Stratus Headband

Stratus Headband by Natalia Pleshko

What is Being Made

The Stratus Headband is a knitted headwear accessory designed by Natalia Pleshko. This is a beginner-friendly headband project that features a finished width of 4.5 inches (11 cm) and comes in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, with circumferences of 16.5 inches (42 cm), 17.5 inches (44.5 cm), and 18.5 inches (47 cm) respectively. The headband is constructed as a flat rectangular piece that is later seamed to create a wearable band suitable for keeping ears warm or securing hair.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The construction begins with a cast-on of 24 stitches using size US 7 (4.5 mm) needles. The pattern utilizes slip stitch edging throughout, with stitches slipped purlwise with yarn in front at the beginning and end of each row to create neat, finished edges. The main body is worked in a repeating two-row sequence that continues until the piece reaches the required length for the chosen size. Upon completion, all stitches are bound off, and the yarn is cut with a long tail reserved for seaming the ends together to form the circular headband.

Stitches Used

The Stratus Headband features a limited stitch vocabulary, making it ideal for knitters new to the craft. The primary stitch pattern is broken rib, which alternates knit and purl stitches to create texture and elasticity. Specifically, the pattern repeats a sequence of two knit stitches followed by two purl stitches (K2, P2) across the row. Additional stitches employed include basic knit and purl stitches, as well as slip stitches worked purlwise with yarn in front (Sl1 wyif) for edge definition. Through-the-back-loop (tbl) knitting is used selectively on edge stitches to enhance the finished appearance.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Stratus Headband requires approximately 70 yards (64 meters) of worsted weight yarn. The pattern specifies Yarn Bee Marblesque, a blend composed of 94% acrylic, 3% wool, and 3% alpaca, with a yardage of 216 yards (198 meters) per 100 grams. However, any worsted weight yarn of similar yardage and weight may be substituted. The needles required are US size 7 (4.5 mm) and must be at least 6 inches (15 cm) long to accommodate the 24 cast-on stitches comfortably. A tapestry needle is needed for seaming the headband ends together. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in the broken rib stitch pattern, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished accessory.