The 32″ long cable is recommended for the Magic Loop method, you can also knit this headband using a set of double-pointed needles. Simply, choose your preferred method for knitting in the round.
The previous comment, says there is a lot of stiches, because the commentator compares the number of stitches in single-layer headbands with this one, but this one is a double-layer headband, so there are more stitches. Hope this helps.

Hi Sarah! The headband is knitted in the round so as a result it is double layered. You will knit a long tube in the round, that’s why there is twice as much stitches as it would be needed if knitted flat. If you knit a double layer headband it is warmer, and the edges don’t curl and you don’t need to add selvedge stitches.
If you want to knit it flat, you should simply cast on fewer stitches and add selvedges, or the edges will curl and won’t look neat. I really enjoy the look of i-cord edging lately – doesn’t curl + looks neat + easy to knit. I used it in the Summit Headband. So, you could cast on: 3 sts (i-cord selvedge) + about 26sts for the main pattern + 3sts (i-cord selvedge) = that’s a total of 32sts. You can also choose any other selvedge.