The Bonnie Bandana is a charming crochet accessory that combines a triangular silhouette, a bold checkerboard effect, a fluffy texture, and a decorative waved border. Designed by Laura Hjertefryd / Laura Takahashi Christiansen for Hobbii Design, this one-size project is intended for intermediate crocheters and is specifically designed with colder weather in mind.
What makes this project especially interesting is the way the fabric is constructed. Instead of working with a single strand of yarn, the pattern combines one strand of Friends Cotton 8/4 with two strands of Diablo. This produces the thick yet soft feeling described in the original design. The colorwork is equally distinctive: yellow and green are arranged in blocks that shift as the rows progress, creating the chequered appearance.
The bandana is worked in one piece. Once the triangular main section is complete, the waved edging and tie strings are crocheted directly onto the bandana. This means the entire accessory can be built through a clear sequence of foundation, shaping, colorwork, edging, and ties without separate pieces requiring assembly.
Project Overview
The Bonnie Bandana is a one-size crochet accessory with a stated width of 34 cm / 13.4 inches. The original pattern specifies a 5.5 mm crochet hook and a gauge of 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) = 16 sl st x 17 rows.
- Project: Bonnie Bandana
- Pattern number: No. 1059-231-7799
- Designer: Laura Hjertefryd / Laura Takahashi Christiansen
- Design: Hobbii Design
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Size: One size
- Width: 34 cm / 13.4 inches
- Crochet hook: 5.5 mm
- Gauge: 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) = 16 sl st x 17 rows
The pattern information describes the Bonnie Bandana as an alternative to traditional bandanas because it is designed for the cold season. Its combination of color and texture makes it both a practical accessory and a visually distinctive crochet project.
Yarn and Materials
There are four skeins listed in the original materials section. Two are Friends Cotton 8/4 and two are Diablo, with each yarn quality contributing a different part of the finished fabric.
- 1 skein of Friends Cotton 8/4, color Lemon Curd (22)
- 1 skein of Friends Cotton 8/4, color Olive (109)
- 1 skein of Diablo, color Primrose (51)
- 1 skein of Diablo, color Olive (20)
- 5.5 mm crochet hook
Friends Cotton 8/4
Friends Cotton 8/4 by Hobbii is 100% cotton. The yarn specification in the pattern is 50 g (1.75 oz) = 160 m (174 yds).
Diablo
Diablo by Hobbii is made from 40% acrylic, 30% mohair, and 30% polyamide. The specified quantity is 25 g (0.8 oz) = 225 m (246 yds).
The most important material note is the number of strands. The project uses one strand of Friends Cotton 8/4 and two strands of Diablo. The pattern specifically instructs you to work from both ends of the same skein of Diablo at the same time so that two strands of the same color are available together.
Preparing the Two Working Colors
The Bonnie Bandana uses two defined color combinations rather than treating each yarn color independently.
Yellow: One strand of Friends Cotton 8/4 in Lemon Curd (22) and two strands of Diablo in Primrose (51).
Green: One strand of Friends Cotton 8/4 in Olive (109) and two strands of Diablo in Olive (20).
Before starting the foundation chain, it is helpful to arrange your yarn so that the three strands in each combination can be worked together smoothly. The two Diablo strands should come from both ends of the same skein, exactly as stated in the original instructions.
The three-strand construction is part of the design rather than simply a styling choice. It contributes to the thick and soft feeling of the finished bandana and gives the color blocks a fuller appearance.
Crochet Abbreviations
The original pattern uses the following abbreviations:
- Ch = chain
- Sl st = slip stitch
- Sc = single crochet
- Dc = double crochet
- Hdc = half double crochet
These are the only abbreviations provided in the source. Keeping them available while crocheting will make it easier to move between the main bandana, the waved edging, and the tie strings.
Gauge and Size Information
The specified gauge is 16 sl st x 17 rows in 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches).
The pattern is made in one size and has a stated width of 34 cm / 13.4 inches.
Since the bandana is worked with one strand of cotton and two strands of Diablo, the resulting fabric has the substantial texture intended by the designer. Gauge is therefore a useful reference when checking your tension before beginning.
How the Main Triangle Is Built
The main bandana is shaped without adding a separate shaping piece. The triangle develops because the first stitch is skipped at the beginning of every row.
The original pattern gives an important note: when starting each row, skip the first stitch, thus decreasing the stitch count with 1 stitch for every row.
This repeated decrease is the foundation of the triangular shape. The project begins with 55 stitches, then becomes narrower one stitch at a time as the rows are worked.
It is useful to separate the two things happening in the main section. The skipped first stitch controls the shape, while the color instructions control the checkerboard motif. Keeping both in mind makes the construction much easier to follow.
