How to Crochet a Bandana + Free Easy Pattern

A cute crochet bandana is not only a fun and easy project to work on but also a fantastic way to show off your personal style. Whether you’re going for a boho-chic vibe or a cottage-core look, a crochet bandana is a perfect accessory that will take your outfit to the next level. So, grab your hook and some yarn, and let’s get started on this granny-stripe crochet bandana pattern!

Free Crochet Bandana Pattern

In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to crochet a bandana, written with beginners in mind. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to create your own unique and stylish bandana – and hopefully, you will be inspired to continue your crocheting journey with more challenging projects.

Can a beginner make this pattern?

Yes! Even if you’re still learning how to crochet, this crochet bandana project is a great choice. It’s small enough not to feel overwhelming, yet it still gives you the opportunity to practice different stitches and techniques. Plus, the finished product will be something you’ll be excited to wear. 

Brand new? You might want to check out our How to Crochet Guide and the 6 Basic Crochet Stitches.

Materials Needed

The good news is you only need a few things to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Yarn: For this project, look for a DK or light-worsted weight yarn in the color of your choice. I’ll be using Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton yarn, which is a mercerized 100% natural fiber yarn.
• Crochet Hook: This project will use a size G-6 (4 mm) crochet hook. If you decide to use a different yarn, check the yarn label to see what size hook is recommended.
• Scissors: Any pair of scissors will do 
• Tape Measure: Use this to measure our gauge and make sure the bandana turns out the correct size.
• Stitch Markers: These are optional but really helpful for beginners. Use stitch makers to keep track of your stitches and rows as you crochet.

Best Yarn for Crochet Bandanas

You can use any yarn you like for your bandana, but you’ll get the best results with lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn. Here are some of our top choices:

• Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton: This yarn is soft and works up nicely with a good drape. It’s categorized as a worsted yarn – although, to me, it feels lighter, almost like a DK weight.
• WeCrochet CotLin: This cool, lightweight cotton and linen blend yarn is perfect for warm-weather projects. It’s a DK weight that’s durable, wearable, and soft.
• WeCrochet Dishie: This is a worsted weight 100% cotton yarn with a tight spin and a soft finish. It’s a little thicker than the other two yarns we’ve listed, but still a good choice for this project.

Understanding Basic Crochet Stitches

Before starting the pattern, let’s go over a few basic stitches and abbreviations. Here are the crochet techniques you’ll need to know for this bandana project.

• Chain stitch
• Slip stitch
• Double crochet
• Weaving in the ends

Crochet Bandana Pattern

Here is the step-by-step pattern to crochet a cute granny-stripe bandana with cotton yarn. 

Difficulty

Beginner – Easy

Finished Measurements

Bandana measures 8.5″ tall by 16.5″ wide, excluding ties.

Ties measure 14″ each, but can be made longer or shorter.

Gauge

5 3-dc clusters and 4.5 rows = 4″ x 4″

Your gauge might be different if you use a different yarn than listed below. That’s okay. Measure your triangle as you work, and crochet as many rows as you need to meet the finished measurements listed above.

Supplies

Hook: G-6 (4.0 mm) These are my favorite hooks for beginners.

Yarn: 1 ball Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Ecru

If you substitute yarn, use the size hook recommended on the label.

Notions

• tapestry needle
• stitch marker, if desired
• ruler or tape measure, if desired

Stitch Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• st/sts: stitch/stitches

Special Techniques

Granny cluster:

3 dc worked into the same space or stitch.

Working in the space between granny clusters:

To work in the space between the stitches, do not insert your hook under the two loops at the top of a stitch. Instead, insert your hook in the space between the posts of the two designated stitches. 

For this pattern, you’ll work granny clusters (3dc) between the granny clusters in the row below.

Pattern Notes

• The pattern is written using US terms.
• The pattern is worked flat in rows.
• The ch-3 at the beginning of the row counts as a dc stitch. 

Instructions

Crochet the main triangle

Row 1: Ch 4. 2 dc in the 4th chain from the hook (3 skipped ch count as dc). Turn. [3 sts]

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout pattern), 2 dc in same st, skip next st, 3 dc in the top of the turning ch-3 in the row below. Turn. [6 sts]

Row 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, 3 dc in the space between the 3-dc clusters in the row below, 3 dc in the top of the turning ch-3 in the row below. Turn. [9 sts]

Row 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, 3 dc in the first space, 3 dc in the next space, 3 dc in the top of the turning ch-3 in the row below. Turn. [12 sts]

Row 5: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, 3 dc in each space across, 3 dc in the top of the turning ch-3 in the row below. Turn. [15 sts]

Continue following this pattern for a total of 20 rows, or until the triangle measures 8.5″ by 16.5″.

Do not cut yarn or fasten off. Continue to the next section.

Adding ties

Make the first tie: Ch 50. Skip the first chain, then sl st in each ch across. (I inserted the hook into the back bump of the chain.)

When you come to the main triangle, sl st in each stitch across.

Make the second tie: Ch 50. Skip the first chain, then sl st in each ch across. (I inserted the hook into the back bump of the chain.)

Finishing

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-8″ tail. Weave in the ends. Block the bandana to the finished measurements.

Looking for More Crochet Projects?

Check out these other free tutorials:

• How to Crochet a Scarf for Beginners – Free Pattern
• Easy Crochet Hat Pattern – Chunky Ribbed Beanie
• Classic Crochet Baby Booties with Folded Cuff – Free Pattern
• How to Crochet a Blanket + Free Pattern
• How to Crochet a Mushroom + Free Pattern

What’s Next?

Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later.

Leave a comment: We love to hear your feedback. Tell me in the comments below!

Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker_. We love to see what you make!

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