The Mammatus Bandana is a delicate knitted accessory inspired by the rounded shapes and airy appearance of mammatus clouds. Designed by Sys Fredens for Hobbii Design, this project creates a lightweight triangular bandana that can be worn around the neck or used around the head. Its combination of garter stitch, yarnovers, and carefully placed increases produces an attractive openwork texture while keeping the construction beautifully structured.
This is a knitting project worked flat on a circular needle rather than knitting in the round. The construction begins with a small square at the center of the edge. From that starting point, the fabric gradually expands through strategically placed increases: one increase on each side of the work and one increase on each side of the middle stitch. The result is a triangular bandana whose shape develops naturally as the rows progress.
What Makes the Mammatus Bandana Special?
The charm of this design comes from its gradual growth and decorative stitch pattern. Rather than beginning with the full width of the bandana, you start with only 5 stitches and build outward. This approach makes the construction easy to follow section by section because each group of rows develops the shape further.
The design is worked in the flat using an 80 cm (32’’) circular needle. Although a circular needle is specified, the work is not knitted continuously around the project. The needle simply provides a practical cable length for handling the growing number of stitches.
The pattern is available in two sizes: S/M and L/XL. Before washing and blocking, the finished width is approximately 50 (55) cm / 19.7’’ (21.7’’), while the length is approximately 27 (30) cm / 10.6’’ (11.8’’). After washing and blocking, the measurements become approximately 60 (65) cm / 23.6’’ (25.6’’) in width and 33 (36) cm / 13’’ (14.2’’) in length.
These post-blocking measurements are important when evaluating the final shape. The project is intentionally washed and lightly blocked at the end, so the finished dimensions differ noticeably from the measurements before washing and blocking.
Materials for the Mammatus Bandana
The original pattern specifies Hobbii Alpaca Silk in Vienna (12). You will need 1 (2) skeins. Each 50 g (1.75 oz) skein contains 166 m (182 yds) of yarn.
- Yarn: Alpaca Silk, Hobbii
- Fiber content: 70 % Alpaca, 30 % Mulberry Silk
- Yarn quantity: 1 (2) skeins
- Color: Vienna (12)
- Needle: Circular needle 3 mm (US 2.5), 80 cm (32’’)
- Stitch markers: 4
The combination of alpaca and mulberry silk is part of the original yarn specification and should be considered when selecting a substitute. If you use another yarn, the original gauge and finished measurements may not be reproduced exactly, so the safest approach is to work with the specified yarn whenever possible.
Gauge and Why It Matters
The stated gauge is 27 sts x 40 rows in stockinette stitch = 10 cm (4’’). This measurement provides the reference point for the pattern’s dimensions and helps ensure that the completed bandana develops at the intended scale.
Gauge is especially useful for a project such as this because the bandana changes significantly in size after washing and blocking. The original instructions provide both pre-blocking and post-blocking measurements, so maintaining the specified gauge gives you the best starting point for achieving the intended result.
Before beginning the main project, take the time to check your knitting tension if you want your finished bandana to correspond closely to the stated measurements. Avoid changing the needle size simply to make the project feel easier unless you are deliberately making a gauge adjustment; the original pattern specifies a 3 mm (US 2.5) circular needle.
Understanding the Pattern Abbreviations
The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations throughout the instructions. Having these nearby makes the repeated rows much easier to read.
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- k = knit
- p = purl
- tbl = through the back loop
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- inc(s) = increase(s)
- yo(s) = yarnovers
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
- co = cast on
- bo = bind off
One particularly important detail is the relationship between the yarnovers and the following right-side rows. The pattern states that increases are made by working yarnovers on the WS rows and knitting the yarnovers through the back loop on the RS rows. This creates the intended increase structure while avoiding an unwanted open hole at the point where the yarnover is worked.
How the Increases Shape the Bandana
The increase structure is the key to the geometry of the Mammatus Bandana. The instructions specify increases at the edge stitches as well as on each side of the middle stitch, giving 4 increases in the relevant increase rows.
