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Friday, January 15, 2010

Free Knitting Pattern - Headband Ear Warmer (Thick Yarn Version)

I have written a newer, simpler pattern. Please click HERE or see the sidebar on the right and click on the new pattern. (The decrease is easier) :)


PLEASE NOTE - I AM NOT A CROCHETER SO I DO NOT HAVE A CROCHET VERSION OF THE PATTERN.

1/31/10 UPDATE: There have been a few questions so I'm adding very specific directions for the increase and decrease rows. I've also added some tips HERE. Please let me know if you have any questions. I'm always happy to help!


Headband Earwarmer (Bulky Yarn Version)

Materials:
Size 10 knitting needles
Cascade 109 LE Bulky (just under 1 skein) - This yarn is discontinued and sometimes hard to find--(I had some leftover from my Twilight mittens)--but any Bulky yarn will do. You can adjust the pattern for whatever yarn you choose.
Size J Crochet Hook (optional)*
Button

Guage: 5 st/inch (in the rib pattern)

Abbreviations:
m1B – From the back, lift loop between stitches with the left needle, purl into the front of loop
m1F – From the front, lift loop between stitches with left needle, knit into the back of loop.
pfb – purl front and back

You  will begin with 7 stitches, increase on the middle stitch on every RS row for 6.25”, knit in pattern 4.5”, then decrease back down--again, always on that middle stitch. 

Directions:
CO 7 st
Row 1 (RS): K1, P1 rib across
Row 2 (WS): P1, K1 across
Row 3: Repeat row 1
Row 4: Repeat row 2


Begin the increase
Row 5: Work in rib until center stitch (on this row it's the 4th stitch), pfb, continue in rib to the end of the row
Row 6: Work in the rib knowing that you will have two knit stitches next to each other right in the very center of the row--this is fine as you will increase BETWEEN them on the next row. 
Row 7: Work in rib until center stitch, m1F, continue in rib to the end of the row
Row 8: Work in the rib pattern
Row 9: Work in rib until center stitch, kfb center st , continue in rib to the end of the row
Row 10: Work in the rib knowing that you will have two purl stitches next to each other right in the very center of the row--again, this is fine as you will increase BETWEEN them on the next row. 
Row 11: Work in rib until the center, m1B, continue in rib to the end of the row.
Row 12: Work in the rib pattern

Repeat rows 5-12 until your work measures 6.25” from the cast on edge. You’ll have 23 stitches on the needle. (If you have a different number of stitches than this, it's fine, but please see my TIPS HERE because the type of decrease you do depends solely on what your middle stitch is--knit or purl. I also always suggest that you end your increase with a row with an odd number of stitches--it makes the first row of the decrease much easier. So if you've got an even number, do one more increase).

Work in the rib pattern for 4.75” (until you have 11” from the cast on edge)

Begin the decrease
Row 1: (THIS ROW IS WORKED ASSUMING YOUR MIDDLE STITCH IS A PURL STITCH, IF IT'S A KNIT STITCH, DO ROWS 5-8, THEN 1-4) Work in rib until 2 stitches before the center stitch, p2tog, kfb (this is the center stitch), p2tog, continue in the rib ( on this row, you've decreased 2 and made 1. This way the decrease follows the increase in shape and size.
Row 2: work in the basic rib pattern knowing that you will have two purl stitches next to each other in the very center of the row--this is fine as you will knit the two of them together on the next row. 
Row 3: Work in rib until the two center stitches, k2tog, continue in the rib pattern
Row 4: Work in rib pattern
Row 5: Work in rib until 2 stitches before the center stitch, k2tog, pfb (this is the center stitch), k2tog, continue in the rib
Row 6: work in the basic rib pattern knowing that you will have two knit stitches next to each other in the very center of the row--this is fine as you will purl the two of them together on the next row. 
Row 7: Work in rib until the two center stitches, p2tog, continue in the rib pattern
Row 8: Work in rib pattern

Work decrease rows 1-8 until you have 7 stitches on the needle. BO leaving the last stitch on the needle. Transfer this stitch to a crochet hook. Chain 4-6 stitches and connect them to the beginning of the BO edge (this makes the button loop so size it according to the size of your button). Now start crocheting around the edge. I did 1 single crochet stitch in every st along the edge. Go all the way around the headband, then around the button loop. Secure and cut yarn and tie off. Weave in all ends.


