Boho Retro Crochet Headband

Keep your hair stylishly in check with this beautiful, vintage-inspired lacy headband featuring a cute tie knot.

We have all had those mornings where our hair simply refuses to cooperate, leaving us scrambling for a quick styling solution.

Standard store-bought hair accessories often pinch behind the ears or slip off entirely.

That is why I love crafting custom headbands that actually stay put while adding a gorgeous pop of color to any outfit. This particular design features a lovely openwork texture that feels incredibly light, making it perfect for warm spring days or breezy summer afternoons.

It is the ultimate bad-hair-day savior.

Best of all, the entire piece is worked in one continuous strip, meaning you won't have to sew separate pieces together at the end. If you enjoyed making my Odette Ear Warmer Pattern, you will absolutely adore this lighter, retro-style alternative.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• No-Sew Design: The headband body and the cute bunny-ear ties are worked as a single piece, saving you from tedious assembly.
• Breathable Texture: The lacy shell stitch keeps it lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long.
• Perfect Fit: Because you tie it yourself, you can adjust the tension to fit your head perfectly without any pinching.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Fingering weight (Size 2) cotton or cotton blend. (Sample shown in Premier Yarns Cotton Fair, shade Bright Peach).
• Hook: Size D (3.25 mm) crochet hook.
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends.
• Yardage: Approximately 80-100 yards.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 22 sts and 10 rows in pattern = 4 inches (exact gauge is not critical for this project).
• Sizes included: One size (highly adjustable).
• Finished measurements: Approximately 20 inches long after tying the knot (stretches to fit an average adult female head).

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• dc: Double Crochet
• sk: Skip
• st(s): Stitch(es)
• ch-1 space: The gap created under a chain-1, skipping one stitch from the row below.
• lacy shell: Work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) all into the designated stitch or chain space.
• sc2tog: Single crochet two together. Insert hook into the first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, and draw through all three loops on your hook.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked flat in rows, starting with the main headband body and then adding the tapered ties to each end.
• Keep your tension relaxed, especially when working the chain spaces, to ensure the headband remains stretchy and soft.
• To adjust the length of the lacy section, simply add or subtract repeats of Rows 2 through 5.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crocheting the Main Headband Body

Using your D (3.25mm) hook, chain 20.

Row 1: Work 1 sc in the 2nd chain from your hook, 1 sc in the next chain, ch 3, skip 3 chains, 1 dc in the next chain, ch 1, skip 1 chain, 1 dc in the next chain, ch 3, skip 3 chains, 1 sc in the next chain, ch 1, skip 1 chain, 1 sc in the next chain, ch 3, skip 3 chains, 1 dc in each of the last 2 chains, turn.

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch here or throughout), 1 sc in the very first stitch, ch 3, work 1 lacy shell in the ch-1 space between the next 2 sc, ch 3, 1 sc in the next ch-1 space between the 2 dc, ch 3, work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into the final sc, turn.

Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as a stitch here and throughout), 1 dc in the adjacent ch-1 space between the first 2 dc, ch 3, 1 sc in the last chain of the next ch-3 loop, ch 1, skip 1 sc, 1 sc in the chain immediately following that sc, ch 3, 1 dc in the first ch-1 space of the next lacy shell, ch 1, 1 dc in the second ch-1 space of the same lacy shell, ch 3, 1 sc in the last chain of the next ch-3 loop, 1 sc in the last sc, turn.

Row 4: Ch 5, 1 dc in the same stitch as the ch 5, ch 3, 1 sc in the next ch-1 space between the 2 dc, ch 3, work 1 lacy shell in the next ch-1 space between the 2 sc, ch 3, 1 sc on top of the turning ch-3, turn.

Row 5: Ch 1, 1 sc in the same stitch, 1 sc in the next chain, ch 3, 1 dc in the first ch-1 space of the next lacy shell, ch 1, 1 dc in the second ch-1 space of the same lacy shell, ch 3, 1 sc in the last chain of the next ch-3 loop, ch 1, skip 1 sc, 1 sc in the next chain, ch 3, 1 dc on top of the beginning ch-5 (specifically into the 4th chain of the turning chain), turn.

Row 6 and beyond: Repeat Rows 2 through 5 until your lacy headband section measures approximately 16 inches long. Do not fasten off.

Shaping the First Tie and Bunny Ear

Now we will transition into the solid, tapered tie section.

