Summer Crochet Head Scarf

Have a leftover skein of yarn from one of your favorite makes? Work up a crochet bandana from it! This is a great one-skein crochet project that you’ll keep coming back to once you’ve gotten the hang of the stitch combination. It’s a simple, straightforward pattern and the final result is a trendy accessory. All the best ingredients for a satisfying DIY!

This crochet head scarf pattern includes options for three different yarn weights: sport weight, DK weight, and worsted weight.

Related: Looking for another timeless summer accessory? Add the Stop & Rewind Sunhat your to-crochet list!

Why Crochet a Head Scarf?

A triangular head scarf is not only fashionable but also incredibly practical. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making one:

• Easy to Make: This pattern is great for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, requiring only basic stitches that are explained below.
• Customizable: Choose your favorite yarn and color to match your personal style.
• Perfect for Any Season: Make it with different weights of yarn for autumn and winter. It’s great for accessorizing all year round. But remember that this will make the final result different from the one that’s pictured!

How to Crochet a Scarf

If this is your first crochet bandana, there’s nothing complicated in its construction. It is crocheted row by row, from the base of the triangle to the tip. Once the main body is done, you’ll add the edging and ties.

There are instructions that allow you to adjust the width according to your preferences. This gives you the freedom to crochet it for anyone and get a different look every time.

Custom Sizing Instructions

Love the look, but prefer a different size? Use these simple instructions to make ANY size head scarf or use whatever weight yarn!

• Customize Width: To make a wider or narrower head scarf, increase or decrease your foundation chain in multiples of 8.
• Use ANY weight yarn: You can use any weight yarn and desired hook size by simply adjusting the written foundation chain in multiples of 8, until it’s the beginning width you prefer. Then continue the pattern as written.

Yarn

I used Lion Brand Yarns Cotton Bamboo Linen for my sport weight version of the crochet head scarf. This is a fine-weight yarn and comes in selected solid colors. Because it combines cotton, bamboo, and linen, has breathability with a smooth, lightweight feel, perfect for head scarves that get a lot of wear out of them. The smooth, even texture of the yarn makes it ideal for knitting and crocheting gorgeous sweaters, scarves, and accessories.

The blend of natural fibers enhances the drape and with the contemporary choices, it’ll fast become a favorite yarn to work with.

For the DK weight version, I used Lion Brand Yarns Cottino. And for the worsted weight version, I used Lion Brand Yarns 24/7 Cotton.

Abbreviations (U.S. Terms)

• ch(s): chain(s)
• sl st(s): slip stitch(es)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sc: single crochet
• Rep: repeat
• RS: right side
• SM: stitch marker
• yo: yarn over

Gauge

• In sc with a 3.50mm hook: 11 sts = 2.5″; 11 rows = 2.5″
• Measurements given in sections.

Experience Level

• Easy / Intermediate

Size

• Blocked (before edging): 23″ W x 10.5″ H
• Edging adds approximately 1/4″
• Easily adjustable – See notes above

Summer Crochet Head Scarf – Free Crochet Pattern

Body of Scarf

See Progression Photos of a smaller swatch below.

Changes for yarn weights are written as follows: Sport Weight (DK Weight, Worsted Weight).

Set-Up: With yarn & a 3.75mm (4.00mm, 5.00mm) crochet hook, ch 102 (94, 86).

Row 1 (RS): Using a 3.50mm (do not switch, 4.00mm) crochet hook, working into the back hump of the foundation ch, sc into the 2nd ch from your hook and in each ch across. Turn. (101, 93, 85 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each of the first 5 sts, (ch 5, skip each of the next 3 sts, sc in each of the next 5 sts) rep from ( to ) across. Turn. (65 sc + 12 ch-5’s) (60 sc + 11 ch-5’s) (55 sc + 10 ch-5’s)

Row 3: Ch 1, skip the first st, sc in each of the next 3 sts, (ch 3, skip the next st, sc in the middle of the next ch-5 sp, ch 3, skip the next st, sc in each of the next 3 sts) rep from ( to ) across to the last st, leave the last st unworked. Turn. (51 sc + 24 ch-3’s) (47 sc + 22 ch-3’s) (43 sc + 20 ch-3’s)

Row 4: Ch 1, skip the first st, sc in the next st, (ch 3, skip the next st, sc in the next ch-3 sp, sc in the next st, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip the next st, sc in the next st) rep from ( to ) across to the last st, leave the last st unworked. Turn. (49 sc + 24 ch-3’s) (45 sc + 22 ch-3’s) (41 sc + 20 ch-3’s)

Row 5: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch), skip the first st, sc in the next ch-3 sp, sc in each of the next 3 sts, sc in the next ch-3 sp, (ch 5, skip the next sc, sc in the next ch-3 sp, sc in each of the next 3 sts, sc in the next ch-3 sp) rep from ( to ) across to the last st, leave the last st unworked. Turn. (60 sc + 11 ch-5’s + 1 ch-3) (55 sc + 10 ch-5’s + 1 ch-3) (50 sc + 9 ch-5’s + 1 ch-3)

Rows 6 – 37 (34, 31): Rep Rows 3 – 5, ending with a Row 4. (5 sc + 2 ch-3’s) All sizes at the end of the last Row 4 rep.

Do not fasten off. Continue on to Final Rows.

Final Rows

Row 1: Ch 3, skip the first st, sc in the next ch-3 sp, sc in each of the next 3 sts, sc in the next ch-3 sp. Turn. (5 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, skip the first st, sc in each of the next 3 sts. Turn. (3 sc)

Row 3: Ch 1, skip the first st, sc in the next st. (1 sc)

Do not fasten off. Place a locking stitch marker in the last stitch to hold the yarn. You’ll pick it back up when working the edging and ties. Block your head scarf! Then, continue on to Edging & Ties.

Blocked Dimensions: 23″ W x 10.5″ H (22″ W x 10″ H, 22″ W x 10″ H).

Edging & Ties

Note: Stitch count is not crucial for this section. When working along the angled edges, work as many sc as needed so that the edge lays flat. The ties on the samples shown are 9″ long.

Row 1: With a 3.50mm (4.00mm, 4.00mm) crochet hook, remove the SM and put the working yarn back on your hook, ch 1, work 3 sc into the last st of the body of scarf, then sc evenly down the first angled edge to the first corner, switch to a 3.75mm (do not switch, 5.00mm) crochet hook, create a ch 9″ – 12″ long, switch to a 3.50mm (do not switch, 4.00mm) crochet hook, working in the back humps of the ch, sl st into each ch just created, switch to 3.75mm (do not switch, 5.00mm) crochet hook, sc across the bottom edge to the next corner, create a ch 9″ – 12″ long, switch to a 3.50mm (do not switch, 4.00mm) crochet hook, working in the back humps of the ch, sl st into each ch just created, sc evenly along the last side. Join with a sl st to the 1st st. Stitch count is not crucial.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

How to Make a Custom Width Bandana

To make a wider or narrower head scarf, increase or decrease your foundation chain in multiples of 8.

Crochet Rows 1 – 2.

Then repeat Rows 3 – 5, ending with a Row 4 when the stitch count is (5 sc + 2 ch-3’s).

Then work the three Final Rows.

Lastly, crochet the Edging & Ties.

Progression Photos

The progression photos show a small swatch that began with a foundation chain of 26 to give a stitch count of 25 for Row 1.