purlJam

# Sophie-Style Bandana Scarf

A beginner-friendly, triangular bandana scarf worked sideways in UK double crochet. This design features tapered ends and a gradual increase for a modern, minimalist look.

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner

### Measurements
- **Width (at widest point):** Approx. 15 cm (6 in)
- **Length (tip to tip):** Approx. 85–90 cm (34–36 in)

### Materials
- **Yarn:** 1 ball of Worsted weight yarn (approx. 100g / 200m). 
- **Hook:** 5.0 mm metric crochet hook.
- **Extras:** Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

### Tension (Gauge)
16 stitches and 20 rows = 10 cm (4 in) in double crochet (dc) using a 5.0 mm hook.
*Note: Achieving the exact tension is not critical for this project, but it will affect the final size and drape.*

### Abbreviations (UK Terminology)
- **ch:** chain
- **dc:** double crochet (US single crochet)
- **dc2inc:** double crochet increase (2 dc worked into the same stitch)
- **dc2tog:** double crochet 2 together (decrease)
- **st(s):** stitch(es)

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### Instructions

#### Section 1: The First Tip
Foundation: ch 4.
**Row 1:** dc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (3 sts).
**Row 2:** ch 1 (does not count as a st here or throughout), turn. dc in each st across. (3 sts).
**Row 3:** Repeat Row 2.

#### Section 2: The Increase Section
In this section, you will increase by 1 stitch every 4th row on one side only.

**Row 4 (Increase Row):** ch 1, turn. dc in each st until 1 st remains, dc2inc in the last st. (4 sts).
**Rows 5–7:** ch 1, turn. dc in each st across. (4 sts).
**Row 8 (Increase Row):** ch 1, turn. dc in each st until 1 st remains, dc2inc in the last st. (5 sts).

**Repeat Rows 5–8** until you have **24 stitches** in total. 
*(Validation: $24 \text{ target sts} - 3 \text{ starting sts} = 21 \text{ increases}$. $21 \text{ increases} \times 4 \text{ rows} = 84 \text{ rows total for increase section}$.)*

#### Section 3: The Centre (Optional)
If you prefer a wider "flat" section for the bandana, work 4 rows even without increasing.
**Rows 85–88:** ch 1, turn. dc in each st across. (24 sts).

#### Section 4: The Decrease Section
You will now mirror the increases by decreasing every 4th row on the same side.

**Row 89 (Decrease Row):** ch 1, turn. dc in each st until 2 sts remain, dc2tog over the last 2 sts. (23 sts).
**Rows 90–92:** ch 1, turn. dc in each st across. (23 sts).
**Row 93 (Decrease Row):** ch 1, turn. dc in each st until 2 sts remain, dc2tog over the last 2 sts. (22 sts).

**Repeat Rows 90–93** until you have **3 stitches** remaining.
*(Validation: $24 \text{ sts} - 21 \text{ decreases} = 3 \text{ sts}$. $21 \text{ decreases} \times 4 \text{ rows} = 84 \text{ rows for decrease section}$.)*

#### Section 5: Finishing
**Final Row:** ch 1, turn. dc in each of the 3 sts.
Fasten off yarn, leaving a 10 cm tail.

### Finishing
1. **Weave in Ends:** Use a tapestry needle to weave in the starting and ending tails securely on the wrong side of the fabric.
2. **Blocking:** To improve the drape and sharpen the triangular points, soak the scarf in lukewarm water with a bit of wool wash, squeeze out excess water in a towel, and lay flat to dry, pinning the edges into a straight, clean triangle shape.
3. **Fringe (Optional):** If a bohemian bandana look is desired, cut 15 cm lengths of yarn and loop them through the stitches along the two short edges of the triangle.