How to Knit a Cable Headband with a Front Knot: Love Came Down Headband
Learn how to knit a cable headband using this free pattern. This pattern is at the bottom of this post. Visit my free headband knitting pattern page for even more free patterns.
How to knit a cable headband
If you want the short version, how to knit a cable headband comes down to this: you knit a flat panel with cables, seam it into a loop, and style it however you like. Simple construction, big visual impact.
I love projects like this because they’re fast, satisfying, and don’t require shaping gymnastics. This one especially has my heart—literally.
Why learning how to knit a cable headband is so satisfying
Because it gives you all the drama of cables without committing to a full sweater.
If you’ve ever admired cables but felt intimidated, learning how to knit a cable headband is one of the best ways to ease in. You get texture, rhythm, and that classic cable look, but in a project you can finish in an afternoon or two.
This particular headband, the Love Came Down Headband, uses the same heart cables as the Love Came Down Sweater. So if you’ve already knit the sweater, this is the perfect leftover-yarn win.
What makes the Love Came Down Headband special?
It’s a one-panel design with heart cables and flexible styling.
Before I explain how to knit a cable headband like this one, here’s what makes it unique:
- Knit flat as a single rectangle
- Features repeating heart cables
- Seamed at the front to form a soft knot
- Can be worn with the knot in the front or the back
- Perfect for using sweater leftovers
The yarn used is KnitPicks Wonderfluff (affiliate link), which gives the cables beautiful definition without feeling heavy.
How to knit a cable headband with heart cables
You knit the cables flat, then let the construction do the styling work.
At its core, how to knit a cable headband like this is all about repetition and trust. You work the heart cable pattern across the panel, let the texture shine, and then seam the ends together to create the knot.
Here’s the basic flow:
- Cast on for a flat panel
- Work the heart cable pattern as written
- Knit to the finished length
- Seam the ends together with a simple overlap
- Wear it your way
That’s it. No shaping, no picking up stitches, no fuss.
What yarn works best for a cable headband?
You want something soft, light, and cable-friendly.
For this pattern, I used KnitPicks Wonderfluff (affiliate link), and it’s honestly ideal for cables like these. It’s light enough that the headband doesn’t feel bulky, but it still holds stitch definition beautifully.
Why I like it for learning how to knit a cable headband:
- Cables pop clearly
- Soft against the forehead
- Works well for accessories
- Great use for partial skeins
If you knit the Love Came Down Sweater first, using KnitPicks Wonderfluff (affiliate link) leftovers means you get a coordinated set without buying extra yarn, which I always count as a win.
Can this cable headband really be worn two ways?
Yes, and it changes the whole look.
One of my favorite things about learning how to knit a cable headband with this construction is how versatile it is. Because the seam forms a knot, you can:
- Wear the knot front and center for a statement look
- Spin it to the back for a cleaner, classic style
Same headband, totally different vibe.
This makes it great for gifting too, because the wearer gets options without needing multiple accessories.
How this headband fits into my knitting life
It’s the kind of project I reach for between big knits.
I designed this headband the same way I design a lot of my accessories: as a practical, joyful side project. When I’m in between sweaters or waiting on yarn, something like learning how to knit a cable headband keeps my hands busy without overwhelming my brain.
It’s also a pattern I’ll knit again and again, especially when I have sentimental leftovers from a larger project.
Where to find the Love Came Down Headband pattern
The full free pattern is at the bottom of this post.
If you scrolled here wondering where the instructions are—don’t worry. The Love Came Down Headband pattern is included at the bottom of this post, just like I promised.
You can also browse my free headband knitting pattern page if you want to compare styles or line up your next cast-on.
FAQs about how to knit a cable headband
Is this a good beginner cable project?
Yes. If you know how to knit, purl, and follow a pattern, this is a friendly introduction to how to knit a cable headband.
Do I need a cable needle?
Yes, for the heart cables you’ll want one. I use a simple cable needle, and it makes the crossings much easier.
Can I adjust the size?
Absolutely. You can knit the panel longer or shorter before seaming to customize the fit.
