Playdate Bandana – Free Knitting Pattern

The Playdate Bandana is a triangular scarf design that is knitted flat and constructed by casting on at the center point and working increases on each side, every other row. These increases are in the form of yarn overs which makes a lovely eyelet design along the edges of the bandana. I have also added an i-cord edge and simple one stitch garter texture running beside it to make things a little more fun, while still maintaining the simple and classic look you are used to from my designs. I hope you enjoy this meditative knit!

If you would like an ad-free, printable PDF version of this pattern you can find it on Etsy or Ravelry.

Yarn

This is a one skein wonder project so you’ll only need (less than) one, 100g ball of yarn! I used Purl Soho Daily Wool Sport in the color Chartreuse Green, and Purl Soho Good Wool in the color Magnolia Pink. I also made one with DK weight yarn from Little Fox Yarn. The DK weight bandana is a bit thicker but roughly the same size as the sport weight ones I made. I did almost run out of yarn, so be careful to leave yourself enough for the i-cord bind off.

My preferred yarn for this bandana is the Daily Wool. This sport weight yarn has such a lovely drape and is really nice to work with. It comes in a nice variety of colors, including a beautiful red that I have in my stash to make a scarf for my grandmother.

The Good Wool has a rustic look and feel if you like that! It also comes in lots of colors, but the Magnolia Pink is unfortunately discontinued.

Materials

– 250 yards of Sport Weight (2) yarn.

– US Size 7 (4.5mm) needles on a long enough cord to accomodate the width of the bandana at its widest point.

– Tape measure, tapestry needle, and scissors.

Gauge

Approx. 18 sts x 26 rows = 4×4″ square. I recommend wet or steam blocking your swatch for the most accurate measurement. Tension is personal to the knitter so you should adjust your needle size as needed.

Size

This pattern is written for one size, but feel free to knit yours smaller or larger.

My bandana is 38″ wide and 19″ deep after wet blocking.

Abbreviations

k – knit

p – purl

yo – yarn over

st(s) – stitch(es)

sl – slip

wyif – with the working yarn in the front

RS – right side

WS – wrong side

ssk – slip, slip, knit

BOR – beginning of round

** – repeat what is in between

Pattern

I-CORD TAB CAST ON

The i-cord tab cast on is commonly used for casting on projects like shawls that begin with a small number of stitches and use an i-cord edge. This cast on will create a seamless look at the front point of the bandana.

You can follow the steps below, but I recommend watching the video I recorded for a visual of how this cast on works if you have never done one before. Click here for the video on YouTube.

1. Cast on 3 sts using the Long Tail Cast On Method. Sl these 3 sts back onto the left needle.

2. K3. Sl sts back onto the left needle.

3. Repeat step 2 4 more times so you have 5 total rows on your i-cord. Do not sl the 3 sts back onto the left needle after the final repeat.

4. Skipping the first st, pick up 3 sts down the left side of the i-cord. There will be one left at the end.

5. Turn to the back of your work and pick up 3 sts in the end of the i-cord. You should have 3 sts on the right needle and 6 sts on the left needle. You will now continue down the wrong side and work those 6 sts as follows:

6. K1, p1, k1, sl 3 wyif. Turn work. You should have 9 sts on your needle. The cast on is now complete and you are ready to begin the bandana!

I-CORD EDGE – READ BEFORE STARTING

This pattern creates an i-cord edge on each side of the bandana, but it is common for the i-cord edge to be tight. To give the edges more flexibility and prevent curling, I add a yarn over after the first knit stitch at the beginning of the RS and the WS (i.e., k1, yo, k3). When you slip the 3 sts at the end of the next row, simply drop the yarn over. This will help loosen up your i-cord and give you more flexibility when blocking as well. I am a fairly loose knitter so I only add the yarn over on the RS and WS of every other repeat. If you have tighter tension, you may consider adding it to every single row.

Bandana

After completing the i-cord tab cast on, you should have 9 sts on your needle and be ready to start the following rows.

RS: K4, yo, k to last 4 sts, yo, k1, sl 3 wyif. Turn work.

WS: K4, p to last 4 sts, k1, sl 3 wyif. Turn work.

Repeat these two rows until the bandana is approx. 38″ wide, or your desired size. This was 145 sts for me, but might be different for you depending on your gauge and size you decide to knit.

Note: it is very normal for the bottom of your bandana to curl. This will block out. 🙂

The bind off uses about 5g of yarn, so make sure you have enough left and don’t run out!

I-CORD BIND OFF

I switched to the next size needle tip before working my bind off to help it be looser and more flexible, but this is totally up to you. The i-cord bind off will also curl before you block it.

1. K3, place 3 sts back on the left needle. This will help round the corner.

2. K2, ssk, place 3 sts back on the left needle. One st has been decreased.

Repeat step 2 until all sts have been worked and there are 3 sts left on the right needle. Cut yarn and use a tapestry needle to sew these 3 sts to the other side of the i-cord.

Weave in all ends and give your bandana a nice wet block and pin it flat to dry.

Tester Photos

Thanks for making the Playdate Bandana! If you are interested in more of my patterns, click here. 🙂

This pattern and the pictures are the property of Kalley Reedy and may not be altered, shared, sold, or used for the training of AI. You are welcome to sell small quantities of the finished product for a fair price, but please give credit to the designer by linking my shop or pattern in your description if selling online. Please use your own pictures as well.

xo, kalley