Woof!

Woof! Dog Bandana by Alexandra Davidoff

What is Being Made

Woof! is a knitted dog bandana or neck accessory designed by Alexandra Davidoff. This project creates a triangular or rectangular fabric piece sized to fit dogs of varying weights, ranging from small dogs up to 20 pounds (9kg) through large dogs up to 50 pounds (23kg). The finished bandana measures between 14 to 18 inches (36 to 46cm) wide and 6.5 to 9.5 inches (17 to 24cm) deep, depending on the selected size. The design is shown modeled on a 30-pound cocker spaniel in the medium size.

Techniques and Stitch Work

This intermediate-level knitting project employs Fair Isle colorwork as its primary decorative technique. Fair Isle knitting involves working with two colors of yarn within the same row, creating intricate patterned designs by carrying the unused color across the back of the work. The pattern incorporates a 4-stitch border in Color B that is worked consistently at the beginning and end of each row up to the top border section, providing a finished frame for the central colorwork design.

The construction method uses circular needles worked flat, a common approach for creating seamless or nearly seamless pieces. This technique allows knitters to work back and forth while maintaining the advantages of circular needle construction, such as better weight distribution and reduced strain during extended knitting sessions.

Materials and Gauge

The Woof! bandana is worked using LOFT by Brooklyn Tweed, a 100% wool yarn in a 4-ply weight. Two skeins are required—one in each colorway—with each skein containing 275 yards (251 meters) and weighing 50 grams (1.76 ounces). The recommended colors are Long Johns for Color A and 16 Cast Iron for Color B.

The project calls for ChiaoGoo US4 (3.5mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches (61cm) in length, or a needle size adjusted to obtain the correct gauge. The required gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10cm) when blocked and measured over the Fair Isle pattern using US4 (3.5mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Finishing and Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the project requires a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and a set of snap fasteners for securing the bandana around the dog's neck. These notions provide a practical closure system suitable for pet wear.

Skill Level and Sizing

Woof! is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable with colorwork techniques and reading pattern instructions. Three size options accommodate dogs of different weights:

• Small: 14 inches (36cm) wide and 6.5 inches (17cm) deep—for dogs up to 20 pounds (9kg)
• Medium: 16 inches (41cm) wide and 8.25 inches (21cm) deep—for dogs 20 to 30 pounds (14kg)
• Large: 18 inches (46cm) wide and 9.5 inches (24cm) deep—for dogs 30 to 50 pounds (23kg)