A small crochet bandana can bring colour and character to a dog’s photo without needing a complicated outfit. This collection includes airy granny stitches, textured triangles, a collar-slide design and decorative options for special occasions.
Every idea links to a complete project on the original designer’s site, with access and sizing notes. The generated photographs are colour and styling inspiration, not photographs of projects we made or tested. Use each designer’s photographs and instructions for the exact stitches, construction and fit; illustrations may differ in stitch layout, proportions and finishing.
Measure the individual dog, check its comfort and supervise wear. Remove an accessory if the dog mouths it, seems uncomfortable or could catch it on something. These bandanas are decorative accessories and should never carry a lead or replace a suitable collar or harness.
1.) Roxy’s Granny Stitch Bandana
A rich berry colour makes a small granny stitch triangle look especially cheerful against a light coat. Roxy’s Bandana by Veronika Cromwell uses an open cluster fabric and narrow ties, with a sample triangle measuring 24 by 12.5 cm. The designer explains how to change the size, so use the dog’s measurements rather than selecting by breed alone. In this styling concept, a terracotta background keeps the yarn colour lively without adding distracting props. The illustration simplifies the cluster arrangement; follow the designer’s photographs and instructions for the precise diagonal construction. Keep the ties neatly positioned during a short, supervised photo session.
Pattern: Roxy’s Granny Stitch Bandana — complete project. Designer: Veronika Cromwell at Blue Star Crochet. Access: Free web pattern and video; optional paid printable PDF.
2.) A Lightweight Textured Triangle
Fine cotton yarn gives this textured design a different feel from a bulky pet accessory. Ashlea Schumaker’s bandana grows from its lower point and finishes with slim ties, allowing the maker to stop at the desired size. A leafy green illustration highlights the alternating texture, while a pale stone surface makes the edges easy to see. The original uses fingering or sock weight cotton or a cotton blend; replacing that with a thick yarn would change the result substantially. Compare the sample fabric with the designer’s close photographs before choosing materials. The generated stitch detail is approximate, and the linked pattern remains the construction reference throughout the project. The illustration opens the horizontal bands more than the original fine-yarn sample.
Pattern: A Lightweight Textured Triangle — complete project. Designer: Ashlea Schumaker at Heart Hook Home. Access: Free web pattern; optional paid ad-free PDF.
3.) A Heart Paw Print With a Scalloped Edge
A contrasting paw motif turns a simple triangle into a thoughtful gift for a dog lover. GoldenLucyCrafts combines a cotton bandana with scalloped edging and a paw made from heart shapes. The original sample is about 33 inches long and 9 inches deep, intended for a medium to large dog, with guidance for adjusting the size. This coral and cream illustration uses the same decorative idea, while the precise heart shapes and placement may differ. Consult both the complete bandana page and its linked appliqué instructions before starting. Keep the decoration firmly attached and check it before wear, especially with a dog that likes to investigate yarn. Its illustrated body rows run in a different direction from the designer’s sideways-worked fabric.
Pattern: A Heart Paw Print With a Scalloped Edge — complete project. Designer: Olena at GoldenLucyCrafts. Access: Free web bandana pattern and separate free paw appliqué page; optional paid PDF.
For the decoration, use GoldenLucyCrafts’ separate free heart paw print appliqué pattern, which is linked from the complete bandana project.
4.) Daisy’s Scalloped Granny Bandana
A scalloped border gives Daisy’s bandana a softer outline than a plain granny triangle. Crystal Martin’s design includes plain, scalloped and tasselled edge options, so there is room to choose the finish that best suits the dog. The written sample fits a 14 inch neck, and the page explains adjustments to the triangle and strap. This sage green styling concept selects the scalloped option and leaves out tassels. Its buttoned strap should be fitted from actual measurements, with the button inspected before each use. The generated scallops and stitch spacing are illustrative; use the designer’s photographs for their exact arrangement and for the finished strap construction.
Pattern: Daisy’s Scalloped Granny Bandana — complete project. Designer: Crystal Martin at Marching North. Access: Free web pattern and video; optional paid PDF with chart.
