After wrapping up in the cozy colorwork of Lorraine Thompson’s Knitted Hot Water Bottle Cozy last week, I’m heading outdoors for a project inspired by the quiet textures found along a woodland path.
The Lichen and Moss Bandanna by Nancy Lekx from ANPTmag Issue 67 feels especially right for autumn. It has the warmth of a cowl, the casual look of a bandanna, and a beautifully textured surface inspired by the moss and lichen that grow among trees and rocks.
What makes this design especially appealing is how much texture comes from such familiar stitches. The entire cowl is based on a simple knit 1, purl 1 repeat, yet small changes in the sequence create two different moss stitch effects and shape the triangular front. It’s a wonderful reminder that simple stitches can still produce something with plenty of character!
skill level Easy
time A comfortable weekend knit with enough texture to keep the stitching interesting
ideal for Autumn walks, easy layering, gift knitting, newer knitters, texture lovers, and anyone who enjoys practical accessories inspired by nature
you will practice knit stitches, purl stitches, moss stitch, seed stitch, Irish moss stitch, kfb increases, shaping a triangular bandanna, maintaining stitch repeats, knitting a textured cowl
finished size Approximately 22” circumference x 18” tall from top neck edge to point [56 x 45.75cm]
Lichen and Moss Bandanna by Nancy Lekx for ANPTmag Issue 67; photo by Alessia De Fusco
Nancy’s inspiration came directly from the woods. The subtle texture of the stitch patterns reminded her of moss and lichen growing across the forest floor and clinging to rocks and bark. That makes the finished fabric feel especially connected to the natural world without relying on literal motifs or colorwork.
The bandanna cowl is worked entirely in a knit 1, purl 1 repeat. A simple kfb increase at the end of every row shifts the sequence, creating Irish moss stitch while also forming the triangular bandanna section. It’s clever construction built from very basic knitting moves.
The pattern uses Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash in Pine, which suits the woodland inspiration beautifully. The tweedy texture adds another natural-looking layer to the design and reinforces that mossy forest feeling.
The Lichen and Moss Bandanna appeared in ANPTmag Issue 67, an issue inspired by the enchanting woods. This edition explores woodland colors, textures, leaves, trees, wildlife, ferns, and forest landscapes through quilting, knitting, embroidery, and other needle arts.
Nancy’s bandanna fits the theme perfectly as a warm accessory designed for cool autumn walks among the trees.
Get the Lichen and Moss Bandanna pattern here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/lichen-and-moss-bandanna/
Get ANPTmag Issue 67 print version here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-67-print-version/
Get ANPTmag Issue 67 digital version here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-67-digital-version/
The moss stitch textures, simple increases, shifting stitch sequence, and triangular shaping make this an easy but satisfying knit, while the cowl construction keeps it comfortably in place when the autumn air turns cool.
Would you knit your Lichen and Moss Bandanna in a forest-inspired green, or choose a completely different color from nature?
Join me next week to find out which inspiring ANPTmag knitting project I’ll share with you!
