Granny Square Crochet Bandana Pattern
By Loop & Ladder · Updated
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Hook
- 5.0 mm (H/8)
- Yarn weight
- Worsted-weight cotton (CYC 4)
- Time to make
- An afternoon
This granny square crochet bandana is a single half-granny triangle, worked from the point upward in easy three-double-crochet clusters. It has the color and open texture of a traditional granny square without separate motifs to sew together.
Change color every two rows for neat stripes, or keep one color running for a quieter look. The triangle adds one cluster per row, so you can stop at the coverage you want before crocheting the ties.
Why You'll Love This Pattern
- One continuous triangle with no motif joining.
- A predictable one-cluster increase on every row.
- Three small color quantities make this a useful stash project.
- The final row determines the fit, so it is simple to customize before the ties.
Step-by-Step Steps
- 1
With Color A, ch 4. Row 1: work 2 dc in the 4th ch from hook. The first 3 ch count as the first dc, giving one 3-dc cluster. (1 cluster) Ch 3, turn.
- 2
Row 2: work 2 dc in the first st, ch 1, then work 3 dc in the top of the turning ch-3. (2 clusters) Ch 3, turn.
- 3
Row 3: work 2 dc in the first st, ch 1, work 3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, then work 3 dc in the top of the turning ch-3. (3 clusters) Ch 3, turn.
- 4
Rows 4-16: work 2 dc in the first st, ch 1, then work 3 dc in each ch-1 sp across, with ch 1 between clusters. Work 3 dc in the top of the turning ch-3. Each row adds one cluster: Row 4 has 4 clusters and Row 16 has 16. Do not ch 3 after Row 16.
- 5
Color plan: use Color A for Rows 1-2, Color B for Rows 3-4, and Color C for Rows 5-6. Repeat that six-row sequence for Rows 7-12, then use Color A for Rows 13-14 and Color B for Rows 15-16. To change color cleanly, complete the last dc until two loops remain on the hook, yarn over with the new color and pull through both loops, then turn with the new color.
- 6
First tie: ch 70. Sl st in the 2nd ch from hook and in every ch back to the bandana. This makes a firm tie that is less likely to stretch out while you wear it.
- 7
Top edge: work 1 sc in every dc and ch-1 sp across the final row. You will make 63 sc across: 48 dc plus 15 ch-1 spaces. This evens the edge before the second tie.
- 8
Second tie: ch 70. Sl st in the 2nd ch from hook and in every ch back to the bandana. Fasten off and weave in the ends. Wet-block the triangle flat, keeping the top edge straight and the point centred.
Tips for Success
- Count clusters, not individual double crochets. After Row 10, you should see 10 clusters from one top corner to the other.
- If the top edge begins to curve, your ch-1 spaces are tight. Make the chains a touch looser before you change hook size.
- For a larger bandana, add one or two rows at a time before the ties. Each row adds one full granny cluster across the top edge.
- Put the knot from every color change on the wrong side before weaving in the tail, then leave a short tail to weave back through the same color.
Pattern at a Glance
- Time to make
- An afternoon
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Hook
- 5.0 mm (H/8)
- Yarn weight
- Worsted-weight cotton (CYC 4)
- Yardage
- ~150 yd / 138 m total
- Gauge
- 4 clusters x 4 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in the half-granny pattern
- Finished size
- About 17 in / 43 cm across the top edge and 12 in / 30 cm deep, excluding ties
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bandana made from separate granny squares?
No. It is made as one half-granny triangle, so it has the classic cluster texture without individual motifs to join. The construction is quicker to finish and gives you one continuous piece of fabric.
How do I make the granny square bandana bigger?
Add rows before the ties. Each added row adds one three-double-crochet cluster to the top edge and increases the depth by one row, so check the triangle against your head before finishing the final edge.
Can I use a different yarn weight?
Yes. Use the hook size recommended by the yarn label, make a small gauge swatch, and stop when the top edge reaches your preferred width. Heavier yarn makes a larger, warmer scarf; lighter yarn makes a smaller, airier one.
Why is my granny triangle getting wider on one side?
You have probably missed the top of the turning ch-3 or worked an extra cluster in a chain space. Every completed row must have exactly one more cluster than the row before it.
