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1885 Cable: A Headband to Knit

Knitting a headband is a great way to try cable knitting, and it makes a very useful gift for someone special!

Pat Olski Mar 25, 2024 - 3 min read

1885 Cable: A Headband to Knit Primary Image

This simple-to-make headband has a slip-stitch selvedge to make the edges nice and smooth. Photos by Pat Olski

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I found a reference to a simple eight row, six-stitch left cross (3/3 LC) cable in a knitting book by Jane Croly from 1885, and I incorporated it into the middle of a headband that is knitted flat and then seamed.

Jane Croly describes the cable as:

“This stitch is close, and is very handsome for afghans, baby’s gaiter drawers (one or two stripes of it down the leg), petticoats, etc.” Croly, Jane, Mrs., Ed. Knitting and crochet. A guide to the use of the needle and the hook. New York: A. L. Burt, 1885.

Materials and Pattern

  • Studio Donegal Soft Donegal (100% merino wool), 210 yd (190 m)/3.5 oz (100 g): 1 skein of #5521
  • Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
  • Cable needle (cn)
  • Tapestry needle

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