The Summer Veil Bandana is a lightweight knitted accessory that brings together delicate eyelet lace, gradual triangular shaping, and a clean i-cord finish. Made with sport-weight cotton yarn, this project is worked back and forth from the bottom edge upward. As the fabric grows, carefully placed increases create the triangular form while the Quatrefoil eyelet lace stitch adds an airy decorative texture.
One of the most appealing parts of this pattern is the way the construction is integrated. The first and last 2 stitches form an i-cord edging, helping the sides look neat and preventing them from curling. After the main triangle is finished, the first i-cord tie is connected directly to the live stitches. The edging is then worked across the bandana until only 3 stitches remain, and those stitches become the starting point for the second tie.
The pattern is written in one size, with a finished length of 49cm/19.25in. without ties and a height of 24cm/9.5in. It also offers flexibility because the size can be modified by adding or subtracting repeats.
Why This Bandana Is an Interesting Knitting Project
This is more than a simple triangular accessory. The project combines several techniques in a logical progression. The setup rows introduce the triangular shape and prepare the lace. The main section develops the Quatrefoil eyelet stitch through yarnovers and directional decreases. Finally, the i-cord construction creates both the border and the ties.
For a knitter learning lace, the project provides repeated opportunities to recognize yarnovers, k2tog, and ssk. For someone interested in construction, the transition from the first i-cord into the live bandana stitches is an especially useful feature.
The project is also compact enough to be approached in clearly defined stages. Rather than trying to think about the whole accessory at once, you can focus on the setup, the lace repeats, the first tie, the edging, and the final tie as separate checkpoints.
Original Pattern Specifications
Before beginning, keep the original measurements and materials together as a quick reference.
- Size: One size.
- Finished length without ties: 49cm/19.25in.
- Height: 24cm/9.5in.
- Gauge: 10 x 10 cm (4x4in) = 24 sts x 32 rows in stockinette stitch after blocking.
- Yarn: Drops Safran in the color marzipan (uni color 71), 1 ball.
- Main needles: 3mm (US 2.5) knitting needles.
- Tie needles: A pair of 3mm (US 2.5) DPNs.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, measuring tape, and scissors.
The original design uses sport-weight cotton yarn. The specified color is marzipan, uni color 71, and the required amount is 1 ball.
Understanding the Gauge
The stated gauge is 24 stitches by 32 rows over 10 x 10 cm (4x4in) in stockinette stitch after blocking. This is the gauge given by the original pattern and should be kept separate from the lace row instructions.
The finished measurements are also clearly specified: the bandana itself measures 49cm/19.25in. in length without ties and 24cm/9.5in. in height.
Because the pattern allows you to add or subtract repeats, the finished size can be adjusted while retaining the same basic lace construction. The original version remains the reference for the stated measurements.
Materials Checklist
Yarn
Use Drops Safran in the color marzipan (uni color 71). The pattern requires 1 ball.
Needles
Use 3mm (US 2.5) knitting needles for the bandana. For the ties, use a pair of 3mm (US 2.5) DPNs.
Finishing Supplies
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
These supplies are sufficient for the complete project as described in the original instructions.
Knitting Abbreviations You Will Encounter
- k โ knit.
- k2tog โ knit 2 stitches together.
- 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.
Reading the Construction From Start to Finish
The bandana is knitted back and forth and begins at the bottom edge. This means the first few rows create the narrow starting point, while later increases gradually widen the triangle.
The first and last 2 stitches are treated as an i-cord edging. This detail remains important throughout the main bandana section because it gives the outer edges a neat finish and helps prevent curling.
Once the triangle reaches the desired length, the bandana is temporarily set aside. The live stitches remain on the needle while the first i-cord tie is made. The tie is then connected to those live stitches and becomes the beginning of the edging. The edging progresses across the bandana until only 3 stitches remain. Finally, those 3 stitches are used to work the second tie.
