How to Crochet a Triangle (Bandanas, Shawls and Bunting)
Crochet a triangle by increasing one stitch at each end of every row from a single stitch, or start wide and decrease to a point. Both methods step by step, the right shape for a kerchief, shawl or bunting flag.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Time
- 30 minutes
You'll need
- Hook and yarn
- Stitch markers
In this post
The easiest crochet triangle starts with one stitch and adds a stitch at each end of every row. In single crochet, this makes a right-angled triangle — the shape of a bandana or kerchief. To make a triangle with a wide base instead, such as a bunting flag, start with the full width and decrease one stitch at each end of every row until one stitch is left.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
Method 1: increase (point to wide edge)
- Row 1: Ch 2. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. Ch 1, turn. (1)
- Row 2: 3 sc in the sc. Ch 1, turn. (3)
- Row 3 onwards: 2 sc in the first st, sc across to the last st, 2 sc in the last st. Ch 1, turn. (+2 each row)
- Stop when the wide edge is the length you want. Row n has 2n − 1 stitches.
Method 2: decrease (wide edge to point)
- Row 1: Chain the width you want plus 1. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and across. Ch 1, turn.
- Every row: Sc2tog, sc across to the last 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (−2 each row)
- Finish when 1 or 2 stitches remain; sc2tog and fasten off.
Shapes and uses
| Make | Method | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bandana / kerchief | Increase, worsted cotton | Add a chain tie at each corner |
| Triangle shawl | Increase, in dc or V-stitch | Use a bigger hook and lighter yarn for drape |
| Bunting flags | Decrease, 15–20 stitches wide | Join flags along a long chain — see the garland |
| Shawl with a straight top | Increase at one end only | Makes a long, shallow triangle |
Increases and decreases explained: how to increase and how to decrease. Accidentally made a triangle when you wanted a square? See why your crochet gets smaller.
Common questions
How do you make a crochet triangle with straight sides?
Increase (or decrease) exactly one stitch at each end of every row, and keep the turning chain from adding stitches.
How do I make a wider, flatter triangle for a shawl?
Use taller stitches like double crochet, or increase two stitches at each end of every row.
How big should a crochet bandana be?
About 22–24 inches along the long edge for an adult, including ties.
Bandana, shawl or bunting? 🔺
Stuck on a step? Crochet Help & Fixes answers the most common problems — curling, shrinking, wavy circles and more.
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