Thermal Twist Headwrap
December - dipping temperatures, holiday rush, and lots of travel. This time of year I'm always on the hunt for a simple project that's function, small enough to carry around, giftable, and easy to pick up without having to think about where I am in the pattern. Last year I designed my Mariner's Cap to fit this bill, which to this day is still one of my all-time favorites to make for myself and all of my friends and family. This year I jumped on the headband trend and designed the Thermal Twist Headwrap! Knit in the round in a broken rib stitch, it actually starts very similarly to the Mariner's Cap, but the construction is what turns this project into a double thick, squishy, warm headband. Continue reading for the free pattern, purchase a printable, ad-free PDF here, or grab the kit from Lion Brand Yarn with all the yarn you'll need (30% off until 12/21!).
Up until now, all of the headbands I have designed have been in either super bulky or bulky weight yarn (I love these quick projects!), but in the last year I have become a lover of worsted weight, and this was the perfect opportunity to merge these two concepts. Check out my other headband patterns here if you're interested.
As with my Mariner's Cap, there is something so satisfying about the squish factor of a 1x1 rib stitch in worsted weight, so I knew I wanted to incorporate something similar into this headband. I chose a broken rib stitch both for the beautiful look of it and also because every other round is simply knit around, making it a quick and easy pattern to zip through.
My favorite part of this pattern is the seam. While I love a headband, I am not a fan of the bulky seam that's usually found in the back of them, so I was looking for a way to easily conceal it on this one. Of course there is always a provisional cast on and grafting to take care of the pesky seam, but like I said I wanted this to be an easy and portable project and I don't know about you but I ALWAYS have to re-familiarize myself with these techniques. When you're on the go that can be tricky, so I knew that wouldn't be an option. Since the Thermal Twist Headwrap is made in a tube, you can use mattress stitch to seam it all the way around and enclose the seam inside the tube which leaves you with such a clean, professional look!
I know I will be making this piece over and over in so many different colors. Right now you can grab the kit from Lion Brand in three different colors, and best of all it's on sale for only $12.59 until 12/21 at noon EST! Their LB Collection Merino Yak Alpaca is a super luxe blend of 70% Merino, 15% Alpaca, and 15% Yak that will not only keep you super warm but is also so soft and sophisticated. I am in love with this oatmeal color, and I think my next one will have to be in mustard.
This pattern is so simple you can memorize it in a few minutes and whip these out on the go without having to reference anything. This is an easy level knitting pattern and the techniques involved are the knit stitch, purl stitch, working in the round, and seaming using mattress stitch.
MATERIALS:
2 skeins Lion Brand LB Collection Merino Yak Alpaca in Oatmeal (498-123)
Size US 8 (5mm) circular knitting needles, 16”/40cm long
Stitch marker or scrap yarn
Tapestry needle
FINISHED SIZE:
Width: 6”/15cm
Circumference: 19”/48cm
GAUGE:
22 sts + 27 rows = 4”/10cm in broken rib
ABBREVIATIONS:
CO – cast on
K – knit
P – purl
Rep – repeat
St(s) – stitch(es)
Note: Headband is worked in the round on circular needles, then it is twisted and seamed at the back.
CO 68 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist sts. Place marker for beginning of round.
Round 1: K around.
Round 2: *K 1, P 1, rep from * around.
Rep rounds 1 and 2 until work measures 19”/48cm.
Bind off.
Twist tube once, then bring tube ends together. Seam cast on edge to bind off edge all the way around using mattress stitch, enclosing the seam within the tube.
Secure and weave in all ends.
Purchase the printable, ad-free pattern here.
Purchase the kit from Lion Brand Yarn here.
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The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Two of Wands. This pattern and design are subject to copyright, and are for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not distribute or sell this pattern or any items created using the directions in this pattern without consent. Please visit my policies for more information.