Understanding the Quatrefoil Eyelet Lace
The Quatrefoil eyelet lace stitch is the defining decorative element of the project. It consists of yarnovers together with right-leaning and left-leaning decreases.
The yarnovers create the open eyelets. The decreases shape the lace and work alongside the increases that widen the bandana. Because both k2tog and ssk appear in the pattern, it is important to follow the individual rows rather than treating every decrease as interchangeable.
The stitch count changes with each row. This is especially important in the main pattern section, where the central instructions between the asterisks are repeated according to the number of stitches available.
The pattern specifically explains that you will not repeat the full sequence between the asterisks as though it had a permanent stitch count. Instead, work as many stitches as you have before the final 2 stitches.
Stage One: Cast On
Begin the project with:
Cast on 4 stitches.
These 4 stitches form the starting point of the triangular bandana. The setup rows then introduce the increases and establish the edge treatment.
Stage Two: Complete the Set-Up Rows
The setup section contains Rows 1 through 15. Follow the rows exactly as written.
Row 1 (WS): k2, sl2.
Row 2 (RS): k2, yo, sl2 (5sts).
Row 3: k2, p1, sl2.
Row 4: k2, yo, k1, yo, sl2 (7sts).
Row 5: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 6: k2, yo, k3, yo, sl2 (9sts).
Row 7: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 8: k2, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, yo, sl2 (11sts).
Row 9: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 10: k2, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1, yo, sl2 (13sts).
Row 11: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 12: k2, yo, k3, k2tog, yo, k4, yo, sl2 (15sts).
Row 13: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 14: k2, yo, k to last 2 sts, yo, sl2 (17sts).
Row 15: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
A useful checkpoint is the stitch count at the end of Row 14: 17 stitches. Row 15 then provides the next wrong-side row before the main pattern begins.
Stage Three: Work the Main Pattern
The main pattern consists of 8 rows. These rows establish the repeating lace structure while continuing to increase the width of the bandana.
Row 1 (RS): k2, yo, k1, *k2tog, yo, k6* to last 2 sts, yo, sl2 (2 sts increased).
Row 2 (WS): k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 3: k2, yo, k1, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k3* to last 2 sts, yo, sl2 (2 sts increased).
Row 4: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 5: k2, yo, k3, *k2tog, yo, k6* to last 2 sts, yo, sl2 (2 sts increased).
Row 6: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Row 7: k2, yo, k to last 2 sts, yo, sl2 (2 sts increased).
Row 8: k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2.
Repeat rows 1-8 8 more times or until you reach your desired length.
A Better Way to Track the Lace Repeats
The main section can be easier to manage if each group of 8 rows is treated as one complete checkpoint. Rows 1, 3, 5, and 7 are the right-side increase rows. Rows 2, 4, 6, and 8 are the wrong-side rows.
The four increase rows each state that 2 sts are increased. At the same time, the yarnovers and decreases create the lace structure.
Do not expect the central stitch count to remain constant. The bandana is intentionally growing wider. The instruction to work the asterisked section to the last 2 stitches is what allows the lace pattern to continue across the changing width.
When you reach the desired length, stop the main triangle according to the original instruction. For the stated finished version, the bandana without ties measures 49cm/19.25in. in length and 24cm/9.5in. in height.
Stage Four: Prepare the Live Stitches
After completing the main bandana section, break the yarn while leaving a 10cm (4โณ) long tail.
Set the bandana aside while leaving the stitches on the needle as is.
This is an important construction checkpoint. The stitches are not bound off because they will be incorporated into the i-cord edging. Keeping them live makes the transition into the edging possible.
Stage Five: Knit the First I-Cord Tie
The first tie is worked using the pair of 3mm (US 2.5) DPNs.
Cast on 3 stitches, do not turn.
Then repeat:
*Slip the 3 stitches to the right side of the needle. Knit 3.*
Continue the i-cord until the tube measures approximately 30 cm.
Do not cut the yarn.
Stage Six: Connect the First Tie to the Bandana
Transfer the 3 i-cord stitches to the needle while holding the live bandana stitches.
