Bandana is part of the Flatlands Collection featured at the 2017 Manitoba Fibre Festival.

Bandanas are flexible when you’re on the go: Pull back your hair, wear it around your neck, or even pick up a hot dish while holding one. Commercially produced bandanas have paisley-like prints, but this one has a secret. Its reversible textured knit/purl pattern adds a paisley shape that only you can see as you knit! This features Taproot Fibre Lab’s tow linen: hand grown, processed, and handspun in Canada. Spin your own, or substitute any fingering to DK weight yarn that suits your needs. The sizing is flexible. Choose linen for a breathable option with drape, or wool for a textured winter layer. (Note: If using this near campfires, choose wool—linen is flammable!)

This square is a quick knit, requiring only knit and purl stitches, and other basic skills. A twisted, slip-stitched edging provides a rustic edge for linen that doesn’t gap. Both written instructions and a beginner’s texture chart are included to form your secret paisley. Add a knit tie with a special button or bead as a finishing touch. Bandana measures approximately 20”/51 cm square and uses approximately 242 yards (221 meters) of sport weight yarn.

Accessibility Note: This pattern offers an additional Low Vision pdf option, with Arial 24 point sans serif font in all black text and photo captions. It has no italics. All of the directions are fully written out. If there’s a chart included, there are also written instructions- the chart is not needed to complete the pattern.

The size of the bandana pattern is easily adjustable.

Sample Yarn Used:
Note: This sample used single ply flax handspun, grown and processed by TapRoot Farm and Fibre Lab and spun by the designer.

-1 skein handspun sportweight flax, 100% linen, 242 yarns (221 m), 3.53 oz (100g) color natural (unbleached)

Commercially available yarns that might be good substitutes:
-TapRoot Fibre Lab sportweight, 100% Linen (yardage unknown)
-Euroflax Sportweight, 100% Linen, 270 yards (247 m), 3.53 oz (100g)
This will make a slightly more dense texture:
- 2 skeins Allhemp 6, hemp for knitting, DK, 100% hemp, 165 yards (151 meters), 3.53 oz (100g)

Notions Required:
1 bead or button to fit in eyelet (optional)
Tape measure
Row Counter
Tapestry needle
Blocking pins, if desired