5.) A Collar-Slide Bandana in Five Sizes
A bandana that slides onto an existing collar offers a useful alternative to a tie-on design. Kristen Mangus’s version includes a casing across the top and five sizes from small to extra extra large, with different collar widths specified for each. The mustard illustration keeps the fabric plain so the folded channel is easy to understand. Measure the actual collar as well as the dog before choosing a size; the casing needs to accommodate that collar comfortably. The page’s printed gauge unit appears inconsistent, so check with the designer if it affects your swatch. Use the stated dimensions as a comparison, and follow the original photographs for the precise shaping.
Pattern: A Collar-Slide Bandana in Five Sizes — complete project. Designer: Kristen Mangus at GoodKnit Kisses. Access: Free complete web instructions; optional paid PDF. Some tutorial videos are restricted to paid YouTube VIP members.
6.) Moss Stitch With Gentle Colour Changes
Soft colour changes bring a lovely rhythm to moss stitch without needing a separate decorative motif. Sarah Zimmerman’s bandana sample measures about 13 inches across and 6.5 inches high, and the triangle can be adjusted by changing its size before finishing. The original offers a button closure as well as alternatives using ties. Here, a blue and gold palette is shown with the tie option on a small terrier, allowing the textured fabric to remain the focus. The colour sequence and the generated stitch spacing are styling choices rather than a promise of an identical result. Check the original completed photographs when deciding how the bandana should sit.
Pattern: Moss Stitch With Gentle Colour Changes — complete project. Designer: Sarah Zimmerman at Repeat Crafter Me. Access: Free complete web pattern. Button fastening or the designer’s tie alternatives are included.
7.) Rigby’s Lacy Dog Scarf
Open lace gives the Rigby Scarf a delicate look that works beautifully in a single soft colour. Sincerely Pam provides five dog sizes, covering neck circumferences from 8 to 26 inches, along with a buttoned closing strap. The peach illustration explores the lacy triangular shape against a white dog’s coat. Use the dog sizing chart on the pattern page rather than the separate adult scarf example shown there. Lace openings and button placement need particular attention during fitting, especially around claws and tags. The generated lace is an interpretation of the airy effect; the original photographs and written pattern show the exact repeats, edge treatment and fastening details.
Pattern: Rigby’s Lacy Dog Scarf — complete project. Designer: Pam at Sincerely Pam. Access: Free complete web pattern in dog sizes XS–XL; no account needed to read.
8.) A Tunisian Triangle With a Bone Border
Tunisian crochet creates a pleasantly substantial surface for a contrasting decorative edge. RaffamusaDesigns pairs a simple stitch triangle with a bone border, surface accents and a hook and loop closure. The original sample has a 70 cm longest side and a depth of about 30.5 cm, with size customisation discussed on the page. This blue and cream illustration changes the palette while retaining the idea of small bone shapes along the edge. Their exact number and construction belong to the designer’s pattern. Choose the dimensions carefully before making a gift, since this is a sizeable bandana. Its illustrated texture and proportions are inspiration, not a stitch chart.
Pattern: A Tunisian Triangle With a Bone Border — complete project. Designer: Raffaella at RaffamusaDesigns. Access: Free complete web pattern; optional paid PDF. Linked triangle and border tutorials are supplementary.
9.) A Colourful Moss Stitch Tie-On
A lively stripe sequence makes this moss stitch design an appealing way to explore colour. Kylee Keller’s pattern uses a triangle and two separately made ties, with the size determined from the dog’s neck measurement. The designer’s original cotton blend yarn has been discontinued, so review a suitable worsted weight replacement instead of expecting to buy that exact yarn. The lilac, turquoise and pink illustration suggests one possible palette on a simple cream background. Choose tie lengths with the individual dog in mind and keep them from dangling into its path. The illustrated stripes and fabric density can differ from the designer’s sample; follow the linked page for the actual construction.
Pattern: A Colourful Moss Stitch Tie-On — complete project. Designer: Kylee Keller at OkieGirlBling’n’Things. Access: Free complete web pattern with video; adjustable size rather than a graded size set.