Next, knit the first two i-cord stitches, then work ssk. This ssk knits the last i-cord stitch together with the first bandana stitch.
After this, transfer the first 3 stitches to the needle while holding the live bandana stitches.
This is the point where the separate tie becomes part of the bandana. The same construction continues across the live edge.
Stage Seven: Work the I-Cord Edging
Repeat the following sequence:
*k2, ssk, transfer 3 stitches to the needle, holding the live bandana stitches*
Continue repeating the previous steps until you have 3 stitches left.
The repeated movement is the heart of the edging construction. The k2 continues the i-cord, the ssk joins the last i-cord stitch with a live bandana stitch, and the transfer prepares the 3 i-cord stitches for the next cycle.
There is no fixed number of edging repeats in the original instructions. The stopping point is determined by the live stitches: continue until only 3 stitches remain.
Understanding the Three Remaining Stitches
When the edging is nearly complete, the instruction to stop at 3 remaining stitches becomes particularly important. These 3 stitches are not finished off at this point. They are used to create the second i-cord tie.
This is what gives the pattern its continuous construction. The first tie starts the edging, the edging consumes the live bandana stitches, and the final 3 stitches transition into the second tie.
Stage Eight: Work the Second I-Cord
Work the second i-cord tie in the same way as the first:
*Slip the 3 stitches to the right side of the needle. Knit 3.*
Continue until the tube measures approximately 30 cm.
When the second i-cord reaches approximately 30 cm, bind off, cut the yarn, and weave in the tails.
With this final step complete, the bandana has its integrated edging and both ties.
How the Entire Shape Comes Together
The finished form is the result of several simple stages working together. The initial 4-stitch cast-on creates the bottom starting point. The setup rows widen the fabric and establish the foundation for the lace.
The main 8-row pattern repeat then continues the triangular growth. Right-side rows add 2 stitches while simultaneously building the Quatrefoil eyelet structure. Wrong-side rows maintain the edge treatment and work the central stitches as specified.
After the desired length is reached, the live stitches are deliberately preserved. This allows the first i-cord to be joined directly to the bandana rather than sewn on afterward.
The final construction is therefore an integrated sequence rather than a collection of separately assembled pieces.
Tips for Keeping the Lace Accurate
When working the lace, read each row from beginning to end before starting it. Several rows contain both yarnovers and decreases, and the exact order is part of the stitch design.
Pay special attention to the difference between k2tog and ssk. The original pattern uses both techniques in specific locations.
Keep the first and last 2 stitches recognizable. These stitches form the i-cord edging, so they should not be confused with the central lace sequence.
On wrong-side rows, the repeated instruction k2, p to last 2 sts, sl2 is a useful checkpoint. If you are unsure where the central pattern ends, identify the final 2 edge stitches first.
Tips for Managing the Changing Stitch Count
The main pattern does not maintain one fixed stitch count. Each applicable right-side row increases the number of stitches by 2.
Because of this, avoid trying to memorize a permanent number of repeats within the asterisked portion. The pattern specifically instructs you to work as many stitches as you have before the last 2 stitches.
It can be useful to identify each completed 8-row sequence. Once Row 8 is finished, begin again at Row 1. This gives you a straightforward way to track the repeated lace section without changing the technical instructions.
Tips for the I-Cord Transition
The transition from the first tie to the bandana is the most construction-focused part of the project. The first tie should reach approximately 30 cm, but the yarn should remain attached.
Keep the 3 i-cord stitches clearly separated from the live bandana stitches. The first k2 is worked within the i-cord, followed by an ssk that joins the last i-cord stitch with the first bandana stitch.
Afterward, the first 3 stitches are transferred to the needle while holding the live bandana stitches. This movement is repeated throughout the edging.
Pattern Checkpoints
- Beginning: Cast on 4 stitches.
- Setup: Work Rows 1-15.
- Row 14 checkpoint: 17 stitches.