Row 1: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each stitch and chain space across, turn. (19 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, sc2tog, 1 sc, sc2tog, 1 sc in each of the next 7 stitches, sc2tog, 1 sc, sc2tog, 1 sc in the last stitch, turn. (15 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in each stitch across to the end, turn. (15 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, sc2tog, 1 sc, sc2tog, 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, sc2tog, 1 sc, sc2tog, 1 sc in the last stitch, turn. (11 sts)

Row 5: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in each stitch across to the end, turn. (11 sts)

Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog across the first stitch and the next stitch, 1 sc in the next stitch, sc2tog, 1 sc, sc2tog, 1 sc, sc2tog, turn. (7 sts)

Row 7: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in each stitch across to the end, turn. (7 sts)

Row 8 to 4.5 inches: Keep repeating Row 7 until this narrow single crochet section measures 4.5 inches.

Row 8 (Ear Increase): Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in the last stitch, turn. (9 sts)

Row 9: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in each stitch across to the end, turn. (9 sts)

Row 10: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches, turn. (10 sts)

Row 11: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in each stitch across to the end, turn. (10 sts)

Row 12: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, sc2tog over the next 2 stitches, 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches, sc2tog, 1 sc in the last stitch, turn. (8 sts)

Row 13: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in each stitch across to the end, turn. (8 sts)

Row 14: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, sc2tog over the next 2 stitches, 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, sc2tog, 1 sc in the last stitch, turn. (6 sts)

Row 15: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in each stitch across to the end, turn. (6 sts)

Row 16: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, sc2tog, sc2tog, 1 sc in the last stitch, turn. (4 sts)

Row 17: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, turn. (2 sts)

Row 18: Ch 1, sc2tog. Fasten off.

Adding the Second Tie and Bunny Ear

To complete the headband, we need to replicate the tie on the opposite end.

Row 1: Slip stitch to the first free loop of your initial foundation chain. Ch 1, work 1 sc in the same loop, then work 1 sc in each remaining free loop or chain across, turn. (19 sts)

Remaining Rows: Starting from Row 2 of the first tie instructions, repeat all steps exactly to shape the second tie and bunny ear. Fasten off.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Winter Warmth: Swap the lightweight cotton yarn for a cozy wool blend to turn this into a warm ear warmer. If you prefer a wider fit for cold weather, check out my Lacy Ear Warmer.
• Color Blocking: Create a vibrant, retro look by changing colors every few rows. Learn how to make seamless transitions with my guide on Seamless Crochet Color Changes.
• Beaded Accents: Thread small wooden beads onto your yarn before starting, and slide them into the lacy shell stitches for a true bohemian vibe.
• Adjustable Width: To make the headband wider, you can add extra chain repeats to your foundation chain in multiples of 6.
• Sizing for Kids: Simply shorten the main lacy body section to 12-14 inches before starting the tie decreases.
• Colour ideas: Soft pastels like mint green, lavender, or cream work beautifully for spring, while rich mustard, rust, or olive green look stunning for autumn.
• Yarn substitutions: Any sport weight or fingering weight cotton blend will work beautifully. Try Scheepjes Catona or Cascade Ultra Pima Fine.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My headband is twisting and won't lay flat.
  Fix: Your tension might be too tight in the chain spaces. Try switching to a hook one size larger (like a 3.5mm) for the lacy body section.
• Problem: The bunny ears look lopsided or uneven.
  Fix: Double-check your stitch counts at the end of each shaping row. It is very easy to miss a decrease or accidentally skip the final stitch of a row.
• Problem: The headband is too loose and keeps sliding down.
  Fix: Cotton yarn stretches over time. Block your headband before wearing, or simply tie the knot a bit tighter to secure it.
• Problem: I have messy yarn tails showing at the ends.
  Fix: Use a sharp tapestry needle to weave your tails securely into the dense single crochet sections of the bunny ears. You can find my favorite tips in this guide on Weaving Crochet Tails.

Care Instructions

To keep your cotton headband looking its best, hand wash it in cool water with a mild detergent. Reshape it while damp and lay it flat to dry on a clean towel. Avoid machine washing or tumble drying, as this can cause the delicate lacy stitches to distort or shrink.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of wearing something you made with your own two hands. This boho headband is a quick, satisfying project that makes a wonderful gift or a lovely treat for yourself. Grab your hook, find a cozy spot, and enjoy every stitch!