If you are looking for a fun crochet accessory that combines classic granny-square construction with a lightweight summer style, this Granny Square Bandana is a wonderful project to try. The finished piece has a playful patchwork appearance, three granny squares across the main section, three granny triangles along the top, and long crocheted straps that make it easy to tie around your head.
This easy crochet bandana is especially suitable for summer. A bandana or hair scarf can be a practical accessory on a beach day, during a casual outing, or whenever you want to keep your hair away from your eyes. Because the project is made from individual granny squares and granny triangles, it is also a satisfying way to practice basic crochet construction, color changes, joining, edging, and simple crocheted ties.
The original pattern uses three colors and a combination of squares and triangles. The pieces are crocheted separately and then joined with Color B before a Color C border and straps are added. The result is a distinctive triangular bandana with a colorful granny-square texture.
Project Overview
The construction of this bandana is easier to understand when you divide the project into a few clear stages. First, make three granny squares. Two squares stop after Round 3, while one square receives an additional Round 4. Next, make three granny triangles. Once all six pieces are complete, arrange them with the right side facing up and join them together using Color B.
After the patchwork section has been assembled, add the border using Color C. The border is worked around the outer edges, with three single crochets at the bottom point and special half double crochet stitches at the granny-square corners on the front edge. Finally, create two chains of 41 stitches and work slip stitches back along each chain to form the straps.
This approach means you do not have to crochet the entire accessory as one complicated piece. Instead, you can concentrate on one small motif at a time and then move on to assembly.
Materials and Pattern Information
Before beginning, gather all of the supplies listed for the original pattern. The project is rated Easy and is written using US crochet terms.
- โI Love This Cottonโ was used for the sample because it was available to the designer, while the designer notes that another cotton worsted yarn is the preferred choice.
- Color A โ Coral โ 1 skein
- Color B โ Teal โ 1 skein
- Color C โ Navy โ 1 skein
The source also lists the additional basic crochet supplies needed for the project. Keep your yarn needle and scissors nearby, especially because the individual motifs are fastened off and have ends that need to be woven in.
Finished Measurements and Gauge
The completed bandana measures approximately 22 inches across from corner to corner and approximately 10 inches deep. The straps are approximately 11 inches long.
The granny squares are approximately 4.5 inches. The triangles are approximately 4.5 inches on their short sides and 6.5 inches along the hypotenuse, or long side.
Gauge is not important for this pattern. Even so, keeping your tension reasonably consistent can help the squares and triangles remain visually balanced when they are joined together.
US Crochet Abbreviations
- ch โ chain
- sc โ single crochet
- hdc โ half double crochet
- dc โ double crochet
- sl st โ slip stitch
- sp โ space
- ch sp โ chain space
There are also two important starting-chain notes to remember. A chain 3 at the beginning of a row counts as a double crochet. A chain 4 at the beginning of a row counts as a double crochet and chain 1.
Making the Three Granny Squares
You will make three granny squares. The first three rounds establish the basic square motif, with the colors changing from Color A to Color B and then to Color C. Only one of the three squares receives the additional fourth round.
Start the Granny Square
With Color A, chain 4 and slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring. If you prefer, the original pattern also allows you to begin your granny squares with a magic loop.
Slip stitch into the first chain to form the center ring.
Round 1
Chain 3, which counts as 1 dc from here on out, then make 2 dc in the ring. Repeat the following sequence three times: chain 2, then 3 dc in the ring. Join with hdc in the third chain of the starting chain. Fasten off.
The first cluster begins with the two double crochets worked into the ring after the starting chain.
Once the round is complete, fasten off and cut the yarn.
Round 2
Join Color B in the same corner where you ended the previous round. Chain 3, then work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same corner chain space. Repeat the following sequence two more times after the first corner: chain 1, then (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next chain space. Finish with sc in the third chain of the starting chain and fasten off.
After completing the round, cut the yarn and finish off.
