Caia headband free crochet pattern

***You may purchase an add free pattern in PDF format with more pictures here***

This is a very simple, and yet quite unique, pattern. Make it wide and it makes a perfect ear warmer. Make it narrow and it becomes a nice, every day headband.
I called it Caia, which means “to rejoice”. I think this name blends well with the pattern, which represents joy, happiness and femininity.

• This pattern is written in US terms
• Level of difficulty: Advanced beginner
• Size: Customizable

Materials:

• Yarn
  ⋆ “Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted”, #4, Medium weight
  (100% Anti-Pilling Acrylic; 100 g / 3.5 oz – 165m / 180 yds)
  – Color 1: mustard – 43 g/ 1.52 oz – 71 m / 78 yds
• 5 mm/H-8 and 5.5 mm /I-9 (optional) hooks or your preferred hook size
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• 2 stitch markers (optional)

Gauge:

Gauge is not important, the pattern is totally customizable to your size and tension. However, here is my gauge using this yarn and hook:
12 sts by 12.5 rows equals a 4 inch / 10 cm square.

Measurements:

Notes:

• Stretch the foundation chain slightly when measuring it. If you chain too loosely, the finished headband could be larger than intended.
• The chain 1 at the beginning of every odd row is not counted as a stitch.
• The chain 2 at the beginning of every even row counts as 1 double crochet.
• The loop on hook is not counted as a stitch.
• Crochet first row of sc into back bumps of a foundation chain.
• If you do not have a half size bigger hook, you may use the one you intend to use, just make sure to keep your foundation chains loose.
• The further you crochet, the more wonky the headband might look on the sides. It is ok. You may give it a shape by stretching it to the sides or just leave it the way it is, it won’t be noticeable after you sew the edges together.
• My head circumference is 22″, so I made a foundation chain 20″ long.
• If you think you may not recognize the last stitch, I encourage you to put stitch markers in every 1st single crochet or 2nd chain of a turning chain of each row.
• [ ] – Repeat instructions between brackets the number of times indicated.

Abbreviations and techniques:

• yo – yarn over
• BLO – back loop only
• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• hdc2tog – half double crochet 2 together
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
  

Adjustments and calculations:

If you are using a different yarn or you do not like working with a gauge, then it is very easy to adjust the pattern for your needs.
Make a foundation chain 2 inches smaller than your head circumference (see the size chart above). Then follow the pattern.
The number of chains in the foundation chain doesn’t matter. Even and odd numbers will work.

Special stitches:

Pattern Instructions:

Row 1 (WS): Ch 60 or to desired length, sc in second loop from hook, sc across (59 sc)

Note: in the 2nd row, you will be working the hdc2tog into same and next sts.

Row 2 (RS): Ch 2, turn, starting in the same st, hdc2tog into same and next sts;
[hdc2tog into same and next sts] across to last st (leave last st unworked); dc in last st
(2 dc, 57 hdc2tog)

Row 3 (WS): Ch 1, turn, sc in same st, sc across into BLO to the last st, sc into 2nd ch of the previous row (59 sc)
Note: the 4th row is almost the same as row 2. The only difference is that you will start in the second st and you will make a hdc2tog in the last two sts and a dc in the last st.

Row 4 (RS): Ch 2, turn, hdc2tog into next 2 sts;
[hdc2tog into same and next sts] across (including last st), dc in last st (2 dc, 57 hdc2tog)
Row 5 (WS): Repeat row 3
Row 6-13: Repeat rows 2-5 two more times or until you reach your desired height, ending on a row 3 repeat.
Cut off yarn leaving a long tail.

Finishing:

The edges will not be straight, it’s ok. While there is a RS and a WS, you can choose whichever size you like best to face out.

With WS facing out, fold the short ends as pictured below.

Sew the edges through all 4 layers, using a whip stitch, cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in any ends.
Turn inside out and enjoy your new headband.

Please share your toys using #BaymoonCrochet. I’d love to see your creations.
Have a awesome day,
Tanya.