*The entire crochet border is optional. It gives the edge a bit of a decorative look. But the headband looks fine without it. If you choose not to do it, you may want to add a few more stitches to begin with to make the headband wider and knit a few extra rows in the center to make it a bit longer. You’ll also need to make a buttonhole on the row before your bind off. If you don’t want to deal with either method of creating a button hole, you could just attach some little strings or ribbon at either end and tie them under your hair to wear.

For The Flower:
Large (5 Petal) Flower - Using a J hook, chain 10, join with a SS into first ch to form a ring.
1st Round - (Ch 3, 1 sc into ring) do this 5 times. Join with a sc into first st.
2nd Round - Into each chain loop work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 6 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc. Fasten off.
Smaller (4 Petal) Flower - Using a J hook, chain 4, join with a ss into first st.
1st Round - (Ch 3, 1 sc into ring) do this 4 times. Join with a sc into first st.
2nd Round - Into each chain loop work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 4 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc. Fasten off.
Bobble for center - with size 10 knitting needles, CO 1, kfb until you have 4 stitches, k 1 row, p 1 row, k 1 row, p 1 row, k 1 row, do not turn, lift second stitch over the first, then the third and then the fourth, fasten off first stitch. Tie the ends together using the tails, stuff a little if desired (I just used one of the tails) and sew around the edges a bit if needed to form the bobble.
Layer the flower together and attach to the headwrap. 


71 comments:

  1. Hi! I just knitted the other version of your ear warmer! If I wanted to knit it for a 1YO baby, should I just decrease the amount of stitches? Let's say, 7 or 5 base stitches in stead of the 9 you mention?

    Thanks! lovely art of your blog!

    Regards from Hermosillo in Mexico. :)

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  2. Hi Tif! I just finished both headbands, your version and the smaller one, I think they turned out fine :) Take a look!

    http://saggytejidos.blogspot.com/2010/01/earwarmer.html

    Thanks for sharing! I'll be following your work.

    Regards!

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  3. this looks super cute... cant wait to try it!
    Thanks

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  4. I just wanted to say thanks for this pattern... I was just starting to write my own today, but you saved me the hassle:) These are selling like crazy here in utah valley... but I just could not bring myself to pay for something I could make so quick! So once again thanks!

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  5. I am a novice knitter and am in the middle of making a headband for my daughter. I have a question out of curiosity. Why is the decrease alternated between K2Tog and the (K2Tog kfb and K2Tog) instead of K2Tog again?

    Thanks, and we love the pattern!

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  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. It alternates because on rows with an odd number of stitches, you can't knit the two center ones together since you have just one stitch right in the center. So you do your decrease around it and then increase into it to make up for the fact that you decreased two.

    So you decrease 2 and make 1 so in the end, you've decreased one stitch. Then on the next right side row, you'll have an even number of stitches and can just knit the middle 2 together.

    That's why you alternate between the two types of decrease. Does that make sense?

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  8. Thank you so much for posting this pattern! I have so many friends asking me to make them one, and I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to write a pattern. I was SO relieved to find your pattern. You saved me a lot of ripping out! :)

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  9. thanks for the pattern

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  10. I have added an entry with some tips that might help here:

    http://tmatthewsfineart.blogspot.com/2010/01/tips-for-headwrap-patterns.html

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  11. seriously, you have NO idea how much better my day just got by finding this! i have been looking for this pattern everywhere! AHH I'M SO EXCITED! thank you thank you thank you!!!! and, i've only made 2 scarves and an afghan so is this going to be really hard to make for me?

