It feels like we’re barely in to the summer and yet we’ve already broken so many temperature records. For the first time in my memory, we had temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius, all due to the recent ‘heat dome’. That made this test project perfectly timed, since this bandeau works best on those sweltering days.

• 1/2 skein of Malabrigo Yarn Sock – a fingering weight (1) yarn (colour: Matisse Blue)
• Size 3 (3.25mm) knitting needles (I used Knitter’s Pride 100cm circulars)

Pattern (Size XS) by Jane at Gorilla Knits

Based on my own experience, I would not recommend knitting and Netflix for the lace portion. The stitch pattern does change from row to row, and it was hard for me to keep memorized. However, once you get to the body portion, it gets a bit easier to keep track of, and then you can start multitasking. Using the row tally chart in the pattern definitely helps too!

Because I was pattern testing, I didn’t have the opportunity to make any modifications, but it would be so easy to have a longer lace section if you were looking for more coverage! There are also a variety of ways to wear the bandeau top depending on how you lace up the i-cord. Personally, I think I prefer having the i-cord in the back, but the versatility of this pattern helps to make it more accessible for different body types and preferences.

I would also recommend definitely taking the time to block this bandeau, as it does help the lace portion to open up. I’ll be honest with you, a lot of the time I skip blocking, but for lace knitting, it makes a huge difference. Unfortunately, you do have to block after each wash, so it does make it a bit annoying, but for a cute bandeau top like this, I would say it’s worth it.

Until next time, happy crafting!