This pattern was inspired by my visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico! I was able to tour the caverns, and I was just struck by the amount of texture inside! While it’s impossible to duplicate the textures nature has created over millions of years, this is my interpretation.

This design is perfect for sock sets! I used one full skein of fingering weight yarn for the main color, and most of a mini skein for the contrast edging. I highly recommend a full skein that is 440 yards or more for the main color if you want to make the full large size.

Note: Yardage on the larger size is very tight. Make sure to watch your gauge closely! If you’re worried about running out of yarn, follow the instructions below.
If you have a MC skein smaller than 440 yards but would like the largest bandana possible, follow the large size instructions, weighing your yarn after each repeat. When you have just over half of the yarn remaining, continue to the center section instructions (note that the stitch counts will be different). Then, reduce the same number of repeats on the decrease side as you skipped on the increase side.

Basic Information:
Pattern is written in US crochet terms.
Yarn: Fingering/sock weight (weight 1). Small size used approximately 300 yards (main color) and 50 yards (contrast color). Large size used approximately 425 yards (main color) and 60 yards (contrast color). For my sample (large size), I used Malabrigo Sock in Gingy for the MC and Dream in Color Smooshy in Browncoat for the CC.
Hook: 3.5 mm, or size needed to meet gauge.
Finished dimensions: Small size: about 10” deep and 42” long. Large size: About 13” deep and 58” long (after blocking)
Gauge: Before blocking - Rows 1-14 (in pattern) should measure 4” long by 2” wide. 28 hdc = 4” wide before blocking.