The Spice Market Bandana is a compact knitting project with a deceptively interesting construction. It begins with just 5 stitches, gradually expands into a lace-patterned triangle, and finishes with narrow i-cord ties that are integrated directly into the live stitches of the bandana. The result is a lightweight summer accessory made with sport-weight cotton yarn and designed to have clean edges without complicated seaming.
This complete guide focuses on the skills that make the pattern successful: reading the shaping, maintaining the two-stitch i-cord borders, recognizing the lace rhythm, checking stitch counts, building the three-stitch ties, and joining the live bandana stitches to the i-cord. It is written as a practical masterclass so that each part of the project has a clear purpose and a reliable checkpoint.
What Makes the Construction Different?
Unlike a project where a triangle is knitted to its full width and then finished separately, this bandana grows continuously from the bottom edge. The shaping is created by increasing 2 stitches on every right-side shaping row. At the same time, the first and last 2 stitches form an i-cord-style edge.
That combination gives the bandana three useful characteristics. The triangle expands gradually, the lace design remains framed by neat borders, and the finished edges are less prone to curling. The ties are also part of the knitting process rather than separate cords that need to be attached afterward.
The pattern can be divided into four practical stages:
- Build the small starting point and complete the set-up rows.
- Repeat the six-row lace-and-shaping pattern until the desired length is reached.
- Make the first approximately 30 cm i-cord and connect it to the live bandana stitches.
- Continue the edging until only 3 stitches remain, then make the second approximately 30 cm i-cord.
Materials: Prepare Everything Before Casting On
- Yarn: Drops Safran
- Yarn weight: Sport-weight cotton yarn
- Color: red clay, uni color 59
- Quantity: 1 ball
- Main needles: 3 mm (US 2.5) knitting needles
- DPNs for ties: a pair of 3 mm (US 2.5) DPNs
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
Having the DPNs available from the beginning is helpful because they are needed for the first tie before the bandana’s live stitches are joined to it. The tapestry needle is used at the end for weaving in yarn tails, while the measuring tape is especially useful for checking the body length and both i-cord ties.
Gauge and Finished Size
The stated gauge is 24 stitches x 32 rows over 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) in stockinette stitch after blocking.
The finished bandana is designed as one size:
- Length without ties: 40 cm / 15.75 in
- Height: 23 cm / 9 in
The pattern allows size modification by adding or subtracting repeats in the main body. This means the six-row pattern unit is the important structure to preserve when adjusting the length. The standard version provides the finished measurements above as the reference point.
The Edge Rule That Applies From Beginning to End
Before starting the actual stitch sequence, memorize one simple rule: knit the first 2 stitches of every row, and slip the last 2 stitches of every row with yarn in front.
These stitches form the i-cord edges. They are not an optional finishing technique added later. They are built into the bandana throughout the triangular section.
The pattern also specifically says not to tighten the edge stitches. Allowing these stitches to remain relaxed helps preserve the clean edge structure and prevents the border from becoming tighter than the lace fabric.
The increases are positioned immediately inside these edge stitches. On right-side rows, 2 stitches are added using M1R and M1L. The pattern notes that M1L/M1R may be replaced with yo if desired as a simplification. Increased stitches should not be tightened.
Abbreviation Masterclass
The lace pattern is easier to follow when the abbreviations are understood before knitting. Keep this list beside the project if you are unfamiliar with any of the techniques.
- k โ knit.
- k3tog โ knit 3 stitches together: slip the next 2 stitches knitwise (slip both stitches together, not one by one) to the right-hand needle, knit the next stitch, pass the 2 slipped stitches over the knit stitch.
- p โ purl.
- RS โ right side.
- sl โ slip stitch as if to purl with yarn in front.
- ssk โ slip 1 stitch knitwise, slip the next stitch knitwise, return the 2 stitches back to the left needle, knit those 2 stitches together through the back loops.
- WS โ wrong side.
- yo โ yarn over.
- *-* โ repeat the instructions in between the asterisks the number of times specified.
Two techniques deserve particular attention: k3tog and ssk. The k3tog stitches occur in the lace motif of the body, while the ssk becomes especially important when the i-cord is joined to the live bandana stitches.
Starting the Triangle With Only Five Stitches
Cast on 5 stitches.
The small starting stitch count may seem surprising for an accessory that eventually reaches 40 cm / 15.75 in in length without ties, but the design depends on gradual increases. Every right-side shaping row adds 2 stitches, causing the triangle to expand symmetrically.
Work the following set-up section exactly as written.
Set-Up Row
Set-up row (WS): k2, p1, sl2.
Set-Up Row Sequence
Row 1 (RS): k2, M1R, k1, M1L, sl2 (7sts).
Row 2: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 3: k2, M1R, yo, k3tog, yo, M1L, sl2 (9sts).
