A handmade crochet bandana is one of those projects that can be both practical and enjoyable to make. This Granny Square Bandana combines traditional granny-square motifs with triangular granny pieces to create a colorful accessory that is especially suited to summer. Instead of crocheting the whole bandana in one continuous piece, you create six separate motifs and then bring them together with a crocheted joining technique.
The original design is rated Easy and uses US crochet terminology. It is built from three granny squares and three granny triangles. The squares form the main lower portion of the bandana, while the triangles are attached across the upper section. A final Color C border frames the piece, and two crocheted straps are added so the finished bandana can be tied around the head.
This guide presents the project as a complete construction tutorial, from preparing the yarn and creating the individual motifs to joining, edging, straps, and finishing. The technical instructions remain faithful to the original pattern, including the round and row numbers, stitch sequences, color assignments, and chain counts.
Understanding the Construction Before You Begin
The most useful way to approach this project is to think of it as six small crochet components that eventually become one accessory. You will make three granny squares and three granny triangles. The squares are not all identical: one square receives a fourth round, while the other two stop after Round 3.
The color progression gives the motifs their recognizable layered appearance. The granny squares begin with Color A, continue with Color B, and then use Color C. The one special square receives another round in Color B. The triangles follow a similar progression, with Color A in Row 1, Color B in Row 2, and Color C in Row 3.
Once the motifs are finished, Color B becomes the joining color. The squares are attached first, followed by the triangles. Finally, Color C is used for the outer border and straps.
Materials for the Granny Square Bandana
The original pattern uses cotton worsted yarn and three colors. The designer used โI Love This Cottonโ because it was available, while noting a preferred cotton worsted choice in the original supply list.
- Color A โ Coral โ 1 skein
- Color B โ Teal โ 1 skein
- Color C โ Navy โ 1 skein
You will also need the basic tools required to crochet and finish the motifs, including a crochet hook, yarn needle, scissors, and anything else specified in the original supply list.
Finished Size and Gauge
The completed bandana is approximately 22 inches across from corner to corner and approximately 10 inches deep. The straps are approximately 11 inches long.
Individual granny squares measure approximately 4.5 inches. The granny triangles measure approximately 4.5 inches on their short sides and approximately 6.5 inches along the hypotenuse, or long side.
Gauge is not important for this particular pattern. The motif measurements are nevertheless useful checkpoints while working, especially when you are making multiple pieces that will eventually need to fit 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 two starting-chain details that are particularly important in this pattern. 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.
Part One: Crochet the Three Granny Squares
Begin with the three square motifs. With Color A, chain 4 and slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring. A magic loop may also be used as an alternative starting method.
Granny Square Round 1
Chain 3, which counts as 1 dc. Make 2 dc in the ring. Then repeat the following sequence three times: chain 2 and make 3 dc in the ring.
Finish the round by joining with hdc in the third chain of the starting chain. Fasten off.
The first round establishes the four corner areas that will be expanded during the following rounds. Keep the center ring relaxed enough to work the required stitches into it without making the fabric excessively tight.
After fastening off, cut the yarn and prepare for the next color.
Granny Square Round 2
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.
Next, repeat the following sequence two more times: 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. Fasten off.
When the round is complete, cut the yarn and finish off.
Granny Square Round 3
Join Color C in the same corner where you ended the previous row. Chain 3, then make (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 this sequence two more times. Then work 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.
The One Special Granny Square
There is one important difference between the three squares. Only one granny square receives an additional fourth round. Do not add this round to all three squares.
For the single selected square, join Color B in the same corner where you ended the previous row. Chain 3, then make (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same corner chain space.
Continue around by working 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 this 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.
Part Two: Make the Three Granny Triangles
The triangle motifs complete the upper portion of the patchwork design. With Color A, chain 4 and slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.
Triangle Row 1
Chain 4. This 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.
Triangle Row 2
Join Color B in the corner chain space from Row 1. Chain 4, then make 3 dc in the same chain space. Chain 1, then work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the corner space. Chain 1, then work (3 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in the last chain space. Fasten off.
Triangle 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, and (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the corner space.
Continue with 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.
Part Three: Assemble the Square Section
Before beginning the joining work, lay the squares and triangles out in the order in which they will be attached. Use Color B for the joins, and make sure the right side of the work is facing upward.
