purlJam

# The Whimsical Pixie Band
**A beginner-friendly textured ear warmer with a cinched bow effect.**

**Difficulty:** Beginner  
**Date:** October 26, 2023  
**Status:** Tech Edited & Verified

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### Description
The Pixie Band is a cosy, textured ear warmer designed to keep you warm with a touch of vintage charm. Worked flat in a simple yet effective Moss Stitch, the fabric is reversible and squishy. The distinctive "pixie" shape is created by a simple cinch tab that hides the seam, making it look polished even for a first-time knitter.

### Sizes
*To fit head circumference:*
1. **Toddler:** 46–48 cm
2. **Child:** 49–53 cm
3. **Adult Small:** 54–56 cm
4. **Adult Medium/Large:** 57–60 cm

### Finished Measurements (Unstretched)
*   **Width:** Approx. 11.5 cm
*   **Length (Circumference):** 38 cm (Toddler), 42 cm (Child), 46 cm (Adult S), 49 cm (Adult M/L).
    *Tech Editor Note: The finished length is shorter than the head size to allow for "negative ease." This ensures the band stretches to fit snugly without falling down.*

### Materials
*   **Yarn:** Approx. 50–70 grams of Worsted or Aran weight yarn (approx. 100–120 metres).
    *   *Fibre Recommendation:* Wool or acrylic/wool blend for elasticity and warmth.
*   **Needles:** 5.0 mm (straight or circular needles worked flat).
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends), measuring tape, scissors.

### Tension (Gauge)
**18 stitches and 24 rows** = 10 x 10 cm in Moss Stitch using 5.0 mm needles.
*It is crucial to check your tension to ensure the headband fits correctly.*

### Abbreviations (UK Terminology)
*   **cm:** Centimetres
*   **k:** Knit
*   **p:** Purl
*   **st(s):** Stitch(es)
*   **RS:** Right Side
*   **WS:** Wrong Side

### Stitch Guide: Moss Stitch
*Worked over an odd number of stitches.*
**Row 1:** *K1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
**Repeat Row 1 for the pattern.**
*(Note: Because you have an odd number of stitches, you will always start every row with a Knit and end with a Knit. You will be knitting the purl bumps and purling the knit 'V's as they face you.)*

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### Instructions

#### Part 1: The Main Band
**Cast On:**
Using the long-tail cast on (or your favourite method), cast on **21 stitches**.
*(Math Check: 21 sts / 1.8 sts per cm ≈ 11.6 cm width.)*

**The Body:**
**Row 1:** *K1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Repeat **Row 1** until the piece measures the length below for your chosen size (measured flat, without stretching):

*   **Toddler:** 38 cm
*   **Child:** 42 cm
*   **Adult Small:** 46 cm
*   **Adult Medium/Large:** 49 cm

**Cast Off:**
Cast off all stitches in pattern (knit the knit stitches, purl the purl stitches as you cast off) to maintain a stretchy edge. Cut yarn, leaving a 30 cm tail for sewing.

#### Part 2: The Cinch Tab (The "Pixie" Detail)
*This small strip wraps around the joined band to create the bow shape.*

**Cast On:**
Cast on **9 stitches**.

**Work:**
**Row 1:** *K1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Repeat Row 1 until the strip measures approx **8 cm**.

**Cast Off:**
Cast off all stitches in pattern. Cut yarn, leaving a 20 cm tail.

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### Finishing & Assembly

1.  **Seam the Band:**
    Lay the Main Band flat. Bring the two short ends together (taking care not to twist the band). Using the tail from the cast-off edge and your tapestry needle, sew the two ends together using a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Secure the yarn but do not weave in deeply yet.

2.  **Create the Pinch:**
    Squeeze the seamed area of the headband together with your fingers to cinch it narrower.

3.  **Attach the Tab:**
    Wrap the Cinch Tab tightly around the squeezed seam of the Main Band. The Cast On and Cast Off edges of the Tab should meet on the *inside* (the side that touches your head) of the headband.

4.  **Secure the Tab:**
    Using the tail from the Tab, sew the two ends of the Tab together securely. Ensure you catch a stitch or two of the Main Band underneath so the Tab doesn't slide around.

5.  **Final Polish:**
    Weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side. Trim excess yarn.

**Care Instructions:** Hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry to maintain the texture and size.