purlJam

# CLASSIC GARTER STITCH BANDANA

A simple triangular bandana worked from the top point down in cozy garter stitch. This beginner-friendly pattern features decorative eyelet increases along the edges and creates a versatile accessory perfect for keeping warm or adding style to any outfit.

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 50" wide × 25" deep (measured flat as triangle)

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 400-450 yards
  - Sample shown uses approximately 420 yards
  - Suggested yarns: Any worsted weight wool, acrylic, or cotton blend
- **Needles**: US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles (24" or longer for final rows)
- **Notions**: 
  - Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  - Stitch marker (optional, to mark center stitch)

## GAUGE
18 stitches × 36 rows = 4" in garter stitch (knit every row)

**Gauge is not critical for this project**, but will affect finished size and yardage requirements.

## ABBREVIATIONS
- k: knit
- yo: yarn over
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st(s): stitch(es)

## PATTERN NOTES
- The bandana is worked flat from the top point down.
- Increases are made every right-side row using yarn overs, creating decorative eyelets along the edges.
- Garter stitch (knit every row) creates a fabric that lies flat and won't curl.
- A circular needle is recommended for the final rows when stitch count becomes large, but you'll still be working back and forth in rows (not in the round).
- Slip the first stitch of every row purlwise for a neat edge (optional).

## INSTRUCTIONS

### Setup
Cast on 3 sts using your preferred method (long-tail cast on recommended).

**Setup Row (WS)**: Knit all sts.

### Body of Bandana
The bandana is created by increasing 4 stitches every RS row.

**Increase Row (RS)**: K1, yo, k1 (center st), yo, k1. **(5 sts)**

**WS Row**: Knit all sts.

**Next Row (RS)**: K1, yo, knit to center st, yo, k1 (center st), yo, knit to last st, yo, k1. **(4 sts increased)**

**Next Row (WS)**: Knit all sts.

**Repeat the last 2 rows** until you have **227 sts on your needle**, ending after completing a WS row.

*Math check: Starting with 5 sts after first increase row, then increasing 4 sts every RS row: After 55 more RS rows: 5 + (55 × 4) = 225 sts. Work 1 more RS increase row = 229 sts. Adjust to 227 sts for pattern consistency.*

**Corrected progression**: After first increase row you have 5 sts. You need to work 55 more RS increase rows to reach 225 sts. Then work 1 more pair of rows (increase + WS) for 229 sts. For exactly 227 sts, work until you have **56 total RS increase rows after the first increase row**, giving you: 5 + (55 × 4) = 225 sts, or work **57 total increase sections** from 3 sts: 3 + (57 × 4) = 231 sts.

**Let me recalculate for clarity**: 
- Start: 3 sts
- After Row 1 (first increase): 7 sts
- Each subsequent RS increase adds 4 sts
- To reach approximately 227 sts: (227 - 7) ÷ 4 = 55 more increase rows
- Total: 7 + (55 × 4) = 227 sts ✓

**Work increase pattern for a total of 56 RS increase rows** (including the first increase row), ending with 227 sts after completing a WS row.

You will have worked approximately 112 rows total (56 RS + 56 WS rows).

### Checkpoint
After completing increases, you should have:
- **227 stitches** on your needle
- A triangular piece measuring approximately **50" wide along the top edge** and **25" from top point to center of bind-off edge**

### Finishing

**Bind Off Row**: Bind off all sts loosely. Do not bind off tightly or the top edge will pucker. Consider using a larger needle for the bind-off or use the stretchy bind-off method.

### Stretchy Bind-Off (Optional)
K2, *slip both sts back to left needle, k2tog through back loop, k1; repeat from * until 1 st remains. Cut yarn and pull through final st.

## FINISHING
1. Weave in all ends securely.
2. Block lightly by soaking in cool water, gently squeezing out excess water (do not wring), and laying flat to dry. Pin out the points to emphasize the triangular shape if desired.
3. Steam block gently if using wool yarn.

## WEARING SUGGESTIONS
- Fold the long edge in half to find the center point, then fold the triangle and tie around your neck with the point facing down or to the side
- Thread ribbon or cord through the eyelets along the edges for decorative ties
- Wear as a kerchief-style head covering
- Use as a cozy neck warmer or shawlette

## CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS
- **Smaller Bandana**: Stop increases when piece measures approximately 16-18" wide (approximately 80-90 sts)
- **Larger Bandana/Shawlette**: Continue increases until desired size, adding approximately 50-75 yards for each additional 4" of width
- **Striped Version**: Change colors every 2, 4, or 6 rows for stripes
- **Add Fringe**: Cut 6-8" lengths of yarn and attach fringe along the two short edges of the triangle

## PATTERN SUPPORT
**Stitch Count Reference**:
- After 10 increase rows: 43 sts
- After 20 increase rows: 83 sts
- After 30 increase rows: 123 sts
- After 40 increase rows: 163 sts
- After 50 increase rows: 203 sts
- After 56 increase rows: 227 sts

If your stitch count doesn't match at any checkpoint, count your stitches and compare to the most recent checkpoint. Each RS row should add exactly 4 stitches.

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**Design Notes**: This pattern uses a classic top-down triangle construction perfect for beginners learning increases and working with larger stitch counts. The yarn over increases create a decorative eyelet detail while the garter stitch provides a squishy, warm fabric that's perfect for a neck accessory.