Tiny Kerchiefs: The perfect chic accessory for every outfit
There’s something effortlessly stylish about a simple, well-crafted accessory. Enter the Tiny Kerchiefs—two charming scarflets that add a touch of vintage flair, whether you’re aiming for modern minimalism or retro elegance.
Designed by Malia Mae Joseph, these dainty kerchiefs are a quick, enjoyable knit that lets you play with texture and colour while using just a small amount of yarn.
Knit in West Wool Tricycle, a luxurious 100% Superwash Merino, these little gems offer both warmth and breathability, making them perfect for year-round wear. Whether tied around the neck for a Parisian-chic look or worn as a petite headscarf, these kerchiefs are endlessly versatile.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
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Super speedy knit – Perfect for using up that gorgeous single skein in your stash!
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Two texture options – Choose between a classic ribbed version or the delicate broken rib pattern.
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Customisable – Make it tiny for a stylish necktie or size up for a full-on babushka moment.
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A playful wardrobe staple – Adds a fun pop of colour and a layer of warmth without bulk.
Choosing Your Yarn
For the best results, we recommend using West Wool Tricycle, which brings both softness and structure to this light and airy design. The pattern is shown in two beautiful shades:
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Pickle Juice (Ribbed Version) – A fresh, playful green
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Sea Mist (Broken Rib Version) – A dreamy, calming blue
What You’ll Need
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Yarn: West Wool Tricycle (100% Superwash Merino; 218 yds / 200m per 50g skein)
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Yardage: Approximately 87.5 yds / 80m (for a tiny scarf but you can make it any size you like!)
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Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) circular or straight needles
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Notions: Tapestry needle
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Gauge: Not important—simply knit until you love the size!
The Pattern
Now that we’ve covered why these kerchiefs are your next must-knit project, let’s get into the details. Scroll down for the full Tiny Kerchiefs pattern with both texture variations!
TINY KERCHIEFS PATTERN
Finished Measurements:
- Ribbed Version (Green): 22” / 56 cm wingspan, 4.75” / 12 cm at deepest point
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Broken Rib Version (Blue): 22” / 56 cm wingspan, 6” / 15 cm at deepest point
Abbreviations
CO: cast on
k: knit
k2togtbl: knit 2 together through back loop
m: marker
p: purl
pm: place marker
RS: right side
slm: slip marker
sts/s: stitch/es
WS: wrong side
yo: yarn over
Instructions:
Broken Rib Version:
CO 5 stitches.
Broken Rib Version:
CO 5 stitches.
Setup Row (WS): P1, yo, k1, yo, pm, p1, pm, yo, k1, yo, p1.
Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k to m, yo, slm, k1, slm, yo, k to last st,
yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Row 2 (WS): P1, yo, p1, (k1, p1), to m, slm, p1, slm, p1, (k1,
p1) to last st, yo, p1. 2 sts increased.
Row 3 (RS): K1, yo, k to m, yo, slm, k1, slm, yo, k to last st,
yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Row 4 (WS): P1, yo, (p1, k1) to m, slm, p1, slm, (k1, p1) to
last st, yo, p1.2 sts increased.
Repeat last 4 rows 12 more times. 165 sts
(Add more repeats here for a head scarf or anything larger)
Bind off in pattern
Ribbed Version:
CO 5 stitches.
Setup Row (WS): P1, yo, p1, yo, pm, p1, pm, yo, p1, yo, p1.
Setup Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k2, p1, yo, slm, k1, slm, yo, p1,
k2, yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Setup Row 2 (WS): P1, yo, k1, p2, k2, slm, p1, slm, k2, p2,
k1, yo, p1. 2 sts increased.
Setup Row 3 (RS): K1, yo, p2, k2, p2, yo, slm, k1, slm, yo,
p2, k2, p2, yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Setup Row 4 (WS): P1, yo, p1, k2, p2, k2, p1, slm, p1, slm,
p1, k2, p2, k2, p1, yo, p1.
Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, (k2, p2) to 1 st before m, k1, yo, slm, k1,
slm, yo, k1, (p2, k2), to last st, yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Row 2 (WS): P1, yo, k1, (p2, k2) to 2 sts before m, p2, slm,
p1, slm, p2, (k2, p2), to last 2 sts, k1, yo, p1. 2 sts increased.