Row 4: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 5: k2, M1R, k1, yo, k3tog, yo, k1, M1L, sl2 (11sts).
Row 6: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 7: k2, M1R, k2, yo, k3tog, yo, k2, M1L, sl2 (13sts).
Row 8: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Use the Set-Up as Your First Accuracy Test
The set-up section provides four excellent stitch-count checkpoints. After Row 1, you should have 7 stitches. After Row 3, you should have 9. After Row 5, you should have 11. After Row 7, you should have 13.
These counts are more useful than simply looking at the fabric. Lace can sometimes appear slightly different depending on tension, but the stitch count gives an objective indication that the shaping is working correctly.
If the count is wrong, check the relevant right-side row before continuing. Because every shaping row adds exactly 2 stitches, a missing or extra stitch is usually easier to identify close to where it happened than many rows later.
The Main Lace Pattern: Learn the Rhythm
Once the set-up section is complete, the bandana enters its repeating six-row pattern. The structure alternates three right-side shaping rows with three wrong-side rows.
The lace motif uses yo, k3tog, yo, k3. The yarn overs create the open spaces characteristic of lace, while k3tog decreases compensate for the additional stitches created by the yarn overs within the motif.
At the same time, the outer M1R and M1L increases add 2 stitches to the overall width of the triangle.
Pattern Rows
Row 1 (RS): k2, M1R, *yo, k3tog, yo, k3* to last 5sts, yo, k3tog, yo, M1L, sl2 (2sts increased).
Row 2 (WS): k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 3: k2, M1R, k1, *yo, k3tog, yo, k3* to last 6sts, yo, k3tog, yo, k1, M1L, sl2 (2sts increased).
Row 4: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 5: k2, M1R, k2, *yo, k3tog, yo, k3* to last 7sts, yo, k3tog, yo, k2, M1L, sl2 (2sts increased).
Row 6: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Repeat rows 1โ6 9 more times or until desired length.
How to Keep Track of the Six-Row Repeat
A practical way to avoid losing your place is to think of each repeat as a complete six-row unit rather than treating every row as an isolated instruction.
The three right-side rows have a visible progression:
- Row 1 begins the lace sequence with no extra knit stitch immediately after M1R.
- Row 3 places k1 after M1R.
- Row 5 places k2 after M1R.
The corresponding wrong-side rows remain simple:
- Row 2: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
- Row 4: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
- Row 6: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
This repeated pattern makes the wrong-side rows useful reset points. If you are unsure where you are, identify whether you are on a right-side or wrong-side row and then look for the increasing number of knit stitches beside the first lace repeat on Rows 1, 3, and 5.
What the Increasing Stitch Count Is Telling You
The body is designed to grow symmetrically. Each right-side pattern row is marked as โ2sts increased.โ This is an important checkpoint because the lace itself contains decreases and yarn overs, which can make stitch counting feel less intuitive.
Do not count only the lace openings. Count the actual stitches on the needle when checking your work. The outer increases are responsible for the overall growth of the triangle, while the yarn overs and k3tog operations create the lace pattern within that growing shape.
If the triangle looks uneven, first inspect the two outer shaping areas. The left and right sides should receive their corresponding increases, and the first and last 2 stitches should continue to form the edge.
Completing the Body Without Losing the Live Stitches
When the bandana reaches the desired length, prepare for the tie transition carefully.
Break the yarn, leaving 10 cm (4โณ) long tail.
Set the bandana aside, leaving stitches on needle as is.
This is one of the most important finishing instructions in the entire project. The body is not bound off because those live stitches will be consumed during the i-cord edging. Removing them would interrupt the intended construction.
Mastering the First Three-Stitch I-Cord
Switch to the pair of 3 mm (US 2.5) DPNs for the first tie.
Cast on 3 stitches. Do not turn.
Then repeat:
*Slip the 3 stitches to the right side of the needle. Knit 3.*
Continue until the i-cord tube measures approximately 30 cm.
Do not cut the yarn.
The instruction to avoid turning is the key to creating the cord. After knitting the three stitches, move them back to the working position without turning the work. The repeated movement produces a narrow knitted tube.
The Most Important Joining Technique: SSK
The first tie now connects to the live bandana stitches. This is where the pattern changes from making a free-standing i-cord to using that i-cord as the bandana’s continuous edge.
Transfer the 3 i-cord stitches to the needle, holding the live bandana stitches.
Then knit the first two i-cord stitches and work:
ssk, knitting the last i-cord stitch together with the first bandana stitch.
After this first connection, transfer the first 3 stitches to the needle, holding the live bandana stitches.
Continue with:
*k2, ssk, transfer 3 stitches to the needle, holding the live bandana stitches*
Repeat until 3 stitches are left.
