Easy Crochet Shell Bandana — Corner-Up DK Cotton Pattern & Tutorial

Create a delicate, wearable accessory with this corner-up Crochet Beautiful Shell Bandana. Worked from the bottom corner up in DK-weight cotton, the shell stitch pattern produces a soft, lacy look that works beautifully as a headband or a neck bandana. This tutorial uses two colors and measures about 18" (46 cm) along the long side when finished (about 25 rows for the sample).

Materials

- Less than 50 yards of each of two colors of DK-weight cotton yarn (sample used Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in green and Ice Yarns Baby Cotton in peach).
- 3.5 mm crochet hook.
- Tapestry needle to weave in ends and scissors.

You can experiment with different yarn weights and hook sizes; the bandana is grown from the bottom corner up, so adjusting yarn/hook will change the finished size and drape.

Beautiful Shells Bandana – Crochet Pattern

To begin, in color A, ch6. Sl st to the first ch to join in the round.

Row Instructions

Row 1: Ch3 (counts as 1 dc), and work 8 dc into the center of the ch6 ring (9 dc total). Pull the last loop up long, so you don’t lose it. Remove your hook.

Row 2: Insert your hook into the top of your starting ch3 from the previous row. With color B, ch4 (counts as 1 dc, ch1). Make 1 dc into the same stitch to complete a “v stitch.” Ch5, and make 1 more v stitch (1 dc, ch1, 1 dc) all into the last stitch of the row.

Changing Color

With the live color B loop on your hook, insert your hook into the live color A loop. Ch3 in color A only. Pull the color A loop through the color B loop. Again ch3 in color A while carrying color B up the chain (see video if available). Turn your work.

Continuing the Pattern

Row 3: In color A, make 8 dc into the first v stitch (9 dc counting the starting ch3 mentioned in the color change instructions). Make 1 sc in the 5th dc from the previous shell stitch, working on top of the ch5 from the previous row. Make 9 dc in the next v stitch. Pull the last loop long and remove your hook.

Row 4: Insert your hook into the top of your starting ch3 from the previous row. With color B, ch4 (counts as 1 dc, ch1). Make 1 dc into the same stitch to complete a “v stitch.” Ch5, v stitch into the single crochet from the previous row. Ch5 and make 1 more v stitch (1 dc, ch1, 1 dc) all into the last stitch of the row.

Final Steps

Repeat the color change instructions to work in the same direction every two rows and avoid having to cut the yarn. Continue making shells into each V stitch and V stitch scaffold rows after the shell rows until your piece measures 18" (46 cm) along the long side. For the sample this was 25 rows.

Using the available working yarn on either end, make chains a few inches long to serve as ties for the headband. Weave in all ends securely.

Notes & Care

- If you prefer a firmer or softer drape, swap hook or yarn weight and adjust the number of rows to reach the desired length.
- Cotton yarns can vary, so check your yarn label for care instructions; most cotton DK yarns are machine-washable on gentle, but hand washing and laying flat to dry will keep the bandana looking its best.

- Blocking is optional but can help even out shell stitches and open the lace pattern slightly.