Starting the Bandana
Begin with the Yellow color combination.
Foundation: Ch 55, 1 turning chain (55).
This creates the initial 55-stitch width. The turning chain is included in the original instruction, so it should remain part of the foundation setup exactly as written.
Row 1: Establishing the Color Blocks
Row 1: Work alternately 5 sc yellow and 5 sc green until the end of the row.
This first row establishes the five-stitch color blocks that form the foundation of the visual design. Work five single crochets in yellow, then five single crochets in green, and continue alternating in this manner until the end of the row.
At this point, the colorwork is organized into straightforward blocks. The more recognizable checkerboard effect develops later when the color placement changes.
Rows 2–5: Begin the Shaping
Rows 2 through 5 continue the color-over-color arrangement while the triangle begins narrowing.
Rows 2–5: Skip the first stitch, and work alternately yellow over yellow and green over green.
The stitch counts specified in the original pattern are:
- Row 2: 54 stitches
- Row 3: 53 stitches
- Row 4: 52 stitches
- Row 5: 51 stitches
The decrease is consistent from row to row. At the start of each row, skip the first stitch. Then continue the color arrangement with yellow over yellow and green over green.
These stitch counts are particularly useful checkpoints. If your count is different, check whether the first stitch was skipped correctly before assuming the problem is related to the colorwork.
Why These Early Rows Matter
Rows 2–5 establish the rhythm that will continue throughout the project: decrease by skipping the first stitch, then follow the color placement specified for the current section. The bandana becomes visibly narrower while the blocks remain organized.
Because the project uses three strands together, consistent tension can also help keep the fabric even. The source does not introduce a special tension technique, so the best approach is simply to work steadily while maintaining the specified construction.
Row 6: Creating the Checkerboard Shift
Row 6 is a key moment in the colorwork.
Row 6: Skip the first stitch, and now work over yellow and yellow over green, to create the chequered pattern (50).
The stitch count is 50.
This is where the colors begin to shift relative to the previous blocks. Instead of continuing only with the earlier yellow-over-yellow and green-over-green arrangement, the specified crossover creates the chequered effect.
Because Row 6 changes the color relationship, it is worth treating it as a checkpoint. Make sure the first stitch is skipped, confirm that the row has 50 stitches, and then follow the color placement exactly as written.
Rows 7–10: Continue the Pattern
Rows 7–10: Skip the first stitch, and work alternately green over green and yellow over yellow.
The same shaping rule remains in place: skip the first stitch at the beginning of each row. The color sequence now continues with green over green and yellow over yellow.
After Row 10, the pattern gives the following continuation instruction: continue like this, changing the colors every 5 rows until 1 stitch remains. Fasten off.
This wording is important because the source does not provide an individually numbered stitch count for every row after the initial listed counts. Rather than adding numbers that are not present in the original instructions, follow the stated one-stitch-per-row decrease and continue the five-row color changes until the final stitch remains.
Keeping Track of the Main Body
The easiest way to stay organized is to use three checkpoints throughout the main section.
- Shaping checkpoint: Skip the first stitch at the beginning of every row.
- Color checkpoint: Follow the specified yellow and green arrangement for the current row or five-row section.
- Stitch-count checkpoint: Use the explicit counts provided for the foundation and early rows.
The sequence begins at 55 stitches, moves through 54, 53, 52, and 51 in Rows 2–5, reaches 50 in Row 6, and then continues decreasing until 1 stitch remains.
This structure gives the bandana its triangular shape without requiring a separate shaping formula.
Working the Waved Edging
Once the main bandana has reached one remaining stitch, fasten off as instructed. The next stage is the decorative waved edging.
Use Yellow.
With the right side of the work facing, join the yarn in the side of Row 1.
Work 1 sc, then repeat:
(3 dc in one row, 2 sc)
Continue the repeat along the side until reaching the tip at the final row. Then continue along the other side. Finish with 1 sc in the first row, on the opposite side from where you started.
This edging is what gives the sides of the finished bandana their characteristic wave. The combination of three double crochets in one row followed by two single crochets creates a decorative rhythm along the triangular outline.
Edging Checkpoint
Before beginning, make sure the right side is facing and that the yarn is joined at the side of Row 1. Once the first single crochet is complete, maintain the stated repeat while traveling toward the tip.
At the tip, continue along the other side rather than stopping. The edging is intended to frame both sides of the triangular bandana.
Making the Tie Strings
The final construction stage is the tie-string section. These ties are also crocheted directly onto the bandana.
Use Yellow.
First: Ch 80.
Next: Continue along the wrong side of your bandana and work 1 sc in each stitch along the opposite side of Row 1.
Then: Ch 80 and turn.
Finally: Work 1 hdc in each stitch.