On the wrong-side increase rows, the yarnovers are placed around the central stitch and near the outer edges of the working section. On the following right-side rows, those yarnovers are knitted through the back loop. This alternating technique builds the width while preserving the decorative character of the fabric.
As you work farther into the project, the stitch count increases from the original 15 stitches after the edge setup to 19, 23, 27, and then 31 stitches in the main pattern sequence. The later rows continue this progression.
Step 1: Cast On the Edge
The bandana begins with a small square that forms the middle at the edge. Work in the flat on the 80 cm (32’’) circular needle.
First, co 5 sts. Work 10 rows in garter stitch. The instructions specifically say not to turn at this point. Instead, pick up 5 stitches along the left side, pulling out the cable to use the magic loop technique. Again, do not turn. Then pick up 5 stitches along the cast-on edge, again pulling out the cable using the magic loop technique.
After these pickups, you should have 15 sts.
Next, place stitch markers after 5, 7, 8 and 10 sts. This gives you 4 markers. Take care with their placement because these markers provide useful visual reference points as the bandana expands and the pattern instructions refer to the area before the edge stitches and around the middle stitch.
Step 2: Establish the First Increase Rows
The first six rows establish the expanding center of the bandana. They are straightforward and provide a useful introduction to the increase rhythm before the longer repeated pattern begins.
Rows 1–2
Row 1, WS: K5, yo, p2, yo, p1, yo, p2, yo, k5 = 4 yos.
Row 2, RS: K5, k yo tbl, k2, k yo tbl, k1, k yo tbl, k2, k yo tbl, k5 = 19 sts.
At the end of Row 2, the stitch count has increased to 19 stitches. The four yarnovers from the wrong-side row are worked through the back loop on the right-side row.
Rows 3–4
Row 3, WS: K5, yo, p4, yo, p1, yo, p4, yo, k5 = 4 yos.
Row 4, RS: K5, k yo tbl, k4, k yo tbl, k1, k yo tbl, k4, k yo tbl, k5 = 23 sts.
The central section becomes wider while the edge sections remain defined by the 5 knit stitches at each end.
Rows 5–6
Row 5, WS: K5, yo, p6, yo, p1, yo, p6, yo, k5 = 4 yos.
Row 6, RS: K5, k yo tbl, k6, k yo tbl, k1, k yo tbl, k6, k yo tbl, k5 = 27 sts.
After Row 6, the pattern directs you to work the main pattern from here.
Step 3: Begin the Main Pattern
The main pattern continues the same basic principle but introduces a more developed decorative structure. The written main sequence contains Rows 1–8. The stitch counts and yarnovers provide useful checkpoints while you work.
Main Pattern Rows 1–2
Row 1, WS: K5, yo, p8, yo, p1, yo, p8, yo, k5 = 4 yos.
Row 2, RS: K5, k yo tbl, repeat *yo, k2tog* until the yo before the middle st, k yo tbl, k1, k yo tbl, repeat *k2tog, yo* until the yo before the edge st, k yo tbl, k5 = 31 sts.
This is an important transition point because the main pattern introduces the repeated yarnover and knit-two-together combinations. Read the entire row before beginning so you understand where the repeat starts and where it ends.
Main Pattern Rows 3–4
Row 3, WS: K5, yo, k yos and sts until the middle st, yo, p1, yo, k yos and sts until the marker before the edge sts, yo, k5 = 4 yos.
Row 4, RS: K5, k yo tbl, k until the yo before the middle st, k yo tbl, k1, k yo tbl, k until the yo before the edge sts, k yo tbl, k5 = 35 sts.
These rows continue to expand the piece while the stitch pattern develops across the growing surface. The middle stitch remains an important reference point, so keep your markers and visual organization clear.
Main Pattern Rows 5–6
Row 5, WS: K5, yo, p until the middle st, yo, p1, yo, p until the marker before the edge sts, yo, k5.
Row 6, RS: K5, k yo tbl, k until the yo before the middle st, k yo tbl, k1, k yo tbl, k until the yo before the edge st, k yo tbl, k5 = 39 sts.
At the end of Row 6, the written stitch count is 39 stitches. This is a useful checkpoint before moving to the final two rows of the main repeat.
