Granny Square Flower Bandana Crochet Free Pattern
Introduction
This little triangular bandana is the perfect project for anyone who wants a quick, charming accessory for a cat (or a small dog) without committing to a full garment. Six flower-centered granny squares in olive and ochre come together in a simple 3-2-1 pyramid, then get a crisp picot edging and a tiny collar loop so it slips on and off in seconds. The single crochet fabric is flat and sturdy, soft enough to wear all day, and the earthy two-tone palette gives it a rustic, folk-art farmhouse feel. If you can single crochet and increase, you can make this today.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic. Color A (olive): 30 yd (27 m). Color B (ochre): 20 yd (18 m).
- Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8).
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional), blocking pins and mat.
- Finished size: Approx. 7.5 in (19 cm) wide at the top edge and 5 in (12.5 cm) deep at the center point.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase: work 2 sc in the same stitch
- sl st – slip stitch
- MR – magic ring (an adjustable loop)
- RS – right side (the outside, public-facing side of the work)
- sts – stitches
Gauge
One finished square measures 2.5 in (6.5 cm) across after blocking. Crochet one square, block it, and measure across the center; if it is larger, go down a hook size, and if smaller, go up.
Tips Before You Start
- Work all six squares first, then block them to the same size before joining so the triangle sits flat.
- Keep your single crochets even and fairly firm; loose fabric will make the bandana floppy and the picots droop.
- When joining, work through both layers of the touching edges only, so the seams stay hidden and the shape stays crisp.
- Try the collar loop on your pet's collar before sewing it down, so the bandana hangs at the right height.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Flower Square (make 6)
Worked in the round with Color A, then Color B for the final round.
Rnd 1: With A, make an MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts). Pull the ring closed.
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts). Change to B at the end of this round.
Rnd 5: With B, [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly
Arrange the six squares in three rows forming a downward-pointing triangle: top row 3 squares side by side, middle row 2 squares centered beneath, bottom row 1 square centered at the point. With A, join the squares using sc worked through both layers along the touching edges only. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Edging
With RS facing, join B at the top right corner of the assembled triangle.
Rnd 1: sc evenly around the entire outer edge, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st.
Rnd 2: ch 1, sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st.
Rnd 3 (picot): ch 1, [sc in next 3 sc, ch 3, sl st in third ch from hook] repeat around, adjusting so the round ends with sc. Join with sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Collar Loop
With A, ch 10, sl st in first ch to form a ring. Sc 12 around the ring. Fasten off, leaving a tail.
Assembly and Finishing
Sew the collar loop to the top center of the bandana using the yarn tail and a tapestry needle, securing it with a few firm stitches on each side of the ring. Weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side. Block the finished bandana by pinning it to shape on a mat and misting lightly with water; let it dry completely so the triangle lies flat and the picots stand up.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the olive and ochre for any two contrasting colors to match your pet's collar or your home decor.
- Add a second picot round or a small tassel at the center point for extra folk-art charm.
- For a larger dog, add a fourth row of squares (4-3-2-1) and extend the edging rounds to fit.
