This free knit flat headband pattern features a cozy autumn leaf design, perfect for knitters looking for a warm and stylish accessory without using circular needles. The double thick fabric provides extra warmth, while the textured leaf motif adds a beautiful seasonal detail. This pattern is worked flat on straight needles, making it a great choice for those who prefer simple construction methods.
This is not a beginner knitting pattern, but it is ideal for knitters who know the basics and are ready to try a more advanced knit flat ear warmer or headband project. The pattern includes detailed written instructions, along with step by step photos and video tutorials to help guide you through the more challenging sections with confidence.
If you need help with sts, check the Abbreviations section. I’ve included descriptions of how to make them and embedded videos where I could. Scroll down the page or use the Table of Contents.
If you would prefer the printable version of the pattern, I have a number of online retailers you can buy it from including my online KweenBee on Shopify, Etsy, and Buy Me A Coffee. I also have the paperback booklet and Kindle versions available on Amazon.
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This pattern is inspired by 3 patterns that I previously wrote. I’m in a habit of combining different elements of my patterns together to make a completely new thing. This is a bringing together of my Easiest Beanie You’ll Ever Knit, Autumn Leaf Fingerless Gloves, and my Autumn Leaf Winter Beanie Hat. You can see by the photos below, how the elements have come together.
I’m also thinking of remaking the fingerless gloves to mitts that will match and a scarf, but those will be a while in coming. Let me know if you’d like me to get on that ASAP.
Clicking on any of the pics will take you to the pattern π
Things you need
Worsted weight (AKA β 4 or medium) yarn β one standard ball (515 yards / 471 m) will be more than enough with yarn left over.
1 set of size 4 mm (US size 6) single pointed needles
Cable needle
Tapestry needle (to work in ends)
Bobble or pom pom of your choice. You can make or purchase one.
Gauge
With size 4 mm (US size 6) needles or whatever size you need to obtain the correct number of stitches and rows. Be sure to check your gauge. It doesn’t need to be exact but the closer the better.
In garter st
17 sts = 4 inches or 10 cm
34 rows = 4 inches or 10 cm
Sizing Notes
First things first: letβs figure out how big to make the hat. When youβre going by age and gender, the measurements are only approximate β especially for kids. Adult sizes are more standardized: small, medium, large, and extra large.
If the personβs head is handy, measuring it directly is always best. That said, knitting isnβt an exact science. It stretches and contracts as needed, especially with the garter stitch inside that this ear warmer uses.
Child Sizing
Data is based on World Health Organization and pediatric growth standards. You can also do an online search for sizing if you believe it to be inaccurate. Other organizations located in the USA, UK, etc give sizes as being slightly larger. A gentle reminder that this is knitting and it does stretch to accommodate close measurements. Close IS usually good enough in this case.
This design is for children (5 ish) and older. The band is wide-ish and a heads any smaller than 20 inches (51 cm) will be too wide to fit comfortably on the forehead.
Adult Sizing
Small/Medium – 21 to 22 inches (53.5 β 56 cm)
Large/Extra Large – 23 to 24 inches (57 β 61 cm)
Band
The band can be made as long as you like. It is what goes around the circumference of the head. Each leaf, when matching the gauge as given, is about 2.25 to 2.5 inches (5.71 to 6.35 cm) long. I found 8 leaves were a good length for a small/medium adult hat with 9 leaves fitting large/ex-large adult heads. Adjust accordingly for smaller sizes.
