Threads of a Daydream - Free Bandana Cowl Knitting Pattern

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Threads of a Daydream was born from the desire to create a knitting experience that feels as luxurious and grounding as the finished piece. Inspired by the soft halo and elegant drape of La Bien Aimée’s Cashmerino and Suri + Silk blend, this bandana cowl blends beauty with mindfulness.

The design reflects a love for slow, intentional making—each stitch a moment to pause, connect, and find joy in the process (and yarn!). The unique slip stitch textures creates a sense of depth and movement, while the yarn’s silky softness feels like a warm, tactile embrace. This pattern is slowness, an invitation to explore your craft with care and intention, and a reminder that knitting is about more than the result—it’s about the journey.

Threads of a Daydream is a top-down bandana cowl featuring:

  • Unique Slip Stitch Patterns: Adds texture and visual interest with floating slip stitches.

  • Luxurious Yarn Choice: Knit with Cashmerino and Suri + Silk for a soft, haloed fabric that drapes beautifully.

  • Polished Finishing Details: Cozy ribbing, a tubular bind-off, and an optional tassel for a playful touch.

This pattern is perfect for knitters seeking a tactile, mindful project that blends elegance with wearability. Whether you’re new to slip stitch techniques or a seasoned knitter, the intuitive construction and rhythmic design make this project as satisfying to knit as it is to wear.

Whether you’re knitting for yourself or someone special, Threads of a Daydream is a project that invites you to craft with purpose, to dream with your hands, and to create something that will be cherished for years to come.

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Pattern Information

Yarn

  • Light fingering weight yarn

  • La Bien Aimée Cashmerino (75% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Cashmere, 10% Nylon / Polyamide; 474 yds / 433 m per 100 g skein).

    • 1 skein in Pinkfetti

  • La Bien Aimée Kumo (74% Suri Alpaca, 26% Mulberry Silk; 328 yds / 300 m per 50 g skein).

    • 1 skein in Pinkfetti

Needles

  • US 4 / 3.5 mm or size needed to obtain gauge, 24 in / 60 cm (or longer) circular needle

  • A long circular needle is recommended for accommodating stitch count as the project grows.

Gauge

  • 24 sts and 40 rows over 4 in./10 cm in Full Diamond Stitch pattern with US 4 needle size and after blocking.

    • Note: Gauge is not crucial, but differences will affect yardage and final dimensions.

Notions

  • 4 locking stitch markers

  • Darning/tapestry needle (for weaving in ends).

Sizing

  • Circumference: 17 in/43 cm

  • Length: 22 in/56 cm

Abbreviations

  • BOR: beginning of round

  • CO: cast on

  • k below: pick up thread below and knit with the next stitch

  • k: knit

  • kfb: knit 1 front and back

  • m: marker

  • p: purl

  • pfb: purl 1 front and back

  • pm: place marker

  • rnd(s): round(s)

  • RS: right side

  • sl wyif: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front

  • sm: slip marker

  • st(s): stitch(es)

  • WS: wrong side

  • yo: yarn over

Pattern Instructions

Garter Tab Cast On

  • CO 3 sts. Place a locking stitch marker (m) through these stitches for easier handling later.

  • Knit 10 rows, forming a small rectangle.

  • Turn your work, then pick up and knit 5 sts along the purl bumps on the edge of the rectangle.

  • Turn again and pick up and knit 3 sts from the cast-on edge, removing the stitch marker as needed.

  • 🏁 Count check: You should now have 11 sts on your needle, ready to begin the shawl. Turn to work next row.

Half Diamond Section

  • 🏁 This section is worked flat.

  • Marker Setup (WS): P3, pm1, k2, pm2, k1, pm3, k2, pm4, P3.

    • You will be slipping markers (sm) as you come to them throughout the pattern.

  • Work Half Diamond Stitch rows [1-6] once. (23 sts)

  • Work Half Diamond Stitch rows [7-18] three times. The project increases by 4 sts on every RS row.

    • 🏁 Count check: At the end of this section, you should have 115 sts.

  • Work Simple Slip Stitch (Flat) rows [1-2] once. (119 sts)

  • First section completed!

