Retro Rally Headband by Ira Rott

Retro Rally Headband

Machine Knitting
October 2026
DK (11 wpi) ?
13 stitches and 19 rows = 4 inches
in measured relaxed and unblocked, with the machine tension set to 1–2.
164 - 273 yards (150 - 250 m)
Baby, Child, Adult
English
This pattern is available for $3.00 USD
buy it now or visit pattern website

Special Introductory Price: Get this pattern for just $1 for a limited time! The discount applies automatically at checkout. Regular pricing takes effect on November 15.

The Retro Rally Headband is a cozy, double-layered ear warmer with bold stripes and a gathered center for a sporty, retro look. Designed for 46- and 48-pin circular knitting machines, such as CayDo, Addi Express, and Sentro. Choose contrasting colors for a classic striped look or use a single color for a minimalist version. The pattern includes three sizes, from baby to adult, with options for both flat and circular machine knitting.

A little retro style, a little family history…
Many years ago, my mom and grandma created these wonderful striped headbands on a traditional knitting machine. We made them for friends, family, and local markets, and they quickly became a favorite that everyone wanted! Now, I’m bringing this much-loved design back with a fresh update for 46- and 48-pin circular knitting machines (CayDo, Addi Express, and Sentro) to bring a touch of 80s fashion back in a fun, modern way.

FORMAT & LANGUAGES:
• English
• PDF, 8 pages and 2.5 MB

SKILL LEVEL: Beginner

Skills Required:
• Operating a 46- or 48-pin circular knitting machine
• Provisional cast-on using scrap yarn
• Changing colors and yarn
• Binding off with a crochet hook (slip stitch & stretchy bind-off)
• Backstitching and whipstitching
• Basic finishing and assembly

SIZES / Head Circumference:
• (S) Baby - Toddler: 17” – 19” (43 – 48 cm)
• (M) Preschool - Child: 19” – 21” (48 – 53.5 cm)
• (L) Teen - Adult: 21” – 23” (53.5 – 58.5 cm)

STYLES: You can make two-tone or solid-color layers to create different looks.

YARN :
DK or worsted weight premium acrylic or acrylic-blend yarn suitable for your machine and the gauge. You will need 2 colors (A & B), approximately 25–35 g of each (or use more colors if you wish) + 10–15 gr of scrap yarn
for cast on and bind off. Recommended yarns: CayDo Craft Yarn, Cherish DK by King Cole, Soft Classic by Loops & Threads, Hobby by Círculo.

TOOLS:
• 46- or 48-pin circular knitting machine (Addi, CayDo, or Sentro)
• 4 mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle

GAUGE:
13 sts x 19 rows = 4” x 4”, measured relaxed and unblocked, with the machine tension set to 1–2. Check your gauge and adjust your machine tension or yarn choice as needed.