The Spice Market Bandana is a lightweight knitted accessory designed for warm-weather wear. Worked in sport-weight cotton yarn, this triangular bandana combines a simple construction with an attractive lace stitch and tidy i-cord details. The result is a practical piece that can be worn around the head or styled as a summer accessory.
This pattern is worked back and forth, beginning at the bottom point of the triangle and gradually increasing as the fabric grows. The shaping is straightforward: increases are made on every right-side row, while the wrong-side rows are worked primarily in purl stitches. The lace pattern adds visual interest without requiring a complicated construction.
One of the most useful features of the design is its built-in i-cord edging. The first and last two stitches of every row create a clean border that helps prevent the knitted fabric from curling. The same i-cord technique is then continued into the ties, giving the finished bandana a coordinated and polished appearance.
Because the triangle is created through repeated increases, the size can be adjusted by adding or subtracting repeats. This makes the construction especially useful if you want to adapt the finished length while keeping the basic design intact.
Project Overview
The Spice Market Bandana is knitted in one size, with finished measurements of approximately 40 cm (15.75 in) in length without the ties and 23 cm (9 in) in height. The original design uses Drops Safran in the color red clay, uni color 59, with one ball of yarn.
The bandana itself is knitted from the bottom upward. After the triangular section is completed, the working yarn is broken and the live stitches remain on the needle. A separate three-stitch i-cord is then created for the first tie. That tie is connected directly to the live bandana stitches using ssk decreases. The same process is repeated across the edge until only three stitches remain, which become the beginning of the second tie.
This construction means that the ties and edging become part of the finished piece rather than being sewn on afterward. It also creates a continuous, neat edge around the triangle.
- Size: One size
- Finished length without ties: 40 cm / 15.75 in
- Height: 23 cm / 9 in
- Yarn: Drops Safran, red clay, uni color 59, 1 ball
- Main needles: 3 mm (US 2.5) knitting needles
- Tie needles: A pair of 3 mm (US 2.5) DPNs
- Gauge: 24 stitches x 32 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) in stockinette stitch after blocking
Materials and Tools
Before beginning, gather the yarn, needles, and basic finishing tools. Using the specified yarn and needle size helps you compare your gauge with the original measurements and gives you a useful starting point for achieving the intended fabric.
Yarn
The pattern calls for Drops Safran in the color red clay, uni color 59, using one ball. Drops Safran is a sport-weight cotton yarn, making it particularly suitable for a lightweight accessory intended for warmer weather.
Knitting Needles
You will need 3 mm (US 2.5) knitting needles for the main bandana. A pair of 3 mm (US 2.5) DPNs is also used when knitting the three-stitch i-cord ties.
Notions
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
The measuring tape is especially useful when checking the finished height and when determining when each i-cord tie has reached approximately 30 cm.
Gauge and Finished Measurements
The stated gauge is 24 stitches x 32 rows over 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) in stockinette stitch after blocking. Although the main bandana includes lace stitches, the specified gauge reference is stockinette stitch after blocking.
The finished bandana measures approximately 40 cm (15.75 in) in length without ties and 23 cm (9 in) in height.
Because the pattern is designed around a repeatable increase sequence, the designer notes that the size can be modified by adding or subtracting repeats. If you want to follow the original finished measurements, work the stated pattern repeats and use the finished measurements as your reference.
Abbreviations You Need to Know
The following abbreviations are used throughout the pattern:
- k – knit
- k3tog – knit 3 stitches together: slip the next 2 stitches knitwise, slipping both stitches together rather than one at a time, to the right-hand needle; knit the next stitch; pass the 2 slipped stitches over the knit stitch.
- p – purl
- RS – right side
- sl – slip stitch as if to purl with yarn in front
- ssk – slip 1 stitch knitwise, slip the next stitch knitwise, return the 2 stitches to the left needle, and knit those 2 stitches together through the back loops.
- WS – wrong side
- yo – yarn over
- *-* – repeat the instructions between the asterisks the specified number of times.
Understanding the I-Cord Edges
The i-cord edging is an important part of the appearance and construction of the bandana. Rather than adding a separate border later, the first two and last two stitches are treated as an i-cord-style edge throughout the main triangular section.
At the beginning of every row, knit the first two stitches. At the end of every row, slip the final two stitches with the yarn in front. The pattern specifically notes that these edge stitches should not be tightened.
Keeping the edge stitches relaxed helps maintain the clean appearance of the border. Pulling these stitches too tightly can make the edge contract and may interfere with the shape of the triangular fabric.
How the Increases Shape the Triangle
The bandana grows through two increases on every right-side row. These increases are positioned around the two-stitch i-cord edges. The pattern uses M1R and M1L before and after the two edge stitches.
The instructions emphasize not tightening the increased stitches. This is useful to remember because the increase points are part of the shaping system, and overly tight increases can make the growing triangle less flexible.
If you prefer to simplify the increase method, the original pattern notes that M1L and M1R can be replaced with yarn overs. However, if you are following the specified version of the pattern exactly, use the M1R and M1L instructions given in the pattern.