Round 3
Join Color C in the same corner where you ended the previous row. Chain 3, then work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same corner chain space. Continue with chain 1, 3 dc in the next chain 1 space, chain 1, and (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner chain space. Repeat that sequence two more times. Finish with chain 1, 3 dc in the next chain space, then sc in the third chain of the starting chain. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Round 4: Only One Granny Square
This is an important construction detail: make the next round on only one granny square. The other two squares stop after Round 3.
For the one selected square, join Color B in the same corner where you ended the previous row. Chain 3, then work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same corner chain space. Continue around with chain 1, 3 dc in the next chain 1 space, chain 1, 3 dc in the next chain 1 space, chain 1, and (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner chain space. Repeat that sequence two more times. Finish with chain 1, 3 dc in the next chain space, chain 1, 3 dc in the next chain space, and sc in the third chain of the starting chain.
Fasten off and weave in the ends. Keeping this extra round on only one square is essential to the arrangement used for the finished bandana.
Making the Three Granny Triangles
The second group of motifs consists of three granny triangles. These are made in three rows, with Color A used for Row 1, Color B for Row 2, and Color C for Row 3.
With Color A, chain 4 and slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.
Row 1
Chain 4, which counts as 1 dc and chain 1 from here on out. Make 3 dc in the ring, chain 2, 3 dc in the ring, chain 1, and 1 dc in the ring. Fasten off.
Row 2
Join Color B in the corner chain space from Row 1. Chain 4, then work 3 dc in the same chain space, chain 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the corner space, chain 1, and (3 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in the last chain space. Fasten off.
Row 3
Join Color C in the corner chain space from Row 2. Chain 4, then work 3 dc in the same chain space, chain 1, 3 dc in the next chain space, chain 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the corner space, chain 1, 3 dc in the next chain space, chain 1, and (3 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in the last chain space. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Repeat the triangle instructions until you have three completed granny triangles.
Planning the Assembly
Before joining anything, lay the three squares and three triangles out in the order in which they will be attached. Use Color B for the joining process and make sure the right side of the work is facing up.
The square with the extra row goes at the bottom. Tilt it so one point faces downward. The remaining two squares are positioned above it, creating the main triangular arrangement. Taking a moment to check the layout before crocheting can make the joining stage much easier.
Joining the Granny Squares
Take the next square to the right and attach Color B at the rightmost corner. Crochet granny clusters normally across the top and left side. When you reach the left corner, make 3 dc in that corner. This completes half of the corner and prepares the work for joining.
Line up another square above the square you are currently working on. Insert the hook into the corner space of the top square and chain 1. Make the second chain to complete the chain 2 for the corner, then work the other three double crochets into the corner to finish it.
Next, insert the hook into the next space of the top square, chain 1, and make the next granny cluster of 3 dc in the corresponding space of the bottom square.
The basic idea is to continue completing the granny-square round normally while using the corresponding space of the other square during the chain sections. This creates the joining connection as you crochet instead of requiring a separate sewing step between the squares.
Continue until the other corner is attached, then carry on with the round as normal. Once the first two squares are connected, repeat the same process to attach the top-left square.
Joining the Granny Triangles
With the three squares connected, it is time to add the three granny triangles. The first triangle is joined in the center at the top of the squares.
Attach the yarn to the far-right corner of the triangle. Chain 3, then insert your hook into the corner space of the square and chain 1. Make 3 dc in the same space. Continue along the triangle, inserting the hook into the corresponding spaces of the square before making the chains.
When you reach the corner, make the first 3 double crochets into the corner space. Then insert your hook into the corner space of the square directly across from the corner you are working in. This is the top corner of the bottom square. Chain 1.
Chain again and continue normally up the opposite side of the triangle. In the final corner, make the 3 double crochets. Then insert the hook into the last corner of the adjacent square, chain 1, and make the final double crochet in the triangle’s corner space.
Repeat this same joining process for the remaining two triangles.
When the final triangle has been joined, finish off and weave in all the ends.
