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Stranded colorwork knitting, also called Fair Isle knitting, doesn't have to be difficult. I know intricate colorwork designs can be intimidating, but colorwork knitting can also be easy. A wide range of colorwork patterns are available, ranging from advanced to beginner-friendly. I have some colorwork patterns that I would never recommend to beginners. However, I also have several stranded colorwork patterns that are perfect for beginners.
The Simple Speckle Headband is one of my most beginner-friendly patterns. The colorwork design is simple to follow, featuring white speckles against a red background. This pattern requires significantly fewer color changes compared to many other Fair Isle designs, so it's perfect for anyone looking to get the hand of stranded colorwork knitting.
To complete the Simple Speckle Headband, you will need a fundamental understanding of knitting in the round and stranded colorwork techniques. You must know how to knit in the round using your preferred method. I use the magic loop method because it's easier than double-pointed needles, in my opinion. However, if you are comfortable using double-pointed needles, use that method instead.
It would be best to have a basic understanding of catching floats in Fair Isle knitting. Fair Isle knitting uses two strands of yarn simultaneously, so you will need to know how to manage the strand of yarn not being used. Catching floats is the process of making sure the yarn carried in the back of the work doesn't get too long and affect the tension. I like to twist my working yarn over the yarn held in the back every 5 stitches or so to pin down the yarn in the back. You can use whatever method of catching floats you are most comfortable with.
Before beginning this headband, you will need to know how to read a colorwork chart. The pattern below includes a colorwork chart to show you which colors to use for each stitch. The chart is worked from the bottom up, and you will begin on the right side and move across the row to the left. Therefore, your first stitch will be in the bottom right corner of the colorwork chart. Each square on the colorwork chart represents one stitch. Work each stitch in the color shown, and carry the other strand of yarn behind the work.
Once you have a basic understanding of stranded colorwork knitting, you'll be ready to tackle the Simple Speckle Headband. This is a great knitting project for beginners because the colorwork chart is an easy repeat, and the color changes are spread apart. Once you get the hang of the technique and the colorwork repeat, this is a very easy knitting pattern.
Although the Simple Speckle Headband is a beginner-friendly pattern, it's also great for all skill levels. For more advanced knitters, this is a great "mindless knit." It works up quickly, and it looks stunning! The design is so simple, but something about it really makes the headband pop.
Try the pattern with different colors to make it unique to you! I picked white speckles against a red background, but you can easily use different colors to make this more your style. I can't wait to see everyone's finished Simple Speckle Headbands!
Purchase the ad-free PDF of this pattern on Ravelry or Etsy
Love the pattern, but hate the ads? I totally get it. This pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry and Etsy in a printable PDF.
Save this pattern to your Ribblr for free
The Spring Chevron Headband is also available for free on Ribblr. Save it to your patterns for easy access.
Save when you buy the entire collection
The entire Simple Speckle Collection is available for purchase in bundles on Ravelry and Ribblr. Buying the entire bundle is cheaper than buying each pattern individually. If you love this headband pattern, then you'll love the entire collection.
The Simple Speckle Headband is part of my Simple Speckle Collection of patterns. The collection also features a baby headband, bow, cup cozy, and scrunchy. If you like the colorwork design of this headband, then you can get a pattern for that same design in any of the other four options. The scrunchy and cup cozy are perfect projects for summer to keep your hair up and your drinks cute. Plus, the bow and baby headband are both great options for kids. If you're a true colorwork beginner, you should pick up one of these smaller patterns first to practice your technique before completing the entire Simple Speckle Headband. With five patterns to choose from, the Simple Speckle Collection has something for everyone.
The entire Simple Speckle collection is stunning, but this headband best shows off the pattern. The subtle pops of white against the red background add visual interest to the finished headband. The larger stitch count also lets the colorwork pattern show through the best.
Everything in this collection will make a great gift because of how customizable everything is and how quickly the patterns work up. I made a Simple Speckle Headband for my sister-in-law for Christmas last year, and she loved it! It's such a great gift because it's easily customizable to your recipient's favorite color (hers happens to be red), and it works up quickly, which is always great for last-minute stress knitting!
You can find the entire simple Speckle Collection in bundles on my Ravelry and Ribblr shops linked above.
Simple Speckle Headband - Free Knitting for Beginners
Follow the step-by-step tutorial below to create your very own Simple Speckle Headband
Materials
Any worsted-weight yarn in two different colors. I used Caron Simply Soft in White and Harvest Red.
White (approx. 17 yards / 9 grams)- Harvest Red (approx. 125 yards / 66 grams)
US 9 / 5.5 mm circular needles - Tapestry needle for sewing
Tips
🌹 Use either of the attached charts to complete this project.
🌹 Keep the tension consistent and not too tight.
🌹 Manage the floats to help keep the tension loose.
🌹 On the rounds that only require one yarn color, stop carrying the second color behind the work. Pick it back up at the start of the next round that will require it.
🌹 When sewing the ends together to create the twist, make sure the needle passes through all layers.
Instructions
1) Cast on 48 stitches using red yarn.
2) Join in the round
3) Round 1-96: Follow the Simple Speckle Chart. (Keep scrolling to find the Simple Speckle color charts).
4) Bind off using red yarn
5) Leave a long tail for sewing
Time to make the twist!
7) With the right side facing out, fold the work in half lengthwise (see images below).
8) Fit the two folded ends together like a puzzle piece. (See images below).
9) Sew the two sides together, making
sure to insert the needle through all layers and weave in ends (see image below).
10) Flip the sewn side around to reveal your twisted headband!
Simple Speckle Colorwork Charts
Use either of the charts below to complete the pattern.
I recommend using the repeat chart because it is easier to see, but you can also use the larger chart if it works better for you.
Repeat Chart
🌹 Cast on 48 stitches using red yarn and join in the round.
🌹 Repeat columns 1-24 two times each round to equal the 48-stitch cast on length.
🌹 Continue working in the round following the chart through row 6. Each row marks the beginning of a new round.
🌹 Repeat rows 1-6 fifteen more times to equal 96 rows in total.
Complete Chart
🌹 Cast on 48 stitches using red yarn and join in the round.
🌹 Work in rounds following the chart. Each row marks the beginning of a new round.
Congratulations!
You have completed your free knit Simple Speckle Headband Pattern! I would love to see your finished headband. Tag me on Instagram @thecrafteemanatee if you choose to share your masterpiece.
Check out my other free patterns and my Ravelry, Etsy, and Ribblr stores.