Something I’ve enjoyed playing with over the years is adding shaping to my projects by using pattern stitches with different stitch or row gauges. I’ve mostly used this technique in crochet, but I’ve also played around with it in knitting. This headband uses the stitch gauge differences between stockinette and cable patterns to create differences in headband width, rather than using a twist, folding, or ribbing to achieve a similar, gathered look. I’ve used cables on both the top and bottom of the headband, but different ones, so you have the potential for two different looks to work with, and the pattern includes instructions for two different sizes.

This pattern is worked in DK weight yarn, with size 6 (4mm) needles. Charts are provided for the cable patterns. The headband is made working flat, and you can begin either with a regular cast on or a provisional cast on. If you choose a provisional cast on, you can sew the seam by working kitchener stitch instead of binding off.