Crochet a Granny Square Bandana: Free Pattern & Video Tutorial
Every year on 15 August, crocheters around the globe take part in Granny Square Day. The event was founded in 2014 by maker Susan Regalia, but the history of the granny square goes back much further. The motif originated as a practical, zero-waste technique for using up leftover yarn scraps. It gained massive cultural momentum in the 1970s and remains a staple of modern crochet today.
While the classic square uses increasing rounds of 3-treble clusters, granny square designs have expanded into mosaic squares, sunburst floral motifs, and intricate lace blocks. Their modular nature makes them portable, customisable, and ideal for building cardigans, sweaters and accessories - blankets being a favourite.
This design uses 10 squares rotated 45 degrees, and 5 half-square triangles placed along the top edge. You can follow along with our free pattern and full video tutorial to create your motifs and assemble the finished piece.
The 10 + 5 Bandana Layout
The bandana uses a 4-3-2-1 grid of diamond-oriented squares, topped with five downward-pointing triangles to create a flat upper border.
Why This Geometry Works
- 10 Diamond Squares: Rotating the full squares 45 degrees gives the crochet fabric diagonal stretch and creates the triangular shape. This helps the bandana curve comfortably around your head or drape smoothly over your chest.
- 5 Top Triangles: Fills in the upper V-shaped gaps between the top diamond squares, creating a straight edge across the top for easy border work.
- 1 Bottom Point: Formed by Square 10 at the base, creating a classic triangular apex.
Headwear & Neckwear Styling
Because the top edge is straight and the bottom tapers to a point, this bandana functions equally well as headwear or neckwear.
1. Neck Kerchief
Turn the bandana so the central point faces down over your chest like a cowl. Wrap the ties around the back of your neck and tie them in a neat knot. The organic cotton fabric sits flat against your collarbone to block light wind without adding heavy bulk under a jacket.
2. Head Bandana
Place the straight top edge across your hairline or forehead. The central point drapes back over the crown of your head. The integrated double crochet ties wrap under your hair and knot securely at the nape of your neck.
Customising Your Motifs & Sizing
Because this guide focuses on assembly, you can use any square design you prefer, provided all 10 full squares measure the same width when blocked.
1. Alternative Square Patterns
- Traditional 3-Treble Granny: Classic open texture with great drape.
- Solid Granny Squares: Creates a denser fabric with extra warmth.
- Floral or Sunburst Squares: Adds a decorative central motif to each diamond.
- Mix-and-Match Sampler: You can even use 10 completely different square designs for a playful patchwork look, as long as each motif blocks to the same size.
2. Sizing Recommendations
- Standard Adult Fit: Aim for 7.5cm x 7.5cm for each full square. This yields a top edge width of roughly 52cm–55cm (excluding ties).
- Deeper Neck Coverage: Use 8cm x 8cm squares for a wider top edge and a deeper drop over the chest.
- Child Fit: Use 5cm x 5cm squares for a 40cm top edge.
Bandana Assembly & Integrated Ties
1. Block the Squares & Triangles
Before joining your motifs together, gently wet block or steam block your 10 full squares and 5 top triangles. Blocking each individual piece to exact matching dimensions makes seaming much easier and ensures crisp, even alignment across your bandana.
2. Layout & Preparation
Lay out your 10 full squares on point (as diamonds) in a 4-3-2-1 formation. Position your 5 top triangles flat-side up along the upper edge so their points nest into the top V-gaps.
3. Joining Options
There are several ways to connect your 10 diamond squares and 5 top triangles into a single fabric.
- Flat Slip-Stitch Join (My Choice): Worked with a crochet hook through the back loops only of adjacent motifs. It creates a neat, low-profile seam that lays flat against no bulk. This is the method I used for this bandana and demonstrate in the free video tutorial.
- Mattress Stitch (Sewn): Worked with a tapestry needle by catching edge loops. It pulls the motifs snugly together for a smooth, virtually invisible seam that looks like a continuous piece of fabric.
- Whip Stitch (Sewn): A quick, simple needle technique worked through outer loops. It gives a lightweight, flexible join that moves naturally with the drape of organic cotton yarn.
- Join-As-You-Go (JAYG): Worked during the final round of each motif by connecting into adjacent chain spaces. It eliminates seaming at the end altogether.
Edging, Top Border & Integrated Ties Overview
Once all 15 pieces are joined into a single triangle, the finishing border is worked in two steps:
- First, a neat edging is worked along the two angled sides of the triangle down to the bottom apex point, tidying up the motif edges.
- Next, the top border is worked across the flat upper edge, extending foundation chains out from each top corner into double crochet tie straps.
Watch our free full video tutorial for a visual walkthrough of working the side borders, top edge, and anchoring the tie straps.
Finishing & Blocking
After seaming your motifs and adding the top border, blocking is an essential final step. Wet blocking or steam blocking opens up the stitch clusters, flattens seam joins, and sets the top tie edge straight.
Closing Thought
Granny Square Day reminds us why this classic motif continues to be a favourite for makers everywhere. Customise your design with colour options and individual motifs and transform them into a multi-functional bandana you can wear all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Granny Square Day and when is it celebrated?
Granny Square Day is an international online celebration held every year on 15 August. Created in 2014 by Susan Regalia and hosted by Simply Crochet magazine, crocheters post images of single squares on social media to build a giant virtual blanket.
Do I need to use a specific granny square pattern for this bandana?
No. You can follow our free pattern and video tutorial or use any square design you like, provided all 10 full squares share the same finished dimensions.
How many pieces do I need to prepare in total?
You need 10 full squares (turned 45 degrees as diamonds) and 5 top half-triangles to flatten the top edge.
What is the best method to join the motifs together?
We recommend a flat slip-stitch join worked through the back loops (as featured in our video tutorial) because it creates a flat, low-profile seam. Whip-stitching, mattress stitch, or join-as-you-go methods also work well.
Can I wear this bandana as a neck scarf?
Yes. The flat top edge sits neatly around the back of the neck while the bottom point hangs over the chest like a kerchief.
What yarn is best for a granny square bandana?
We recommend 100% organic cotton DK yarn. It is breathable, non-itchy against sensitive neck skin, and does not build up static on hair.
What does "dc" mean in this pattern?
"Dc" refers to UK double crochet (equivalent to US single crochet), used here to construct dense, low-stretch tie straps.
Is blocking necessary for a joined granny bandana?
Yes. Blocking is essential for joined motif projects because it flattens the seams, straightens the top tie border, and settles the bottom apex.
How do I adjust the size for a child or larger adult fit?
To adjust the fit, simply change the size of your individual squares (e.g. 5cm for children, 7.5cm for standard adult fit, 8cm for larger neck coverage) while keeping the same 10 + 5 layout.