How to Knit a Deer Antler Headband

How to knit a deer antler headband.... clearly you need one. Or 12. It is the season....

You will need:
- DK yarn in white, beige and brown
- 4mm straight needles and dpns
- 2 pipe cleaners
- Stuffing
- Headband
- Darning needle and scissors
- Stitch marker (optional)

Ears - knit 2

Cast on 6 in brown. Optional - place stitch marker between 3 stitches and 3 stitches.

Knit 1 row
Purl 1 row
Knit 1, Knit front yarn over Knit back in one stitch, knit 1, place marker, knit 1, Knit front yarn over Knit back in one stitch, knit 1 (10 stitches total, 5 on each side of marker)
Purl
Knit 2, Knit front yarn over in white Knit back in one stitch, knit 2, slip marker, knit 2, Knit front yarn over Knit back in one stitch, knit 2 (14 stitches total, 7 on each side of marker)
Purl all colours as they are.
Knit 3, (keep this white section in white from now on.)Knit front yarn over Knit back in one stitch, knit 3, slip marker, knit 3, Knit front yarn over Knit back in one stitch, knit 2 (18 stitches total, 7 on each side of marker)
Purl all colours as they are.
Stocking stitch 6 rows keeping all colours as they are.

K2tog over whole row in brown
Cast off purlwise.

Stitch up the side of the ear.

Antlers - Knit 2

Cast on 20 in beige.

Stocking stitch 16 rows
Knit 9, k1 front and back, k1 front and back, knit 9. Place markers after 9 stitches, then 13.
Purl
Knit 9, k1 front and back, k2, k1 front and back, knit 9.
Purl
Knit 9, k1 front and back, k4, k1 front and back, knit 9.
Purl.
Knit 8, slip 10 onto another needle or yarn to hold aside, knit final 8
Stocking stitch 3 rows
Knit 1, k2tog to the last stitch, knit 1 (11 stitches remain.
Purl
K2 tog, knit 1 to last stitch, k2 tog. 7 stitches remain
Purl
Knit 1, k2 tog, to end, k1 (5 stitches remain)

Cut yarn, thread removing stitches onto yarn, pull tight.

Pick up the stitches from the holder. Also, pick up 2 stitches from the side of the antlers you have 12 total stitches

Knit 1 rotation
Knit 2 together over whole rotation - 6 stitches remain.
Knit 2 together over whole rotation - 3 stitches remain.
Cut yarn, thread remaining stitches onto the yarn and pull tight.

Stitch up the side. Bend over the top of a pipe cleaner, insert into the antler. Stuff.

Stitch the antlers onto the top of a headband.

Stitch the ears slightly lower.

I favour the headbands with little tines as they make it easier to align the antlers and ears, and prevent them from sliding sideways.