About the pattern

This is a digital pattern, downloadable as a PDF upon purchase. The Meitheal Headband is knitted as a seamless tube in the round, starting with a provisional cast-on. The all-over colour pattern is worked from the chart, using no more than two colours per round. The two ends of the tube are then joined together using Kitchener Stitch. The resulting fabric is double thickness and is very soft and cozy to wear.

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Size

One size to fit average adult head (55 cm / 21.5 in). Finished circumference after blocking is approximately 53 cm / 20.75 in; width is approximately 7.25 cm / 2.75 in. The headband is knitted with negative ease to allow for a snug fit.

Yarn 

The sample is knitted in Apple Oak Fibre Works Softwool (Sport weight, 100% wool, 300 m / 328 yards per 100g skein). Yarn A: Thinking Thoughts; (purple); Yarn B: Make You Smile (bright yellow); Yarn C: Woodsman True (dark purple); Yarn D: Lou’s Cake (light yellow); Yarn E: Goldness (dark yellow). *Yarn kits can be purchased online: www.appleoakfibreworks.com.

Any similar yarn can be used instead; allow approximately 25g of Yarn A; 15g of Yarn B; 15g of Yarn C; 15g of Yarn D; and 10g of Yarn E, including for knitting the swatch.

Needles

3 mm / US 2.5 circular needle for working small circumference or a set of four 3 mm double-pointed needles (dpns). The needle sizes given are to match the gauge; to ensure the same finished dimensions you may need to alter your needle size. 

Other materials

Stitch marker to mark the beginning of round; 2 removable stitch markers; 3 mm or slightly smaller crochet hook for provisional cast-on; small amount of scrap yarn in contrasting colour for provisional cast-on; another set of 3 mm or gauge-size circular needles for grafting the ends of the tube (or a set of gauge-size dpns); tapestry needle; blocking pins and blocking mat; a small amount of wool wash. 

Gauge

Finished gauge is approximately 38 sts and 27 rows in pattern st after blocking over 10 cm / 4 in on 3 mm needles in the round. Knitting and blocking swatch is essential to ensure you achieve the correct gauge. 

Pattern tech edited by Amelia Hodsdon.

Special techniques 

Special techniques used:  Provisional Cast-On using Crochet Method; Stranded Colourwork; Kitchener Stitch.