Stretch Headband Calculator

Head circumference (in) where the band sits

Negative ease (%) 10–15% typical

Construction

Finished width (in)

Seam allowance (in)

Knit width for yield (in) usually 58–60

Cut a rectangle

—

Cut length stretch runs this way

—

Cut height

—

Finished band

—

Bands per yard approx

—

The math. Cut length = head circumference × (1 − negative ease%) + 2 × seam allowance (for the join seam). For a folded tube, cut height = finished width × 2 + 2 × seam allowance; for a flat single layer, cut height = finished width + 2 × seam allowance. Cut so the fabric’s greatest stretch runs along the length (around the head). Bands-per-yard assumes your knit width and 36″ of length.