I didn’t gauge, and my first attempt was to follow the pattern straight. It turned out ok before blocking. But I knew alpaca will puff up after, so I had to redo it.

There were a few projects (here, here, and here) suggesting to cast 100 sts using U.S 7 needles with worsted weight yarn. So I did on my second try. I started with tubular cast-on for 2x2 ribbing. I wanted a wide headband that could cover my forehead and crown, so I added 4 rows before and after the short rows. I repeated Row 5 for 11 times as the other project note said. I found that having the holes at the turning points of the short rows were a smart idea. If the headband stretched over time, they could serve as button holes in the future to tighten the headband. I don’t find the holes bother me as I could barely see them. I finished the headband with 2x2 tubular cast-off.

It was a very quick knit even though I’m not a fast knitter.
The headband fits perfect on me!