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  12. Christine,
    The hardest thing on the headband (IMO) is the pfb and the m1f and m1b increases. If you look at my Tips blog entry (the link is right above your comment on this page), I have linked to some videos that will help you with those. The pfb is a bit weird the first time, but once you get it, it's super easy and a good technique to have in your "bag of tricks". Same with the increases.

    I'm also happy to walk you through any part you get stuck on! Just let me know if you need any help.
    ---Tif

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  13. I love this headband! I love that it uses a button so that you can go around your hairstyle. Thank you for sharing your pattern!

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  14. Thank you so much for posting this for free! I brought a head band like this in a few months ago when I was visiting family back in the states. Currently I live in Korea, and didn't think I could find another one! Now I'll just make one!

    Cheers!
    Arielle

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  15. I don't knit as well as I crochet. I've seen this pattern crocheted too, do you have it? I just saw it at a craft fair in WI, and it was cool out, and EVERYONE was wearing one!!!!!!!!!!

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  16. I don't have a crochet pattern for this. I'm a knitter. Sorry.

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  17. Never have crocheted more than a single crochet but managed to crochet this flower and it looks really good. Thank you for posting a simple flower that I could figure out simply by googling. I did make the wrap too. Looks great, I hope my mom likes it. :)

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  18. I really like this headband ear warmer. Its perfect for winter. I was wondering if you can do step by step video. Because it will be my first time to do knitting needles :)

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  19. Sorry, I'm not that technologically savvy nor do I have the time to make a video. But you may find the tips and video links that I put here helpful:

    http://tmatthewsfineart.blogspot.com/2010/01/tips-for-headwrap-patterns.html

    ---Tif

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  20. I have tried several times and only the first page of the pattern will print. What am I doing wrong?

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  21. Thank you for sharing this pattern. I am so excited to try making it. I just bought one that looks like it for $10 and I know I could whip out some for gifts in no time. So cute and timely.

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  22. Twyla,
    Send me your e-mail and I'll e-mail you a copy.
    ---Tif

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  23. IS THERE A VIDEO THAT SHOW'S YOU HOW TO DO THE m1B AND THE m1F PLEASE HEIP

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  24. For help with both of these increases, try this link:

    http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/increases

    For m1B, watch the quick video called m1R ON THE PURL SIDE (it's on the left side of the screen). For m1F, watch the video called m1L (main video is the correct one for this project).

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  25. I've got the headband finished and I love it, but I dont know how to make the button hole at the end. Could you do some instructions for it?

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  26. The button loop instructions are at the end of the pattern. I'll copy and paste it here too:

    BO leaving the last stitch on the needle. Transfer this stitch to a crochet hook. Chain 4-6 stitches and connect them to the beginning of the BO edge (this makes the button loop so size it according to the size of your button). Now start crocheting around the edge. I did 1 single crochet stitch in every st along the edge. Go all the way around the headband, then around the button loop. Secure and cut yarn and tie off. Weave in all ends.

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  27. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  28. I finished knitting the headband, but I'm struggling with crocheting the flower. I've looked at other patterns, but I really like this one. Could you give me some tips on what all of the terms mean (like 1st round and 2nd round, and what you mean by into each chain loop)

    Thanks so much!

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  29. Anonymous,
    On the flower, the first thing you do is form a ring. This is the very center of the flower. Then on round 1, you're creating 5 loops around that center ring (called chain loops). Your petals will be "built" onto these loops. In round 2, you do several stitches into each chain loop to form the petals.

    Does that help? I'm not much of a crocheter so I'm not sure if I'm using proper terminology. I couldn't find a flower I liked, so I made this one up and explained it the best I could.

    If there's an expert crocheter out there that could explain it better, I'd sure appreciate it!

