Bobble Star Cat Bandana Free Crochet Pattern

Bobble Star Cat Bandana Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This little lilac bandana is made for the cats in your life who deserve a bit of extra cute. It is a simple triangle of dense single crochet, finished with a neat edging and a raised bobble-stitch star sewn right in the middle. Because it is worked in worsted weight acrylic, it holds its shape well, feels soft against fur, and is easy to wash. The two short ties at the top corners mean it slips on and off in seconds, so your cat can wear it for photos, holidays, or just because.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic (such as Red Heart Super Saver), 100% acrylic, lilac. Approx. 80 yards (73 m) total: about 60 yards for the bandana and 20 yards for the star.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional), measuring tape
• Finished size: Bandana 10 inches (25.5 cm) wide across the top edge and 6 inches (15 cm) deep from top edge to point. Star 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. Ties each 8 inches (20 cm) long.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops twice.
• inc – increase: work 2 sc in the same stitch.
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through everything on the hook.
• MR – magic ring: an adjustable loop used to start a round in the round.
• bobble – 5 dc worked in the same stitch, then remove the hook, insert it into the first dc of those 5, and pull the working loop through to close them into one bump.

Gauge

14 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. To check it, crochet a small swatch in sc, lay it flat, and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if your stitches are much larger or smaller.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your single crochet tension even and slightly firm so the triangle stays flat and does not curl at the point.
• Count your stitches at the end of every row; the bandana grows by 2 stitches each row, so it is easy to spot a missed increase.
• When making the bobbles, pull the closing loop snug but not tight, so each bobble pops out on the right side.
• Leave a long 12-inch tail on the star so you have plenty of yarn for sewing it down securely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bandana (lilac)

Row 1: Ch 2, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook (3 sts).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first st, sc in next st, 2 sc in last st (5 sts).

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first st, sc in each st across to last st, 2 sc in last st (7 sts).

Rows 4–20: Repeat Row 3 (41 sts after Row 20).

Edging: Do not fasten off. Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Star Appliqué (lilac)

Round 1: MR, 5 sc, join with sl st to first sc (5 sts).

Round 2: Ch 1, [sc, bobble] in each st around, join with sl st to first sc (10 sts, 5 bobbles).

Round 3: Ch 1, [sc in next st, (sc, bobble, sc) in next st] 5 times, join with sl st to first sc (20 sts, 5 bobbles).

Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc (20 sts).

Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing.

Ties (make 2)

Row 1: Ch 30, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (29 sts). Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Lay the bandana flat with the right side facing up. Center the star on the bandana and pin it in place, then sew it down with the 12-inch tail, catching the back of the star and the bandana fabric so it sits flat. Sew one tie to each top corner of the bandana, attaching it securely with a few passes of yarn. Weave in all ends on the wrong side. Block lightly by misting with water and pinning the bandana into shape; let it dry completely before your cat wears it.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the lilac for a contrasting color on the star so it stands out, or use a sparkly acrylic for a little shine.
• Make a larger version for a small dog by continuing the increase rows until the top edge measures about 14 inches, then work the edging.
• For a softer, stretchier tie, replace the sc strips with simple chains of 30 and knot the ends.