Road Trip Kerchief
AS A DESIGNER, swatching is like sketching—a way to work through ideas on textile “paper.” This kerchief began as a sketch: a study in motif repeats, the balance of positive and negative space, and an exploration of how to incorporate increases into fabric in a way that looks visually pleasing. But as my swatch grew, I had to decide—would it remain a swatch, or become something wearable?
I've been incorporating bandanas into my wardrobe this year, and they've become a natural extension of my witchy, southwestern personal style. So, I kept going, increasing the fabric until it reached the size of a diagonally folded bandana. Just before the edging, I added one final design element: a functional buttonhole that lets you secure the piece with a simple pull-through instead of a bulky knot.
And then I made several more samples—because the first was just that fun! I named this design the Road Trip Kerchief because it came to life across multiple journeys and landscapes, but also because it's the kind of project that feels perfectly suited to travel. It's small and portable, the mosaic pattern quickly becomes rhythmic and intuitive, and it's ideal for using treasured souvenir skeins or special stash remnants—those one-of-a-kind yarns you've been saving for just the right project.
Worked at a DK-weight gauge, this pattern invites experimentation: use a single strand of DK, or try holding mohair, Suri alpaca, or fingering weight yarns double for texture and depth. However you choose to knit it—on the road or at home—I hope it becomes a small, well-loved companion.
-
Design & Construction: The Road Trip Kerchief is a triangular bandana featuring a western-inspired, beginner-friendly mosaic stitch pattern. The bandana begins with an I-cord tab cast-on and grows with regular increases until it reaches a comfortable size for tying around the neck. An optional pull-through opening offers an alternative to knotting the bandana, creating a cleaner, less bulky styling option. The piece is finished with 2x2 ribbing and a traditional bind-off.
Stitch Patterns: Written and charted instructions are included for the mosaic stitch pattern, so you can choose your preferred method of instructions for knitting these sections!
Choosing Yarn: This pattern is written for an overall DK-weight fabric, giving you lots of flexibility to mix and match yarns to achieve the intended fabric and gauge. There are several ways to create a DK-weight fabric: Single Strand DK: Use one strand of DK-weight yarn for both your main color (MC) and contrast color (CC). Fingering + Fingering: Hold two strands of fingering weight yarn together for a plump, squishy DK substitute. Fingering + Lace: Hold one strand of fingering weight yarn together with a strand of mohair or Suri alpaca laceweight for a DK fabric with a beautiful halo and slightly less bulk. Lace + Lace: Hold two strands of mohair or Suri alpaca laceweight together for one or both colors to create a soft, airy fabric with a beautiful halo and drape.
If holding yarns double, calculate your yardage based on the totals listed above—you'll need roughly twice the listed length. Swatching is highly recommended to ensure your chosen combination achieves the right gauge and feel.
Yarn Estimates: The yarn estimates provided in this pattern are approximations, calculated to allow for both a sizable swatch and the kerchief, with a small margin of error. Your actual yarn usage may vary based on factors such as your personal gauge, the yarn's characteristics (e.g., fiber content, ply, thickness), and any modifications you make to the pattern.
Additional Notes: See the Notes section of the pattern for additional info on choosing yarn colors that make the motifs stand out.
-
SIZES
One sizeFINISHED MEASUREMENTS
26.5 in. wide x 13 in. deep
66.5 cm wide x 32.5 cm deep -
YARN
This pattern is designed for an overall DK-weight fabric, which can be achieved either with a single strand of DK yarn or by holding multiple lighter-weight yarns together.DK weight
The listed totals below assume a DK weight yarn of 100 g/255 yds or 233 m. When substituting yarn, prioritize yardage over weight.MC: 75 g/190 yds or 175 m
CC: 30 g/80 yds or 75 mSUGGESTED YARN
Your stash! I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into your stash and create a color palette that’s uniquely yours. This design is a perfect opportunity to play with leftovers, mini skeins, or those souvenir skeins you’ve been saving for something special.DK Weight (Single Strand)
The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Pishkun (100 g/255 yds (233 m)) – 100% Montana & Wyoming Rambouillet
MC: 1 skeinRitual Dyes Priestess (100 g/218 yds (199 m)) – 100% Extra-fine superwash Merino
MC: 1 skeinSpincycle Yarns Dream State (65 g/150 yds (137 m)) – 100% superwash American wool
CC: 1 skein (See note below regarding Dream State yarn weight.)- or -
Lace Weight (2 Strands Held Together)
The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Oh Dang! (50 g/328 yds (300 m)) – 74% Suri Alpaca, 26% Silk
MC: 2 skeins
CC: 1 skeinRitual Dyes Fae (50 g/459 yds (420 m)) – 72% Kid Mohair, 28% Silk
MC or CC: 1 skeinSee page 11 of the pattern for a full list of sample colorways.
NOTE ON DREAM STATE
In August 2026, Spincycle reformulated Dream State to be a true worsted weight 2-ply base. The previous 3-ply base leaned more DK. I have tested both versions, and both will work with this pattern. However, my recommendation is that if you use the new Dream State, pair it with a DK-weight MC so your finished fabric has enough drape. Pairing worsted with worsted will give you a denser, less fluid kerchief. The cream and green sample pictured on this page pairs the new Dream State in Rusted Rainbow with Ritual Dyes Maven (held double) in Bone. The remaining samples were knit with the original 3-ply Dream State base. -
Needle A (body & ribbing): US 6 (4 mm)
Needle B (bind-off): US 7 (4.5 mm)You will need 32 in. (80 cm) circular needles. You may also find it helpful to begin with a smaller cord, such as 16 in. (40 cm), and size up as your kerchief grows. Use the needle size you need to achieve gauge, and size up 1 US needle size for bind-off.
-
Measure gauge on Needle A knit flat, after blocking.
20 stitches and 36 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in mosaic stitch pattern
-
Knitting
Purling
Increasing
Knitting flat
I-cord tab cast-on
Lifted increases
Mosaic knitting
Slipped stitches
Chart reading
Backwards loop cast-on