This free crochet dog bandana pattern is an easy and beginner-friendly project that works up quickly using basic stitches. Crochet dog bandanas are perfect for using scrap yarn and making stylish accessories for your pet. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to crochet a dog bandana step-by-step with simple instructions and customizable sizing.
Does your dog have swag? The word swag actually has a few different meanings. This crochet dog bandana pattern was inspired by the popular slang use of the term swag. Cambridge English Dictionary defines swag as, “a fashionable and confident appearance or way of behaving.” It’s just too perfect for a crochet dog bandana pattern – especially since the word “swag” has the word “wag” in it! Rest assured, you’ll have the hippest hound on the block when you make this funny crochet dog bandana pattern.
This is an easy crochet pattern that uses only single crochet stitches. If you are comfortable changing colors, working in the front loops only, and working in the back loops only, then you should have no problem with this crochet dog bandana pattern. You only need small amounts of each of the three colors of yarn, so feel free to raid your scraps stash!
My dog Finn is a 4-year old schipperke mix. He loves snuggles, belly scratches and wearing bandanas. He also has a pumpkin t-shirt for Halloween that he loves to parade around in. (Yes, I’m one of those people that dress their dogs up sometimes haha). He definitely has swag!
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Easy Crochet Dog Bandana Pattern (Free Beginner Pattern)
Materials for This Crochet Dog Bandana Pattern
Worsted, size 4, medium yarn in Navy Blue, Light Blue and Red
4.5 mm hook
Skill Level
Intermediate
Finished Measurements
10.5” across x 5.5” up and down (27 x 14 cm)
Yardage
Approximately 25 yards total (23 meters)
Gauge
8 sts x 8 rows = 2 x 2” (5 x 5 cm)
Abbreviations
US Terminology
- ch = chain
- st = stitch
- sc = single crochet
- blo = back loop only
- flo = front loop only
- ws = wrong side
- rs = right side
Notes
You will be working in the back loops only on right side rows (odd numbered rows) and the front loops only on wrong side rows (even numbered rows).
Single crochet with color change: insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over with the new color and pull through both loops on the hook.
Intarsia crochet technique: When you switch to a new color, drop the old color on the wrong side of your work and pick it back up again when you need it. Don’t carry it along with you because it will show through.
How to Crochet the Dog Bandana (Free Pattern Instructions)
Row 1 [RS – BLO]: With Navy Blue, Ch 2, sc in the second ch from the hook, turn. (1)
Row 2 [WS – FLO]: Ch 1, sc 3 in the st, turn. (3)
Row 3 [RS – BLO]: Ch 1, sc 2 in the first st, sc in the next st, sc 2 in the last st, turn. (5)
Row 4 [WS – FLO]: Ch 1, sc 2 in the first st, sc in the next 3 sts, sc 2 in the last st, turn. (7)
Row 5 [RS – BLO]: Ch 1, sc 2 in the first st, sc in the next 5 sts, sc 2 in the last st, turn. (9)
Row 6 [WS – FLO]: Ch 1, sc 2 in the first st, sc in the next 7 sts, sc 2 in the last st, turn. (11)
Row 7 [RS – BLO]: Ch 1, sc 1 in the first st, switch to light blue, sc 1 more in the first st, sc in the next 3 sts, switch to navy blue, sc in the next 2 sts, switch to light blue, sc in the next st, switch to navy blue, sc in the next 3 sts, switch to light blue sc in the next st, switch to navy blue, sc 1 more in the same st, turn. (13)
Now that you’ve got the gist of things, you may choose to work from the written instructions or the chart. Each square on the chart represents one single crochet stitch. The first two stitches of each row are worked into the same stitch to increase the stitch count. This is the same for the last two stitches of each row.
The rest of the written rows are in shorthand for easy reference, turn after each row.
b = blue, n = navy, r = red
Row 8 [WS – FLO]: n2, b1, n3, b1, n1, b2, n2, b1, n2 (15)
Row 9 [RS – BLO]: n3, b2, n2, b1, n1, b5, n3 (17)
Row 10 [WS – FLO]: n4, b1, n3, b1, n1, b1, n8 (19)
Row 11 [RS – BLO]: n8, b2, n1, b2, n1, b2, n5 (21)
Row 12 [WS – FLO]: n7, b3, n3, b4, n6 (23)
Row 13 [RS – BLO]: n25 (25)
Row 14 [WS – FLO]: n8, r5, n1, b1, n3, b1, n8 (27)
Row 15 [RS – BLO]: n9, b2, n1, b2, n1, r1, n13 (29)
Row 16 [WS – FLO]: n14, r1, n1, b5, n10 (31)
Row 17 [RS – BLO]: n11, b1, n1, b1, n1, b1, n1, r5, n11 (33)
Row 18 [WS – FLO]: n12, r1, n5, b1, n3, b1, n12 (35)
Row 19 [RS – BLO]: n13, b1, n3, b1, n1, r5, n13 (37)
Row 20 [WS – FLO]: ch 21, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and the next 20 ch sts, sc in the next 37 sts along the top of the bandana, ch 21, turn and sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and the next 20 ch sts, continue to sc down the left side of the bandana triangle, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the point of the triangle, and then continue to sc up the right side of the bandana triangle, sl st to join to the beginning of the 20 ch sts, fasten off and weave in ends.
FAQ About Crochet Dog Bandana Patterns
FAQ About Crochet Dog Bandana Patterns
How do you crochet a dog bandana?
Most crochet dog bandanas are made by increasing stitches to form a triangle, then crocheting until the bandana is wide enough to tie or attach to your dog’s collar. Follow the sizing notes in the pattern, try it on your dog as you go, and stop when the triangle reaches the desired width.
What yarn is best for a crochet dog bandana?
A soft, washable yarn is best. Many crocheters use worsted weight acrylic or cotton blends because they hold shape well and are easy to clean. Choose something comfortable against your dog’s neck and avoid scratchy fibers.
Are crochet dog bandanas safe for dogs?
Yes, when used properly. Make sure the bandana is not too tight, remove it during unsupervised play or sleep, and avoid long ties that could snag. If your dog chews fabric, supervise while wearing.
How long does it take to crochet a dog bandana?
Most crochet dog bandanas work up quickly. Depending on the size and yarn weight, a small to medium bandana can take about 30 to 90 minutes, while larger sizes may take 1 to 2 hours.
How do I size a crochet dog bandana?
Measure your dog’s neck and aim for the bandana width to be slightly shorter than the neck measurement so it sits comfortably. You can also size by trying it on as you crochet and stopping when the triangle reaches the look you want.
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If you loved this free crochet dog bandana pattern, then you might like these other free patterns!
© 2025 Littlejohn’s Yarn. All rights reserved.
Originally designed by Nine Inspired, this pattern has found a new home with Littlejohn’s Yarn and is shared here with permission.