Nippon (Japan) head band

This Amimoji design will produce a knitted headband using Japanese Kanji characters, Nippon (日本), meaning Japan. I created this headband for my running races and wore it for New York City Marathon to let spectators know my country origin.

Skill Level: Beginner Advanced
Skills Needed: Stranded knitting in the round
Finished Size: Adult Medium Size (20-inch circumference with generous elasticity).
Also see Gauge and Pattern Notes.

Suggested Materials:
• Cascade Yarns Fixation (98% Cotton, 2% Spandex)
1 ball in Black (Color A) and 1 ball in Golden Rod (Color B)
30 yards / 28m (0.6 oz / 15g) in Color A and 20 yards / 18m
(0.4 oz / 10g) in Color B to produce 1 headband.
--> 1 ball of Color A and Color B can produce 3 headbands.
This is a very elastic yarn. If you are substituting
yarns, avoid using non-elastic 100% cotton yarns,
and go for more elastic yarns like Hikoo CoBaSi DK
or Lana Grossa Elastico.
• US #4 (3.5mm) and US #5 (3.75mm) circular needles (16” or longer), or size to obtain gauge
• Tapestry needle and scissors for weaving in ends

Gauge: 22 sts per 4 in (10cm) in stockinette stitch using US #5 (3.75mm) needles worked in the round
To make it slightly larger, use smaller size needles to make it 20 sts per 4”.
To make it slightly smaller, use larger size needles to make it 24 sts per 4”.