How to Crochet an Easy Summer Headband
Recently I decided to revamp my ever-so popular Sailor’s Knot Ear Warmer, yet again to create a similar crochet headband. It’s summertime and what better makeover that to convert this pattern from a bulky yarn ear warmer down to worsted cotton headband. So now you’ll be able to make a lighter weight headband version of your favorite ear warmer with the Summer Crossed Pair Headband.
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About the Crossed Pair Headband
The original Crossed Pair Headband design is a crochet ear warmer and was one of my first patterns when I started designing. Basically I saw a cute sailor’s knot headband made from t-shirt scraps and decided to give it a try with yarn. It was close to winter and so I made it with bulky yarn…in one size. Funny how much experience teaches you.
I gave it another go-around not long ago and added 9 more sizes plus a few different width options. But I was surprised to see that people were loving this bulky ear warmer pattern, even in the summer. So I started playing with the stitch counts again so I could get this headband done with a more summer-friendly material.
If you’re interested in making the original Crossed Pair Ear Warmer with bulky yarn, check out this post here! You might also like my XOXO Earwarmer and my Great Star Headband as well.
Tying the Knot
This crochet headband is super simple! Its just half double crochet and slip stitches across. Probably the most difficult part of this project is actually tying the sailor’s knot before you seam it up. Here’s a little visual breakdown on how to get that knot tied.
And if you need more help, check out this Youtube video from the original Crossed Pair Headband.
American Flag Mod
Every time I get into this pattern again, I try to mix it up and do something fun with it. This time around, I decided to do a little American Flag Modification to make a festive accessory just in time for the Fourth of July!
This modification just takes the headband pattern and adds some easy color changes with the rows. You could do this sort of modification with any colors that are near and dear to you. In fact, one of my testers did a similar version with the Mexican flag colors!
Stash Busting Challenge 2022
This year, I’ve included the Summer Crossed Pair in the Stash Busting Challenge hosted by Knitting with Chopsticks. I think this pattern is perfect for stash busting for a couple of reason. First, it doesn’t use much yarn. Yay! And second, you can use the American Flag Modification notes for pretty much any color combo to use up little bits. The skies the limit with the creativity on this one!
I’ll have this pattern available as a free download all week long (until June 28)! And what’s even more fun is that there’s 17 other freebies this week! Head over to Knitting with Chopsticks to see all the Stashbusting Challenge Freebies!
And to grab my freebie, click the button below and use the Stash Busting Challenge (all info found at Knitting with Chopsticks) coupon code to get your free download on Ravelry.
Let’s Get Started!
Materials Needed
40-100 yds of I Love This Cotton yarn or similar 4 weight yarn
Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook
Measuring Tape
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Stitches Used
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Ch – Chain
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Optional: Foundation Hdc – Foundation Half Double Crochet
Whip Stitch
Gauge
15 hdc st x 12 rows = 4″ square
Notes
- Chain at beginning of row does not count as a stitch throughout this pattern.
- Stitch counts for each row are enclosed in [] brackets.
- Sizes are written as follows: (Newborn, 0-3 Months, 3-6 Months, 6-9 Months, 9-12 Months, Toddler, Child, Teen, Adult, Adult Large).
Pattern
Row 1: Ch (71,75,79,83,87,91,95,99,103,107). Hdc in 2nd chain from hook. Hdc in each chain across. [70,74,78,82,86,90,94,98,102,106]
{Note: Alternatively Foundation Hdc (70,74,78,82,86,90,94,98,102,106)}
Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Hdc in first stitch and each stitch across. [70,74,78,82,86,90,94,98,102,106]
Row 3: Ch 1 and turn. Hdc in first (17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31,33,35) stitches. Sl st in next 36 stitches. Hdc in last (17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31,33,35) stitches. [70,74,78,82,86,90,94,98,102,106]
Row 4: Repeat Row 3 (Note: If your slip stitches from Row 3 are loose enough, work the Row 4 stitches through them. Otherwise work the slip stitches into the top of the hdc’s from Row 2.)
For wider headband, repeat Row 3.
Tie off and leave long tail.
Make 2.
American Flag Mod
Piece 1
Row 1: Color A – Red
Row 2: Color B – White
Row 3: Color A
Row 4: Color B
Weave ends. Attach yarn and seam with Color A after tying Sailor’s Knot.
Piece 2
Row 1-4: Color C – Blue
Seam with Color C after tying Sailor’s Knot.
Assembly
Sailor’s Knot
Using your two finished pieces, tie sailor’s knot in center where slip stitches are (see Tying the Knot section above for help). Make sure that end portions with extra Hdc stitches face inward towards each other after knot is tied.
Finishing
- Line up the two ends to the right of the knot with right side facing up. Hold the two pieces together with right sides facing.
- With tail long tail, slip stitch in the front loop of the bottom piece and the back loop of the upper piece. Continue to slip stitch in this way for (17,19,21,23,25,27,29,31,33,35) stitches. Do not tie off yet.
- With tapestry needle, take the tail and pull through the edge of the sailor’s knot, securing the edge of the knot in place. Tie off in back of headband and weave in end.
- Repeat on the opposite side of knot.
- Fold the headband in half so that the short ends meet. With right sides facing in, whip stitch the ends of the headband closed. Tie off and weave in ends.
Final Thoughts
I hope you love the Summer Crossed Pair as much as the original. The great thing about this pattern is that you now have the stitch counts to make this crochet headband in any worsted weight yarn. Be sure to tag me on Instagram @craftingforweeks so that I can see your makes. And use the hashtag #summercrossedpair or #crossedpairheadband to check out other’s creations too!
Until next time, Happy Crafting!
