If you love cozy knits with lots of texture, this broken rib headband knitting pattern is such a fun project to add to your needles! The Judah Headband is knit in the round for a smooth, seamless finish, and the broken rib stitch gives it a wonderfully textured look without making the pattern feel complicated. If you’re collecting quick accessories for chilly weather, you’ll also want to browse my Free Knitted Ear Warmer Patterns for even more cozy ideas.
This free knitted headband pattern is a great choice when you want something practical, warm, and interesting enough to keep your knitting fun. Broken rib combines simple knit-and-purl stitches to create texture while still giving the fabric the stretch you want in a comfortable ear warmer.
Whether you’re knitting one for yourself, making a quick gift, or adding another headband to your winter wardrobe, the Judah Headband is an easy project to reach for again and again.
One of my favorite things about this pattern is how much texture you get from such straightforward stitches. The broken rib pattern adds dimension without becoming fussy, and working the headband in the round means there’s no seam to sew when you finish.
It’s also a nice project for practicing circular knitting on something much smaller than a hat or sweater. Once you settle into the stitch repeat, the rows move along quickly.
What Do You Need to Knit a Broken Rib Headband?
For the Judah Headband, I used size 8 circular knitting needles and KnitPicks Wool of the Andes yarn. Wool of the Andes is a classic wool yarn that works beautifully for textured stitch patterns because the definition helps those knit and purl stitches stand out.
The wool also gives the finished headband the warmth you want when you’re wearing it over your ears on a cold day. Since a headband is a relatively small knitting project, it’s also a great way to enjoy a beautiful wool yarn without committing to a large project.
Size 8 needles create a fabric that shows off the broken rib texture while still keeping the headband soft and wearable.
When choosing yarn for your own headband, look for something that gives you clear stitch definition and feels comfortable against your skin. Your headband will be sitting around your forehead and ears, so softness matters just as much as how pretty the stitches look.
As always, checking your gauge will help you get the finished fit you’re looking for.
How Do You Knit the Judah Broken Rib Headband?
The Judah Headband is worked in the round, so after casting on your stitches you’ll join them and continue knitting around the circular needle. Be careful not to twist your cast-on stitches when you join—that little check at the beginning can save you from having to start over later!
The texture comes from broken rib stitch. If this stitch pattern is new to you, take a look at my How To Knit Broken Rib Stitch tutorial before you begin. It walks you through the stitch so you can feel comfortable with the repeat before using it in your headband.
Broken rib is especially nice for headbands because you get the look and flexibility of ribbing along with a little extra visual texture. Once you recognize the repeat, it becomes a relaxing rhythm of knits and purls.
Fit is especially important with knitted ear warmers. You want your finished headband snug enough to stay comfortably over your ears without feeling too tight. My How To Knit A Headband That Fits guide can help you work through sizing and make adjustments if needed.
Remember that ribbed and textured fabrics can stretch when worn, so consider the finished fabric as well as the measurements when choosing your size.
What Other Knitted Headband Patterns Can You Try?
If the Judah Headband has you ready to cast on another cozy accessory, there are plenty more knitted headbands to try:
Each headband gives you another opportunity to play with different stitches, textures, and styles while making something you can actually put to use. They’re also wonderful projects when you need a handmade gift that doesn’t require the time commitment of a larger knitting project.
The Judah Headband is especially fun when you’re in the mood for texture. That simple broken rib stitch keeps the knitting interesting, and the circular construction gives you a neat finished piece without extra seaming.
It’s the kind of knitting project that fits nicely between bigger projects—or becomes the beginning of an entire stack of handmade headbands.
Judah Headband Free Pattern
Materials Needed: 40-80yds worsted weight yarn (I used KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in Cumulus) size 8 (5mm) circular and dpn, yarn needle
Gauge: 20sts/10cms or 4ins
Sizes (appx head circumference) [appx finished measurements laid flat]:
toddler (40cms, 16ins)
child (46cms,18ins)
small adult (51cms, 20ins)
large adult (56cms, 22ins)
- Headband Instructions
Cast on (80, 88) 104, 112. Join in the round.
Work 2.5cms or 1ins k1p1 ribbing.
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [k1p1] around
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until you have worked a total of 9 repeats. Work round 1 one more time.
Now work k1p1 ribbing around for 2.5cms or 1in.
Bind off loosely. Weave in ends. Block as desired. - Stitch key
K – knit
p – purl
PSSO – pass slipped stitch over
SL – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
yo – yarn over
Are you planning to knit the Judah Headband? Leave me a comment and tell me what color you’re using! I always love hearing what you have on your needles.
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The post Judah Headband: Free Broken Rib Headband Knitting Pattern appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
