I've crocheted since I was small. Not surprising that it has become one of my favorite past-times :-) When I pick up yarn and a hook, I feel that the possibilities are endless. If you're reading this, maybe you can relate! I did often wonder about knitting though - when I'd see some 'yarny' thing that wasn't crocheted, I figured it was that 'knitting thing' that I didn't know how to do! I did eventually teach myself to knit - but it took many years before I did. I do love knitting too - but as a crocheter, I find it takes sooo long! I still do it occasionally though. Then I discovered tunisian crochet. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend trying it out. It will add more possibilities to your crafting of yarny things ;-) It also allows you to make things that look very much like they are knitted!
I want to share a super simple pattern with you. It would definitely help if you are familiar with tunisian crochet. If you're not - there are loads of wonderful resources online you can find to quickly get you up to speed. This particular pattern uses the tunisian knit stitch throughout. Increases and decreases are used to achieve the shaping. It fastens with a button at the back. I used a fun handmade wood button for decoration on this one. You can find the large buttons for sale here.
Hook: Size M13/9mm Tunisian style crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge) If you have trouble finding the right size hook at your local yarn shop - they are readily available to order online.
Gauge: 11 stitches x 12 rows in TKS (tunisian knit stitch) = 4 inches square
Yarn: 1 skein Lion Brand Yarns Heartland Thick & Quick
Notions: 1- 1 1/2 inch size button for closure and 2 1/2 inch large button for decoration (if desired).
Finished size: 4 inches wide x 18 inches long (unstretched, not including button loop)
Note: This pattern is easily adjusted for different sizes and different weights of yarn. To make it longer or shorter, just increase the number of rows when you get to rows 8-42. To make it wider or shorter, just increase or decrease the number of increase and decrease rows.
Special stitches:
TKS: (tunisian knit stitch): Insert hook in next stitch between the two vertical bars and under the horizontal bars, from front to back through the fabric. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
PATTERN
Foundation Chain: Chain 5
*The rows are worked the same for all variations, only the number of stitches changes.
Row 1: (RS) Fwd pass: Pull up lp in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (5 loops on hook.) Rtn: Yo, pull through 1 lp. *Yo, pull through 2 lps. Repeat from * for remainder of row.
Row 2: Fwd pass: TKS across. (5 loops on hook) Rtn pass: Same as for row 1.
Row 3: (increase 2 stitches on this row). TKS in first stitch. *Insert hook in between stitch just worked and next stitch under the horizontal bar, from front to back through the fabric. Yarn over and pull up a loop. (Increase made)* TKS in next stitch. Repeat pattern between *’s to make one more increase. TKS for remainder of row. (7 loops on hook). Rtn pass: Same as for row 1.
Row 4: Fwd pass: TKS across. (7 lps on hook). Rtn pass: Same as for row 1.
Row 5: (increase 2 stitches on this row) Fwd pass: TKS in first two stitches. Make increase using method established in row 2 (pattern between *’s). TKS in next stitch. Make another increase. TKS for remainder of row. (9 lps on hook). Rtn pass: Same as for row 1.
Row 6: Fwd pass: TKS across (9 lps on hook). Rtn pass: Same as for row 1.
Row 7: (increase 2 stitches on this row) Fwd pass: TKS in first three stitches. Make increase. TKS in next stitch. Make in Increase. TKS for remainder of row. (11 lps on hook). Rtn pass: Same as for row 1.
Rows 8-42: Fwd pass: TKS across (11 lps on hook). Rtn pass: Same as for row 1.
Row 43: Fwd pass: TKS in first 3 stitches. Skip next stitch. TKS in next stitch. Skip next stitch. TKS for remainder of row. (9 lps on hook) Rtn pass: Same as for row 1.
Row 44: Same as for row 6.
Row 45: Fwd pass: TKS in first 2 stitches. Skip next stitch. TKS in next stitch. Skip next stitch. TKS for remainder of row. (7 lps on hook) Rtn pass: Same as for row 1.
Row 46: Fwd pass: Same as for row 4.
Row 47: Fwd pass: TKS in first stitch. Skip next stitch. TKS in next stitch. Skip next stitch. TKS for remainder of row. (5 lps on hook) Rtn pass: Same as for row 1.
Row 48: Same as for row 2.
Row 49: (Bind off) Begin as for TKS by inserting hook in next stitch between the two vertical bars and under the horizontal bars, from front to back through the fabric. Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Bind off each stitch in this manner.
Button loop: Remove hook from loop and replace with a much smaller hook (I used an 8mm hook, but anything near that will work). Chain 7. Slip stitch to beginning bind-off stitch from row 49. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Finishing: Stitch a 1- 1 1/2 size button to the opposite end as button loop to fasten. Be sure to try on the headband and place the button in the appropriate spot for it to have the desired fit. If desired, stitch on large button for decoration in desired place. A flower or other decoration may be used instead. (Please note that I crocheted a cover to a button I had to use for the closure so it would match. Any desired button can be used.)