The square with the extra row belongs at the bottom. Tilt it so one of its points faces downward. This square provides the lower point of the finished bandana and helps establish the overall triangular silhouette.
Take the next square to the right and attach Color B at its rightmost corner. Crochet granny clusters normally across the top and left side. When you reach the left corner, make 3 dc in it. This creates half of the corner before the actual joining begins.
Take another square and line it up above the square currently being worked. Insert the hook into the corner space of the top square and chain 1. Then make the second chain, completing the chain 2 for the corner, and work the other three double crochets into this corner.
Move to the next space of the top square. Insert the hook there, chain 1, and then make the next granny cluster of 3 dc in the corresponding space of the bottom square.
This joining technique follows the normal granny-square structure while incorporating the neighboring square into the chain sections. In other words, you are completing the round as usual, but the hook passes through the corresponding space of the adjacent square before the connecting chain is made.
Once the other corner is reached and attached, continue the round as usual. The two squares will now be connected. Repeat the same process to attach the top-left square.
Part Four: Attach the Granny Triangles
With the three squares connected, begin adding the triangle motifs. The first triangle is positioned in the center at the top of the square section.
Attach the yarn to the far-right corner of the triangle. Chain 3, then insert the hook into the corner space of the square and chain 1. Make 3 dc in that same space.
Continue along the triangle, inserting the hook into the spaces of the square before making the chains. When you reach the corner, make the first 3 dc into the corner space.
Then insert the hook into the corner space of the square directly across from the corner being worked. This is the top corner of the bottom square. Chain 1.
Chain again and continue normally up the other side of the triangle. At the last corner, make the 3 double crochets. Then insert the hook into the last corner of the adjacent square, chain 1, and make the last double crochet in the triangle corner space.
Repeat this attachment process for the other two granny triangles.
When the final triangle has been attached, finish off and weave in all the ends.
Part Five: Crochet the Outer Border
The border is worked with Color C. 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 dc and in each space. Also make one sc in every corner space and in the space where two squares are attached.
At the bottom point of the bandana, 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.
Part Six: Make the First 41-Chain Strap
At the right corner, make one sc in the top of the chain 3 of this corner. Then chain 41 times. This forms the first strap.
Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook and slip stitch into each chain going down.
Make a sc in the same spot where you made the last sc before the strap. From here, continue along the top edge of the bandana.
Finishing the Front Border
Make 3 sc in each of the next 4 spaces at the end of each triangle row going across the top of the bandana.
When you reach the center of the triangle, make 2 sc in the center loop. Then continue with 3 sc in each of the next 4 spaces.
When you reach a granny-square corner, make 3 hdc in the corner space. These longer stitches help prevent an indentation from forming across the front of the bandana.
Continue this border treatment until you reach the far-left corner.
Part Seven: Create 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 down the chain.
When you reach the end of the strap, make one single crochet in the same space as the last stitch before you made the chain. Then slip stitch into the first sc of the round.
Finish off, weave in the ends, and the bandana is complete.
Important Construction Checkpoints
Because this design is assembled from several motifs, a few checkpoints are particularly useful before moving from one stage to the next.
Checkpoint 1: Square Count
You should have exactly three granny squares. Two should finish after Round 3. One should have the additional Round 4.
Checkpoint 2: Triangle Count
You should have three granny triangles, each worked through Row 3.
Checkpoint 3: Color Sequence
The square sequence is Color A, Color B, Color C, with Color B used again for the special fourth round. The triangle sequence is Color A, Color B, Color C.
Checkpoint 4: Assembly Direction
During assembly, the right side should be facing up. The square with the extra round is positioned at the bottom with one point facing downward.
Checkpoint 5: Border
The border is worked in Color C. Remember the special shaping details: 3 sc at the bottom corner and 3 hdc at the granny-square corners along the front edge.
Checkpoint 6: Straps
Each strap begins with a chain of 41. The chain is then worked back down with slip stitches.
Tips for Managing the Joining Process
The joining stage can feel more complicated than making the individual motifs because you are working with two pieces at the same time. The easiest approach is to arrange the pieces clearly before inserting the hook into any joining space.
