Knot Me Up Headband

Bring a splash of retro charm to your accessory collection with this adorable, textured headband that fits everyone from newborns to adults.

Have you ever wanted to whip up a quick, stylish accessory that actually stays on your head?

Many headbands are either too stiff, slip off constantly, or look a bit plain.

This design solves all of that by using a wonderfully stretchy stitch that hugs your head comfortably.

Today, we are making the Knot Me Up Headband, a vintage-inspired piece featuring a cute central tie.

We will use the extended single crochet stitch, which gives a beautiful, reversible texture.

Because it looks identical on both sides, you can tie the bow wherever you like!

It makes a wonderful baby shower gift, especially when paired with some sweet Slippons Crochet Baby Booties.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Completely Reversible: Both sides of the stitch look absolutely gorgeous, so there is no "wrong" side to hide.
• All the Sizes: With instructions from newborn to adult, you can make matching sets for the whole family.
• Scrap Friendly: You only need a tiny amount of DK weight yarn to complete this project.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: DK weight (size 3) yarn. Loops and Threads Snuggly Wuggly was used for the sample.
• Hook: H/5.00 mm crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and scissors.
• Yardage: Approximately 30 to 70 yards depending on the size you choose.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 10 esc alternating with 9 chains = 4 inches (measured flat, without stretching).
• Sizes included: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-3 years, 3-7 years, 7-15 years, and Adult.
• Finished measurements: The band is designed to be 2 inches wide.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• sc: Single Crochet. Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sl st: Slip Stitch. Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
• esc: Extended Single Crochet. Insert hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through one loop, yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops.
• sc2tog: Single Crochet Decrease. Insert hook into the first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in a seamless spiral for the main band, and flat for the tie.
• Keep your chains relaxed so the band retains its natural elasticity.
• If you want to adjust the size manually, start with any initial chain that is a multiple of 2.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Crocheting the Main Band

Let's start by chaining 50 (58, 66, 70, 72, 74, 82). Join with a slip stitch to the very first chain to create a ring, making sure your chain isn't twisted.

Round 1: Chain 3 (this counts as your first esc plus a chain-1 space). Skip the next chain. *Work 1 esc in the next chain, chain 1, skip the next chain. Repeat from * all the way to the end of the round. Do not turn your work. [Stitch count: 25 (29, 33, 35, 36, 37, 41) esc]

The esc is the stitch located just to the right, rather than directly on top.

Step 2: Working in a Spiral

Round 2 and beyond: Work 1 esc into the top of the beginning chain-2 space from the previous round, chain 1. *Work 1 esc in the next esc, chain 1. Repeat from * continuously in a spiral.

Do not turn or slip stitch at the end of your rounds. Keep going until your band measures exactly 2 inches wide, stopping when you are about half an inch away from your starting yarn tail.

To finish the band smoothly, work a single crochet in the next esc, then slip stitch in the following esc. Fasten off, leaving an 8-inch tail.

Step 3: Gathering the Band

Take your starting and ending yarn tails. Wrap them firmly around the band at the seam to gather the fabric together.

Tie a couple of secure knots to hold the gather in place, then trim the excess yarn. Don't worry about weaving these ends in; they will be completely hidden under the tie!

Step 4: Making the Tie (First Bunny Ear)

The tie is worked flat. Remember, the turning chain-1 does not count as a stitch.

Row 1: Chain 2. Work 1 sc in the second chain from your hook, chain 1, turn. [1 sc]

Row 2: Work 2 sc in that single stitch, chain 1, turn. [2 sc]

Row 3: Work 2 sc in the first stitch, then 2 sc in the next stitch, chain 1, turn. [4 sc]

Row 4: Work 1 sc in the first stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the last 2 stitches, chain 1, turn. [5 sc]

Row 5: Work 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the last 2 stitches, chain 1, turn. [6 sc]

Row 6: Work 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the last 2 stitches, chain 1, turn. [7 sc]

Rows 7-10: Work 1 sc in each stitch across, chain 1, turn. [7 sc]

Row 11: Work 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, sc2tog, 1 sc in each of the last 2 stitches, chain 1, turn. [6 sc]

Row 12: Work 1 sc in each stitch across, chain 1, turn. [6 sc]

Row 13: Work 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in the next stitch, sc2tog, 1 sc in each of the last 2 stitches, chain 1, turn. [5 sc]

Row 14: Work 1 sc in each stitch across, chain 1, turn. [5 sc]

Row 15: Work 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in the next stitch, sc2tog, 1 sc in the last stitch, chain 1, turn. [4 sc]

Row 16: Work 1 sc in each stitch across, chain 1, turn. [4 sc]

Place a stitch marker around the post of any stitch in Row 16 so you can easily measure from this point.

