I recently released the super cute Midnight Moth Shawlette. When I showed my friend a picture of it she said that it would make a super cute bandana top. I instantly fell in love with the idea and I couldn’t get it out of my head! So today I will share this crochet bandana top tutorial with you that you can use pretty much any small triangle shawl pattern to make. The conversion from shawl to top is surprisingly easy to make, and I’ve even included instructions for sewing a lining into your top if you’re so inclined.
I’d love to see you guys rocking your new bandana tops – so make sure you tag me if you make one! @nineinspired on IG & Tiktok and @nineinspiredblog on Pinterest and Facebook
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Crochet Bandana Top Tutorial
Picking Your Pattern
Ok, so first things first you are going to need a triangle shawl. Most triangle shawl patterns start from the bottom tip and widen as you work your way upwards. These kinds of designs are going to work best for our purposes today. As your rows get longer, start to try the shawl on as a top by wrapping it around yourself. You want the two ends of the triangle to be 1-3 inches away from each other on your back.
For the Midnight Moth Shawlette, I ended up with 40 rows plus the lace finishing row. Even if the shawl pattern you are following does not include a lace finishing row, I recommend adding one as it makes the bandana top more versatile, as you will see later in the tutorial.
Lace Finishing Row
Lace Finishing Row: Chain 200 (this will make the first strap), slip stitch to the 3rd chain (not the 3rd chain from the hook, but the 3rd chain all the way back where you started), chain 2 and double crochet in the first stitch. *Chain 1, Skip the next stitch, and double crochet in the next stitch, repeat from * all the way across. When you have double crocheted in the last stitch, chain 2 and double crochet in the same stitch again. Chain 200 to form the other strap and slip stitch back to the top of the last double crochet stitch you made. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Note: You will notice that the straps I made are very large loops rather than traditional ties. There is a very simple reason for this…I really did not want to slip stitch a bunch of times. If you would prefer, you can chain 100 and slip stitch back along the chains instead.
Sewing a Lining
If the shawl you picked out is lacy, then you will likely want to sew a lining into your bandana top. I am by no means a professional seamstress, but here’s how I did mine if you need some pointers.
- Step 1: Materials Selection – Pick something that’s soft against your skin and has a little stretch to it. I went with a linen fabric in a pretty light green color. Use the color of thread that best matches your crochet. (I did black)
- Step 2: For best results, block your shawl and pre-wash the fabric you are planning to use so everyone plays nicely together.
- Step 3: Lay the shawl on top of the fabric and use it as a guide for cutting out the fabric. Leave a 1/2 inch seam allowance on one side and 2-4 inches on the other two sides to leave some wiggle room for stretch.
- Step 4: Starting with the side where you have the 1/2″ seam allowance, fold the edge of the fabric under by 1/2″, iron it down if necessary, and then pin or clip it onto the shawl. My shawl had a lace edging on all 3 sides and I clipped my fabric just past that so I would be sewing into the solid crochet part.
- Step 5: Begin sewing just past your first clip (so don’t sew the corner just yet). Go slow and make sure neither the fabric or the crochet is stretching too much or getting out of alignment. Stop just before you reach the next corner.
- Step 6: Choose the next side to sew based on which one has the least excess fabric and trim it down to 1/2″ seam allowance again. Fold and clip as you did the first side. You might have to finagle it a bit to get everything to lay flat underneath the corner it shares with the first side. Sew this side and the shared corner, going slowly.
- Step 7: Cut the 3rd side as you did the 2nd, then tuck it under and clip it down. You may need to finagle the last corner a bit to get everything right. You can see how I did my corner in the photo below.
- Step 8: If your crochet can be ironed (the cotton/bamboo blend I used is fine for ironing, but acrylic, for example, is not) then give it a good iron. I found this step helpful in getting the lining and the crochet to lay flush with one another. And now your lining is complete!
Ways to Wear a Bandana Top
Now is the fun part: styling your new bandana top! I had a lot of fun figuring out different ways to wear my new top so I could put it in the crochet bandana top tutorial for you guys. For most of the looks, I was wearing one of those sticky strapless and backless bras, but I did discover a cute look with a bralette as well (which was much more comfortable) that you will see at the end.
- Look 1: Strapless – Wrap the straps around your back, cross them over one another and bring them around to the front. Tie them together underneath your bust in the front like you would tie an apron.
- Look 2: Straight Straps – Wrap the straps around your back, cross them over one another and bring them up over your shoulders. Tie the straps to the top using the posts of the lace finishing row.
- Look 3: Halter Strap – Wrap the straps around your back, cross them over one another and bring them up and over your shoulders. Tie them together in the middle using the posts of the lace finishing row.
- Look 4: Front Crossed Straps with Bralette – Wrap the straps around your back, cross them over one another and bring them up and over your shoulders. Cross them in the front and tie the straps to the top, securing them to both the lace finishing row and the straps of your bralette.
It’s hard to choose a favorite look, but I’m partial to the straight straps and the front crossed straps with the bralette. Now I am anxiously awaiting some warmer weather so I can wear this top out in public. Hmm, maybe I will pair it with a cute jean jacket!
What did you think of this crochet bandana top tutorial? Will you be making yourself a super cute bandana top? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!
Love this pattern? You might like these other crochet patterns:
Filet Crochet: Power of Positivity Prayer Flags (Free Pattern)
Lace Tops: Seafoam Summer Lace Tee (Free Pattern)
Copyright © 2019-2024 Nine Inspired. All rights reserved. Please do not redistribute this pattern as your own, but feel free to sell finished items made from this pattern. I would appreciate it if you would credit Nine Inspired as the designer.