Rue Summer Headband

Keep your hair stylishly swept back this season with a gorgeous, vintage-inspired lacy hair accessory that works up in under an hour.

Have you ever sat down with a beautiful skein of cotton yarn, wanting to make something quick but incredibly pretty? I know that feeling well.

Many summer accessories feel too bulky or hot to wear when the temperature rises. Or worse, lacy patterns can sometimes feel like reading rocket science.

That is why I designed this delicate, breathable wrap. It gives you that romantic, bohemian look without any of the headache.

We are working this beauty in one continuous piece. No messy sewing required!

You will finish it off with long, flowing ties. This means it fits perfectly every single time, whether it is for you or your little one.

If you have mastered the basic stitches, you are ready for this. Let's dive in together!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• No-Sew Design: It is worked in one piece, meaning fewer ends to weave in.
• Perfect Fit: The adjustable ties ensure it fits both children and adults comfortably.
• Scrap Friendly: You only need a tiny amount of DK weight yarn to finish one.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Premier Cotton Sprout (100% cotton, DK weight / Category 3). Samples shown in Bark and Cream.
• Hook: Size C (2.75 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in tails, locking stitch marker.
• Yardage: Approximately 30–40 yards (perfect for leftover scraps!).

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 5 shells = 12" long (Child size) or 6 shells = 14" long (Adult size).
• Sizes included: Child, Adult.
• Finished measurements:
  • Child: 12 inches long (excluding ties), 30 inches long (including ties), 2-1/8 inches wide at the widest point.
  • Adult: 14 inches long (excluding ties), 30 inches long (including ties), 2-1/8 inches wide at the widest point.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• dc: Double Crochet
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• sk: Skip
• st/sts: Stitch / Stitches

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked flat initially, then built in rounds around the foundation chain without turning.
• Keep your chains relaxed so the headband doesn't curl or pull tightly at the center.
• You can easily adjust the size by changing your starting chain. The pattern uses a multiple of 9 + 13.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Foundation Chain

Chain 58 (67) for Child (Adult).

Round 1 - Creating the Lacy Base

Work 1 sc in the back bump of the second chain from your hook. Place your stitch marker here to keep track of your starting point.

Work 1 sc in each of the next 4 chains.

Now we start the repeat: *[Chain 2, skip 2 chains, 1 sc in the next chain, skip 2 chains, work 5 dc in the next chain to create a shell, skip 2 chains, 1 sc in the next chain]*. Repeat from * to * 4 (5) more times. You should have a total of 5 (6) shells.

Chain 2, skip 2 stitches, work 1 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches.

In the very last chain, work 3 sc. Now, pivot your work to crochet along the opposite side of your starting chain.

Work 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches on this opposite side.

Chain 2, work 1 sc directly underneath the next sc from the first side.

Repeat along this side: *[Work 5 dc directly under the next shell, 1 sc under the next sc, chain 2, 1 sc under the next sc]*. Repeat this sequence across.

After the final shell, work 1 sc under the next sc, chain 2, work 1 sc in each of the next 4 sc, then work 2 sc in the last stitch. Do not turn.

Round 2 - Shaping the Shells

Work 2 sc in the marked stitch. Move your stitch marker up to the first of these two new stitches.

Work 1 sc in each of the next 4 sc, then work 1 sc directly into the first chain-2 space.

Begin the shell shaping repeat: *[Chain 2, skip the next sc, (work 1 dc in the next dc, chain 1) 4 times, work 1 dc in the last dc of that shell, chain 2, work 1 sc in the next chain-2 space]*. Repeat this sequence from * to * across until you have worked a sc into the final chain-2 space.

Work 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches.

Work 1 sc into the first chain-2 space on the opposite side.

Repeat the shell shaping sequence on this side: *[Chain 2, skip the next sc, (work 1 dc in the next dc, chain 1) 4 times, work 1 dc in the last dc of the shell, chain 2, work 1 sc in the next chain-2 space]*. Repeat this sequence across until you work a sc in the last chain-2 space.

Work 1 sc in each of the remaining 6 stitches. Do not turn.

Round 3 - Adding the Border and Ties

Chain 3, skip the marked stitch, work 1 sc in the next stitch. Move your marker up into this new chain-3 space.

Work 1 sc in each of the next 6 stitches, then work 2 sc in the first chain-2 space.

Work across the shells: *[Work 2 sc in each of the 4 chain-1 spaces of the shell, then work 3 sc in each of the next two chain-2 spaces located on either side of the single crochet]*. Repeat this sequence across until you reach the final chain-2 space.

Work 2 sc into that last chain-2 space, then work 1 sc in each of the next 8 stitches.

Chain 3, skip 1 stitch, work 1 sc in each of the next 7 stitches.

Work 2 sc in the first chain-2 space on the opposite side.

Repeat the border sequence on this side: *[Work 2 sc in each of the 4 chain-1 spaces of the shell, then work 3 sc in each of the next two chain-2 spaces on either side of the single crochet]*. Repeat across until you reach the last chain-2 space.

Work 2 sc in that last chain-2 space, then work 1 sc in each of the next 7 stitches before the chain-3 loop.

Work 1 sc into the marked chain-3 space, then slip stitch into that same space.

First Tie: Chain 45. Slip stitch back down each chain stitch to the base. Slip stitch back into the chain-3 space. Fasten off your yarn.

Second Tie: Join your yarn with a slip stitch into the chain-3 loop on the opposite end of the headband. Chain 45. Slip stitch back down each chain stitch to the base. Slip stitch back into the chain-3 space. Fasten off.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Contrasting Border: Work Rounds 1 and 2 in a solid color, then switch to a contrasting shade for Round 3 to make the lacy edges pop.
• Thicker Ties: If you prefer wider ties, try working single crochets back down the chain-45 instead of slip stitches.
• Flower Embellishments: Sew a small crochet flower onto one side for a whimsical touch. You can find a great floral accent in my Baby Headband with Flowers pattern.
• Warm Weather Set: Pair this headband with a matching lightweight hat like the Sunsational Sun Hat for ultimate sun protection.
• Alternative Headband Styles: If you prefer a retro, twisted look, check out my Knot Me Up Headband or the cozy Twist Crochet Ear Warmer.
• Colour ideas: Soft pastels like mint, lavender, or peach look beautiful for spring, while earthy tones like terracotta and mustard are perfect for late summer.
• Yarn substitutions: Any sport weight or light worsted cotton/bamboo blend will work beautifully to maintain that soft drape.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My headband is curling up tightly and won't lay flat.
  Fix: This usually happens if your starting chain or your stitches are too tight. Try using a hook one size larger for your foundation chain, or lightly steam-block the finished piece.
• Problem: The ties feel too short to tie comfortably.
  Fix: Simply increase the number of chains for the ties. Try chaining 60 or 70 instead of 45 before slip stitching back down.
• Problem: I am losing track of where my rounds start and end.
  Fix: Always use a locking stitch marker in the very first stitch of each round. It is a lifesaver for keeping your place!
• Problem: The lacy shells look messy and distorted.
  Fix: Cotton yarn has very little stretch, so uneven tension shows easily. Take your time with the double crochets and ensure you are inserting your hook into the correct spaces.

Care Instructions

To keep your cotton headband looking its best, hand wash it in cool water with a mild detergent. Lay it flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the wet cotton, as this can stretch out the delicate lace stitches.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing a beautiful crochet accessory in a single afternoon. I hope you enjoy making this lovely wrap as much as I did. Happy crocheting, my friends!