Cup Match Kerchief, Bandana #4

Cup Match Kerchief Bandana #4 from the Square Dance Collection A graphic three-colour mosaic kerchief inspired by Bermuda’s beloved Cup Match tradition. The Cup Match Kerchief is the fourth design in the Square Dance Collection — a lightweight triangular bandana combining rhythmic mosaic knitting with a bold contrasting border. This design has a particularly Bermudian story behind it. Cup Match is one of Bermuda’s most treasured traditions, with the island divided each summer between the red and blue of its two competing cricket clubs. Those iconic colours inspired the border of this kerchief, giving the design its name and adding a little piece of Bermuda to the Square Dance Collection. Worked from the top centre outward, the kerchief begins with just a handful of stitches and grows into a generous triangle. A repeating geometric mosaic motif creates the main body before transitioning into the contrasting border, where a third colour introduces a completely different graphic element. Despite its intricate appearance, the colourwork is created using classic mosaic knitting: only one colour is worked per row, with slipped stitches doing all the work. Better still, the entire kerchief is worked in garter stitch — no purling required! Finished with integrated I-cord edges and an I-cord bind-off, Cup Match Kerchief is polished enough to wear as a traditional bandana, tied loosely around the neck, or draped as a small shawl. ✨ Design Features • Triangular kerchief construction worked flat • Three-colour mosaic design • Only one colour worked per row — no stranded colourwork • Entirely garter stitch — no purling! • Geometric mosaic body motif • Contrasting graphic border worked in a third colour • Increases incorporated into the mosaic pattern using the backwards-loop cast-on method • Centre spine creates the triangular shaping • Integrated 2-stitch I-cord edges • I-cord bind-off with Kitchener stitch finishing • Pattern includes a complete chart, half-bandana chart, plus three smaller sectional charts for easier reading • Suitable for yarns ranging from light fingering through light DK ❤️ Skill Level – Adventurous Beginner to Intermediate Cup Match Kerchief is ideal for knitters comfortable with knit stitches, slipped stitches, increases and following charts. If you’re new to mosaic knitting, this is also a wonderful way to explore the technique. Each row is worked with only one strand of yarn, while stitches in the alternate colour are slipped to create the pattern. There are no purl stitches and no need to manage multiple colours across a row. The pattern includes several chart formats so you can choose whichever is most comfortable to follow. Finished Size Approximately: 46" wide × 22" high / 117 × 56 cm after blocking. Gauge 28 stitches & 30 rows = 4" / 10 cm in pattern after blocking. Suggested Yarn The pattern can be worked in anything from light fingering to light DK weight yarn. Keep in mind that using a heavier yarn will produce a thicker, more substantial bandana. Yarn A – Body Motifs (dark blue) Approx. 175 yd / 160 m Sample used: Magpie Fibers Swanky Sock – Midnight Train to Georgia 80% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon 400 yd / 366 m per 115 g skein Yarn B – Background (pale aqua) Approx. 265 yd / 242 m Sample used a hand-dyed sock yarn, approximately: 90% Superwash Merino, 10% Nylon 437 yd / 400 m per 100 g skein Yarn C – Border Motifs (deep red) Approx. 90 yd / 82 m Sample used: Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Bighorn Sock – 2026 February Sock Squad 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 463 yd / 423 m per 100 g skein This is also a great stash-busting project, particularly for Yarn C, which requires less than 100 yards. I’d have fun with the colour combinations — strong contrast between the motif and background colours will really allow the mosaic pattern to shine. Needles & Notions Needles • US 5 / 3.75 mm circular needle • 30" / 75 cm cord recommended Notions • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing • Blocking mats and pins • A sense of adventure with colour! The pattern also uses a two-colour cast-on to begin the kerchief and includes a recommended video tutorial for the technique.