Two-Tone Square Neck Kerchief Crochet Free Pattern

Introduction

This two-tone square neck kerchief is a sweet, beginner-friendly project made for small dogs who deserve a little pastel flair. It starts as a simple flat square worked in half double crochet through the back loop only, which gives it a soft, ridged texture that feels cozy against the neck. The top half is worked in dreamy Peach and the lower half in warm Apricot, so when you fold the square diagonally, the color change lands right at the fold for a clean, color-blocked look. It's quick to make, uses only a few yards of plush chenille yarn, and finishes as a stylish little bandana with two tie corners.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Super Bulky (6) chenille plush yarn, 100% polyester — approximately 30 yds in Peach and approximately 30 yds in Apricot (1 skein each).
• Hook: 6.0 mm (J-10) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, scissors, and a stitch marker (optional, for tracking rows).
• Finished size: Square is 12 inches (30.5 cm) x 12 inches (30.5 cm); folded triangle is 12 inches wide along the top edge with an 8.5 inch drop from fold to point.

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• hdc — half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops on the hook.
• blo — back loop only: work your stitch into the loop of the stitch that sits farthest from you, leaving the front loop untouched.
• sc — single crochet: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• st(s) — stitch(es).

Gauge

8 hdc blo x 6 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). To check, crochet a small swatch in hdc blo and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if your stitches are much larger or smaller than this.

Tips Before You Start

• Chenille yarn can shed and worm, so keep your tension relaxed and avoid frogging too often — the plush fibers tangle easily.
• Always work into the back loop only on every row of the square; this is what creates the ridged texture and keeps the rows straight.
• Count your stitches at the end of each row — you should always have 24 hdc — so the square stays even and folds into a neat triangle.
• When changing from Peach to Apricot after Row 8, change color on the last yarn-over of the final stitch so the new color begins cleanly on the next row.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Square (worked flat in rows)

With Peach, ch 25.

Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (24 hdc). Turn.

Rows 2-8: ch 1, hdc blo in each st across (24 hdc). Turn. Change to Apricot after Row 8.

Rows 9-16: ch 1, hdc blo in each st across (24 hdc). Turn. Fasten off.

Edging (optional)

With Apricot, sc evenly around the entire square, working 1 sc in each st and 1 sc in each row-end. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Ties (make 2)

With Apricot, ch 30. Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail.

Assembly and Finishing

Fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle, with Peach on top and Apricot on the bottom; the diagonal fold becomes the top edge. Sew one tie to each corner of the folded edge using the 6-inch tails and a tapestry needle. Weave in all remaining ends securely, working them into the back of the fabric so they don't show. Gently block the kerchief by misting it lightly and patting it flat into shape, then let it dry completely before your pet wears it.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the two colors for any pastel pair you love, or use a single color for a simpler, classic bandana.
• Skip the edging for a faster finish, or add a contrasting sc border in a third color for extra pop.
• Make the ties longer (ch 40-45) for larger dogs or for a bow that ties more easily under the chin.