Garter Stitch Headboard Cover

A simple, cozy knitted slipcover for a headboard. Worked entirely in beginner-friendly garter stitch, this reversible rectangle softens the look of a plain headboard and adds texture and warmth. Finished size is designed to drape the front face of a standard queen or similar headboard (approximately 62.5" / 159 cm wide by 21" / 53 cm tall). Optional ties keep it securely in place.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) wool or wool-blend yarn; approximately 850 yards (777 m).
  Example: 5 skeins of a typical 180-yd / 100 g worsted.
• Needles: US 8 (5 mm) 40" (100 cm) circular needle (used flat) or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape, 4 stitch markers (optional), crochet hook size H-8 (5 mm) if making crochet ties.

Gauge

16 stitches and 32 rows = 4" (10 cm) in garter stitch, blocked.
Take time to check gauge. Row gauge is especially important for the finished height.

Finished Size

One size: 62.5" (159 cm) wide × 21" (53 cm) tall, after blocking.
(Customizable—see Pattern Notes.)

Abbreviations (US)

• BO: bind off
• CO: cast on
• k: knit
• st(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Pattern Notes

• The entire piece is worked flat in garter stitch (knit every row). Every 2 rows form 1 visible ridge.
• Circular needle is recommended to hold the large number of stitches comfortably; do not join.
• For a wider or narrower cover, add or subtract stitches in multiples of 4 (1" increments).
  For a taller or shorter cover, work more or fewer rows in multiples of 8 (1" increments).
• Ties are optional but recommended. Make them long enough to wrap around headboard posts or frame and tie securely.
• All measurements are given in inches first, with metric in parentheses.

Instructions

Cover Body

Using long-tail cast-on (or preferred stretchy method), CO 250 sts.
(250 sts ÷ 4 sts per inch = 62.5" ✓)

Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 (WS): Knit.

Repeat Rows 1–2 until piece measures 21" (53 cm) from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row—168 rows total (84 garter ridges).
(168 rows ÷ 8 rows per inch = 21" ✓)

BO all sts knitwise. Cut yarn, leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail.

Optional Ties (make 4)

Knitted I-cord version
CO 4 sts.
*K4, do not turn; slide sts to other end of needle; repeat from * until cord measures 18" (45.5 cm).
BO. Make 3 more identical cords.

Crochet chain version (faster)
With crochet hook, chain until piece measures 18" (45.5 cm). Fasten off. Make 3 more.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends neatly on the WS using tapestry needle.
2. Block the rectangle firmly to finished measurements: 62.5" (159 cm) wide × 21" (53 cm) tall. Pin out flat and steam or wet-block according to yarn care instructions. Allow to dry completely.
3. Attach ties (optional):
   • Position one tie at each top corner.
   • Position the remaining two ties 8–10" (20–25 cm) in from each side along the top edge.
   • Sew the end of each tie securely to the BO edge with matching yarn, reinforcing with several stitches.
4. To use: Drape cover over headboard with BO edge at the top. Wrap ties around posts or frame and knot.

Care

Follow yarn label instructions. Most worsted wools prefer hand wash cold and lay flat to dry. Reshape while damp if needed.

Enjoy your custom headboard cover!