This is The Yarnist. The daily newsletter that makes you love knitting the same way Jack Whitehall loves exploring with his father.
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Princess Diana was in Melbourne, Australia as part of a royal tour celebrating Queen Victoria's 150th anniversary.
In a few hours they would be attending a gala, dancing the night away, and she needed to get ready.
She adjusted the bow on the shoulder of her aquamarine dress, designed by Elizabeth Emmanuel (who also did her wedding dress), and looked in the mirror.
All she needed now was some sparkle.
Her Majesty the Queen had given Diana the perfect item as a wedding gift. It was a jeweled choker, encrusted with diamonds and a large emerald. The original necklace belonged to Queen Mary, made from emeralds given to her by the Ladies of India in 1911.
Diana, not wanting to waste time with the clasp, tried to fit the choker over her head. Only she couldn't.
"My honker is too big!" she cried.
Vic Chapman, a Canadian diplomat waiting to escort the royal couple, said "Leave it there. It's young and fun like you."
And so Princess Diana of Wales walked into the gala that evening, wearing a $20 million dollar emerald choker...as a headband.
Princess Diana wearing an emerald headband while dancing with Prince Charles, 1985
Why we love knitting headbands
I mentioned in my 10 Levels of Knitting Mastery that the BEST first project is a ribbed headband.
There are many reasons for this.
They knit up fast so you can have a quick win. That's really encouraging for beginners.
They're useful. Knitting a square swatch might be *easier* than a headband, but it's mostly good as a coaster or maybe a pot holder. A headband is something almost everyone can wear.
They're versatile. A headband can be simple or elaborate, thick or thin, lacey, cabled, or beaded. They can be decorative and dainty or warm and cozy.
They make great gifts. There's not a lot of functional handmade gifts that can me knit in a couple hours.
They're a good way to explore new knitting techniques without investing in a lot of yarn or time.
There's A TON of free headband patterns.
Headbands have been functional and fashionable, and surprisingly important throughout history.
Decorative headband circa 1920s
A brief history of headbands
It is likely we have been making headbands since the invention of woven textiles.
Whether as an aid for keeping the sweat of the eyes while working in the sun, or as a tool for holding baskets upright while walking.
Like any functional item, it did not take long for the headband to be turned into a fashion accessory.
Examples of decorative metal headwear date back to ancient times. But it did not take on much social significance until the 20th century.
Fashion shifted drastically during the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Thin beaded and crocheted headbands became a defining look for 1920s flappers. As war gripped the world again during the 40s the headband became a symbol of the working woman.
Hippies wore tie die and leather straps around their heads in the 60s, and by the 80s ski bunnies had thick knitted headbands keeping their ears warm on the slopes.
βVogue Australia has a more in depth look at the role headbands have played in modern times that's definitely worth a look.
Our favorite quick knitted headband projects
As I mentioned before, headbands are a great project type to explore new techinques.
The patterns below offer a variety of new things to try, from fair isle to smocking to cables. There's also some easier projects for beginners, and many of them are even free!
Let's dive in!
Twisted Turban Headband by North River Knits
A simple cable twist gives this ribbed headband a turban style look. Bulky yarn and ribbed construction make it extra toasty warm for your ears.
This cabled headband features a center panel with a chain link cable stitch pattern. Using two cables at the same time can be complicated, but the end result is beautiful and worth the effort.
Smocking takes simple 2x2 rib to the next level, creating texture and dimension in this wide ear-hugging headband. Simple shaping and hidden seaming keep this project well within reach of beginners.
This simple headband looks more complicated than it is. Constructed from three strips of knitted fabric, they are then braided to create this fun look.
This is a contemporary collection of 52 uncomplicated knitting patterns, ranging from beanies, mittens and scarves to sweaters, socks and cardigans, from Nordic knitting experts Laine.
For people who are picking up needles for the very first time, or for experienced knitters who are looking for an effortless comfort project, this gorgeous book contains a fun, cozy and modern knitting pattern for every week of the year β each one a pleasure to knit.
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