- Main section: Work Rows 1-8.
- Main repeat: Repeat rows 1-8 8 more times or until the desired length.
- Bandana finishing: Leave a 10cm (4โณ) tail and keep the live stitches on the needle.
- First tie: Cast on 3 stitches and work approximately 30 cm.
- Joining: Knit the first two i-cord stitches and work ssk with the first bandana stitch.
- Edging: Repeat k2, ssk, and transfer 3 stitches.
- Edging endpoint: Continue until 3 stitches remain.
- Second tie: Work approximately 30 cm.
- Final step: Bind off, cut the yarn, and weave in the tails.
Adjusting the Size
The original pattern is written for one size, but the designer notes that the bandana can be modified by adding or subtracting repeats.
The main pattern is an 8-row sequence, so these repeats provide the natural structure for changing the length. The original pattern does not provide a separate alternative stitch sequence for different sizes.
For the stated original design, the finished length without ties is 49cm/19.25in. and the height is 24cm/9.5in.
When working the original version, these measurements can be used as useful finishing checkpoints. When modifying the size, retain the established 8-row repeat structure rather than changing the lace instructions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Removing the live stitches too early
After finishing the bandana section, the pattern says to leave the stitches on the needle as is. They are needed for the i-cord edging, so they should not be bound off at this stage.
Cutting the yarn after the first tie
The first tie should not be cut when it reaches approximately 30 cm. The yarn remains attached because the tie is immediately connected to the bandana.
Forgetting the edge stitches
The first and last 2 stitches form the i-cord edging. Keeping them identifiable helps maintain the intended border throughout the lace section.
Treating the lace repeat as a fixed stitch count
The stitch count changes with each row. The asterisked sequence is worked according to the stitches available before the last 2 stitches.
Stopping the edging at the wrong point
The edging continues until 3 stitches remain. Those 3 stitches are required for the second i-cord tie.
Finished Measurements and Tie Length
The original finished bandana measures 49cm/19.25in. in length without ties and 24cm/9.5in. in height.
Each tie is worked to approximately 30 cm. These measurements describe separate parts of the completed accessory, so the 49cm length refers specifically to the bandana without its ties.
Finishing the Bandana
Once the second i-cord has reached approximately 30 cm, bind off. Cut the yarn and weave in the tails using the tapestry needle.
The finishing process is deliberately simple because the i-cord construction has already incorporated the ties into the main piece. There is no separate tie-attachment stage after the final bind-off.
The integrated border also gives the finished bandana a consistent appearance. The same narrow i-cord structure appears at the edges and continues into the ties.
Complete Project Checklist
- Gather 1 ball of Drops Safran in marzipan, uni color 71.
- Prepare 3mm (US 2.5) knitting needles.
- Prepare a pair of 3mm (US 2.5) DPNs.
- Have a tapestry needle, measuring tape, and scissors available.
- Cast on 4 stitches.
- Complete setup Rows 1-15.
- Confirm the setup reaches 17 stitches at Row 14.
- Work the 8-row Quatrefoil eyelet lace sequence.
- Repeat rows 1-8 8 more times or until the desired length.
- Break the yarn and leave a 10cm (4โณ) tail.
- Leave the live bandana stitches on the needle.
- Cast on 3 stitches for the first i-cord.
- Work approximately 30 cm without turning.
- Keep the yarn attached.
- Transfer the 3 i-cord stitches while holding the live bandana stitches.
- Work the initial k2 and ssk join.
- Transfer the first 3 stitches as instructed.
- Repeat the edging sequence until 3 stitches remain.
- Work the second i-cord to approximately 30 cm.
- Bind off.
- Cut the yarn.
- Weave in the tails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pattern one size?
Yes. The original pattern is written as one size. It has a finished length of 49cm/19.25in. without ties and a height of 24cm/9.5in.
What yarn does the original pattern use?
The pattern specifies Drops Safran in the color marzipan, uni color 71, with 1 ball required.