Adding the Color C Border
The border gives the bandana a clean finished edge and prepares the project for the straps. Join Color C to the far-left corner of the bandana. Chain 1 and make a single crochet in the same space.
Work one sc in the top of each double crochet and in each space. Also work one sc in every corner space and in the space where two squares are attached.
When you reach the bottom point, make 3 sc in the corner space. Then continue up the other side, making one sc in each stitch or space until you reach the right corner.
Creating the First Strap
At the right corner, make one sc in the top of the chain 3 of this corner. Then chain 41 times to create the first strap.
Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook and slip stitch into each chain going back down the strap.
After completing the slip stitches, make a single crochet in the same spot where you made the last single crochet before the strap.
Working Across the Front Edge
Next, make 3 sc in each of the next 4 spaces at the end of each triangle row across the top of the bandana.
When you reach the center of the triangle, make 2 sc in the center loop. Continue with 3 sc in each of the next 4 spaces.
When you reach a granny-square corner, make 3 hdc in the corner. These taller stitches help keep the front edge from forming an unwanted indent.
Continue this border treatment across the top until you reach the far-left corner.
Creating the Second Strap
After making 3 sc in the far-left corner, chain 41. Slip stitch into the second chain from the hook and continue slip stitching all the way back down the chain.
Once the strap is complete, make one single crochet in the same space as the last stitch before the chain was made. Then slip stitch into the first single crochet of the round.
Finish off and weave in the remaining ends.
Finishing the Granny Square Bandana
At this point, the bandana is complete. The final finishing stage is mainly about securing and weaving in the yarn ends so the project looks neat and is ready to wear.
Because the bandana is assembled from several motifs, there can be multiple yarn tails from color changes and joins. Take care to weave them in securely without pulling the fabric out of shape. The final result should retain the open granny-square texture while maintaining the intended triangular silhouette.
Beginner Tips for a Smoother Project
Keep the Motifs Organized
Since three squares and three triangles are made separately, it can be useful to keep completed pieces together as you work. Pay particular attention to the square with the extra round because it has a specific position in the final layout.
Watch the Starting Chains
The starting chains have different functions in the pattern. Chain 3 counts as a double crochet, while chain 4 counts as a double crochet and chain 1. Remembering these instructions will help you understand the shape of the motifs as you work each round or row.
Check the Corners
Granny-square corners are important throughout this project. When making the motifs, joining the pieces, and working the border, pay close attention to the corner spaces. They are the points that establish the shape and help the separate pieces connect correctly.
Keep the Right Side Facing Up During Assembly
The joining instructions specifically call for the right side to face up. Before beginning the assembly, arrange all six motifs and confirm their orientation. This simple check can prevent having to undo a completed join later.
Do Not Add a Fourth Round to Every Square
One of the easiest details to overlook is the special fourth round. Only one granny square receives Round 4. The other two remain at Round 3. This difference is intentional because the square with the extra round is placed at the bottom of the bandana.
Assembly Checkpoint
- Three granny squares are completed.
- Only one granny square has Round 4.
- Three granny triangles are completed.
- The right side of the motifs is facing up.
- Color B is used to join the squares.
- All three squares are connected before the triangle section is completed.
- All three triangles are attached.
- Color C is used for the border and straps.
Common Areas to Pay Attention To
The joining stage is the part of the project where careful positioning matters most. The squares and triangles are not simply sewn together after they are finished. Instead, the joining is crocheted as part of the granny-cluster structure. The hook is inserted into the corresponding space of the neighboring motif before the connecting chain is made.
The front border also has a special detail at the granny-square corners. Instead of using only single crochet throughout that section, the instructions call for 3 hdc at each granny-square corner. This creates a longer stitch and helps prevent an indentation across the front edge.
The straps have another clearly defined construction: each strap begins with 41 chains and is then reinforced by slip stitching back along the chain. Keeping the chain count consistent gives the two straps the intended construction.