What yarn should I use if I don’t have leftovers?
The pattern is written for KnitPicks Wonderfluff (affiliate link), and I recommend sticking with a similar weight for best results.
Is this knit flat or in the round?
This is knit flat, which is part of what makes how to knit a cable headband like this so approachable.
Final thoughts (and what to knit next)
Now you know how to knit a cable headband from start to finish—from yarn choice to construction to styling. You’ve seen how heart cables can shine in a small project, and how leftovers can turn into something meaningful and wearable.
If you loved this pattern, your next step might be the Love Came Down Sweater, or browsing my free headband knitting patterns page for more quick projects.
Love Came Down Headband Free Pattern
Materials Needed: 50-80yds worsted of KnitPicks Wonderfluff yarn 50g/142yds, stitch markers, cable needle, 9(US) 5.5mm needles, yarn needle
Gauge: 17sts & 24 rows to make 10cm square, using size 9(US) 5.5mm needles working in stockinette stitch
Sizes (appx head circumference) [appx finished measurements laid flat]:
child (46cms,18ins) [23x19cms, 9×7.5ins]
small adult (51cms, 20ins) [25.5x18cms, 10×8.5ins]
large adult (56cms, 22ins) [28x23cms, 11x9ins]
Cable Heart Stitch Chart
Row 1 – p1, k4, cb1/2, cf2/1, k4, p1
Row 2 – k1, tb2/1, cf1/2, p2, cb2/1, tf1/2, 11
Row 3 – p2, k1, cb1/2, k4, cf2/1, k1, p2
Row 4 – k2, cf1/2, p6, cb2/1, k2
Row 5 – p2, k12, p2
Row 6 – k2, p12, k2
Row 7 – p1, cb1/2, k8, cf2/1, p1
Row 8 – k1, p14, k1
Row 9 – p1, k14, p1
Row 10 – k1, p14, k1
This chart shows what the pattern will look like from the front. On even (wrong side) rows be sure to look at the written instructions for clarification of the stitch chart
Cast on 22sts with straight needles.
Set-up row (wrong side) – k4, p14, p4
Now work as follow:
[K3, work in charted stitch pattern, k3] until your work measures appx 18, 20, 22 ins or 45, 50, 55 cms ending after completing a row 2.
Bind off. Leave a tail that is appx 10-12ins for sewing.
Sew your headband together by following the tutorial at the end of the pattern.
How to Sew the Twist Knot in the Front:
| Step 1 – Fold your completed and bound off length in half right sides together lengthwise. |
Step 2 – Bring the cast on edge and bound off edge together and interweave them.
| Step 3 – Sew through all 4 layers. | |
| For a video to see how this is done visit this link: | |
| https://youtu.be/fGZ4JVTts7w?si=fL4qCemNqM7suqmn | |
ABBREVIATIONS
cb1/2 – cable back 1 behind 2 – place the next st on a cable needle, hold in back, knit the next 2 sts, knit the st on the cable needle
cb2/1 – cable back 2 over 1 – place the next 2 sts on a cable needle, hold them in back, purl the next st, purl the 2 sts on the cable needle
cf1/2 – cable front 1 over 2 – place the next st on a cable needle, hold in front, purl the next 2 sts, purl the st on the cable needle
cf2/1 – cable front 2 over 1 – place the next 2 sts on a cable needle, hold them in front, knit the next st, knit the 2 sts on the cable needle
k – knit
P – purl
pm – place marker
sm – slip marker
tf1/2 – twist front 1 over 2 – place the next st on a cable needle, hold in back, purl the next 2 sts, knit the st on the cable needle
tb2/1 – twist back 2 behind 1 – place the next 2 sts on a cable needle, hold them in front, knit the next st, purl the 2 sts on the cable needle
Love Came Down Headband PDF
Affiliate Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Have you knit this headband yet, or are you planning to make a matching set? Scroll down and leave a comment—I’d love to hear how you’re wearing yours.
The post How to Knit a Cable Headband with a Front Knot: Love Came Down Headband appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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