Maple Leaves Headband

Maple Leaves Headband by Cheryl Andrews

What Is Being Made

The Maple Leaves Headband is an adult double-layer knitted headband available in three sizes. Inspired by vibrant maple leaves observed during a September picnic in Vermont, this design showcases beautiful colorwork and is particularly suited to highlight handpainted or variegated yarns. The double-layer construction provides both warmth and structure, making it a practical yet decorative accessory.

Design and Color Options

This pattern is presented with two possible color combinations to inspire knitters. The tan sample demonstrates a sophisticated neutral palette, while the red and white sample offers a bolder, more striking appearance. The colorwork design allows crafters to experiment with their own color choices, making this an excellent project for using coordinating yarns from an existing stash.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project employs colorwork techniques to create the maple leaf motif. The pattern utilizes a main color, lining color, and contrast color to build depth and visual interest. The double-layer construction requires knitters to work with multiple yarn weights and colors simultaneously, developing skills in managing multiple strands and maintaining consistent tension throughout the project.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

• Main Color (MC): Worsted weight yarn, 30g
• Lining: Worsted weight yarn in coordinating color, 35g
• Contrast Color (CC): Sock weight or worsted weight (2 strands of sock weight used together), 20g

The pattern provides specific yarn examples for reference. The tan sample was knitted in Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride worsted weight in color Oatmeal (85% wool, 15% mohair) and Trekking Hand Art sock weight in color Jamaika (75% superwash wool, 25% nylon). The red and white sample features Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride worsted weight in colors Crème and Ruby Red (85% wool, 15% mohair), with a total yardage of 113g equaling 173 meters.

Needles and Tools

• Circular Needles: Size 6, 16-inch circular needles

The use of circular needles accommodates the headband's circumference and allows for seamless knitting in the round, a technique essential for creating the structured, finished appearance of this accessory.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle colorwork and multi-strand techniques. The combination of managing multiple yarn weights and colors, along with the double-layer construction, provides an engaging challenge for developing knitters.