Rows 17+: Repeat Row 16 until the section extending from your marked row measures 3.5 inches. This middle section forms the knot.

Step 5: Making the Second Bunny Ear

Now we will mirror the shaping to create the second ear.

Row 1: Work 1 sc in the first stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the last 2 stitches, chain 1, turn. [5 sc]

Row 2: Work 1 sc in each stitch across, chain 1, turn. [5 sc]

Row 3: Work 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the last 2 stitches, chain 1, turn. [6 sc]

Row 4: Work 1 sc in each stitch across, chain 1, turn. [6 sc]

Row 5: Work 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the last 2 stitches, chain 1, turn. [7 sc]

Rows 6-9: Work 1 sc in each stitch across, chain 1, turn. [7 sc]

Row 10: Work 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, sc2tog, 1 sc in each of the last 2 stitches, chain 1, turn. [6 sc]

Row 11: Work 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in the next stitch, sc2tog, 1 sc in each of the last 2 stitches, chain 1, turn. [5 sc]

Row 12: Work 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc in the next stitch, sc2tog, 1 sc in the last stitch, chain 1, turn. [4 sc]

Row 13: Work sc2tog twice, chain 1, turn. [2 sc]

Row 14: Work sc2tog. Do not fasten off. [1 sc]

Step 6: Finishing the Tie

Chain 1, then work a round of slip stitches evenly all the way around the entire edge of your tie.

Keep these slip stitches quite loose so the edges don't pucker. You can use a larger hook size for this step if you tend to crochet tightly.

Fasten off and weave in the remaining tails on the tie. Wrap the tie around the gathered section of your headband and tie a neat double knot to secure it.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Textured Twist: If you prefer a seamless look without a tie, you can learn How to Crochet a Quick Twist Headband or Earwarmer instead.
• Flower Embellishments: Skip the bunny ears tie and sew on a couple of colorful motifs using my Baby Headband with Flowers pattern.
• Summer Cotton Version: Swap the acrylic yarn for a breathable cotton blend to create a breezy Rue Headband style.
• Winter Warmth: For cold weather, scale up your yarn weight to bulky to make a cozy Nixie Headband.
• Striped Fun: Change colors every few rounds to create a bright, striped pattern.
• Colour ideas: Pastel pinks, mint green, or classic mustard yellow look beautiful for babies, while neutrals like charcoal or cream are perfect for adults.
• Yarn substitutions: Any standard DK weight yarn will work beautifully, such as Paintbox Yarns Simply DK or Stylecraft Special DK.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The headband looks way too small when finished.
  Fix: Don't panic! The extended single crochet stitch is highly elastic. It is designed to look small off the head but will stretch comfortably to fit.
• Problem: My slip stitch border is making the tie curl up tightly.
  Fix: Your slip stitches are likely too tight. Undo the border and work the slip stitches with a very loose tension, or switch to a hook that is one size larger.
• Problem: I can't find where to insert my hook for the esc stitch.
  Fix: Remember that the esc sits slightly to the right of the stitch space, rather than directly on top. Look for the "V" shape just before the chain space.
• Problem: The band is twisting when I join the first round.
  Fix: Lay your chain flat on a table before joining. Run your finger along the chain to ensure all stitches face the same direction before slip stitching.

Care Instructions

To keep your headband looking fresh and vibrant, hand wash it in cool water with a mild detergent. Lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can stretch out the delicate stitches.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have as much fun making this retro headband as I did! It is such a satisfying project to work on while watching your favorite show, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Once you finish your first one, you'll want to make them in every color of the rainbow. Happy crocheting, my friends!