The “Balsam” Headband – Free Pattern

The “Balsam” Headband is a double-sided, reversible headband – knit in the round for a seamless, polished look. 

The Yarn

Loops & Threads Luxe Merino Solid is 55% Superwash Merino and 45% Acrylic. It’s a Light (3) weight yarn which works up beautifully on smaller needles.

The Pattern

Materials

• Yarn
  • Loops & Threads® Luxe Merino Solid™ Yarn (~150 Yards*)
• US 5 (3.75mm) 16″ Circular Needles
• Crochet Hook for Provisional Cast On
• Tapestry Needle

*This yarn comes in skeins of 410 yards. One headband took me about 1/3 of the original ball.

Notes

• This pattern is worked over a multiple of 4
• If you wish to skip the Vikkel Braids, replace with a row of purl stitches for a similar line detail or simply omit altogether

Instructions

Seersucker Stitch

Important: Do not start your knitting here! This section is a reference for the Seersucker Stitch repeats that begin at Round 26 of the main pattern.

Round 1: *K1, p1* around.

Round 2: *K1, p1* around.

Round 3: *P1, k3* around.

Round 4: *P1, k3* around.

Round 5: *K1, p1* around.

Round 6: *K1, p1* around.

Round 7: *K2, p1, k1* around.

Round 8: *K2, p1, k1* around.

Repeat Rounds 1-8 to create the Seersucker Stitch.

Main Pattern

Using a Provisional Cast On, cast on 96 sts.

Round 1: K across. Place stitch marker and join to continue working in the round.

Round 2-12: K around.

Round 13: Work a Vikkel Braid* across.

*I found this video tutorial by Griswold Knits incredibly helpful for learning this technique and creating a seamless join in the round!

Round 14: K2tog tbl (to decrease back to original stitch count). K around.

Round 15-25: K around.

Round 26-49: Work 3 repeats of Seersucker Stitch as noted above.

Round 50-61: K around.

Round 62: Work a Vikkel Braid across.

Round 63: K2tog tbl (to decrease back to original stitch count). K around.

Round 64-74: K around.

Finishing

Fold the original cast on edge up through your needles so that they are lined up with your active stitches.

While unzipping your Provisional Cast On, knit each active stitch together with its equivalent from the cast on row. At the same time, cast off stitches using a Standard Bind Off.

Once all stitches have been cast off, gently pinch and pull your fabric to center the Seersucker Pattern between the stockinette.

Weave in ends and block as desired!