Row 3 (RS): K1, yo, (p2, k2), to m, yo, slm, k1, slm, yo, (k2,
p2) to last st, yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Row 4 (WS): P1, yo, p1, (k2, p2) to 1st before m, k1, slm,
p1, slm, k1, (p2, k2), to last 2 sts, p1, yo, p1.
Row 5 (RS): K1, yo, k2, (p2, k2) to 1 st before m, p1, yo, slm,
k1, slm, yo, p1, k2, (p2, k2), to last st, yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Row 6 (WS): P1, yo, k1, (p2, k2) to m, slm, p1, slm, (k2, p2),
to last 2 sts, k1, yo, p1. 2 sts increased.
Row 7 (RS): K1, yo, p2, (k2, p2), to m, yo, slm, k1, slm, yo,
p2, (k2, p2) to last st, yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Row 8 (WS): P1, yo, p1, k2, (p2, k2) to 1st before m, p1,
slm, p1, slm, p1, k2, (p2, k2), to last 2 sts, p1, yo, p1
Repeat last 8 rows 4 more times. 141sts.
(Add more repeats here for a head scarf or anything larger)
K2, transfer 2 sts to left needle, k2tog tbl, bind off remain-
ing stitches in pattern.
CO 5 stitches.
Setup Row (WS): P1, yo, p1, yo, pm, p1, pm, yo, p1, yo, p1.
Setup Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k2, p1, yo, slm, k1, slm, yo, p1,
k2, yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Setup Row 2 (WS): P1, yo, k1, p2, k2, slm, p1, slm, k2, p2,
k1, yo, p1. 2 sts increased.
Setup Row 3 (RS): K1, yo, p2, k2, p2, yo, slm, k1, slm, yo,
p2, k2, p2, yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Setup Row 4 (WS): P1, yo, p1, k2, p2, k2, p1, slm, p1, slm,
p1, k2, p2, k2, p1, yo, p1.
Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, (k2, p2) to 1 st before m, k1, yo, slm, k1,
slm, yo, k1, (p2, k2), to last st, yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Row 2 (WS): P1, yo, k1, (p2, k2) to 2 sts before m, p2, slm,
p1, slm, p2, (k2, p2), to last 2 sts, k1, yo, p1. 2 sts increased.
Row 3 (RS): K1, yo, (p2, k2), to m, yo, slm, k1, slm, yo, (k2,
p2) to last st, yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Row 4 (WS): P1, yo, p1, (k2, p2) to 1st before m, k1, slm,
p1, slm, k1, (p2, k2), to last 2 sts, p1, yo, p1.
Row 5 (RS): K1, yo, k2, (p2, k2) to 1 st before m, p1, yo, slm,
k1, slm, yo, p1, k2, (p2, k2), to last st, yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Row 6 (WS): P1, yo, k1, (p2, k2) to m, slm, p1, slm, (k2, p2),
to last 2 sts, k1, yo, p1. 2 sts increased.
Row 7 (RS): K1, yo, p2, (k2, p2), to m, yo, slm, k1, slm, yo,
p2, (k2, p2) to last st, yo, k1. 4 sts increased.
Row 8 (WS): P1, yo, p1, k2, (p2, k2) to 1st before m, p1,
slm, p1, slm, p1, k2, (p2, k2), to last 2 sts, p1, yo, p1
Repeat last 8 rows 4 more times. 141sts.
(Add more repeats here for a head scarf or anything larger)
K2, transfer 2 sts to left needle, k2tog tbl, bind off remain-
ing stitches in pattern.
Finishing
Once you’ve bound off your kerchief, block it gently to even out the stitches and enhance the fabric’s drape. Whether you opt for a soft fold around your neck or a playful tie in your hair, this piece is sure to be a go-to finishing touch for any outfit.
Once you’ve bound off your kerchief, block it gently to even out the stitches and enhance the fabric’s drape. Whether you opt for a soft fold around your neck or a playful tie in your hair, this piece is sure to be a go-to finishing touch for any outfit.
Get Your Yarn
Want to knit your own Tiny Kerchief in the softest, most vibrant shades? Shop West Wool Tricycle now and find the perfect color for your next lightweight accessory.
Happy knitting and enjoy your tiny, stylish creation!
