Crochet Bandana Cowl Pattern, Ready in an Afternoon

This was one of my very first designs. I remember not wanting a long scarf, something I’d have to wrap and tuck and fuss with. I wanted it to just fit around my neck. No bulk, nothing hanging down, just sit there and be done.

Quick answer: This is a crochet bandana cowl made from a single one row repeat, worked flat and then folded and sewn (or closed with two buttons) to sit like a bandana around the neck. It’s beginner friendly and takes about an hour once you’re moving.

Want to save this post for later? Go ahead and PIN it!

There are 2  ways to get this pattern:

Option 1: You can purchase the individual pattern as an easy-to-read, print-friendly PDF  from Ravelry

Option 2: Scroll down to get the written instructions for this pattern for free

Why this one works so well for a first-time cowl

There’s only one row to learn here. Once you’ve worked it a couple of times, your hands take over and you can crochet this in front of the TV without checking the pattern every stitch.

It’s still one of my favorites for that reason, not bulky, not a scarf, just a cowl that fits and stays put.

If you like a bit more texture once you’ve got this one down, the Braided Crochet Cowl is a nice next step.

** Some of the links in this post may include affiliate links. Making a purchase through one of these links pays me a small referral fee at no added cost to you. These small fees add up and help me keep the blog running. View our Disclosure and Privacy Policy for more information.

Materials

Any Bulky or Chunky weight #5 yarn, I used Hayfield Bonus Chunky Extra Value, 100 gr, 150 yards, 100% Acrylic

Hook: J-10 / 6.00 mm

Yarn Needle, Scissors, Measuring Tape

Sizes

20″ length x 12″ width

Stitch Key

Ch = Chain
Sc = Single Crochet

Specialty Stitches

FlSc = First loop single crochet (insert hook in first front loop, yo, pull through and finish your sc)

Notes

This pattern is worked in rows
You can adjust the length by adding chains at the foundation chain
This pattern is worked on any number of stitches +1
This is a one row repeat pattern
For this sample, I made 32 rows
The turning chain ch1 does not count as a stitch

Sandra’s tip: If you’re using a lighter weight yarn than the chunky called for here, just add a few extra rows to the width and length to get the same finished measurements, the one row repeat makes it easy to keep going until it looks right on you. If you want another quick, one-afternoon cowl to add to your rotation, the Sif Cowl is another 30-minute project worth having on hand.

If you need stitch markers and want some extra Bobby pins here is a great colorful idea

Instructions

Start with a foundation chain of 34 +1 (if you are using a smaller weight yarn, modify your number of foundation chains, remember to add 1).

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch and in every ch across to end of row, ch 1 and turn (34 st)

Row 2: FlSc in 1st st from hook, FlSc in next and in every st across to end of row, ch 1 and turn your work

This is the one row repeat for this pattern. I made 34 rows to obtain the size.

Finish by weaving in ends and cut your yarn.

Two options to close the Bandana:

Fold it like shown in the photo and sew approx 4”
You can add two buttons on the back to close it as you go!

FAQ

Is this pattern beginner friendly?

Yes. It only uses single crochet and one specialty stitch (first loop single crochet), with a one row repeat, no shaping or counting past row one.

Can I make this longer or shorter?

Yes. Add or remove chains from your foundation row for width, and add or remove rows for length. Just keep the foundation chain at any number of stitches plus 1.

What yarn works best for this pattern?

A bulky or chunky weight #5 yarn gives it the quick drape and texture it’s designed for. A lighter yarn will work but will need extra rows to reach the same finished size.

How do I close the bandana cowl?

Either fold it as shown and sew about 4 inches closed, or add two buttons on the back so you can close it as you go.

A quiet place to keep crocheting

If projects like this one are your kind of calm, you might love the V-Stitch Club.

It is my little corner of the internet for women who crochet for the joy and the quiet of it, with new patterns, gentle company, and the steady rhythm of always having something beautiful on the hook.

Come see what the V-Stitch Club is about

Be Part of The Tribe!

Come share your finished Ridgeline Beanie in my free Facebook group. Join Crochet & Stories with Sandra Stitches.

DISCLOSURE

AMAZON ASSOCIATES: Sandra Stitches is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

This post contains links to products that I use and recommend, If you purchase any using my links I get a very small fee at no ad to you! Thank you for supporting my small biz!