The process may feel mechanical once you establish the rhythm. Knit 2 i-cord stitches, use ssk to join the third i-cord stitch to one live bandana stitch, then reposition the three i-cord stitches and repeat.
Do Not Rush the I-Cord Edging
This transition is worth slowing down for because it determines how cleanly the finished bandana edge will look. Keep the live stitches organized and make sure the three i-cord stitches are clearly distinguished from the remaining bandana stitches.
It can help to pause after the first joining ssk and inspect the fabric. The i-cord should begin to sit against the bandana edge rather than pulling sharply away from it. If the edge feels unusually tight, check your tension before continuing.
The pattern’s earlier instruction not to tighten edge stitches also remains relevant here. The edging should be neat, but it should not be pulled so tightly that it distorts the triangular fabric.
Building the Second Tie
When the edging sequence reaches the point where only 3 stitches remain, those stitches become the foundation of the second tie.
Work the i-cord using the same sequence as the first tie:
*Slip the 3 stitches to the right side of the needle. Knit 3.*
Continue until the tube measures approximately 30 cm.
Then bind off, cut yarn, and weave in tails.
Because both ties are made with the same three-stitch i-cord construction, they should have a visually consistent width. Measuring each one gives you a simple way to compare them before finishing.
Finishing Inspection: What to Look For
Before blocking, place the bandana flat and inspect the overall shape.
- The triangular body should expand gradually from its small starting point.
- The lace pattern should repeat consistently across the body.
- The first and last 2 stitches should create clean edge lines.
- The two ties should have the same basic three-stitch i-cord structure.
- The bandana-to-i-cord join should look continuous rather than separately sewn.
- The live-stitch edging should not have been accidentally tightened.
- The two ties should each measure approximately 30 cm.
At this stage, avoid trying to correct the fabric by changing its stitch structure. If something is wrong, trace it back to the written instructions and identify the specific row or transition where the problem occurred.
Blocking the Lace Triangle
Blocking is an important finishing step for a lace accessory because it can help the lace openings settle and make the overall triangle easier to evaluate. The gauge specified by the pattern is itself measured after blocking, so the finished fabric is intended to be considered after this process.
Use the finished measurements as your reference rather than trying to stretch the bandana beyond its intended proportions. The target measurements are 40 cm / 15.75 in in length without ties and 23 cm / 9 in in height.
Pay particular attention to the edges during finishing. The i-cord construction is intended to provide a tidy border, so the final shape should allow that border to remain visually clean without pulling the lace into an uneven line.
Beginner Troubleshooting Guide
I Forgot Which Side I Am On
Look at the structure of the row. The right-side shaping rows contain M1R and M1L, while the wrong-side rows use k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2. The three wrong-side rows in each six-row unit are therefore useful orientation points.
I Have the Wrong Number of Stitches After a Shaping Row
Every main-pattern right-side row increases the stitch count by 2. Check the M1R and M1L first, then inspect the lace sequence for accidental omissions or additions.
My Lace Holes Are Not Even
Check that every yarn over is present and that each k3tog is worked as instructed. The lace motif depends on these operations being kept in the correct order. Avoid correcting the visual appearance by adding an extra yarn over that is not part of the written pattern.
My Edges Curl
The pattern uses the first and last 2 stitches as i-cord edges specifically to help prevent curling. Make sure the first 2 stitches are knitted and the last 2 are slipped with yarn in front on every row. Also avoid tightening these stitches.
My I-Cord Is Too Tight
Check that you are not pulling aggressively when moving the 3 stitches to the right side of the needle. The i-cord should form a small tube, but excessive tension can make it rigid and affect the transition into the bandana.
I Accidentally Bound Off the Body
The body must remain live for the integrated i-cord edging. The written instructions specifically say to leave the stitches on the needle as is after breaking the yarn. If this step has already been changed, the construction no longer matches the original pattern instructions.
The Two Ties Are Different Lengths
Measure each tie rather than relying only on visual comparison. The pattern calls for each i-cord to measure approximately 30 cm. A measuring tape is therefore one of the useful notions to keep nearby throughout the project.
Using the Pattern’s Repeat Structure for Size Changes
The pattern is intentionally adaptable. The triangular body can be made longer or shorter by adding or subtracting repeats. The standard instruction is to repeat rows 1โ6 9 more times or until the desired length.
For the cleanest result, treat the six-row sequence as a complete unit. This preserves the relationship between the lace motif and the shaping. Avoid changing individual rows within the unit unless you are deliberately departing from the original construction.
The finished reference size remains 40 cm / 15.75 in without ties and 23 cm / 9 in high. The one-size version also uses approximately 30 cm for each i-cord tie.
Complete Construction Checklist
- Prepare Drops Safran in red clay, uni color 59.
- Use 3 mm (US 2.5) knitting needles for the body.
- Keep the 3 mm (US 2.5) DPNs available for the ties.
