Vaughan is here

Vaughan is a knitted leather hatband. I've made the pattern available free. It's nifty, I think. Here's a detail:



For a printable PDF of Vaughan, Click Here!

It's knit with leather lace, but it could be made with any number of materials. I considered using hemp twine and raffia before settling on the leather. It's named after my husband's musical idol and well-known hat-wearer, Stevie Ray Vaughan. A link has been added under my "patterns" section in the sidebar, but of course, you could just click on the picture.

Working with leather lace isn't easy. The lace itself is almost as thick as it is wide, and it has very little give. It is important to experiment a little until you have the knack, because reworking it is almost impossible. It can be done, but the leather doesn't like it. It becomes brittle and mars the finish. Give yourself a chance to get used to it before you start out on the hatband itself. Fortunately, the hatband only takes about half a 25yd spool, so you'll have plenty to experiment on.

Materials:
1 25yd spool of 1/8" leather lace in color of your choice
1 pair US 10 straight needles
1 crochet hook of any size large enough for the lace
2 beads (optional)

Gauge: 3 sts / 6 rows = Approx. 1" in pattern

Stitch Pattern: Row 1 and all subsequent rows: Slp 1, K 2

To begin: Leaving a tail of lace at least 10 inches long, make a slip stitch. K 1 and slip off left needle. With lace in back of work, bring under right needle and wrap up and over to make second stitch. Insert crochet hook in front of cast on stitch, pull lace through as if knitting a stitch and slip onto right needle. 3 stitches on needle.

Work in pattern until work measures 22 inches.

Cut lace at least 12 inches from work. Carefully remove needle from live stitches, bring lace end around to first stitch, thread through all three live stitches, pull tight and knot.

Finishing: Trim lace ends to one-half inches longer than desired length. Thread one bead on each end and knot.