Valley Yarns Manhattan Headband Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Manhattan Headband

Project Overview

The Valley Yarns Manhattan Headband is an intermediate-level knitting accessory designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This seamless, flat-worked headband combines knitting and crochet techniques to create a finished piece measuring 5 inches wide and 20 inches long. The design features a sophisticated ribbed knit body with a decorative crocheted flower embellishment, making it both functional and visually striking.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a fitted headband suitable for wearing across the forehead or as a hair accessory. The headband is worked primarily in knitting, with the addition of a crocheted flower accent that adds dimension and decorative appeal. The finished measurements of 5 inches wide and 20 inches long provide a comfortable fit for most wearers.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The headband is constructed using several key knitting techniques:

• Ribbed Pattern: The main body features a k1, p1 ribbing pattern, which is worked with 2 strands of yarn held together. This ribbing creates elasticity and a classic textured appearance.
• Seamless, Flat Construction: The piece is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, eliminating the need for seaming.
• Strategic Decreasing: The headband incorporates a series of decreases using k3tog (knit 3 together) and p3tog (purl 3 together) stitches. These decreases are strategically placed to shape the headband, reducing from the initial cast-on to just 3 stitches at the bind-off.
• Yarn-Over Increases: The pattern includes yarn-over increases worked as [k1, yo, k1] in one stitch and [p1, yo, p1] in one stitch, which create decorative eyelet details while increasing stitch count.

Crochet Flower Embellishment

The headband is finished with a decorative crocheted flower that adds a three-dimensional accent:

• Ring Foundation: The flower begins with a chain-6 foundation joined into a ring with a slip stitch.
• Petals: The flower features 6 petals created by working single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet stitches into chain spaces. Each petal is formed by working [1sc, 1hdc, 3dc, 1hdc, 1sc] into the designated chain-3 space.
• Layered Construction: The final round works in the back loops of stitches from previous rounds, creating depth and dimension to the flower structure.

Stitches Used

Knitting Stitches:

• Knit (k)
• Purl (p)
• Knit 3 together (k3tog)
• Purl 3 together (p3tog)
• Yarn-over (yo) increases

Crochet Stitches:

• Chain (ch)
• Slip stitch (sl st)
• Single crochet (sc)
• Half double crochet (hdc)
• Double crochet (dc)

Materials Required

The Valley Yarns Manhattan Headband calls for specific materials to achieve the intended gauge and finished appearance:

• Yarn: 1 skein each of Valley Yarns Superwash in two colorways—color 571 Classic Navy and color 342 Periwinkle. Valley Yarns Superwash is 100% Merino wool, offering durability and easy care. Each skein provides 97 yards at 50 grams.
• Knitting Needles: US size 10½ (6.50 mm) needles for the main body of the headband.
• Crochet Hook: US size 7 (4.50 mm) crochet hook for working the flower embellishment.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches when working k1, p