Creating a new hand-dyed brand also meant developing new patterns for it. I was searching for a small pattern that doesn’t take too much time to make and also doesn’t use too much yarn. Soon you’ll end up in many cowl, glove, or mitten patterns, but I wanted something else. Until one day, on a winter morning, I walked through the woods and came up with the idea to create this bandana. A straightforward pattern that is made with just a few basic stitches. It works up quickly because you knit only in garter stitch, and it is perfect for using your hand-dyed yarns in this pattern. Make a solid version from one skein, or a multicolored version from two or more colors.

General information:

Yarn Requirements: The pattern is written using two colors of Veluwsch Verfgoed Sock, which comes in 100-gram skeins with a length of 400 meters. The yarn is made from 75% superwash merino and 25% nylon, which makes it a premium sock yarn. For all sizes in the pattern, one skein of both colors is enough. However, if you prefer a more sober version, you can use a single color and skip the color changes in the pattern. One 400-meter skein of yarn is also enough for all sizes in the pattern. You will need approx. 20/30/40/50/70/90 grams of yarn for the pattern sizes.

The two color versions are made with colors: Nightwood (Color A) and the trees of Drie (Color B).

Needle Size needed: This bandana will need 3.5mm needles. You can use DPNs (double-pointed needles) or a circular needle, starting with size 3 and a wire length of 40 cm (16 inches).

I recommend knitting size 1-2 only on DPNs.

Size: I designed the bandana in six sizes. Sizes 1 and 2 are perfect for children, sizes 3 and 4 are for most regular adults, and sizes 5 and 6 are for larger or taller people. You can find the ideal size by measuring your head circumference at the nose. This circumference shows the size you need to make; it should have some positive ease for wear, which will be the most significant factor when putting the bandana over your head. Take the closest circumference measured. So when you measure 43 cm, you take size 3.

Size 1 head circumference: 20 cm (8 inches)
Size 2 head circumference: 30 cm (12 inches)
Size 3 head circumference: 40 cm (16 inches)
Size 4 head circumference: 50 cm (20 inches)
Size 5 head circumference: 60 cm (24 inches)
Size 6 head circumference: 70 cm (28 inches)

Gauge: 28 stitches and 36 Rounds in garter stitch result in 10cm. Based on a gauge with 3,5mm needles. Feel free to adjust the needle size to suit your hand, whether you have a looser or firmer grip. Increasing or decreasing the needle size by 0,25mm can make a difference.

The pattern includes some really basic knitting stitches and, therefore, makes it very beginner-friendly.

This pattern is free and available in English and Dutch. This pattern is also available in a free crochet version named “Into the Wild” bandana.