Braided Headband Pattern

Knitting a basic braid cable may look difficult, but it isn't. Practice by knitting a headband. The panel is 15 stitches; the braid cable itself is 9 stitches wide. I knitted with 2 skeins of yarn to add contrast to my headbands. I used size US10 needles, so these headbands can also be worn as neck warmers. Needle size depends on yarn weight, so be sure to read the label.

Cast on 15 sts.
Row 1(RS): Knit
Row 2: K3, P9, K3
Row 3: K3, sl next 3 sts to cn and hold in front, K3, K3 from cn, K6
Row 4: K3, P9, K3
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: K3, P9, K3
Row 7: K6, sl next 3 sts to cn and hold in back, K3, K3 from cn, K3
Row 8: K3, P9, K3
Rep Rows 1–8

When your piece measures 17", it should be able to stretch to approximately 22".
PU 15 sts on CO edge.
Bring edges together do a 3 needle bind off. Weave in ends.

You can make a petite version of this braid cable simply by reducing the number of cable stitches (the stitches between the set-up stitches on the edge) to 6. Cross 2 stitches over 2 for this variation.