Quick Pattern Reference
Granny Squares: Make 3. Work Color A for Round 1, Color B for Round 2, and Color C for Round 3. Add Round 4 in Color B to only one square.
Granny Triangles: Make 3. Work Row 1 in Color A, Row 2 in Color B, and Row 3 in Color C.
Joining: Use Color B to join the three squares and then the three triangles.
Border: Use Color C and work single crochet around the edges, with 3 sc at the bottom point and 3 hdc at the granny-square corners along the front edge.
Straps: Make a chain of 41 for each strap and slip stitch back down each chain.
Why This Granny Square Bandana Makes a Great Summer Project
This pattern combines several qualities that make crochet accessories enjoyable to make. The individual granny motifs are relatively small, so you can work on them separately rather than carrying the entire project with you. The three-color construction also gives you plenty of visual interest without requiring complicated stitch patterns.
The finished size of approximately 22 inches across and 10 inches deep creates the recognizable triangular bandana shape, while the approximately 11-inch straps provide the finishing detail needed to tie the accessory.
The color arrangement can also make the project feel personal. The original sample uses Coral, Teal, and Navy, but the pattern itself is structured around Color A, Color B, and Color C, allowing the same construction to be understood through its color roles.
Final Finishing Checklist
- Confirm that all three granny squares are attached.
- Confirm that the square with the extra round is positioned at the bottom.
- Confirm that all three granny triangles are attached.
- Check the joins for any loose yarn tails.
- Complete the Color C border.
- Check the bottom point where 3 sc are worked in the corner space.
- Check the granny-square corners where 3 hdc are used along the front border.
- Confirm that both straps contain 41 chains.
- Slip stitch back down each strap.
- Slip stitch into the first sc to finish the border.
- Fasten off.
- Weave in all remaining ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Granny Square Bandana beginner friendly?
Yes. The pattern is rated Easy and uses familiar crochet stitches including chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch. The main challenge for a beginner is likely to be keeping track of the motif arrangement and understanding the crocheted joining technique.
How many granny squares are needed?
You need three granny squares. Two are worked through Round 3, while only one receives the additional Round 4.
How many granny triangles are needed?
You need three granny triangles. Each triangle is worked through Row 3.
What crochet terminology does the pattern use?
The pattern is written in US crochet terms.
Is gauge important?
No. The source specifically states that gauge is not important for this pattern. It also provides approximate motif dimensions as a useful reference.
How large is the finished bandana?
The finished bandana is approximately 22 inches across from corner to corner and 10 inches deep. The straps are approximately 11 inches long.
Why is one square larger than the others?
The larger square is intentional. Only one square receives Round 4, and that square is placed at the bottom of the assembled bandana.
What colors are used in the original project?
The original pattern lists Color A as Coral, Color B as Teal, and Color C as Navy, with 1 skein specified for each color.
How are the pieces joined?
The pieces are joined by crocheting with Color B and inserting the hook into corresponding spaces of neighboring motifs as the granny-cluster construction progresses.
Enjoy Your Finished Crochet Bandana
Once the final ends are woven in, your Granny Square Bandana is ready to become a colorful handmade accessory. The combination of three granny squares, three granny triangles, a contrasting border, and crocheted straps creates a distinctive finished piece while keeping the individual techniques approachable.
The project is also a useful exercise in understanding how small crochet motifs can be transformed into a larger wearable design. Instead of making one large piece from the beginning, you build several small components, position them carefully, connect them with crochet, and then finish the entire shape with a border and straps.
Take your time during the assembly stage, especially when checking the placement of the square with the extra round and when connecting the triangles. Once those sections are correctly arranged, the border and straps provide the final structure that brings the entire design together.
With its easy construction, colorful granny motifs, and practical tie straps, this crochet bandana makes a charming handmade accessory for warm-weather days. Follow the original stitch instructions carefully, keep the motif arrangement organized, and enjoy watching the individual pieces become one finished bandana.