Caron Crochet Hair Bandana with Granny Stitch and Ties

The Caron crochet hair bandana pairs an open granny triangle with a firm single-crochet tie band. The original Cupcake colorway moves through soft pink, cream and green, so the color changes come from the yarn rather than a separate stripe schedule. Its finished triangle is approximately 22 inches wide and 11 inches deep, before the ties. This guide follows the two-page Yarnspirations design and explains where to measure, how the center grows and why the two starting tie chains differ.

Materials, size and gauge

• Caron Skinny Cakes, light weight 3: the source lists one 250 g ball, 795 yd / 727 m, in Cupcake (18072).
• A 5 mm / US H/8 hook, adjusted to obtain gauge; yarn needle, scissors and measuring tape.
• The source states that one ball makes six bandanas. That is a batch estimate, rather than one whole ball being consumed by every scarf.

The single-crochet gauge is 15 stitches and 16 rows per 4 inches. In the granny pattern, the stated gauge is five double-crochet groups and nine rows per 4 inches. Check the pattern fabric as well as the single-crochet band: a loose triangle paired with very tight ties can feel quite different from the sample.

Understand the triangle

US terms are used here: ch means chain, dc means double crochet, sc means single crochet and sl st means slip stitch. The starting ch 3 counts as one dc. Each granny group contains three dc, and the central ch-2 space remains the point of the triangle.

1. Chain five and close the chain into a ring with a slip stitch. For the first row, use a counting ch 3, two more dc, ch 2 and three dc in the ring. Turn.
2. On the second row, place a three-dc edge group in the first stitch, chain one, then work three dc, ch 2 and three dc in the center opening. Chain one and finish with a three-dc group at the far edge. Turn.
3. The next row introduces a three-dc group into each side’s ch-1 space. Continue to use the same central corner and the same outer edge groups.
4. Repeat the established granny row, placing three dc in each side space and the double group around the central ch-2 opening. Finish in the top of the previous turning chain.

Measure the long straight edge of the triangle, which the PDF calls the bottom edge. Stop at approximately 56 cm, then fasten off. Do not include either future tie in this measurement. The intended depth is around 28 cm; different tension can alter both dimensions.

Work the tie band

Start a new length of yarn with ch 50. With the right side of the triangle facing you, single crochet evenly across the long edge. At the other corner, chain 51 and turn. Work one sc in the second chain from the hook and in the next 49 chains. Continue across the sc band, then work into all 50 chains of the first tie.

This gives 50 single crochets on each tie. The second chain needs one additional chain because the first is skipped when you turn back. The 50/51 difference is intentional; changing both chains to the same number would shorten one worked tie.

Finish and check the fit

Secure the ends through several stitches without making a hard knot against the scalp. Lay the bandana flat and smooth the triangle, following the yarn label for washing and blocking. Check that both tie bands sit comfortably when knotted and that the long edge does not pull into a tight curve. Keep the knot adjustable rather than forcing the triangle to stretch around the head.

For a different look, use another light-weight cake yarn after checking gauge. A heavier yarn changes the drape, triangle size and tie thickness, even if you keep every chain count. The source photograph shows the actual design; the checklist below is an editorial summary of its main measurements.

Frequently asked questions

Does the starting ch 3 count as a stitch?

Yes. It forms the first double crochet of the edge group throughout the triangle.

Why are the tie chains 50 and 51?

The chain-51 tie loses its first chain when you work back from the second chain. Both finished ties contain 50 single crochets.

Where should I measure the 56 cm width?

Measure the long straight triangle edge before adding or counting the ties.

Original source and more crochet projects

Design credit: Yarnspirations / Caron, pattern CAC0101-035975M. This article explains the supplied source and its construction; it does not claim an independently tested sample. The photographs are from that source, and the checklist is an editorial reading aid.

Open the original pattern in Drive. Source location: Whole PDF. Keep the original instructions and diagrams beside you when working the project.

For another project, explore Easy half double crochet bandana, or Sunset Stripe Granny Bandana.