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

This is a super speedy knit—perfect for using up that one gorgeous skein in your stash that’s been waiting for its moment. Tiny Kerchiefs are a choose-your-own-adventure kind of knit. The pattern includes two versions—a sleek ribbed option and a broken rib version—both designed to grow with every row until you decide it's done. The design is fully customisable: keep it tiny for a chic necktie or add more rows for a full-on babushka vibe. No matter how you style it, this playful wardrobe staple adds a fun pop of colour and just the right touch of warmth without any 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:

Pickle Juice (Ribbed Version) – A fresh, playful green
Sea Mist (Broken Rib Version) – A dreamy, calming blue

And the best part? These kerchiefs take less than half a skein—so one ball of Tricycle will get you one scarflet and then some. Or go bigger with extra repeats and turn your kerchief into a headscarf or full shawl. Your project, your rules. Check out our Tricycle here!

Materials:

Yarn: West Wool Tricycle (100% Superwash Merino; 218 yds / 200m per 50g skein)
- Samples shown in: Pickle Juice, Sea Mist
Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) circular or straight needles
Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge:

Not important—simply knit until you love the size!

Finished Measurements:

Ribbed Version (Green): 22” / 56 cm wingspan, 4.75” / 12 cm at deepest point
Broken Rib Version (Blue): 22” / 56 cm wingspan, 6” / 15 cm at deepest point

Yardage:

Approximately 87.5 yds / 80m (for a tiny scarf but you can make it any size you like!)

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
st/sts: stitch/sitches
WS: wrong side
yo: yarn over

Instructions:

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.

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.

Happy knitting and enjoy your tiny, stylish creation!