Section 1

  • Work row/rnd 1 (RS) of the Full Diamond Stitch as normal.

  • Join in the round (rnd) at the end of row 1:

    • Switch the first and last stitches of the row.

    • K1, then place BOR marker to mark the start of the round. K all sts for rnd 2, removing m1 and m4. (123 sts)

    • At this point, the cowl increases by 2 sts each odd rnd.

  • Continue working rnds [3-62] of the Full Diamond Stitch pattern.

    • 🏁 Count check: You should have 181 sts total on your needle at the end of this section.

  • Work Simple Slip Stitch (Rnd) rnds [1-2] once, after reaching the required number of sts.

  • ✅ Second section completed!

Double Ribbing

  • Work and repeat Double Ribbing rnds [1-6] until the fabric measures approximately 2 in / 5 cm.

  • Once finished, convert the 2x2 rib to 1x1 rib in preparation for the bind-off.

  • Check out THIS video tutorial on this technique.

  • ✅ Third section completed!

Tubular Bind-Off

  • Ensure your yarn is threaded and stitches are prepared for the tubular bind-off.

  • Check out THIS video tutorial on this technique.

  • Weave in any loose yarn ends.

Finishing

  • Soak your project in lukewarm water with wool wash (if available) for 10–15 minutes, gently pressing to remove air bubbles.

  • Remove from water and gently squeeze out excess water without wringing.

  • Roll your project in a towel and step on it to press out additional moisture.

  • Block your project using T-pins or blocking wires:

  • Stretch to the desired dimensions and pin securely.

  • Let air dry completely before removing the pins.

Stitch Patterns & Charts

Half Diamond Stitch

Row 1 (RS): P3, sm, yo, k1, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k1, yo, sm, p3.
Row 2 and all WS rows: P all sts.
Row 3: P3, sm, yo, k3, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k3, yo, sm, p3.
Row 5: P3, sm, yo, k5, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k5, yo, sm, p3.
Row 7: P3, sm, yo, k1, *k1, sl wyif × 5 ; rep from * to m2, k1, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k1, **sl wyif × 5, k1 ; rep from ** to m4, yo, sm, p3.
Row 9: P3, sm, yo, k2, *k3, k below, k2 ; rep from * to 1 st before m2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k2, **k2, k below, k3 ; rep from ** to 1 st before m4, k1, yo, sm, sm, p3.
Row 11: P3, sm, yo, k3, *k1, sl wyif × 5 ; rep from * to 2 sts before m2, k2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k3, **sl wyif × 5, k1 ; rep from ** to 2 sts before m4, k2, yo, sm, p3.
Row 13: P3, sm, yo, k4, *k3, k below, k2 ; rep from * to 3 sts before m2, k3, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k4, **k2, k below, k3 ; rep from ** to 3 sts before m4, k3, yo, sm, p3.
Row 15: P3, sm, yo, k1, sl wyif × 4, *k1, sl wyif × 5 ; rep from * to 4 sts before m2, k1, sl wyif × 3, (kfb, k1) × 2, sl wyif × 3, k1, **sl wyif × 5, k1 ; rep from ** to 4 sts before m4, sl wyif × 3, k1, yo, sm, p3.
Row 17: P3, sm, yo, k3, k below, k2, *k3, k below, k2 ; rep from * to 5 sts before m2, k3, k below, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k2, k below, k3, **k2, k below, k3 ; rep from ** to 5 sts before m4, k2, k below, k2, yo, p3.
Row 18: P all sts.

Simple Slip Stitch (Flat)

Row 1 (RS): P3, sm, yo, *p1, sl wyif ; rep from * to 2 sts before m2, p1, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, **p1, sl wyif ; rep from ** to 1 st before m4, p1, yo, sm, p3.
Row 2 (WS): P3, sm, k1, sl wyib, *k1, sl wyib ; rep from * to 2 sts before m3, k1, p1, sm, p1, sm, p1, k1, sl wyib, **k1, sl wyibf ; rep from ** to 1 st before m1, k1, sm, p3.

