DIY: Free Knit I-Cord Workout Headband Pattern

DIY-Free-Knit-I-Cord-Workout-Headband-Pattern

i love to knit i-cord! it is fun and fast, and can be used in so many different applications from borders and edges to embellishment. many years ago i designed a simple headband by attaching an elastic hair tie to the ends of a section of i-cord, and the best workout headband was born!

i’m a big fan of those skinny elastic workout headbands, and i particularly love this i-cord version. it’s soft and stretchy, and the knit texture of cotton yarn stays put in your hair without pulling.

DIY-free-Knit-I-Cord-Workout-Headband-Pattern-elisemade-by-elise-lopez

the best part is this project is lightning fast: you can make one from start to finish in around 40 minutes or less! i have one in just about every color. they also make great gifts!

this pattern is set up as a step-by-step photo tutorial to walk you through the entire process. i also put together a little video showing how to make a 3-stitch i-cord in case you’ve never made it before!

this tutorial is also available as a FREE pdf download!

 
 

here’s what you’ll need to make your own:

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free-pattern-knit-i-cord-workout-headband-tools-materials-notions

Materials

yarn: approximately 6 yards of a worsted weight/category 4 cotton yarn

recommended: Lily sugar’n’cream

needles: size US 6 (4.0 mm)

I recommend using two (2) double-pointed needles, but a short circular needle will work perfectly fine!

tools: metal-free elastic hair ties (click here to purchase), tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape

gauge: 4 rows of i-cord = 1”

finished dimensions: approximately 17.5” unstretched

customization notes: the length of your finished i-cord should be approximately 5-6” smaller than your head circumference

part 1: make the i-cord

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step 1: measure out a 12” length of yarn. cast on three stitches.

you should have a remaining tail measuring approximately 10”.

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step 2: knit all stitches across the row.

note: the working yarn is attached to the first of the 3 stitches (the first stitch on the left-hand side).

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step 3: without turning your work, slide stitches to the other side of the needle, from the left-hand side to the right-hand side.

note: the working yarn is now attached to the back of the last of the 3 stitches (the stitch the furthest to the left).

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step 4: insert your needle into the now-first stitch (the right-most stitch) and pull the working yarn around. Knit into the stitch and across the row as normal.

watch the tutorial video:

repeat steps 3 and 4 until your i-cord measures approximately 15” (or approximately 5-6” smaller than your total head circumference).

bind off as normal. Break yarn leaving an approximate 10” tail.

part 2: attach the elastic hair tie

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1. gather supplies

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2. thread tapestry needle

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3. run needle through elastic

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4. pull tight to base of i-cord

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5. insert needle into bound off stitches of i-cord

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6. pull needle through and pull tight to elastic

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7. repeat 3-4 times until i-cord is tightly secured

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8. to finish, insert needle into base of i-cord

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9. guide needle up 1-2” through the middle of the i-cord

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10. pull yarn through and trim

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11. repeat directions on the other side!

 

enjoy your new headband!

if you have pattern questions or need support, please email me at elisemade@gmail.com.

please share your projects on instagram using #icordworkoutheadband and by tagging me @elisemade!