Stonewall 50 Head Band

Stonewall 50 Head Band by Duke of Nikko

Project Overview

The Stonewall 50 Head Band is a commemorative knitted headband designed by Duke of Nikko to honor the 50th anniversary of the June 1969 Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ civil rights history. This intermediate-level knitting project features decorative lettering knitted directly into the fabric using stranded colorwork techniques, creating a wearable tribute to this historic event.

Design and Lettering

The headband displays the text "STONEWALL 50 石垣五十 (Ishi Gaki Go Juu)" worked into the knitted fabric. The design combines English lettering with Japanese kanji characters that translate to the individual meanings of Stone, Wall, Five, and Ten—spelling out "Stonewall 50" in Japanese. This bilingual approach adds cultural depth and visual interest to the finished piece.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This project requires proficiency in stranded knitting, also known as fair isle knitting, which is the primary technique used to create the lettered pattern. Stranded knitting involves working with two colors of yarn simultaneously, carrying the non-working yarn across the back of the fabric while knitting with the active color. The pattern is worked in the round, meaning the headband is constructed as a continuous tube using circular needles or double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming.

This colorwork technique requires careful tension management to ensure even stitches and prevent puckering or loose floats. The stranded method creates a dense, reversible fabric with color changes that form the readable letters across the headband's surface.

Finished Specifications

• Finished Size: Adult Medium, measuring 22 inches in circumference
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Yarn Weight: Worsted weight yarn

Materials Required

The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn in at least two colors to accommodate the stranded knitting technique. The suggested yarn brand mentioned in the pattern is Miraso. Knitters will also need appropriate needles for working in the round with worsted weight yarn, such as circular needles or a set of double-pointed needles in the correct size to achieve proper gauge.

Gauge Considerations

The pattern includes gauge adjustment options, allowing knitters to customize the finished size if desired. Proper gauge is essential when working stranded knitting, as tension inconsistencies can affect both the appearance of the colorwork letters and the overall fit of the headband.

Skill Requirements

This project is best suited for knitters with intermediate experience who are comfortable with the following skills: working in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles, managing multiple colors of yarn simultaneously, and maintaining consistent tension throughout stranded colorwork sections. Prior experience with fair isle or stranded knitting is highly recommended before beginning this pattern.