by It sounds like you’re looking for a pattern to create a “bandana blanket,” which isn’t a standard crochet term, but based on the context of “bandana” from previous searches, it likely refers to either:
- A large, triangular-shaped blanket: Like a giant bandana, perhaps for a baby to lay on, or a throw for a couch, with ties or a pointed end.
- A blanket made with bandana motifs: Such as joining several bandana-shaped pieces, or using a stitch pattern that resembles a bandana’s texture.
Given the “wonderfully easy” and “baby blanket” context, the most probable interpretation is a large, triangular blanket that mimics the shape of a bandana. This is a great project for learning increases and creating a unique shape!
Here’s how to make a wonderfully easy crocheted triangular “bandana” style blanket, working from the point upwards, increasing as you go.
How to Make a Wonderfully Easy Crocheted Bandana Blanket (Triangular Style)
This pattern uses a simple double crochet (dc) stitch, which creates a lovely drape and works up relatively quickly. The increasing pattern ensures you get that classic triangle shape.
1. Essential Materials
- Yarn:
- Fiber: 100% Acrylic or Cotton/Acrylic Blend. These are soft, durable, and machine washable – perfect for baby items. Look for “baby” or “super soft” yarns.
- Weight: Worsted weight (Aran – Weight 4) is ideal for a cozy blanket. DK (Double Knitting – Weight 3) would also work for a lighter blanket, just adjust your hook size.
- Color: Your choice! Pastels, brights, or variegated yarns all look great.
- Quantity: For a baby blanket around 30×30 inches (at its widest point for a triangle), you’ll need approximately 800-1000 yards (730-915 meters) of worsted weight yarn.
- Crochet Hook: A 5.0mm (US H/8) or 5.5mm (US I/9) hook for worsted weight yarn. If using DK, try 4.0mm (G/6) or 4.5mm (7). The goal is a soft, drapey fabric, not too stiff.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends.
- Stitch Markers (Optional but Recommended): Very helpful for marking the center increase.
2. Basic Crochet Stitches
- Chain (ch): The foundation.
- Double Crochet (dc): The main stitch for the body of the blanket.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining if you add a border.
3. Understanding the Triangle Shape (Increases)
To create a triangle, you’ll start at the narrowest point (the tip) and increase stitches evenly on both sides as you work your way up. For this pattern, we’ll make all increases in the very center of the row to form a prominent “spine” and at the ends of each row.
4. Let’s Make Your Bandana Blanket!
Pattern Notes:
- This pattern uses US crochet terms.
- The turning chain (ch 3 at the beginning of each row) counts as your first double crochet (dc).
- We will be increasing by 4 stitches in total in each row: 1 at the beginning, 2 in the center, and 1 at the end.
Instructions:
Starting the Tip:
- Ch 4.
- Work 3 dc into the 4th chain from your hook. (This forms your first small cluster).
- Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Turn your work. Work 2 dc into the same stitch at the base of your Ch 3 (this is your first increase). Work 1 dc into the next stitch. Work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) into the last stitch (this forms your center point with increases and a chain space for the next round). Work 1 dc into the next stitch. Work 3 dc into the top of the initial Ch 3 from the setup. (You should now have 11 dc total in the row, including the turning ch).Self-Correction after review: The initial setup with just 3dc into the 4th chain is a bit too small for immediate increases. Let’s start simpler and build directly from a magic ring or a slightly larger chain for better shaping.
Revised Starting Instructions (Simpler & More Common):
- Method A: Magic Ring (Recommended for a tighter center)
- Create a Magic Ring (MR).
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Work (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) into the magic ring. (This creates your first “half” of the triangle with a center ch-1 space).
- Gently pull the tail of the magic ring to close it tightly.
- (You should have 6 dc and 1 ch-1 space).
- Method B: Chain Method (Easier for Beginners)
- Ch 4.
- Work (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) into the 4th chain from your hook (the first chain you made).
- (You should have 6 dc and 1 ch-1 space).
Building the Triangle (Rows):
From now on, you’ll be working in rows. Each row will add stitches at the beginning, end, and especially in the central “peak” of your triangle.
- Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as your first dc). Turn your work. Work 2 dc into the first stitch (same stitch as the base of your Ch 3). Work 1 dc in each dc across until you reach the central ch-1 space. In the central ch-1 space, work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc). Work 1 dc in each remaining dc across until the last stitch. In the last stitch, work 3 dc.
- (You will have increased by 2 stitches at the beginning, 2 in the center, and 2 at the end, so 6 stitches added to the total count from the previous row).
- Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as your first dc). Turn your work. Work 2 dc into the first stitch (same stitch as the base of your Ch 3). Work 1 dc in each dc across until you reach the central ch-1 space. In the central ch-1 space, work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc). Work 1 dc in each remaining dc across until the last stitch. In the last stitch, work 3 dc.
- Repeat Row 2 for every subsequent row.
Key things to remember for each row:
- Always start with Ch 3 (counts as first dc).
- Always work 2 more dc into the same stitch as the Ch 3 at the beginning of the row (total of 3 dc originating from that first stitch including the ch 3).
- Always work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) into the central ch-1 space. This forms your clear “peak.”
- Always work 3 dc into the last dc of the previous row.
Continue crocheting rows until your blanket reaches the desired size. For a baby blanket, you’ll likely want the longest side (the top edge) to be around 30-40 inches (75-100 cm) and the height (from the tip to the center of the top edge) to be similar.
5. Finishing Your Blanket
- Fasten Off: Once your blanket is the desired size, cut your yarn, leaving a tail of about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). Yarn over your hook, pull the tail completely through the loop on your hook, and pull tight to secure.
- Weave in Ends: Thread your yarn needle with the tail. Carefully weave the tail through the stitches on the wrong side of your work, making sure it’s secure and won’t unravel. Trim any excess yarn. Also weave in the starting tail from your magic ring or chain.
6. Optional Touches
- Border: You can add a simple border around the entire triangle if desired.
- Join yarn with a sl st to any corner (e.g., the top right corner of the flat edge).
- Ch 1. Work sc stitches evenly around the entire blanket edge. When you reach the tip of the triangle, work (sc, ch 1, sc) into that point to keep it sharp. For the other two “corners” (where the increases happen at the beginning/end of rows), work 3 sc into each of those corner stitches.
- Sl st to the first sc to join.
- You can do multiple rounds of sc, or switch to hdc or dc for a thicker border.
- Blocking: For a wonderfully flat and even finished product, blocking is highly recommended.
- Wet Block: Gently wet the entire blanket (you can submerge it in water), carefully squeeze out excess water (do not wring!), lay it flat on a clean surface or blocking mats, gently stretch and pin it to its desired triangular shape and dimensions, and let it air dry completely.
- This will open up the stitches, even out the edges, and give it a beautiful professional finish.
Tips for Success
- Counting is Key: Especially in the early rows, count your stitches in each section to ensure your increases are consistent and the triangle grows evenly.
- Use a Stitch Marker: Place a stitch marker in the central ch-1 space of each row. This makes it easy to find where your next “peak” increase needs to go.
- Gauge Check: Make a small swatch first to see if your hook size produces a fabric you like. For a blanket, you generally want it to be soft and pliable, not too stiff.
- Yarn Management: Keep your yarn tension consistent. Too tight and the blanket will be stiff; too loose and it will be floppy and gappy.
- Enjoy the Process: This is a relatively simple project that allows you to relax into the rhythm of the stitches. It’s very satisfying to watch the triangle grow!
This “bandana” style blanket is unique and charming, perfect for a baby to snuggle with or as a decorative throw. Happy crocheting!
