Court Stripe Basket Band: Free Knit Headband Pattern
Court Stripe Basket Band: Free Knit Headband Pattern
Introduction
This wide, flat-knit headband is the perfect first project for anyone who wants to try textured stitches and simple color changes without committing to a full garment. Worked in a chunky basketweave pattern with narrow cobalt and orange stripes, it has a sporty, streetwear-inspired look that works just as well on the court as it does on a cold morning walk. The super bulky yarn makes it thick, warm, and quick to knit, so you can finish it in a single evening. The overlapping seam at the nape gives it a clean athletic finish that sits flat and stays put.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Super bulky (weight 6), wool or wool-acrylic blend. Cobalt (A): 40 yd. Orange (B): 40 yd.
- Needles: 9.0 mm (US 13) straight needles
- Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, measuring tape, scissors
- Finished size: Width 4 inches, circumference 22 inches (unstretched), fits head 21–23 inches
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on — make the starting stitches on your needle
- k: knit stitch
- p: purl stitch
- RS: right side — the outside of the finished headband
- WS: wrong side — the inside of the finished headband
- rep: repeat
- patt: pattern — the established basketweave stitch sequence
- st(s): stitch(es)
- BO: bind off — finish the stitches so they don't unravel
- A: cobalt yarn
- B: orange yarn
Gauge
8 sts and 12 rows = 4 inches in basketweave pattern. To check it, knit a small swatch in the pattern, lay it flat without stretching, and count the stitches and rows over 4 inches.
Tips Before You Start
- Carry the unused color loosely up the side edge rather than cutting it each time — the edge will be hidden inside the seam.
- Keep your tension relaxed on the color changes so the stripes don't pull the band narrower.
- Measure the band unstretched as you go; the basketweave texture relaxes slightly after blocking.
- Count your stitches after every few rows — the pattern is easy to follow but easy to miscount at the edges.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Band (worked flat)
With A, CO 16 sts.
Row 1 (RS): [k4, p4] twice (16 sts)
Row 2: [p4, k4] twice (16 sts)
Rows 3–4: rep Rows 1–2 (16 sts)
Row 5: [p4, k4] twice (16 sts)
Row 6: [k4, p4] twice (16 sts)
Rows 7–8: rep Rows 5–6 (16 sts)
Rows 1–8 form the basketweave patt. Continue in patt, changing color every 2 rows as follows:
Rows 1–2: A
Rows 3–4: B
Rows 5–6: A
Rows 7–8: B
Continue in patt and stripe sequence until the piece measures 22 inches, ending with a WS row. BO all sts.
Assembly and Finishing
Overlap the ends by 1 inch with the RS facing out. Sew the seam with mattress stitch using A, working through the edge stitches of both layers so the join lies flat. Weave in all ends on the WS. Block lightly: spritz with water, pat into shape to 4 inches wide and 22 inches around, and let dry flat.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the stripe colors for your team's palette, or work the whole band in one color for a minimalist look.
- Add a second overlap inch for a snugger fit on smaller heads.
- Try a 3-stitch by 3-row basketweave block for a finer texture on the same stitch count.
