Popcorn Square Pet Scarf Free Crochet Pattern

Popcorn Square Pet Scarf Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This little bandana is for anyone who wants to dress up a small dog without a fuss. It starts as a simple striped square, folds into a triangle, and slips onto the collar with two tiny chain loops, so there are no ties to knot or buckles to fiddle with. The plum and mauve stripes give it a soft boho look, and the popcorn border along the two diagonal edges adds just enough texture to make it special. Worked in bulky wool at a relaxed gauge, it comes together quickly and feels warm and cozy against the neck.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Bulky weight (weight category 5) wool, approx. 80 yd (73 m) total: 50 yd (46 m) plum (A), 30 yd (27 m) mauve (B)
• Hook: 6.0 mm (J-10)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, blocking pins and mat
• Finished size: Square before folding 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm). Folded triangle 12" wide across the top and 8.5" deep from top edge to point. Fits neck sizes 10-14" (25-36 cm)

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through everything on the hook
• sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
• hdc — half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops
• dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops
• popcorn — 5 dc in the same stitch, remove hook, insert hook in the first dc, pull the loop through, ch 1 to close
• rep — repeat

Gauge

12 sts and 12 rows = 4" (10 cm) in half double crochet. Work a small swatch and measure a 4" section in the middle; if you have more stitches than 12, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your turning chains loose. A tight ch 1 at the start of each row pulls the edges in and makes the square harder to fold into a neat triangle.
• Change colors on the last yarn-over of the final stitch of a row so the new stripe starts cleanly at the edge.
• Count your stitches at the end of every row. The square only stays square if each row has 36 hdc.
• When you work the border, spread the single crochets evenly along the diagonal edge so the popcorn row lies flat instead of rippling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Square (worked in A and B)

Row 1: With A, ch 37, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (36 hdc).

Rows 2-6: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across (36 hdc).

Change to B.

Rows 7-12: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across (36 hdc).

Change to A.

Rows 13-18: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across (36 hdc).

Change to B.

Rows 19-24: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across (36 hdc).

Change to A.

Rows 25-30: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across (36 hdc).

Change to B.

Rows 31-36: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across (36 hdc). Fasten off. Square measures 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm).

Folding and Border

Fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle. Join A at one corner of the folded edge. Work the border along the two open (diagonal) edges only, not the folded top edge.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc evenly along the diagonal edge to the point (approx. 24 sc), then continue sc along the other diagonal edge to the corner (approx. 24 sc). Turn (48 sc).

Row 2 (popcorn border): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), popcorn in next st, *dc in next st, popcorn in next st; rep from * to end, ending with dc in last st. Turn (24 popcorns, 25 dc).

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across, working 1 sc in each popcorn and 1 sc in each dc. Fasten off (49 sc).

Collar Loops

With A, join yarn at one top corner of the folded edge. Ch 10, sl st to form a loop, fasten off. Rep at the other top corner.

Assembly and Finishing

There is no seaming to do: the square is simply folded in half diagonally, and the border holds the shape. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, running each tail through a few stitches before trimming. Block lightly to shape: pin the triangle to its finished measurements, press the popcorn border flat with your fingers, and let it dry fully. If you like, spritz with water and let it air dry overnight so the point hangs straight.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the stripe colors for any two shades you love, or work the whole square in one color and use the contrast shade only for the popcorn border.
• For a larger dog, add extra rows in multiples of 6 before folding; each extra 6 rows adds about 2" (5 cm) to the depth of the triangle.
• Make the collar loops slightly longer (ch 12-14) if your dog wears a wide or thick collar, so the bandana slides on easily.