Full Diamond Stitch

Row/Rnd 1 (RS): K until m2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k until end.
All even-numbered rnds: K all sts.
Rnd 3: K1 *k1, sl wyif × 5 ; rep from * to 5 sts before m2, k1, sl wyif × 3, k1, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k1, sl wyif × 3, k1, *sl wyif × 5, k1 ; rep from ** to 5 sts before m4.
Rnd 5: K1 *k3, k below, k2 ; rep from * to 6 sts before m2, k3, k below, k2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k2, k below, k3, *k2, k below, k3 ; rep from ** to 6 sts before m4.
Rnd 7: K1 *sl wyif × 3, k1, sl wyif × 2 ; rep from * to 7 sts before m2, sl wyif × 3, k4, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k4, sl wyif × 3, *sl wyif × 2, k1, sl wyif × 3 ; rep from ** to 7 sts before m4.
Rnd 9: K1 *k below, k5 ; rep from * to 8 sts before m2, k below, k7, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k7, k below, *k5, k below ; rep from ** to 5 sts before m4.
Rnd 11: K1 *k1, sl wyif × 5 ; rep from * to 3 sts before m2, k3, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k3, *sl wyif × 5, k1 ; rep from ** to 5 sts before m4.
Rnd 13: K1 *k3, k below, k2 ; rep from * to 4 sts before m2, k4, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k4, *k2, k below, k3 ; rep from ** to 4 sts before m4.
Rnd 15: K1 *sl wyif × 3, k1, sl wyif × 2 ; rep from * to 5 sts before m2, sl wyif × 3, k2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k2, sl wyif × 3, *sl wyif × 2, k1, sl wyif × 3 ; rep from ** to 5 sts before m4.
Rnd 17: K1 *k below, k5 ; rep from * to 6 sts before m2, k below, k5, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k5, k below, *k5, k below ; rep from * to 6 sts before m2.
Rnd 19: K1 *k1, sl wyif × 5 ; rep from * to 7 sts before m2, k1, sl wyif × 5, k1, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k1, sl wyif × 5, k1, *sl wyif × 5, k1 ; rep from ** to 7 sts before m4.
Rnd 21: K1 *k3, k below, k2 ; rep from * to 8 sts before m2, k3, k below, k4, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k4, k below, k3, *k2, k below, k3 ; rep from ** to 8 sts before m4.
Rnd 23: K1 *sl wyif × 3, k1, sl wyif × 2 ; rep from * to 3 sts before m2, sl wyif × 2, k1, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k1, sl wyif × 2, *sl wyif × 2, k1, sl wyif × 3 ; rep from ** to 3 sts before m4.
Rnd 25: K1 *k below, k5 ; rep from * to 4 sts before m2, k below, k3, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k3, k below, *k5, k below ; rep from ** to 4 sts before m4.
Rnd 27: K1 *k1, sl wyif × 5 ; rep from * to 5 sts before m2, k1, sl wyif × 3, k1, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k1, sl wyif × 3, k1, *sl wyif × 5, k1 ; rep from ** to 5 sts before m4.
Rnd 29: K1 *k3, k below, k2 ; rep from * to 6 sts before m2, k3, k below, k2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k2, k below, k3, *k2, k below, k3 ; rep from ** to 6 sts before m4.
Rnd 31: K1 *sl wyif × 3, k1, sl wyif × 2 ; rep from * to 7 sts before m2, sl wyif × 3, k4, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k4, sl wyif × 3, *sl wyif × 2, k1, sl wyif × 3 ; rep from ** to 7 sts before m4.
Rnd 33: K1 *k below, k5 ; rep from * to 8 sts before m2, k below, k7, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k7, k below, *k5, k below ; rep from ** to 8 sts before m4.
Rnd 35: K1 *k1, sl wyif × 5 ; rep from * to 3 sts before m2, k3, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k3, *sl wyif × 5, k1 ; rep from ** to 3 sts before m4.
Rnd 37: K1 *k3, k below, k2 ; rep from * to 4 sts before m2, k4, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k4, *k2, k below, k3 ; rep from ** to 4 sts before m4.
Rnd 39: K1 *sl wyif × 3, k1, sl wyif × 2 ; rep from * to 5 sts before m2, sl wyif × 3, k2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k2, sl wyif × 3, *sl wyif × 2, k1, sl wyif × 3 ; rep from ** to 5 sts before m4.
Rnd 41: K1 *k below, k5 ; rep from * to 6 sts before m2, k below, k5, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k5, k below, *k5, k below ; rep from ** to 6 sts before m4.
Rnd 43: K1 *k1, sl wyif × 5 ; rep from * to 7 sts before m2, k1, sl wyif × 4, k2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k2, sl wyif × 4, k1, *sl wyif × 5, k1 ; rep from ** to 7 sts before m4.
Rnd 45: K1 *k3, k below, k2 ; rep from * to 8 sts before m2, k3, k below, k4, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k4, k below, k3, *k2, k below, k3 ; rep from ** to 8 sts before m4.
Rnd 47: K1 *sl wyif × 3, k1, sl wyif × 2 ; rep from * to 3 sts before m2, sl wyif, k2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k2, sl wyif, *sl wyif × 2, k1, sl wyif × 3 ; rep from ** to 3 sts before m4.
Rnd 49: K1 *k below, k5 ; rep from * to 4 sts before m2, k below, k3, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k3, k below, *k5, k below ; rep from ** to 4 sts before m4.
Rnd 51: K1 *k1, sl wyif × 5 ; rep from * to 5 sts before m2, k1, sl wyif × 3, k1, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k1, sl wyif × 3, k1, *sl wyif × 5, k1 ; rep from ** to 5 sts before m4.
Rnd 53: K1 *k3, k below, k2 ; rep from * to 6 sts before m2, k3, k below, k2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k2, k below, k3, *k2, k below, k3 ; rep from ** to 6 sts before m4.
Rnd 55: K1 *sl wyif × 3, k1, sl wyif × 2 ; rep from * to 7 sts before m2, sl wyif × 3, k4, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k4, sl wyif × 3, *sl wyif × 2, k1, sl wyif × 3 ; rep from ** to 7 sts before m4.
Rnd 57: K1 *k below, k5 ; rep from * to 8 sts before m2, k below, k7, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k7, k below, *k5, k below ; rep from ** to 8 sts before m4.
Rnd 59: K1 *k1, sl wyif × 5 ; rep from * to 3 sts before m2, k3, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k3, *sl wyif × 5, k1 ; rep from ** to 3 sts before m4.
Rnd 61: K1 *k3, k below, k2 ; rep from * to 4 sts before m2, k4, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, k4, *k2, k below, k3 ; rep from ** to 4 sts before m4.
Rnd 62: K all sts.

