worked flat and grafted together. The schematic shows the work laid flat. It is designed to be worn with 2”-4” / 5-10 cm of negative ease. Select a size 2”-4” / 5-10 cm less than your head circumference. Length is easily adjustable by varying the length of Section 5

GAUGE & NEEDLES

18 stitches & 36 rows = 4” / 10 cm in garter stitch, blocked

See note on P. 3 about counting rows in 2-color fisherman’s rib. Gauge is not critical but will impact

finished size and yarn requirements.

US 7 / 4.5 mm circular needle, min. length 16” / 40 cm or size needed to get gauge

TOOLS

Crochet hook of similar size for provisional cast-on

Smooth waste yarn in contrast color for provisional cast-on

Additional needle in working size (or smaller) for grafting stitches

Flexible tape measure

Scissors

Small gram scale

Locking clip stitch markers to mark progress & indicate RS of work

Tapestry needle

Share your finished work on Instagram with #CoreMemoryHeadband

Yarn support: Cesium Yarn www.cesiumyarn.com

Tech editing: Bronwyn Hahn

Test knitting: Kate B., Jennie K., Diem N., Tiffany N., & Nikki W.