Updated: 1 November 2026 by Sylwia (MyCrochetory)
This herringbone headband happened because I simply couldn’t put my favorite stitch down. I’d just finished my Herringbone Cowl, I wanted something quick, and a headband with a little twist at the front was the next thing on my hook.
And the twist? It looks so much harder than it is, and I love that part. You crochet one simple rectangle, fold the ends into each other and sew, and the seam disappears inside.
Jump to the free Twisted Herringbone Headband pattern. Want it as one printable file? The ad-free PDF with a photo tutorial is on Etsy and Ravelry.
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One ball of yarn, one herringbone headband
Here’s the best news for your stash. This herringbone headband needs only about 100 yards of DK yarn, and one 50 g ball of DROPS Merino Extra Fine has 115, so a single ball does the whole job.
So go ahead and finally use that one special skein you’ve been saving. For anything that sits on my forehead and ears, I always pick soft, non-itchy yarn, and merino is exactly that.
I still recommend DROPS Merino Extra Fine for this headband, and I couldn’t stop at one, so mine came out in gray, lilac, pink and mustard. Each color shows the zigzag a little differently, so pick the one that makes you smile.
Why a herringbone headband shows off my favorite stitch
Herringbone is my favorite crochet stitch, and a herringbone headband puts it right where everyone can see it. Every stitch leans on the one before, and the rows stack into a slanted zigzag that looks almost woven.
The fabric is dense, so it keeps that cold wind away from your ears. It also has enough body to hold the twist, so the front stays crisp instead of flopping over.
Never worked herringbone before? No stress, my herringbone crochet stitch tutorial has step-by-step photos, a video and a stitch chart, so you can play on a small swatch first.
The twist in this herringbone headband is just smart sewing
The twist is the part everyone asks about, and it’s really just clever sewing. You fold each short end of the rectangle in half, slide one folded end into the other and sew through all four layers.
The seam hides inside the herringbone headband, and the front gets that pretty knot-like twist. No extra pieces to crochet and no knots to fight with.
Every step of the seaming has its own photo in the pattern below, so you’ll never wonder where the needle goes.
Sizes, fit and blocking
The herringbone headband comes in 3 sizes, S, M and L. Your starting chain sets the size, and the number of rows sets how wide the band is.
For an extra wide or super slim band, just work more or fewer rows, and chain more or fewer stitches for a bigger or smaller head. Both change the yarn you need, so keep a little extra for a bigger one.
Since it’s merino, I wet block my headband. I soak it, lay it flat in shape and let it dry, and every herringbone stitch settles into place.
Is this herringbone headband good for beginners?
It’s an intermediate pattern, mostly because herringbone is a new move for many crocheters. If you can single crochet, practice it on a tiny swatch, then jump straight into the headband.
After Row 3 you just repeat Rows 2 and 3, so you’ll stop checking the pattern after a few rows. The seaming needs a bit of focus, and there’s a photo for every step.
Not starting today? Pin this herringbone headband to your Pinterest board, so it’s right there when your hook gets itchy.
Free Twisted Herringbone Headband pattern
- Get the ad-free, printable PDF on Etsy or Ravelry.
- Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue.
- Pin it for later.
Copyright 2021–2026 MyCrochetory. All rights reserved. This pattern is the property of Sylwia Kawczyńska @MyCrochetory. Please DO NOT sell the pattern or claim it as your own. The pattern is for personal use only and may not be translated or reproduced in another language. Please respect my rights, and DO NOT share or publish this pattern anywhere without my permission.
The twisted crochet headband you make following this pattern is yours, and you are free to sell it, as long as you credit MyCrochetory as the original designer. For more information, please read the Terms Page.
Materials & tools
- Yarn: DK weight in 1 color, about 90–100 m (98–109 yd). I used DROPS Merino Extra Fine (100% merino wool, 50 g = 105 m / 115 yd).
- Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7), or the size you need for the gauge.
- Notions: tapestry needle, scissors.
Level
Intermediate (herringbone crochet stitch).
Size after blocking
Circumference: 50 (52, 54.5) cm / 19.7 (20.5, 21.5)″. Width: 10 cm / 4″.