Starting the Bandana
Begin by casting on 5 stitches. The first four rows of the project establish the basic structure, including the two-stitch i-cord edges and the central lace area.
Set-Up Rows
Set-up row (WS): k2, p1, sl2.
Row 1 (RS): k2, M1R, k1, M1L, sl2 (7 sts).
Row 2: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 3: k2, M1R, yo, k3tog, yo, M1L, sl2 (9 sts).
Row 4: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 5: k2, M1R, k1, yo, k3tog, yo, k1, M1L, sl2 (11 sts).
Row 6: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 7: k2, M1R, k2, yo, k3tog, yo, k2, M1L, sl2 (13 sts).
Row 8: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
At this stage, the stitch count has grown from the original 5 stitches to 13 stitches. The alternating right-side increase rows and wrong-side purl rows establish the rhythm that continues into the main pattern.
Reading the Lace Pattern Rows
The main pattern uses a six-row repeat. The right-side rows contain the increases and lace sequence, while the even-numbered wrong-side rows maintain the purl structure between the i-cord edges.
One useful way to approach these rows is to treat the two edge stitches at either side as fixed landmarks. The center section changes according to the lace instructions, but the beginning and ending edge treatment remains consistent.
Pattern Row 1
Row 1 (RS): k2, M1R, *yo, k3tog, yo, k3* to last 5 sts, yo, k3tog, yo, M1L, sl2 (2 sts increased).
Pattern Row 2
Row 2 (WS): k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Pattern Row 3
Row 3: k2, M1R, k1, *yo, k3tog, yo, k3* to last 6 sts, yo, k3tog, yo, k1, M1L, sl2 (2 sts increased).
Pattern Row 4
Row 4: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Pattern Row 5
Row 5: k2, M1R, k2, *yo, k3tog, yo, k3* to last 7 sts, yo, k3tog, yo, k2, M1L, sl2 (2 sts increased).
Pattern Row 6
Row 6: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Repeat rows 1–6 9 more times or until you reach your desired length.
The important structural point is that the right-side rows increase the stitch count by two stitches. The wrong-side rows do not add stitches. This repeated rhythm gradually widens the triangle while maintaining the lace design.
Stitch-Count Checkpoints
Keeping track of stitch counts is one of the easiest ways to catch an accidental missed increase. The set-up section provides several useful checkpoints:
- After Row 1: 7 stitches
- After Row 3: 9 stitches
- After Row 5: 11 stitches
- After Row 7: 13 stitches
During the main pattern, each specified right-side pattern row states that 2 stitches are increased. If your stitch count does not increase as expected after a right-side row, check the M1R and M1L positions before continuing.
The lace sequence itself contains yarn overs and k3tog decreases. These operations balance one another within the lace motif, while the M1R and M1L increases provide the actual growth of the triangle.
Finishing the Triangular Section
When you have repeated rows 1–6 nine more times or have reached your desired length, break the yarn while leaving a 10 cm (4 in) tail.
Do not immediately bind off the live stitches. The pattern specifically instructs you to set the bandana aside with the stitches remaining on the needle. These live stitches are needed for the next stage, where the first i-cord tie is connected directly to the edge of the bandana.
Creating the First I-Cord Tie
For the first tie, use the 3 mm (US 2.5) DPNs. Cast on 3 stitches and do not turn.
Work the following sequence:
*Slip the 3 stitches to the right side of the needle. Knit 3.*
Continue this i-cord until the tube measures approximately 30 cm. Do not cut the yarn at this point.
Keeping the yarn attached is essential because the i-cord is about to be joined directly to the live bandana stitches. The three-stitch tube forms the tie and then transitions into the i-cord edging.
Joining the I-Cord to the Bandana
Once the first tie measures approximately 30 cm, transfer the three i-cord stitches to the needle while holding the live bandana stitches.
Knit the first two i-cord stitches. Then work ssk, knitting the last i-cord stitch together with the first bandana stitch.
This ssk is what connects the i-cord to the bandana. After working it, transfer the first three stitches to the needle while continuing to hold the live bandana stitches.
Repeat the following steps across the bandana edge:
*k2, ssk, transfer 3 stitches to the needle, holding the live bandana stitches*
Continue until you have 3 stitches left.
This repeated process creates a continuous i-cord edging along the bandana. It also gives the edge a structured finish while joining the previously live stitches into the border.
Completing the Second I-Cord Tie
When only three stitches remain, they become the foundation of the second i-cord tie. Work the second tie in the same manner as the first:
*Slip the 3 stitches to the right side of the needle. Knit 3.*
Continue until the second i-cord tube measures approximately 30 cm.
This time, when the tie reaches the required length, bind off. Cut the yarn and weave in the tails.
Blocking and Measuring
The stated gauge is measured after blocking, so blocking is an important finishing consideration when comparing your knitted fabric with the pattern measurements. The finished target is approximately 40 cm (15.75 in) long without ties and 23 cm (9 in) high.
