Sweet Nothings Crochet: CRISS-CROSSED HEADBAND

This headband looks really cool, doesn't it? But it works so much better because of the fantastic multi-colored yarn. The simple stitch in back loop makes it jump up and out at you and it's an easy one row repeat pattern. Come along, let's make this today

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Materials used : Today I’ve used about 75 gm of Vera Moda Reflections yarn with a 4 yarns with a 4 mm crochet hook ; fabric glue ; embroidery needle

For Indians : The yarn I've used today is similar to our Anchor 4-ply knitting cotton. You could use Anchor , Red ros e , bamboo yarn , milk cotton yarn or unbranded knitting cotton as well as Oswal or Vardhaman acrylic yarns

General yarn info : The yarn used today is not specific to this pattern.

You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.

International yarns : Among the international yarns I have used I’d suggest Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn.

With a finer or more delicate yarn, you end up with a finer or more delicate end product. The spikes will show but thicker yarns show up better.

Stitches used :

Starting slip knot : https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

Half Double Crochet : Hdc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk) ;

yo, draw through all 3 lps. One hdc made.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/sDiELJdB2Dg

Chainless start for Half Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 start, and this is what I do to start my row of hdc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/lWXpl1KdbZ8

Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk);

[yo, draw through 2 lps] twice. One dc made.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo

Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0

What is a slip stitch : https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

Here is a sizing chart for general head sizing :

https://in.pinterest.com/pin/470063279839058772/ OR

https://in.pinterest.com/pin/470063279837764548/

Abbreviations used : (Using U.S terminology)

lp(s) : Loop(s) sc : Single crochet

dc : Double crochet sp : Space

sl-st : Slip stitch ch : Chain

st(s) : Stitch(es) hk : Hook

yo : Yarn Over

Instructions using U.S terminology

Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.

Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.

Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.

1) This pattern is worked as a long strip and then we join the two ends to create this cool criss-cross headband

2) The length of the strip will be twice the circumference you need for your project and if you want to add the knot then it's a little more for that bit too.

3) There is no stitch count and you just work it for the circumference of your head.

4) I have decided to make this a 6" width headband, so i worked a 3" strip for twice the circumference of the head measurement (keeping in mind stretch of the yarn)

5) You can use any stitch you want. I have worked in hdc, but you can work with sc or dc as well

Note 1 : How do I calculate the circumference needed?

Below see the chart (which is from the general head sizing chart link above).

See the size you want to make the beanie for - if its say a Small Adult, the circumference needed is 22". Now depending on the looseness/tension of your work and the stretch of your yarn, make the first row 44". Got it?

Head sizing chart to explain how to calculate sizes

Foundation half double crochet (fhdc) : This is an easy way to start a row of hdc without the starting chain row.

Here is an easy video tutorial https://youtu.be/SEG2UCRfypA

Start Row 1 : with fhdc and work as many stitches as needed to get twice the circumference of the head. Turn.

In case you find the fhdc too hard, please start with as many chain as you need then work the 1st hdc in the 2nd chain from hook. Continue working hdc in each chain all the way to the end. Ensure that you final length you need.

We now work in the back loop of each stitch using hdc-blo

Half double crochet back loop only (hdc-blo) : https://youtu.be/mMZhS37JP2k

Round 2 : hdc-blo in the 1st st and in each st till end. Turn.

In case this video does not come on, please click here

and that's our pattern done.. how cool, eh?

Rep Round 2 till you have the half the width you need for your headband.

Note : If you are working a 6" headband, you will work till your project is 3" in width.

Similarly, if you want a 4" end product, you will work 2" now.

We then fold the headband over itself so that we get the width needed.

Finishing Ideas :

Once you have reached the width needed, fasten off leaving a long tail (which we will use to join ends and sew the sides as well)

Here's how we join.

1) Hold one end of your headband strip under your left thumb with your palm facing upwards.

2) Wrap the free end around and bring it above your palm to meet the open end. Ensure that you have the circumference needed (so 22" with this example), and pin the open end to the strip you have brought up.

3) Wrap the free end around and bring it up to meet your palm again, and now attach / pin the end bit (2nd end) to the first free end.

4) You have a criss-cross bit in front (on your palm) and two flat pieces that are parallel to one another along the back.

5) Ensure that you have the circumference needed and then (for convenience) pin the back parts as well as the front overlapping parts.

6) Using one of the methods given below, sew the headband all along the edges to get a neat flat piece at the back and an overlapping criss cross along the front.

Sewing the ends : Choose one of the methods given below to neatly sew the ends of your project to create a beautiful criss-crossed headband.

Whipstitch to join : https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA

Invisible join : https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM

Single crochet to join : https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI

Modeled view of the Criss crossed headband

Isn't this is a wonderful project.

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I have a few pieces of headwear already made, and just in case you want a dekho at those free patterns … here you go