Gauge after blocking
18 sts and 13 rows of herringbone stitch = 10 × 10 cm (4″ × 4″). Block your swatch the same way you will block your headband, and change the hook size if you need to.
Notes
- The pattern uses US terms.
- The headband is worked back and forth in rows of herringbone stitch, then folded and sewn with a twist.
- Ch 1 at the start of a row doesn’t count as a st.
- Sizes are written as S (M, L). If only one number is given, it is for all sizes.
- For a bigger or smaller circumference, chain more or fewer sts. For a wider or narrower headband, work more or fewer rows. Both change the yarn you need.
- New to herringbone stitch? Check my herringbone crochet stitch tutorial with a video before you start.
- Other yarn weights work too, but your headband will be a different size.
Stitches & abbreviations (US terms)
- ch – chain
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sc – single crochet
- yo – yarn over
- rep – repeat
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
- Hsc (herringbone sc, on the RS) – insert the hook in the left leg of the previous st, then in both loops of the next st from front to back, pull up a loop, yo and pull through all 3 loops.
- RHsc (herringbone sc, on the WS) – with the RS facing you, insert the hook in the left leg of the previous st, then in both loops of the next st from back to front, pull up a loop, yo and pull through all 3 loops.
Pattern
Read all Notes before you start.
Foundation: Ch 90 (94, 98). Any number of chains works if you want a different size, but the yarn you need will change. (90 (94, 98) ch)
Row 1 (RS): Sc in the back bump of the 2nd ch from the hook, [insert the hook in the left leg of the previous st, insert the hook in the back bump of the next ch and pull up a loop, yo and pull through all 3 loops] to the end. Turn. (90 (94, 98) sts)
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in the first st (hook from back to front), RHsc to the end. Turn. (90 (94, 98) sts)
Row 3 (RS): Ch 1, sc in the first st (hook from front to back), Hsc to the end. Turn. (90 (94, 98) sts)
Rows 4–13: Rep Rows 2–3 5 more times, or until the headband is as wide as you like. End with a RS row. (90 (94, 98) sts)
Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.
Seaming the twist
1. Lay the headband flat with the RS up.
2. Bring both short ends together and fold each one in half.
3. Slide one folded end into the other, so they hook together.
4. With the long tail and a tapestry needle, sew through all 4 layers. Always go through every layer, and the seam will hide inside the headband.
5. Weave in the ends and turn the headband RS out. Done!
Finished your headband? I’d love to see your color, so share it on Instagram with #mycrochetory and tag @mycrochetory.
Stuck on a row or found a mistake? Ask in my Facebook Group or Ravelry Group, or email me at mycrochetory@gmail.com.
More free herringbone patterns
Hooked on herringbone now? These patterns of mine use the same stitch.
- Herringbone Crochet Cowl. The cowl that started my herringbone streak.
- Diana Herringbone Shawl. A big tip-to-tip triangle with tassels.
- Siri Herringbone Hat. My favorite hat design, with a pom pom on top.
- Herringbone Drawstring Bag. A small cotton bag with embroidered daisies.
- Round Crochet Coaster. A quick herringbone coaster for your table.
More crochet headband and hat patterns
Building a winter set? These headbands and hats are all mine and free on the blog.
- Zuzu Cinched Headband. A quick headband gathered at the center, great for one skein.
- Winterberry Chunky Hat. A chunky hat with a folded brim.
- Fleur de Stripe Hat. A striped beanie that looks knitted, in 7 sizes.
- Duende Hat. A two-color mosaic beanie.
- 30+ free crochet beanie patterns for beginners. My big roundup when you want even more hats.
Herringbone headband FAQ
Can I make this herringbone headband in another yarn weight?
Yes, but the size will change. Make a gauge swatch first, then chain more or fewer stitches until the length fits your head.
How do I pick the right size?
Measure around your head where the headband will sit and pick the size closest to that number. If you’re in between, go for the smaller one, so it stays put.
Can I skip the twist?
Yes. Sew the short ends together flat with the mattress stitch, and you’ll get a plain herringbone ear warmer.
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