Main Pattern Rows 7–8
Row 7, WS: K5, yo, p until the middle st, yo, p1, yo, p until the marker before the edge sts, yo, k5.
Row 8, RS: K5, k yo tbl, k until the yo before the middle st, k yo tbl, k1, k yo tbl, k until the yo before the edge st, k yo tbl, k5 = 43 sts.
Repeating the Main Pattern
Once Rows 1–8 have been completed, the pattern gives the following repeat instruction: Repeat rows 1–8 a total of 11 (13) times. After that, Repeat rows 1–6.
This is an important place to pay attention to the size you are making. The two numbers in parentheses throughout the pattern correspond to S/M (L/XL). Keep the original size order in mind whenever you encounter a pair of numbers.
The written instructions also describe the pattern as running over 12 rows in the pattern overview, while the detailed construction section specifies repeating Rows 1–8 a total of 11 (13) times followed by Rows 1–6. For accuracy, follow the detailed row instructions exactly as written rather than modifying the repeat sequence.
Keeping Track of the Middle and Edge Stitches
One of the easiest ways to stay organized during this project is to treat the edge stitches and middle stitch as permanent landmarks. The repeated instructions frequently refer to the middle stitch and to the marker before the edge stitches.
The outer sections consistently begin and end with 5 knit stitches in the written rows. These edge stitches provide a stable border around the decorative center. Meanwhile, the middle stitch is surrounded by increases, helping the triangular shape develop symmetrically.
When working the pattern, avoid relying only on the appearance of the lace-like sections. Use the written instructions, markers, and stitch counts together. This is particularly helpful after completing several repeats when the fabric has become much larger.
Reading the Lace-Like Texture
The decorative appearance comes from the combination of yarnovers and knit-two-together instructions. Yarnovers introduce the open spaces, while k2tog works in the opposite direction by combining two stitches. Together, these operations create the patterned surface visible in the finished bandana.
The right-side instructions repeatedly specify knitting yarnovers through the back loop. This detail should not be skipped. The original increase instructions specifically explain that yarnovers are made on WS rows and knitted tbl on RS rows.
As the fabric grows, the pattern produces repeated lines and open areas that echo the cloud-inspired idea behind the Mammatus name.
Step 4: Work the Final Edge
After completing the specified pattern repeats, move on to the final edge.
The instructions are simple: Work 5 rows in garter stitch (with increases).
The phrase “with increases” is important because the edge section is not worked as five completely plain rows. Continue following the established increase structure while working these five garter-stitch rows.
Once the five rows are complete, BO loosely. A loose bind-off is specifically requested in the original instructions, so avoid creating a tight final edge that could restrict the shape of the bandana.
Washing and Blocking the Finished Bandana
The final instruction is to wash and lightly block the bandana. This finishing stage is part of the intended construction because the stated measurements change after washing and blocking.
Before washing and blocking, the width is approximately 50 (55) cm / 19.7’’ (21.7’’), and the length is 27 (30) cm / 10.6’’ (11.8’’). After washing and blocking, the width becomes approximately 60 (65) cm / 23.6’’ (25.6’’), while the length becomes approximately 33 (36) cm / 13’’ (14.2’’).
The original instruction describes the blocking as light. There is no need to force the fabric into an exaggerated shape. Instead, treat blocking as the finishing stage that allows the knitted structure to settle into its intended dimensions.
Helpful Checkpoints While Knitting
- After the initial pickup: You should have 15 stitches and 4 markers placed after 5, 7, 8 and 10 stitches.
- After Row 2: The stitch count is 19.
- After Row 4: The stitch count is 23.
- After Row 6: The stitch count is 27.
- After main pattern Row 2: The stitch count is 31.
- After main pattern Row 4: The stitch count is 35.
- After main pattern Row 6: The stitch count is 39.
- After main pattern Row 8: The stitch count is 43.
- After the main repeat: Follow the stated repeat count for your selected size, then work Rows 1–6 as instructed.
- Final edge: Work 5 rows in garter stitch with increases and bind off loosely.