    ---Tif

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  30. Hi I want to make the headband, but when you said For m1B, watch the quick video called m1R ON THE PURL SIDE (it's on the left side of the screen). For m1F, watch the video called m1L (main video is the correct one for this project).
    That mean Continental video?

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  31. Johana,
    Use whichever video suits the kind of knitter you are. Personally, I knit Continental style so I use that method.
    ---Tif

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  32. That's me again :) After I did the row 7 M1B, in the row 8 said work in the rib pattern (I have 19 stitches)but the stitch 9,10 and 11 are purl, is that correct or did I do something wrong? Thank you, this is the first time I have followed a pattern -- let alone in English. :).

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  33. And the other thing is the row 10 two knit stitches next to each other,in my always is two purl stitches.

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  34. Johana,
    On row 7, knit in the rib pattern even if the middle stitch looks like it should be something else. Stick to the rib pattern.

    On row 10 the middle stitches should be purls so you're doing great!
    --Tif

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  35. Hello! I tried your pattern and I am struggling with the increase. Let me see if I got this right:
    1st Row: k p k p k p k
    2nd Row: p k p k p k p
    3rd Row: k p k p k p k
    4th Row: p k p k p k p
    5th Row: k p k kfb k p k ???
    6th Row: p k p p p p k p ???
    or
    6th Row: p k p k p k p k ???
    You said to be aware, that I will have 2 knit stitches in the middle ... I have 4 purl stitches? Help !!! I am so confused ...

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  36. Hi TIf,

    I am also having a terrible time with the pattern. I thought I was just not keeping track, so I ripped it out, but as Nette posted just before me, I seem to not have the correct stitches in the middle. I feel really foolish. I'm thinking, "do I knit the stitches the way they read when I come upon them - knit the knits and purl the purls so I have a rib? And do the increases when it says to do them? I am using Malabrigo chunky and know if I figure this out, it will be a great headband.

    Thanks,
    Cathy

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  37. I love this chunky headband...but...my decreases look really lumpy and uneven. I've been following your original instructions. Maybe the amendment of K3tog/P3tog would look better? I just can't figure out what to do. This is what I'm thinking...will you please let me know?
    Row 1: work rib with p3tog in middle
    row 2: rib
    row 3: work rib with k3tog in middle
    row4: rib
    repeat....????
    Thanks Erin

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  38. Nette,

    The increase makes the stitches look a little different so it would go like this:

    5th Row: k p k kfb k p k (this is correct)
    6th Row: p k p k k p k p (even though it looks like you would maybe purl all 4 middle ones, you don't--k the middle two)

    ---Tif

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  39. Erin,
    You want to do that decrease on EVERY OTHER RIGHT SIDE ROW. If you do it every other row, you'll decrease down too quickly. So it would be like this:

    Row 1 (RS): work rib with p3tog/k3tog (whichever one fits into your rib pattern) in middle
    Row 2 (WS): rib
    Row 3 (RS): rib
    Row 4 (WS): rib
    Row 5 (RS): work rib with k3tog/p3tog (again, whichever one fits your rib pattern) in middle

    Repeat until you're back down to however many stitches you casted on.

    Hope that helps!
    ---Tif

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  40. I've been looking for a pattern for something like this. I can't wait to give it a try.

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  41. Hi Tif--

    I'm having a hard time with the crocheted flower as well (I'm not a crocheter). Did you watch any videos online that helped you significantly? If you could post that'd be great :) Thanks!

    A

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  42. Actually, if anyone could help me with the flower in any way, that'd be awesome :)

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  43. This blog has some great crochet tutorials and also a really nice crocheted rose:

    http://heidibearscreative.blogspot.com/

    ---Tif

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  44. Hmm..that blog doesn't help much..actually it doesn't help at all.
    thanks anyway.

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  45. I am making a video of how to make the flower tonight. So it should be up tomorrow!

