Easy Crochet Bandana Pattern for Beginners
By Loop & Ladder · Updated
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Hook
- 4.0 mm (G/6)
- Yarn weight
- Sport-weight cotton (CYC 2)
- Time to make
- An afternoon
This easy crochet bandana is a one-piece triangle worked from the point upward, then finished with two built-in ties. The shape is simple enough to make in an afternoon, and the long top edge is easy to adjust before you add the ties.
It uses only chain, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. Each row gains four double crochet stitches, so you can check your count as you go instead of guessing whether the triangle is growing evenly.
Why You'll Love This Pattern
- One piece from point to ties, with no sewing or joining.
- A four-stitch increase per row makes counting straightforward.
- Lightweight cotton gives the bandana a breathable, washable finish.
- Make the triangle deeper or shallower by adding or removing rows before the edging.
Step-by-Step Steps
- 1
Foundation: ch 3. Row 1: work 2 dc in the 3rd ch from hook. (3 dc) The starting ch-3 counts as the first dc. Ch 3, turn.
- 2
Row 2: 2 dc in the first st, dc in the next st, 3 dc in the last st. (7 dc) Ch 3, turn. The turning ch-3 counts as the first dc on every remaining row.
- 3
Row 3: 2 dc in the first st, dc in each st across to the last st, 3 dc in the last st. (11 dc) Ch 3, turn.
- 4
Rows 4-13: rep Row 3. Your stitch count rises by 4 dc each row: 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43, 47, then 51 dc after Row 13. Do not ch 3 after the final row.
- 5
First tie: ch 65. Sl st in the 2nd ch from hook and in every ch back to the bandana. The chain is the tie; the slip stitches make it less stretchy and more comfortable to knot.
- 6
Edging: working along the top edge of the triangle, sc evenly across the 51 dc. Work 2 sc in the corner where the next tie begins so the corner stays flat.
- 7
Second tie: ch 65. Sl st in the 2nd ch from hook and in every ch back to the bandana. Fasten off, then weave in both ends. Wet-block the triangle flat, shaping the top edge straight and the point centred.
Tips for Success
- If the triangle is shorter or taller than you want, stop before the edging when the top edge fits across your forehead from temple to temple. Add rows for more coverage or remove rows for a smaller scarf.
- Use the same turn direction every row. Inconsistent turning makes the two sloping edges look different even when the stitch counts are right.
- A tight foundation and loose later rows can make the point curl. Keep Row 1 relaxed and block the finished triangle flat.
- Follow the care instructions on the yarn label. Test colourfastness on the gauge swatch or a spare strand before washing a bright hand-dyed cotton.
Pattern at a Glance
- Time to make
- An afternoon
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Hook
- 4.0 mm (G/6)
- Yarn weight
- Sport-weight cotton (CYC 2)
- Yardage
- ~100 yd / 92 m
- Gauge
- 16 dc x 8 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in double crochet
- Finished size
- About 18 in / 46 cm across the top edge and 11 in / 28 cm deep, excluding ties
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this crochet bandana bigger?
Add more repeats of Row 3 before working the ties. Every added row increases the top edge by four double crochet stitches and adds roughly one row of depth, so try on the triangle before the edging to decide when to stop.
Can I use worsted-weight yarn instead?
Yes, but use a 5.0 mm hook and expect a denser, larger bandana from the same 13 rows. For a similar size in worsted yarn, make fewer rows and check the fit before adding the ties.
Why is one edge of my bandana wider?
You have probably missed the final stitch or worked an extra stitch into the turning chain. Count the row after each turn: it must increase by exactly four stitches. The last stitch is the top of the turning ch-3.
How long should the ties be?
The 65-chain ties fit most teens and adults with a small bow. Add 10 to 15 chains to each tie for a larger bow or thicker hair, or remove chains for a close-fitting child size.
