Crocheted and Knitted Baby Headbands

Crocheted and knitted baby headbands add the perfect touch to an infant’s outfit or handmade garment. East to execute, quick to produce, and requiring few resources, these accessories give the crafter a sense of accomplishment and perhaps a relief from working on much larger or involved projects.

When a beautiful new granddaughter entered my life, my priorities, my schedule, and especially my knitting and crocheting project changed dramatically. I have been lucky to live close enough to see her frequently as her body grows and her behavior matures. Her smile just melts my heart. She has been my favorite model. Not wishing to overwhelm this tiny baby, my grown daughter's childhood stuffed animals and dolls have had do stand in duty as I photograph my creations for sharing and publication. My daughter, Robin, has been most accommodating in dressing her little daughter in clothes that coordinate with the pieces to be photographed. She has also had to problem-solve to keep her little one upright while making sure that she is safe and comfortable.

After considerable experimentation, I wanted to share the baby headbands that are attractive, easy to construct, and comfortable for the baby or toddler with my readers. Overall, my favorite headband for an infant is the shell design. If you are crocheting or knitting to build on a long chain, the headband will be less stretchy, and you may have to make it a bit larger to fit the baby comfortably. If you are building on a short chain or knitting from a shorter cast on, the headband will have more give.

0-3 months: head: 13-15 inches; headband: 12 inches
3-6 months: head: 15-17 inches; headband: 13-14 inches
6-12 months: head: 16-19 inches; headband: 15-17 inches
toddler: head: 18-19 inches; headband: headband: 16-18 inches

If you have access to the baby, measure the circumference and subtract about 1 1/2 inches to get the required headband measurement.

The following links provide free patterns. Each of the following bands in made in strip form. After making the strip, sew the ends together. You will be attaching the decoration to cover this joining spot.
https://midwesternmoms.com/crochet-headband-pattern/
This pattern gives directions for a narrow headband with 3 double crochet on each shell. The number of chain stitches should be divisible by 4.

http://mymerrymessylife.com/2012/03/crochet-shell-headband-free-crochet-pattern-2.html
You will use worsted weight yarn and an I hook. There are 4 for each shell. Chain is divisible by 4+ 3 at the end.

Having made this headband and an alternative allowing for only one skipped chain between each step in the band, I prefer the one skipped stitch option. I use a g hook with soft worsted yarn.

Another choice for the baby headband is the cluster. After consulting the chart for the appropriate length, crochet a chain that is divisible by 5
add one.
Row 1: SC in second chain from hook and continue across.
Row 2: Chain 3 and Make 2 DC in base of chain 3. Ch 1. Skip 2 stitches. In next stitch make 3 DC and chain 1. Skip 2 stitches and continue with #DC and 1 chain. Turn work.
Row 3: SC in second chain from hook. SC to end and end off yarn.
Again you will be sewing ends together to make a circle and attaching decoration to the join spot.

You can also build on a short chain until you get the desired length. For example, for a smaller baby, make a chain of 8 stitches with soft worsted yarn. Make a half-double crochet in third chain from the hook and continue with HDC until the end. Chain 2 and turn your work. Continue with half double crochet. If you want a ridged headband, HDC in the back loop. If the child is bigger, or you want a wider band, add a more stitches to your beginning chain.

For knitters who want an attractive baby headband, go to
https://www.allfreeknitting.com/Knitting-for-Babies/Blooming-Baby-Headband
The knitter will use 3.7mm (#4) needles with DK yarn. The band has a contrasting edge with a matching knitted flower or bow.

While some folks prefer to leave a headband plain, I love the many decorative options for creating unique pieces. Most frequently, I adorn my headbands with crocheted flowers to add a feminine touch. I just learned to crochet hearts. I even found a heart shaped pearl button to sew in the middle for a perfect accent. Other choices could be butterflies, animal or figure motifs, or stars. Sew your decoration to the place where you joined the ends of the band together.


The photos in this blog posting show some of the many ways the crochet or knitting artist can create a fashion accessory for a baby. I made all of the headbands in the photos and have followed the directions in my pattern as well as in the sites I referenced. I have collected a large number of headbands on my Pinterest Board (Lillian Malkus). See Heavenly Headbands for ideas and inspiration .As a knitter and crocheter, I am impressed by the work of other yarn artists as a bridge to my own creative exploration.

I hope you enjoy making a headband for the baby in your life. Please comment about your experiences. I will be posting my blog on Facebook, and I welcome your comments and photos.

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