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  46. Thanks Christine! Will it be on here in a comment? Or on your personal blog?

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  47. You're welcome! I'll post it as a comment on here. :)

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  48. The video is taking me longer to make than I thought. Can you wait another day?

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  49. No problem! Take your time. I've just been bored sitting at home during this snowpacolypse we're having in my state. Haha.

    A

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  50. I have been searching for this pattern! A friend of mine requested I make her one exactly like this and I have been searching!!! Thank you so much :-)

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  51. Did you make the video yet, Christine?

    A

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  52. I'm so sorry, I had some technical difficulties. I am rendering it right now, as we speak! Can I send you the link to your email address?

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  53. Sure!
    alyson.kuehn@hotmail.com

    :)

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  54. How do you fasten the flower to the headband and attach the separate flower pieces to eachother? sewing?

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  55. Yep. Just sew them on with the same yarn tacking it on wherever you feel necessary.
    ---Tif

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  56. I made a video on how to make this headband! It's a little different than Tif's pattern, and it's very easy. I hope it helps!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a7HU0CCEFU

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  57. Could I get the link for making the flower too? I just can't seem to figure it out.

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  58. sure! http://youtu.be/PfCII66Et3Y
    let me know if you have any questions!

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  59. I tried this, and it turned out so FAT! I just ended up not increasing as much in the beginning

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  60. I'd like to knit this with realluy chunky yarn (Wool Ease Thick and Quick). Any suggestions on how to adapt the pattern? should I just start with fewer stitches and work my way up? Thanks for the insight!

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  61. Yep, just cast on a few less stitches. It's such a quick, small item that if you find that it's too wide or too narrow, you could just frog it and start again with more or fewer stitches.

    You'll know by the time you get to the middle section if it's the right width for you. You can hold it up (on your head) and see if you like it, if not, frog and start again. No biggie.
    ---Tif

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  62. I use something like this for the flower and it looks really cute!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0W2W1_YAg0&feature=relmfu

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  63. Ashley,
    That is a great video!! Thank you for sharing.
    ---Tif

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  64. reptecan I email you?? How?? capestjames@gmail.com I have a few questions.
    Thank you so much
    Fran

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  65. can I email you??
    capestjames@gmail.com
    Thanks
    Fran

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  66. I am having trouble with the decreases, they look awful. I have redone the decreases 4 times and each time it looks like the purls are where the K's should be, etc... This side does not have the ribbing going down, lots of gaps- I have followed the directions to a T- is there a photo of the decrease side? It's hard to know without seeing it- but any suggestions? I love the pattern and the fact that you are so willing to help.
    Thank you for your kindness.

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  67. I wrote the decrease to the best of my knitting knowledge. :) It works for me when I do it. It doesn't look absolutely perfect, but looks fine and I put the flower on that side. But I do know that some people have had better luck with this decrease:

    You want to do this decrease on EVERY OTHER RIGHT SIDE ROW. (If you do it every other row, you'll decrease down too quickly.) So it would be like this:

    Row 1 (RS): work rib with p3tog/k3tog (whichever one fits into your rib pattern) in middle
    Row 2 (WS): rib
    Row 3 (RS): rib
    Row 4 (WS): rib
    Row 5 (RS): work rib with k3tog/p3tog (again, whichever one fits your rib pattern) in middle
    Row 6 (WS): rib
    Row 7 (RS): rib
    Row 8 (WS): rib

    Repeat until you're back down to however many stitches you casted on.

    Hope that helps!

    ---Tif

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  68. Tiff
    You are amazing. Thank you I'm wearing my new headband in 3 degrees and snow. 8)
    Christine, you are so sweet to help out also.
    I'm new to knitting, love it and was so sure I was just doing it wrong.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
    Hugs
    Fran in Kodiak, AK

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  69. Instead of bulky yarn, you can also just use double of "standard" yarn - pull one end from inside and one from the outside.

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