- Cast on 5 stitches.
- Complete the set-up row and Rows 1โ8.
- Confirm the stated set-up stitch counts.
- Begin the six-row main pattern.
- Maintain the two-stitch i-cord edges.
- Increase by 2 stitches on every right-side shaping row.
- Repeat rows 1โ6 9 more times or until desired length.
- Break the yarn, leaving a 10 cm (4โณ) tail.
- Leave the live body stitches on the needle.
- Cast on 3 stitches for the first i-cord.
- Work the i-cord until it measures approximately 30 cm.
- Keep the yarn attached.
- Join the i-cord to the live bandana stitches using the stated ssk sequence.
- Continue until 3 stitches remain.
- Work the second i-cord to approximately 30 cm.
- Bind off, cut yarn, and weave in tails.
- Block and check the finished measurements.
Quick Reference for the Most Important Numbers
- Starting stitches: 5
- Set-up Row 1: 7sts
- Set-up Row 3: 9sts
- Set-up Row 5: 11sts
- Set-up Row 7: 13sts
- Main-pattern increase: 2sts per right-side shaping row
- Main repeat: Rows 1โ6
- Standard repeats: 9 more times or until desired length
- Body yarn tail: 10 cm (4โณ)
- First i-cord: approximately 30 cm
- Second i-cord: approximately 30 cm
- Finished length without ties: 40 cm / 15.75 in
- Finished height: 23 cm / 9 in
- Gauge: 24 sts x 32 rows over 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in), stockinette stitch after blocking
Final Pattern Notes
The beauty of this project is that several techniques reinforce one another. The increases create the triangular silhouette, the lace motif gives the fabric an open decorative quality, and the i-cord borders provide structure along the edges. The ties then continue that same i-cord idea into a practical finishing detail.
For a beginner, the most valuable approach is not to memorize the entire pattern. Instead, work with checkpoints. Confirm the set-up stitch counts, recognize the three right-side rows within each six-row repeat, keep the first and last 2 stitches consistent, and check the 30 cm measurement when making each tie.
The finishing transition deserves the most attention. The body stitches must remain live, the first i-cord should not be cut after reaching approximately 30 cm, and the repeated ssk connection must be worked while holding the live bandana stitches. Once that process is understood, the rest of the edging becomes a steady rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a crochet or knitting pattern?
This is a knitting pattern. It uses 3 mm (US 2.5) knitting needles for the body and a pair of 3 mm (US 2.5) DPNs for the i-cord ties.
What type of yarn does the pattern use?
The pattern uses Drops Safran, a sport-weight cotton yarn, in red clay, uni color 59. The stated quantity is 1 ball.
Does the body start wide?
No. The body begins with only 5 stitches and grows through increases worked on the right-side rows.
How often are stitches increased?
The main pattern increases 2 stitches on every right-side shaping row.
How is the lace created?
The lace uses yarn overs and k3tog decreases, combined with knit stitches in the repeated pattern sections.
How are the edges made neat?
The first and last 2 stitches of every row form i-cord edges. The first 2 stitches are knitted and the last 2 are slipped with yarn in front. The pattern also instructs you not to tighten these edge stitches.
Do I need to sew the ties onto the bandana?
The first tie is connected directly to the live bandana stitches through the i-cord edging process. The second tie then grows from the final 3 stitches. This integrated construction minimizes separate assembly.
How long should each tie be?
Each tie is knitted until its tube measures approximately 30 cm.
What should I do with the body stitches when the triangle is finished?
Break the yarn while leaving a 10 cm (4โณ) tail and set the bandana aside with the stitches remaining on the needle. They are needed for the i-cord edging.
Can the finished size be changed?
Yes. The pattern states that the size can be modified by adding or subtracting repeats. The main instruction is to repeat rows 1โ6 9 more times or until the desired length.
Enjoying the Finished Bandana
After the final bind-off and finishing work, the Spice Market Bandana becomes a useful example of how a relatively small knitting project can combine shaping, lace, edge treatment, and integrated construction. The pattern does not rely on a complicated collection of separate pieces. Instead, each stage prepares the fabric for the next one.
The finished one-size bandana measures 40 cm / 15.75 in in length without ties and 23 cm / 9 in in height. Its two approximately 30 cm i-cord ties provide the final functional detail, while the lace triangle gives the accessory its distinctive appearance.
Whether you are following the standard one-size version or adjusting the triangle by adding or subtracting repeats, the most reliable method is to preserve the original construction: maintain the two-stitch i-cord edges, keep the increases symmetrical, follow the six-row lace unit, protect the live stitches at the end of the body, and use the three-stitch i-cord sequence for both ties.
With those checkpoints in place, the Spice Market Bandana becomes a manageable and rewarding project that combines practical knitting skills with a delicate lace finish.