What needle size should be used?
The bandana uses 3mm (US 2.5) knitting needles. A pair of 3mm (US 2.5) DPNs is used for the ties.
How many stitches are cast on?
The bandana begins with 4 stitches. Each i-cord tie begins with 3 stitches.
How long should the ties be?
Both i-cord ties are worked until the tube measures approximately 30 cm.
What is the main lace pattern?
The main design uses the Quatrefoil eyelet lace stitch, which consists of yarnovers and right-leaning and left-leaning decreases.
How many times is the main pattern repeated?
The 8-row pattern sequence is repeated 8 more times or until you reach your desired length.
Can the size be changed?
Yes. The pattern explains that the size can be modified by adding or subtracting repeats.
Why are the edge stitches treated differently?
The first and last 2 stitches form an i-cord edging. This makes the edges look neat and helps prevent them from curling.
Final Review Before You Finish
Before considering the project complete, review the key structural points. The bandana should have begun with 4 stitches, progressed through the full setup section, and then continued through the 8-row lace pattern.
The original pattern gives a finished length without ties of 49cm/19.25in. and a height of 24cm/9.5in. The gauge is 24 stitches by 32 rows over 10 x 10 cm (4x4in) in stockinette stitch after blocking.
After the main section, the yarn should have been broken leaving a 10cm (4โณ) tail, while the live stitches remained on the needle. The first i-cord should measure approximately 30 cm before being connected to the bandana.
The edging should then have been worked by repeating k2, ssk, and the stitch-transfer instruction until 3 stitches remained. Those final 3 stitches should have been used to work the second approximately 30 cm i-cord.
The final stage is to bind off, cut the yarn, and weave in the tails.
Final Thoughts on the Summer Veil Bandana
The Summer Veil Bandana is a thoughtful combination of lace knitting and integrated construction. Its triangular shape grows naturally from a tiny four-stitch beginning, while the Quatrefoil eyelet stitch introduces an airy texture across the widening fabric.
The pattern is particularly interesting because the border is part of the knitting rather than an afterthought. The first and last 2 stitches form an i-cord edging, providing clean edges and helping prevent curling. The first tie then becomes the starting point for the edging, and the final 3 stitches transition naturally into the second tie.
The project also provides clear checkpoints for knitters. The setup section reaches 17 stitches at Row 14, the main section follows an 8-row repeat, and the i-cord ties are each approximately 30 cm. These points make it easier to divide the project into manageable stages.
For the original one-size design, the important specifications remain unchanged: Drops Safran in marzipan, uni color 71, 1 ball; 3mm (US 2.5) knitting needles; 3mm (US 2.5) DPNs for the ties; a gauge of 24 sts x 32 rows per 10 x 10 cm (4x4in) in stockinette stitch after blocking; a finished bandana length of 49cm/19.25in. without ties; and a height of 24cm/9.5in.
By keeping the edge stitches separate, following the lace rows in their stated order, respecting the changing stitch count, and carefully working the i-cord transition, you can preserve the structure of the original Summer Veil Bandana from the first cast-on stitches through the final woven-in tails.
Quick Reference Card
- Project: Summer Veil Bandana
- Size: One size
- Finished length without ties: 49cm/19.25in.
- Height: 24cm/9.5in.
- Gauge: 24 sts x 32 rows in 10 x 10 cm (4x4in) stockinette stitch after blocking
- Yarn: Drops Safran, marzipan, uni color 71
- Quantity: 1 ball
- Main needles: 3mm (US 2.5) knitting needles
- Tie needles: 3mm (US 2.5) DPNs
- Cast-on: 4 stitches
- Setup: Rows 1-15
- Row 14: 17 stitches
- Main pattern: Rows 1-8
- Pattern repeat: 8 more times or until desired length
- Bandana yarn tail: 10cm (4โณ)
- First i-cord: Approximately 30 cm
- Edging endpoint: 3 stitches remaining
- Second i-cord: Approximately 30 cm