The original pattern gives the complete stitch calculation as:
80 + 55 + 80 = 215
After completing this section, fasten off and weave in the ends.
Understanding the Tie Construction
The tie section is more than two long chains attached to the bandana. The first chain contains 80 stitches, the center portion follows the 55 stitches along the opposite side of Row 1, and the second chain contains another 80 stitches.
The total stated by the pattern is therefore 215. After turning, the hdc stitches are worked across the complete path.
Following this sequence exactly is important because the tie strings are integrated into the construction of the bandana rather than being sewn on afterward.
Finishing the Bandana
Once the final hdc stitches have been completed, fasten off and weave in the ends.
At this point, the project consists of its complete triangular body, checkerboard colorwork, waved edging, and long yellow tie strings. The finished width is specified as 34 cm / 13.4 inches.
The final photographs demonstrate how the bandana sits around the head. The triangular point extends toward the back, while the ties hang below the bandana and can be used to secure the accessory.
What Gives the Bonnie Bandana Its Texture?
The texture is closely connected to the yarn combination. Friends Cotton 8/4 is combined with two strands of Diablo, giving the project the thick yet soft feeling described by the pattern.
The Diablo yarn contains acrylic, mohair, and polyamide, while Friends Cotton 8/4 is 100% cotton. Together, the three strands produce a fuller fabric than would be expected from the cotton strand alone.
The colorwork also contributes to the visual texture. The alternating yellow and green blocks stand out clearly, while the waved yellow edging creates a softer outline around the geometric body.
Practical Crochet Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1: Yarn Preparation
Have the yellow and green combinations ready before beginning. Each combination consists of one Friends Cotton 8/4 strand and two Diablo strands.
Checkpoint 2: Foundation
Start with yellow and make Ch 55 plus 1 turning chain (55).
Checkpoint 3: First Row
Work alternating groups of 5 sc yellow and 5 sc green until the end of Row 1.
Checkpoint 4: Repeated Decrease
Remember to skip the first stitch whenever starting a row. This reduces the stitch count by one stitch per row.
Checkpoint 5: Early Stitch Counts
Rows 2–5 have 54, 53, 52, and 51 stitches. Row 6 has 50 stitches.
Checkpoint 6: Checkerboard Transition
Row 6 changes the color placement to create the chequered pattern.
Checkpoint 7: Continuing Five-Row Changes
After Row 10, continue changing colors every 5 rows until 1 stitch remains.
Checkpoint 8: Waved Edging
Use yellow and work the stated 3 dc in one row, 2 sc repeat along both sides.
Checkpoint 9: Tie Strings
Complete the two Ch 80 sections and the sc and hdc portions exactly as instructed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Accidentally Working the First Stitch
The most significant shaping instruction is the repeated first-stitch skip. If that stitch is worked instead, the intended one-stitch decrease will not occur. Make the beginning of every row a deliberate checkpoint.
Using Only One Diablo Strand
The pattern requires two Diablo strands together. These should be worked from both ends of the same skein. Accidentally working with only one strand changes the specified yarn construction.
Continuing the Initial Color Arrangement Too Long
The color placement changes during the pattern. Row 6 specifically introduces the color shift that creates the chequered pattern. Follow the row instructions instead of assuming the first arrangement continues unchanged.
Changing the Stitch Counts
The stated stitch counts are part of the original design. Do not add or remove stitches intentionally to change the shape. Use the given counts as checkpoints while following the prescribed decrease.
Stopping the Edging at the Tip
The waved edging continues from one side to the tip and then along the other side. The instructions do not call for fastening off at the tip.
Finished Bandana Styling
The Bonnie Bandana is designed to be worn as a cold-season accessory. The finished photographs show the triangular fabric covering the back and side of the head, with the point extending downward.
The yellow and green palette gives the accessory a cheerful appearance, while the fluffy yarn makes the checkerboard surface look soft and substantial. The waved edging adds another layer of visual interest without requiring a separate sewn-on trim.
The long tie strings complete the wearable design and are incorporated directly into the crochet work. This creates a finished accessory with a cohesive construction from the body through to the ties.
Complete Pattern Roadmap
- Gather one skein of Friends Cotton 8/4 Lemon Curd (22).
- Gather one skein of Friends Cotton 8/4 Olive (109).
- Gather one skein of Diablo Primrose (51).
- Gather one skein of Diablo Olive (20).
- Use a 5.5 mm crochet hook.
- Prepare the yellow combination using one Friends Cotton 8/4 strand and two Diablo strands.
- Prepare the green combination using one Friends Cotton 8/4 strand and two Diablo strands.
- Start with yellow.
- Ch 55 and make 1 turning chain (55).