Common Places to Slow Down
The project becomes much easier when you separate the instructions into small sections rather than attempting to memorize the entire sequence. The first six rows establish the basic increase structure. The eight-row main sequence then becomes the repeating unit to track.
Pay particular attention whenever the instructions mention yo, k2tog, or k yo tbl. These details control both the shaping and the openwork appearance.
If your work begins to look uneven, first compare both sides of the middle stitch. Because the design is built around symmetrical increases, the central area is a useful visual checkpoint. Also check that your edge sections still contain the specified knit stitches and that your markers remain in their intended positions.
Wearing the Finished Mammatus Bandana
The design is intentionally versatile. The finished bandana can be worn around the neck or around the head. The photographs associated with the pattern show the triangular shape working naturally in both uses.
When worn around the neck, the pointed portion falls toward the front, creating a soft triangular silhouette. When worn around the head, the broad section covers the back and sides while the narrower end creates the characteristic pointed shape of the bandana.
Quick Project Reference
- Design: Sys Fredens | Hobbii Design
- Pattern number: 2004-214-7073
- Project type: Knitted bandana
- Construction: Worked flat on a circular needle
- Sizes: S/M (L/XL)
- Yarn: Alpaca Silk, Hobbii
- Fiber: 70 % Alpaca, 30 % Mulberry Silk
- Skein: 50 g (1.75 oz) = 166 m (182 yds)
- Quantity: 1 (2) skeins
- Color: Vienna (12)
- Needle: Circular 3 mm (US 2.5), 80 cm (32’’)
- Gauge: 27 sts x 40 rows in stockinette stitch = 10 cm (4’’)
- Pre-blocking width: Approx 50 (55) cm / 19.7’’ (21.7’’)
- Pre-blocking length: 27 (30) cm / 10.6’’ (11.8’’)
- Post-blocking width: Approx 60 (65) cm / 23.6’’ (25.6’’)
- Post-blocking length: 33 (36) cm / 13’’ (14.2’’)
Final Checklist Before You Finish
- Confirm that you are using a 3 mm (US 2.5) circular needle measuring 80 cm (32’’).
- Check that you have 1 (2) skeins of Alpaca Silk in Vienna (12).
- Begin by casting on 5 stitches.
- Work 10 rows in garter stitch.
- Pick up 5 stitches along the left side and 5 along the cast-on edge for a total of 15 stitches.
- Place the 4 markers after 5, 7, 8 and 10 stitches.
- Follow the first six rows exactly, checking the stitch counts of 19, 23 and 27 stitches.
- Continue with the main pattern beginning at 31 stitches.
- Repeat Rows 1–8 a total of 11 (13) times.
- Then repeat Rows 1–6.
- Work 5 rows in garter stitch with increases.
- Bind off loosely.
- Wash and lightly block the finished bandana.
Conclusion
The Mammatus Bandana is a thoughtful knitting project that combines simple structural shaping with a decorative openwork pattern. Its construction starts from only 5 cast-on stitches, develops through a small central square, and then expands steadily through four strategically positioned increases. The result is a graceful triangular accessory with a distinctive cloud-inspired texture.
The key to working the project successfully is careful attention to the increase rows, the middle stitch, the edge stitches, and the repeated eight-row pattern. The stitch-count checkpoints provide useful opportunities to confirm that the work is progressing as written, while the final five garter-stitch rows create the finishing edge before the loose bind-off.
Once the knitting is complete, the light washing and blocking stage allows the fabric to reach its intended finished proportions. The finished measurements increase from approximately 50 (55) cm to 60 (65) cm in width and from 27 (30) cm to 33 (36) cm in length, making the blocking stage an important part of the final presentation.
Whether styled around the neck or worn around the head, the completed Mammatus Bandana showcases the combination of soft yarn, openwork texture, and triangular shaping that defines this design. By keeping the original stitch counts, row sequence, increase method, and finishing instructions intact, you can work through the project systematically and enjoy the gradual transformation from a tiny starting square into the finished accessory.
Pattern reference: Mammatus Bandana, No. 2004-214-7073, designed by Sys Fredens for Hobbii Design.