Farren

Farren Headband by Kelly Menzies

What is Being Made

The Farren is a knitted headband designed by Kelly Menzies, originally published in Let's Knit Magazine in September 2014. This accessory measures approximately 50 cm (19.5 inches) in circumference and 11 cm (4.25 inches) in width, making it a comfortable fit for everyday wear. The headband is worked in the round using circular needles, creating a seamless, finished piece suitable for intermediate knitters.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several fundamental techniques that intermediate knitters will find accessible. The headband is constructed using circular needle knitting, which allows for seamless, tubular construction worked continuously in the round. The pattern incorporates decreasing techniques to shape the headband, including knit two together (K2TOG) and slip, slip, knit (SSK) decreases. Yarn over increases (YO) are also featured, likely creating textural or decorative elements within the design. The pattern is provided in both written instructions and chart format, offering flexibility for knitters who prefer visual or text-based guidance.

Stitches Used

The Farren headband is primarily constructed using stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), the most fundamental knit fabric that creates a smooth, classic appearance. The stitch pattern is worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 25 rows over a 10 x 10 cm (4 inch by 4 inch) swatch. Beyond the base stocking stitch, the design incorporates knit and purl stitches as foundational elements, along with the shaping techniques of K2TOG and SSK decreases, and yarn over increases to add visual interest and structure to the finished piece.

Materials Required

This headband pattern calls for Aran weight yarn, with approximately 100 meters (110 yards) required to complete the project. The sample shown was knitted using Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran in shade 024 Jade Green, requiring one ball of yarn. Circular needles in two sizes are needed: a 4 mm (US 6) needle and a 4.5 mm (US 7) needle, with the larger size used for the main fabric at the specified gauge. Additional notions include one stitch marker for tracking rounds, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and optionally a row counter to track progress through the pattern.