How to knit a turban-style headband: choose soft yarn, subtract 10% from the head circumference, cast on 22 stitches for a 9 cm width, knit two 20 cm side sections and a 10 cm crossed center.
BeginnerFree
Translated
Things you will learn
For a 54 cm head circumference, the author subtracts 10% and uses a finished length of 49-50 cm for a better fit.
The headband is divided into three sections: a 20 cm side section, a 10 cm middle section with the twist, and another 20 cm side section.
In the example, the headband is 9 cm wide. With a gauge of about 2.5 stitches per 1 cm, you cast on 22 stitches.
The central twist is made by splitting the knitting into two strips of 11 stitches and crossing those strips.
What you will make
The result is a turban-style headband: a straight 1 x 1 ribbed strip with a central twist, sewn together along the short edge.
Materials and tools
Materials
Soft natural yarn, mink down-style yarn or thin mohair held with an extra strand, wool with acrylic, or angora held double or triple
Decorative brooch, optional; an idea from the discussion for a stronger turban look
Tools
No. 3 double-pointed knitting needles, for knitting the main strip
Stitch holder, can be replaced with an extra knitting needle; used for holding 11 stitches while the strip is split
Large-eye needle, for sewing the short edge of the headband
Measuring tape, for measuring the head circumference and checking the section lengths
Preparation
Choose yarn that does not itch
The author recommends soft yarns: mink down-style yarn or thin mohair held with an extra strand, wool with acrylic, or angora held double or triple. If you are buying wool, choose a baby-soft yarn or hold the skein against your neck or inner elbow: it should not feel scratchy.
Knit a gauge swatch
The main version in the source is worked in 1 x 1 rib, but you can also use another simple stitch pattern for your calculation, such as garter stitch or seed stitch.
Measure and calculate the stitches
The source shows the calculation for a 54 cm head circumference and medium-weight yarn.
Measure the head circumference
Take one measurement: the head circumference. In the example, it is 54 cm.
Allow for stretch
For a better fit, the author reduces the length by 10%. With a 54 cm head circumference, the actual headband length is 49-50 cm.
Divide the length into three sections
Divide the length as follows: a 20 cm side section, a 10 cm middle section with the twist, and another 20 cm side section.
Calculate the width and stitch count
Knit a 1 x 1 rib swatch and calculate your gauge. For medium-weight yarn, the author gives a guide of about 2.5 stitches per 1 cm. For a 9 cm width, that is 9 x 2.5, or 22 stitches.
Check your own gauge
The 22-stitch count is the example from the source, not a universal number for every yarn.
First side section and stitch split
First knit one side section, then split the fabric into two strips for the future twist.
Knit 20 cm in 1 x 1 rib
Cast on your calculated number of stitches and work a 20 cm strip in 1 x 1 rib.
The first side section is knitted to 20 cm.
Work a neat chain edge
For an even edge, slip the first stitch without knitting it, and purl the last stitch on every row.
Split the stitches in half
Divide the knitting into two parts: move 11 stitches onto a stitch holder or extra needle, and continue knitting the other 11 stitches.
The stitches are divided in half for the central twist.
Make the twist and knit the second side section
The central knot is formed from two strips, each 10 cm high.
Knit the first strip to 10 cm
Work the 11 stitches that are still active until the strip measures 10 cm. Then move this knitted section onto a stitch holder.
Knit the second strip to 10 cm
Now work the stitches that were waiting, and knit that strip to a height of 10 cm as well.
Cross the two strips
Swap the needles over to cross the two strips and form the turban-style center.
The two strips are crossed before knitting continues.
Place all stitches back on one needle
Put all the stitches back onto one needle and continue knitting in rib for another 20 cm.
Bind off and sew the headband
Bind off the final row and sew the headband together along the short edge with a large-eye needle.
Finish and variations
Finish
Check the fit and the seam
After sewing, check that the twist sits at the center of the forehead, the headband does not slip, and the short seam does not press.
Variations
Add a brooch for a stronger turban look
The discussion suggested decorating the headband with a brooch so the central twist looks even more like a turban.
Fisherman's rib
Another idea from the discussion is to knit the basic model in fisherman's rib for a fuller texture.
Use another simple stitch pattern
For the calculation, the source also mentions other simple stitch patterns, such as garter stitch or seed stitch.
The finished headband is uncomfortable against the skin.
Likely cause
The wool is too coarse or the blend is not suitable.
How to fix it
Before buying, hold the skein against your neck or inner elbow. Choose baby-soft yarn or one of the source options: mink down-style yarn, thin mohair held with an extra strand, wool with acrylic, or angora held double or triple.
The headband slips down
Problem
The headband sits too loosely and does not stay in place.
Likely cause
The length was calculated exactly from the head circumference without allowing for stretch.
How to fix it
Use the 10% stretch allowance: for a 54 cm head circumference, the author uses a 49-50 cm length.
The width is not 9 cm
Problem
The headband came out too narrow or too wide.
Likely cause
The 22-stitch count was copied without checking your own gauge.
How to fix it
Knit a swatch and recalculate the stitches. In the source, 22 stitches came from a gauge of about 2.5 stitches per 1 cm and a 9 cm width.
The edge does not look like a neat chain
Problem
The side edge is uneven.
Likely cause
The edge stitches were not worked as described in the source.
How to fix it
Slip the first stitch without knitting it, and purl the last stitch on every row.
You want a fuller headband
Problem
The basic 1 x 1 rib looks too flat.
Likely cause
This version uses the simplest base stitch pattern.
How to fix it
One idea from the discussion is to knit the same model in fisherman's rib for a more dimensional texture.
?FAQ
What yarn works best for the headband?
The author recommends soft yarn: mink down-style yarn or thin mohair held with an extra strand, wool with acrylic, or angora held double or triple. The yarn should not feel scratchy.
What measurement do I need?
You need the head circumference. In the example it is 54 cm, but for a snug fit the length is reduced by about 10%, to 49-50 cm.
How is the headband length divided?
In the example, the length is divided into a 20 cm side section, a 10 cm middle section with the twist, and another 20 cm side section.
How many stitches should I cast on?
In the source, a 9 cm width and a gauge of about 2.5 stitches per 1 cm give 22 stitches. For a different yarn, recalculate the stitch count from your swatch.
How is the twist formed?
After 20 cm of ribbing, split the stitches in half: 11 stitches on a holder and 11 stitches in work. Knit each strip to 10 cm, then cross the strips.
How can I decorate the turban headband?
The discussion suggested adding a brooch at the center, or knitting the model in fisherman's rib for a fuller texture.
Your project
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BeginnerFree
You can decorate the headband with a brooch — then it really reads as a turban. Beautiful and simple!