Cast on 34
Row 1: K6 P2 K4 P9 K5 P2 K6
Row 2: K8 P4 C1B K8 P4 K8
If you need help with any of the stitches, there are videos in the Abbreviationssection to show you. Click this link β Helpful Video Tutorials
Row 3: K6 P2 C4F P7 C1B P1 C4B P2 K6
β₯ Row 4: K8 P4 K2 C1B K6 P4 K8
Row 5: K6 P2 K4 P4 P2tog M1 K1 M1 P3 K4 P2 K6 (the photos show the second M1 in this row)
Row 6: K8 P4 K3 P3 K5 P4 K8
Row 7: K6 P2 C4F P3 P2tog K1 YO K1 YO K1 P3 PM1 C4B P2 K6
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Row 8: K8 P4 K4 P5 K4 P4 K8
Row 9: K6 P2 K4 P4 K2 YO K1 YO K2 P4 K4 P2 K6
Row 10: K8 P4 K4 P7 K4 P4 K8
Row 11: K6 P2 C4F P2 P2tog K3 YO K1 YO K3 P4 PM1 C4B P2 K6
Row 12: K8 P4 K5 P9 K3 P4 K8
Row 13: K6 P2 K4 P3 TWK2tog K5 K2tog P5 K4 P2 K6
Row 14: K8 P4 K5 P7 K3 P4 K8
Row 15: K6 P2 C4F P1 P2tog TWK2tog K3 K2tog P5 PM1 C4B P2 K6
Row 16: K8 P4 K6 P5 K2 P4 K8
Row 17: K6 P2 K4 P2 TWK2tog K1 K2tog P6 K1 M1 K3 P2 K6
Row 18: K8 P4 C1B K5 P3 K2 P4 K8
Row 19: K6 P2 C4F P2 Pick up the st as if to knit. K2tog PSSO. P4 C1B P1 C4B P2 K6 β₯ Repeat from β₯ to β₯ For as many times as required to achieve your desired length. End on any WRONG side row and cast off on the RIGHT side.
Please note: To end with a complete leaf and no stem (you don’t have to but it looks more finished) end the final repeat with a complete Row 16 and continue as follows.
Row 17: K6 P2 K4 P2 TWK2tog K1 K2tog P6 K4 P2 K6
Row 18: K8 P4 K6 P3 K2 P4 K8
Row 19: K6 P2 C4F P2 Pick up the st as if to knit. K2tog PSSO. P6 C4B P2 K6
Row 20: K8 P4 K9 P4 K8
Cast off. Sew seam.
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Hints and Tips
When in doubt about how long to make the headband, make it smaller. Knitting stretches and will accommodate. If you’re making it for a child and they’re going to grow, you may want to switch that up and make it larger.
If ending with a finished leaf is going to make it too long or short, you can end on any row. Make the band as long as you need. Making it about 1 inch (2.5 cm) shorter than needed allows for stretch while not being too tight.
Abbreviations
K – Knit
P β Purl
P2tog β Purl 2 stitches together
K2tog – Knit 2 sts together.
sts – stitches
st β stitch
PSSO β Pass slipped stitch over
YO β Yarn over
C1B – Cable 1 back. Pick up next stitch on a cable needle. Pull this stitch to the BACK of your work. Knit the next stitch. Purl the stitch on the cable needle. Watch the video to learn how. It’s for a different pattern I wrote but the technique is exactly the same.
M1 β Make one (knit wise). Increase one stitch between the stitches. Pick up the yarn between the stitches. Twist it slightly and place it on your non-working needle. Knit the stitch.
PM1 β Make one (purl wise). Increase one stitch between the stitches. Pick up the yarn between the stitches. Twist it slightly and place it on your non-working needle. Purl the stitch.
TWK2tog β (Twist and Knit 2 sts together) – Pick up a stitch as if to knit. Twist the stitch and place it back on your non-working needle. Knit the 2 stitches together from right to left.
Side note: I use both versions of the terminology when it comes to cable stitches. I’ve been corrected that I’m using the wrong one for both occasions so it’s a no win for me. What I mean is that C4F is the same technique as C2F. Just like how C2B is the same as C4B. Do you think of it as the just the stitches you’re pulling or the number of stitches you’re using in total when you do it? It’s a personal choice, I guess.
C4F – Pick up the next 2 stitches with your cable needle. Pull the stitches to the FRONT of your work. Knit the next 2 stitches on your non-working needle. Knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle. Watch this video to see how.
C4B – Pick up the next 2 stitches with your cable needle. Pull the stitches to the BACK of your work. Knit the next 2 stitches on your non-working needle. Knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle. Watch this video to see how.
Like all of my patterns you have my permission to sell and/or give away the physical items that you make using this pattern. You are NOT permitted to reprint this pattern in any form unless you have obtained my written permission to do so.