- Work Row 1 using alternating groups of 5 sc yellow and 5 sc green.
- For Rows 2–5, skip the first stitch and work yellow over yellow and green over green.
- Keep the stated counts of 54, 53, 52, and 51 for Rows 2–5.
- For Row 6, skip the first stitch and follow the specified color crossover to create the chequered pattern (50).
- For Rows 7–10, skip the first stitch and work alternately green over green and yellow over yellow.
- Continue changing colors every 5 rows until 1 stitch remains.
- Fasten off.
- With yellow and the right side facing, join at the side of Row 1.
- Work 1 sc, then repeat 3 dc in one row and 2 sc along the side.
- Continue to the tip and then along the opposite side.
- Finish with 1 sc in the first row on the opposite side from the starting point.
- With yellow, Ch 80.
- Work 1 sc in each stitch along the opposite side of Row 1.
- Ch 80 and turn.
- Work 1 hdc in each stitch.
- Use the stated total of 80 + 55 + 80 = 215 as the tie-section checkpoint.
- Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bonnie Bandana one size?
Yes. The original pattern specifies one size and gives a width of 34 cm / 13.4 inches.
What crochet hook size is required?
The pattern specifies a 5.5 mm crochet hook.
What yarn is used for the yellow sections?
The yellow combination consists of one strand of Friends Cotton 8/4 in Lemon Curd (22) and two strands of Diablo in Primrose (51).
What yarn is used for the green sections?
The green combination consists of one strand of Friends Cotton 8/4 in Olive (109) and two strands of Diablo in Olive (20).
Why are two Diablo strands used?
The original pattern uses two strands of Diablo together with one strand of Friends Cotton 8/4 to create the specified thick yet soft feeling. The two Diablo strands are worked from both ends of the same skein.
What is the gauge?
The gauge is 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) = 16 sl st x 17 rows.
How does the triangular shape form?
The pattern shapes the triangle by skipping the first stitch at the beginning of every row. This decreases the stitch count by one stitch for each row.
What are the stitch counts in Rows 2–6?
Rows 2–5 have 54, 53, 52, and 51 stitches respectively. Row 6 has 50 stitches.
What happens after Row 10?
The instructions say to continue in the same manner, changing the colors every 5 rows until 1 stitch remains. Then fasten off.
How is the waved edge made?
With yellow and the right side facing, join the yarn at the side of Row 1. Work 1 sc, then repeat 3 dc in one row and 2 sc along the side. Continue to the tip and then along the other side, finishing with 1 sc in the first row on the opposite side from the starting point.
How long are the tie chains?
Each tie section begins with Ch 80. The complete construction is stated in the pattern as 80 + 55 + 80 = 215.
Does the pattern require sewing?
The pattern states that the bandana is worked in one piece and that the waved edging and tie strings are crocheted directly onto the bandana. The final instruction is to fasten off and weave in the ends.
Why This Project Is Worth Trying
The Bonnie Bandana offers several techniques within a relatively compact accessory. The main body introduces repeated shaping and color placement, while the edging adds double crochet texture and the tie strings introduce a final combination of chain, single crochet, and half double crochet work.
The colorwork is perhaps the most visually recognizable feature. Beginning with five-stitch yellow and green blocks, the design gradually shifts into the chequered arrangement. The triangular shaping then carries the motif toward the point of the bandana.
At the finishing stage, the waved edging softens the geometric appearance. The yellow border follows the two sides of the triangle, and the long crocheted ties complete the wearable construction.
Final Thoughts
The Bonnie Bandana is a cozy interpretation of a familiar accessory, designed specifically with the colder season in mind. Its combination of Friends Cotton 8/4 and Diablo gives it the thick yet soft character described in the original pattern, while the yellow and green colorwork creates a playful checkerboard effect.
The construction is carefully organized around a few important principles: begin with 55 stitches, skip the first stitch at the start of every row, follow the specified color sequence, change colors every five rows as instructed, and continue until only one stitch remains. From there, the waved edging and tie strings are added directly to the completed piece.
For the most faithful result, keep the original stitch counts and color combinations close by as you work. The early checkpoints of 55 stitches for the foundation, 54 through 51 for Rows 2–5, and 50 for Row 6 are especially useful for confirming that the shaping is progressing correctly.
Once the final hdc section is complete, fasten off and weave in the ends. The result is a distinctive one-size crochet bandana measuring 34 cm / 13.4 inches in width, with a triangular checkerboard body, a waved yellow border, and long yellow ties.
Pattern: Bonnie – Bandana
Pattern No.: 1059-231-7799
Designer: Laura Hjertefryd / Laura Takahashi Christiansen
Design: Hobbii Design
Size: One size
Width: 34 cm / 13.4 inches
Happy crafting!