10.) A Tuxedo Bandana for Special Photos
A black and white tuxedo bandana makes a charming choice for a brief birthday or celebration photo. Jo Edwards’s design combines a shaped triangle, separate collar, bow tie and two decorative buttons. The sample is about 8 inches high, with an 8.5 inch wide triangle and a 34 inch collar that can be adjusted. This illustration keeps the classic palette, while the precise curvature and bow proportions may vary. Use the original assembly photographs to understand how the pieces meet. This is an accessory rather than a restraint or lead attachment. Inspect the buttons and stitching before use and remove the bandana after the supervised occasion.
Pattern: A Tuxedo Bandana for Special Photos — complete project. Designer: Jo Edwards at Jo to the World Creations. Access: Free complete web pattern; optional paid PDF or paid All-Access membership.
11.) A Snowman Bandana With a Ribbed Scarf Collar
A ribbed red collar and a white triangle create a playful snowman effect without needing a full costume. GoldenLucyCrafts’s design slips over the head and uses attached scarf ends, with three decorative black buttons on the bandana. Its original large dog sample has a 17 inch collar circumference and a drop of about 9 inches; adjustments are explained on the page. The illustration concentrates on the bandana and omits the optional carrot headband. Check that a slip-on accessory passes comfortably over the head as well as fitting the neck. The scarf ends, proportions and texture are illustrative, so compare the original designer photographs before making the project.
Pattern: A Snowman Bandana With a Ribbed Scarf Collar — complete project. Designer: Olena at GoldenLucyCrafts. Access: Free complete web pattern; optional paid PDF. Matching headband is included but not required for this idea.
12.) Lumina’s Bands of Eyelet Detail
Rows of small openings give Lumina a decorative rhythm while leaving plenty of solid fabric between them. Shannon’s pattern offers six dog sizes, from an 8 to 12 inch neck range through a 23 to 25 inch range. A muted plum illustration keeps attention on those alternating bands and the simple triangle outline. The medium size is a useful reference for the pictured scale, but each dog still needs measuring. The large size paragraph contains conflicting row endpoints, so ask the designer before using that size. The generated eyelets are styling inspiration; the free page gives the exact repeats, and the optional PDF offers additional detailed photo support.
Pattern: Lumina’s Bands of Eyelet Detail — complete project. Designer: Shannon at The Loophole Fox. Access: Free complete web pattern in six sizes; optional paid PDF adds detailed photo tutorials and printing format.
13.) Jack’s Chunky Granny Triangle
A few bold granny rows create a compact accessory with an unmistakably handmade texture. Sandra Regev’s Jack’s Bandana uses a super bulky yarn and an 8 mm hook, with the sample measuring about 8.5 inches across without the straps and 5 inches high. Blue and cream make a clear contrast in this styling idea, especially when the small picot details remain easy to see. Check the sample dimensions against the dog rather than assuming that chunky yarn suits every size. The illustration keeps the project small and shows the ties laid out separately. Its cluster spacing and edging are approximate; the original photographs are the guide to the intended finish.
Pattern: Jack’s Chunky Granny Triangle — complete project. Designer: Sandra Regev at Sandra Stitches. Access: Free complete web pattern; optional paid ad-free PDF.
14.) A Six-Petal Flower on a Simple Triangle
One well placed flower can give a plain bandana a bright springtime personality. TimmelCrochet’s tutorial starts with a neck band, shapes a half double crochet triangle and offers three border options. The included flower has six petals, and the designer notes that it may be too large for a very small dog’s bandana. A teal and white palette provides a different styling direction from the original orange and yellow example. The illustration selects a simple edge so the flower can stand out, but exact petal shape and stitch texture may vary. Fit the neck band first and inspect the sewn motif and snap or button fastening before each short wear.
Pattern: A Six-Petal Flower on a Simple Triangle — complete project. Designer: TimmelCrochet. Access: Free complete web tutorial with three border choices and flower instructions.
Start with the fastening and size that suit the individual dog, then choose a texture and colour palette you enjoy. Read the complete linked project before buying yarn, including its finishing and fitting notes. A plain triangle can be just as appealing as a decorated one when it fits comfortably, has secure ends and is used for a short, supervised moment.