When checking the dimensions, use a measuring tape rather than relying only on visual comparison. The triangle may relax and change slightly in appearance after blocking, particularly because the design includes lace stitches and cotton yarn.
For the ties, measure the i-cord tubes separately and aim for approximately 30 cm for each tie as specified in the instructions.
Common Knitting Checks Before You Finish
Check the Edge Stitches
Remember that the first two stitches are knitted and the final two stitches are slipped with yarn in front. These stitches create the i-cord-style border. The pattern specifically advises not to tighten the edge stitches.
Check the Right-Side Increases
Every right-side pattern row includes M1R and M1L and states that two stitches are increased. If the triangle is not widening as expected, verify both increase points before assuming that the lace sequence is the problem.
Check the Lace Sequence
The lace section uses yo and k3tog combinations. Keep the lace instructions in their stated order. The yarn overs create the open areas, while k3tog works the decrease in the motif.
Check the Live Stitches
When finishing the triangular section, do not bind off the bandana stitches. Leave them on the needle as instructed because they are required for attaching the first i-cord tie and creating the continuous edging.
A Simple Way to Organize the Pattern
For a smoother knitting session, divide the project mentally into four stages. First, complete the five-stitch cast-on and set-up rows. Second, work the six-row lace repeat while maintaining the two-stitch i-cord edges and the two increases on each right-side row. Third, create the first 30 cm i-cord and attach it to the live bandana stitches. Finally, continue the edging until three stitches remain, then use those stitches to create the second 30 cm tie.
This approach makes the construction easier to follow because each stage has a distinct purpose. It also reduces the chance of accidentally binding off the live bandana stitches before the edging is attached.
Quick Pattern Reference
- Cast on: 5 stitches
- Set-up: Rows 1–8
- Set-up ending stitch count: 13 stitches
- Main repeat: Rows 1–6
- Main repeat frequency: Repeat rows 1–6 nine more times or until desired length
- Right-side shaping: 2 stitches increased
- First tie: 3-stitch i-cord, approximately 30 cm
- Edging connection: k2, ssk, transfer 3 stitches, repeat
- Second tie: 3-stitch i-cord, approximately 30 cm
- Finished length without ties: 40 cm / 15.75 in
- Finished height: 23 cm / 9 in
Frequently Asked Questions
What yarn is used for the Spice Market Bandana?
The pattern uses Drops Safran in the color red clay, uni color 59, with one ball. The yarn is sport-weight cotton.
What size needles are required?
The main bandana is worked with 3 mm (US 2.5) knitting needles. The ties are worked with a pair of 3 mm (US 2.5) DPNs.
What is the finished size?
The bandana is designed in one size. Its finished measurements are approximately 40 cm (15.75 in) in length without ties and 23 cm (9 in) in height.
How long are the i-cord ties?
Each tie is worked until the tube measures approximately 30 cm.
Can the size be changed?
Yes. The pattern notes that the size can be modified by adding or subtracting repeats. The main pattern rows are repeated nine more times or until you reach your desired length.
Can M1R and M1L be simplified?
The pattern notes that if you want to simplify the instructions, you can replace M1L and M1R with yarn overs.
Why are the last two stitches slipped?
The first and last two stitches form the i-cord edging. The first two are knitted, while the final two are slipped with yarn in front. This produces a neat edge and helps prevent curling.
Should the edge stitches be tight?
No. The pattern specifically advises not to tighten the edge stitches or the increased stitches.
Final Finishing
Once the second i-cord tie has reached approximately 30 cm, bind off, cut the yarn, and weave in the tails. At this point, the bandana has its complete triangular shape, continuous i-cord edging, and two matching ties.
Take a final measurement of the triangular section and compare it with the stated finished measurements of 40 cm (15.75 in) in length without ties and 23 cm (9 in) in height. The gauge reference is 24 stitches by 32 rows over 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) in stockinette stitch after blocking.
The finished accessory is a good example of how a relatively compact knitting project can combine shaping, lace, and i-cord construction into a single cohesive design. The triangular body grows through consistent right-side increases, while the lace motif keeps the fabric visually interesting. The i-cord border then provides a clean transition from the body into the ties.
Final Thoughts
The Spice Market Bandana is an approachable project for knitters who want to practice a combination of lace knitting, increases, live-stitch construction, and i-cord techniques. Its construction is clearly divided into stages, beginning with a five-stitch cast-on and progressing through a triangular lace section before transitioning into the decorative edging and ties.
The most important details to keep in mind are the two-stitch i-cord edges, the two increases worked on each right-side shaping row, the six-row lace repeat, and the decision to leave the triangular section on the needle when the main knitting is complete. Once those elements are understood, the rest of the project follows a consistent rhythm.
For the neatest result, work the edge stitches without pulling them tight, keep an eye on the stitch-count checkpoints, measure the ties as you go, and finish by weaving in the yarn tails securely. With those details in place, the finished Spice Market Bandana provides a lightweight cotton accessory with a delicate lace texture and polished i-cord finish.