purlJam

# The Iron Fist Kung Fu Headband

A bold, traditional-style martial arts headband featuring a firm structured band, long flowing ties, and a centered medallion accent. Inspired by classic kung fu cinema, this advanced project incorporates back-loop ribbing for stability, tapered tie shaping, and a separately crocheted appliqué medallion with surface slip stitch detailing.

**Finished Measurements:** Approximately 40" long (band 16" + two 12" ties) × 2½" wide. Adjustable.

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## Materials

- **Main Color (MC):** Worsted weight (#4) cotton or cotton blend yarn — approx. 100 yards in black (or traditional red)
- **Contrast Color (CC):** Worsted weight cotton — approx. 25 yards in gold, red, or white
- **Hook:** US H/8 (5.0 mm)
- **Notions:** Tapestry needle, stitch markers (2), scissors, optional sewing pins

## Gauge

**16 hdc-blo × 12 rows = 4" × 4"** (10 cm × 10 cm) in MC.
Take time to check gauge — a firm fabric is essential for headband structure. Go down a hook size if your fabric feels loose.

## Sizes

One size adult (fits head circumference 21"–23"). See **Customization Notes** for adjustments.

## Abbreviations (US Terms)

- **ch** — chain
- **st(s)** — stitch(es)
- **sl st** — slip stitch
- **sc** — single crochet
- **hdc** — half double crochet
- **dc** — double crochet
- **tr** — treble crochet
- **hdc-blo** — half double crochet in back loop only
- **hdc2tog** — hdc 2 stitches together (decrease)
- **sk** — skip
- **sp** — space
- **rep** — repeat
- **RS / WS** — right side / wrong side

## Pattern Notes

- The headband is worked flat in rows, beginning at the tip of one tie, working through the wide center band, and ending at the tip of the second tie.
- The turning ch-1 at the start of hdc rows does **NOT** count as a stitch.
- Working in **back loops only (blo)** creates a horizontal ribbed texture and prevents stretching.
- The medallion is made separately and sewn to the center front.
- Stitch counts appear in parentheses at the end of each row.
- For a firmer band, hold yarn slightly tighter than usual.

## Special Stitches

- **hdc2tog (half double crochet decrease):** Yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 5 loops.
- **Magic Ring (MR):** Adjustable loop start for the medallion.

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## Instructions

### PART 1 — Headband Body (Tie → Band → Tie)

With MC, ch 5.

**Row 1 (RS):** Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. *(4 sts)*

**Row 2:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc-blo in each st across. *(4 sts)*

**Rows 3–12:** Rep Row 2. *(4 sts each row — 12 rows complete)*

#### First Tie Taper (Increase Section)

**Row 13 (Increase Row):** Ch 1, turn. 2 hdc-blo in first st, hdc-blo in each st to last st, 2 hdc-blo in last st. *(6 sts)*

**Rows 14–24:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc-blo in each st across. *(6 sts)*

**Row 25 (Increase Row):** Ch 1, turn. 2 hdc-blo in first st, hdc-blo in each st to last st, 2 hdc-blo in last st. *(8 sts)*

**Rows 26–36:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc-blo in each st across. *(8 sts)*

✓ *Math check: 4 + 2 + 2 = 8 sts. Tie length = 36 rows ÷ 12 rows/4" = 12".*

#### Center Band Section

**Row 37 (Transition – Widen to Band):** Ch 1, turn. Hdc-blo in each st across, then ch 8 (this extends to full band width). 

*Wait — for cleaner construction, we'll use a different approach. Disregard the ch-8 above.*

Continue instead as follows:

**Row 37:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc-blo in each of 8 sts. *(8 sts)*

**Rows 38–84:** Rep Row 37. *(8 sts each row)*

✓ *Math check: Center band = 48 rows × (4"/12 rows) = 16" long. Width = 8 sts × (4"/16 sts) = 2".*

#### Second Tie Taper (Decrease Section)

**Rows 85–96:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc-blo in each st across. *(8 sts)*

**Row 97 (Decrease Row):** Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog (in blo), hdc-blo in each st to last 2 sts, hdc2tog (in blo). *(6 sts)*

**Rows 98–108:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc-blo in each st across. *(6 sts)*

**Row 109 (Decrease Row):** Ch 1, turn. Hdc2tog (in blo), hdc-blo in each st to last 2 sts, hdc2tog (in blo). *(4 sts)*

**Rows 110–120:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc-blo in each st across. *(4 sts)*

Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail.

✓ *Total length verification: 12" tie + 16" band + 12" tie = 40" total.*

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### PART 2 — Edge Trim (Optional but Recommended)

With RS facing, join CC with sl st to any corner of the headband.

**Round 1:** Ch 1, sc evenly around entire perimeter of the headband, working 3 sc in each of the 4 outer corners (the tie tips). When you reach where you began, sl st to first sc to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.

*Tip: Aim for approximately 1 sc per row-end along the long edges, and 1 sc per st along the short ends.*

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### PART 3 — Center Medallion

With CC, make a magic ring.

**Round 1:** Ch 1, work 8 sc into ring. Pull ring tight. Sl st to first sc to join. *(8 sts)*

**Round 2:** Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Sl st to first sc to join. *(16 sts)*

**Round 3:** Ch 2 (does not count as st), *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st*; rep from * around. Sl st to first hdc. *(24 sts)*

**Round 4:** Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st*; rep from * around. Sl st to first sc. *(32 sts)*

✓ *Math check: 8 → 16 → 24 → 32 sts. Each round adds 8 sts (consistent flat circle increase rate).*

**Round 5 (Decorative Picot Round):** Ch 1, *sc in next st, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook (picot made), sk next st*; rep from * around. Sl st to first sc. *(16 sc + 16 picots)*

Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for sewing.

#### Surface Slip Stitch Detail (Advanced)

With MC and a separate length of yarn, add a contrasting surface slip stitch design to the medallion:

1. Insert hook from RS to WS through the center of the medallion.
2. Pull up a loop, then sl st along the surface following Round 2's stitch line, creating a circular outline.
3. Fasten off on the WS and weave in ends.

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## Finishing

1. **Block the headband.** Wet-block by submerging in cool water, gently squeezing out excess, and pinning flat to dimensions (40" × 2½"). Allow to dry completely. This step is critical for a professional finish.

2. **Locate center.** Fold the headband in half lengthwise to find the exact center of the band section. Mark with a stitch marker.

3. **Attach medallion.** Pin the medallion centered over the marker on the RS of the band. Using the long CC tail and a tapestry needle, whipstitch the medallion to the band, catching only the back of the medallion stitches so the picots remain free.

4. **Weave in all remaining ends** on the WS using a tapestry needle.

5. **Optional tassel finish:** For added flair, attach a small 2" tassel of CC to each tie tip.

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## Customization Notes

- **Smaller head (under 21"):** Reduce center band by 4 rows (≈1⅓").
- **Larger head (over 23"):** Add 4–8 rows to center band.
- **Longer ties:** Add 6 rows between increase/decrease sections (each 6 rows ≈ 2").
- **Color variations:** Traditional combinations include black/gold, red/black, and white/red.

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## Wearing Instructions

Place the center band across the forehead with the medallion centered. Bring the ties around to the back of the head and tie in a secure double knot, allowing the tails to hang down. Adjust for comfort.

**Project complete!** 功夫 — Train hard. 🥋