Keep the corresponding spaces aligned. When the instructions tell you to insert the hook into the neighboring square or triangle before making a chain, that step is what creates the crocheted connection. Avoid rushing through these points because a misplaced join can change the alignment of the motifs.
It is also helpful to pause after each major join and look at the overall shape. The finished design depends on the square with the additional round being placed correctly and on the triangles being positioned across the upper section.
Keeping the Border Smooth
The border is more than a decorative finishing touch. It also brings the different motif edges together into one continuous outline. The instructions use single crochet along the majority of the outer edge, with special corner treatment.
At the bottom point, the 3 sc in the corner space provide room for the border to turn around the point. Along the front edge, the 3 hdc at each granny-square corner use a taller stitch to help maintain a smoother line and avoid an indentation.
When working the border, pay attention to the spaces as well as the stitches. The original instructions specifically call for single crochet in the top of each dc, each space, each corner space, and the spaces where squares are attached.
Why the Motif Method Works Well for This Project
One of the appealing features of this bandana is its modular construction. Each square and triangle can be completed individually, which makes the project easy to divide into smaller crochet sessions. The motifs also make the color changes visually clear, with each new round or row creating another layer of the granny texture.
The final joining stage transforms these small motifs into a much larger wearable accessory. The border then visually unifies the entire piece, while the straps give it a practical finishing function.
The approximate finished dimensions of 22 inches across and 10 inches deep preserve the compact shape expected from a head bandana. The approximately 11-inch straps complete the design without adding a complicated closure.
Quick Materials and Construction Checklist
- Color A, Coral โ 1 skein
- Color B, Teal โ 1 skein
- Color C, Navy โ 1 skein
- Three granny squares
- One square with an additional Round 4
- Three granny triangles
- Color B for joining
- Color C for border and straps
- Two straps, each beginning with chain 41
Frequently Asked Questions
How many granny motifs are used in total?
The project uses three granny squares and three granny triangles, for a total of six individual motifs.
Are all three granny squares the same size?
No. Two squares stop after Round 3. Only one square receives Round 4 in Color B, making it the special square used at the bottom of the arrangement.
How many rounds does each regular granny square have?
The regular squares are worked through Round 3. Only one square is extended through Round 4.
How many rows does each granny triangle have?
Each granny triangle is worked through Row 3.
What color is used to join the pieces?
Color B is used to join the granny squares and granny triangles.
What color is used for the border?
Color C is used for the border and straps.
How long are the straps?
The finished straps are approximately 11 inches long. The instructions create each strap with a chain of 41 and then use slip stitches back down the chain.
Is gauge important for this pattern?
No. The original pattern states that gauge is not important. Approximate measurements are provided for the squares and triangles as useful references.
What is the finished size?
The bandana is approximately 22 inches across from corner to corner and approximately 10 inches deep. The straps are approximately 11 inches long.
What crochet terminology is used?
The pattern uses US crochet terms.
Final Finishing Steps
After completing the second strap, make the final slip stitch into the first single crochet of the round. Finish off and weave in the ends. Take a final look at the joins and border to make sure the yarn ends are secure and the motif arrangement remains in its intended shape.
The completed accessory should show the three-square lower section, the three triangle motifs across the upper portion, the contrasting Color C border, and the two crocheted straps.
Final Thoughts
This Granny Square Bandana is a great example of how traditional crochet motifs can be arranged into a practical accessory. The project begins with simple rings and granny clusters, develops into three squares and three triangles, and then becomes a complete bandana through crocheted joining and edging.
The most important details to keep in mind are the special fourth round on only one square, the three-row construction of the triangles, the Color B joining method, and the specific Color C border and strap instructions. Once those details are kept organized, the project becomes a straightforward sequence of manageable stages.
With its approximately 22-inch width, approximately 10-inch depth, and approximately 11-inch straps, the finished bandana has the proportions specified by the original pattern. The Coral, Teal, and Navy color arrangement gives the sample a cheerful summer character, while the granny construction leaves plenty of room for the texture of the crochet itself to stand out.
Whether you are practicing granny motifs, learning how to join crochet pieces as you work, or simply looking for an easy handmade summer accessory, this project offers a satisfying combination of individual motif work and final assembly.