Simple Slip Stitch (Rnd)

Rnd 1: *P1, sl wyif ; rep from * to m2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, **p1, sl wyif ; rep from ** until end.
Rnd 2: *Sl wyif, p1 ; rep from * to 1 st before m2, p1, k1, sm, k1, sm, p1, **sl wyif, p1 ; rep from ** until end.

Tubular Ribbing Stitch

Rnd 1: K2, *p2, k2 ; rep from * to 1 st before m2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, **k2, p2 ; rep from ** to end.
Rnd 2: K2, *p2, k2 ; rep from * to 2 sts before m2, p2, sm, k1, sm p2, **k2, p2 ; rep from ** to end.
Rnd 3: K2, *p2, k2 ; rep from * to 2 sts before m2, p1, pfb, sm, k1, sm, pfb, p1, **k2, p2 ; rep from ** to end.
Rnd 4: K2, *p2, k2 ; rep from * to 3 sts before m2, p2, k1, sm, k1, sm, k1, p2, **k2, p2 ; rep from ** to end.
Rnd 5: K2, *p2, k2 ; rep from * to 3 sts before m2, p2, kfb, sm, k1, sm, kfb, p2, **k2, p2 ; rep from ** to end.
Rnd 6: K2, *p2, k2 ; rep from * to 4 sts before m2, p2, k2, sm, k1, sm, k2, p2, **k2, p2 ; rep from ** to end.

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