Seed Stitch Twist Headband Knitting Pattern, FREE
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This beginner-friendly Twist Headband Knitting Pattern is easier than it looks! You’ll use basic stitches, skip shaping, and finish with a simple twist that gives it that polished style. The video tutorial guides you through creating a smooth, seamless-looking finish so you can knit with confidence from start to finish.
It’s completely doable for newer knitters, worked with basic stitches.
If you enjoy small beginner-friendly projects like this, you might also like these simple knitting patterns for beginners.
Check out the free headband knitting pattern below, or if you’d prefer a clean, printable version to follow along, you can grab the ad-free PDF.
What yarn can I use to knit a twisted headband?
Whatever you have in your stash! This is a great stash busting project. It takes less than half of a skein of most yarns. Making it a great instant gratification project too!
What size of needles do I need?
That depends on the yarn you choose. Start with the recommended size on the package and then size up if it’s too tight of a stitch (if it feels hard) and size down if the stitch is too loose (if you can see through it). This requires a little bit of trial and error. You don’t need a large swatch, just enough to get the feel of a nice squishy stitch.
How wide do I make my headband?
It depends… what style are you going for? Maybe a wide one for the messy bun look or a narrow one for a light spring look. In other words, you might want several in different widths to match the season or your mood. ;)
How long do I make my headband?
For this twisted knit headband you want it to fit comfortably around your head without any stretch, before you create the twist. So, keep in mind that it shrinks up a bit once you seam the ends together and twist it.
Video Tutorial
About the Beginner Headband Knitting Pattern
This headband is knit flat using 2 straight needles, in seed stitch. Knit a flat rectangle and sew 2 seams. It’s as simple as knitting a rectangle with a cute twist that’s looks seamless.
Available Sizes: Eight, Newborn to Adult Male
This downloadable PDF pattern is available in 8 sizes (newborn to adult male) sizes, which you can get in The Shop. Scroll down to get the size Teen size for FREE!
Pattern Format: Written Pattern, No Chart
Pattern Language: English
Skill Level: Beginner & Advanced Beginner
PDF Format: Printer Friendly
Bonus: Video
Techniques
Here are some of the knitting skills you need to know before getting started:
Knit Flat (Not in the round)
Knit & Purl Stitches
Clean Edge (Advanced beginner version only)
Sew Seam (Video tutorial)
What you don’t need to know…
How to knit a cable
How to use circular knitting needles
How to knit a backwards loop
How to increase or decrease stitches
Materials
Yarn Weight: Bulky
Yardage: 11 – 77 yards (10 – 71 meters)
Suggested Yarn: We Are Knitters Petite Wool
Needle Size: US 10.5 (6.5mm) Knitting Needles
If you don’t have the recommended yarn, Yarnsub.com is a great resource to find an alternative.
Details
Measurements: 5″ wide x 8 1/2″ (13cm x 22cm)
Gauge: 13.5 STS & 22 rows per 4” (10cm) square, knit in the seed stitch
Weight: 1.2oz (35g)
Notes
Not reversible.
CO edge is the width.
Knit using the seed stitch.
Model head circumference is 21 1/2″, the headband measured 18″ before the twist.
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Download & Print this Pattern
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FREE Seed Stitch Twist Headband Knitting Pattern
Knit flat, row by row, back & forth.
CO 17 STS
Row 1 (WS): *P1, K1* P1
Repeat row 1 for 18″, or until desired length, BO in pattern
FREE Advanced Beginner Pattern
Knit flat, row by row, back & forth:
CO 19 STS
Row 1 (WS): WYIF S1PW *K1, P1* K1, WYIF S1PW
Row 2 (RS): K1TBL *K1, P1* K1, K1TBL
Repeat rows 1-2 for 18″, or until desired length, BO in pattern
To end (Same for the beginner & advanced beginner versions):
How to Knit a Twist in a Headband?
Bring the bottom corner of the BO edge to the center of the CO edge, fold the top corner of the BO edge to meet the bottom corner of the BO edge, with the CO edge sandwiched in-between, fold the outside CO corner to meet the sandwiched CO corner and then seam all 4 layers together. Seam it twice for extra strength. If that seems like a puzzle to figure out, you can watch the video above. :)
Weave in ends.
No blocking necessary.
Want more quick & easy patterns like this? Check out the hygge headband bundle here.
Abbreviations
* – * – repeat between * to end of row
BO – bind-off in pattern
CO – cast-on (long-tail cast-on method)
K – knit stitches (K1 means to knit 1 stitch)
K1TBL – knit 1 stitch through the back loop
P – purl stitches (P2 means to purl 2 stitches)
RS – right side
S1PW – slip one stitch purl-wise
STS – stitches
WS – wrong side
WYIF – with yarn in front
Gauge
13.5 STS & 22 rows per 4” (10cm) square, knit in the seed stitch
FAQ Questions You Might Have
Is this Twist Headband Knitting Pattern good for beginners?
Yes. If you can knit and purl, you can make this. It’s a great beginner knit project that helps you practice texture while creating something you’ll actually wear.
How long does it take to knit a twist headband?
Most knitters can finish it in a few hours or a quiet evening. It’s an easy knit headband pattern for beginners that feels manageable from start to finish.
Do I need circular needles, or is it knit flat?
It’s knit flat, which keeps things simple and easy to handle. You’ll seam it at the end to create the twist detail.
Is there any shaping involved?
Nope, no shaping at all. The twist is created during finishing, so the knitting itself stays straightforward and simple.
What yarn works best for this headband?
Soft yarns in a medium to bulky weight show off the seed stitch texture nicely and give you a cozy finish. Choose something comfortable against your skin.
Can I use leftover yarn?
Yes, as long as you have enough yardage for your size. This is a great stash-friendly project and perfect for trying a new color.
Will it actually look like the photos when I’m done?
Yes. The texture comes from simple repetition, and the video tutorial walks you through the twist so you can create a clean, polished finish just like the photos.
Looking for more quick wins like this one? The Your First Quick Knits bundle brings seven beginner patterns and four printable guides together in one easy download — so you always know exactly what to knit next.
A Small Project You’ll Be Proud Of
There’s something satisfying about finishing a project that feels both simple and stylish. This seed stitch headband pattern gives you that balance. It’s approachable, relaxing to knit, and easy to wear with just about anything.
Once you’ve made one, you may want to try another in a different color or yarn. If you prefer having a printable copy nearby, the PDF version is available to make things even easier while you knit.
And once you’ve finished this headband, a cowl or shawl is a wonderful next step to keep building your knitting skills and creating more pieces you can wear and enjoy.
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