08/28/2026
4 Fun Ways to Start Your Next Crochet Triangle Shawl, Baktus, or Bandana! 🧶✨
Hey there, fellow yarn lover!
Whether you’re hooking up a breezy summer kerchief for beach days or a cozy winter baktus to bundle up in, there is nothing quite like making a triangle project. But did you know that HOW you start your project completely changes your stitching experience?
From how your rows grow to how your yarn cakes unfurl, every starting method brings its own special magic. Over at simplycrochetcharts.shop, we want to make finding your next favorite project as easy as pie - so you can now filter our entire pattern collection by starting construction type!
Let’s dive into the 4 main ways to build a crochet triangle, along with the pros and cons of each, so you can pick the perfect match for your next project.
🧶 1. Center-Top Start (Working Outward from the Neckline)
This is the classic triangle shawl method! You start with a small magic ring (or chain loop) right at the top-center edge of the neckline and work outward, expanding your wingspan and spine as you go.
The Upsides ✨
- Stop whenever you want: You can keep adding rows until you run out of yarn or hit your exact dream size.
- Gorgeously highlights yarn cakes: Perfect for gradient or ombre yarns, as the color transitions bloom in sweeping concentric triangles.
- Symmetrical drape: Gives you a perfectly balanced shape every single time.
The Downsides 🧶
- Longer rows near the finish: The final rows can feel a bit endless because every row gets wider than the last!
- Mind the center spine: You need to keep a close eye on your center increases to make sure your two sides stay completely even.
👉https://simplycrochetcharts.shop/collections/frontpage?filter.p.tag=Center-Start&sort_by=created-descending&grid=default
🧶 2. Bottom-Point Start (Working Up from the Tip)
Starting at the bottom point (the very tip of the triangle) means you start small and build upward, adding stitches at the outer edges until you reach your desired top width.
The Upsides ✨
- Instant motivation: Tiny starting rows mean you get through the first few rows in minutes!
- Ideal for smaller accessories: Fantastic for quick bandanas, headscarves, and stash-busting project scraps.
- Yarn safety net: If you start running low on yarn early, you can bind off early without ruining the triangle shape.
The Downsides 🧶
- Save the hardest for last: Your longest, slowest rows happen right at the very end when you’re eager to finish.
- Wavy top edges: Edge increases can sometimes flare out if your tension changes midway through.
👉https://simplycrochetcharts.shop/collections/frontpage?filter.p.tag=Point-Start&sort_by=created-descending&grid=default
🧶 3. Wide Edge Start (Working Down from the Longest Edge)
Engineered specifically for wide-form baktus scarves and shallow drapes, this top-down method starts with a long foundation chain that forms the top wingspan, decreasing downward toward the point.
The Upsides ✨
- Fly to the finish line: Rows get shorter and faster with every single turn, making the end of your project a total breeze!
- Perfect neck fit: Creates a wide, shallow shape that wraps around your neck comfortably without a bulky fabric triangle on your chest.
- Instant width check: You know the exact maximum width of your scarf right from Row 1.
The Downsides 🧶
- Requires yarn planning: You must estimate your yarn yardage ahead of time so you don't run out before reaching the bottom point.
- The long starting chain: Working into a super long initial chain can feel a little tedious (and easy to twist!).
👉https://simplycrochetcharts.shop/collections/frontpage?filter.p.tag=Wide-Start&sort_by=created-descending&grid=default
🧶 4. One Corner Start (Side-to-Side / Asymmetrical)
Starting at one sharp side corner, you stitch diagonally across your project, increasing along one edge (or both) toward the opposite side to create a dynamic, modern drape.
The Upsides ✨
- Stunning diagonal texture: Stitch patterns and color lines flow diagonally across your shoulders for a striking visual pop.
- Smart yarn usage: Simply increase until you have used half your yarn, then decrease back down for zero yarn waste!
- Never boring: Keeping track of edge shifts keeps the stitching rhythm super fun and engaging.
The Downsides 🧶
- Asymmetrical drape: Depending on the design, it may sit slightly differently on your shoulders than a classic symmetrical triangle.
- Edge tracking: You’ll want to keep an eye on your row ends so you don't accidentally increase on the wrong side.
👉https://simplycrochetcharts.shop/collections/frontpage?filter.p.tag=One-Corner-Start&sort_by=created-descending&grid=default
Find Your Next Favorite Pattern!
Ready to start your next stitching adventure? Hop on over to our pattern shop navigation, turn on your favorite construction filter, and find the design that speaks to your hook!
We'd love to hear from you: Which starting method do you prefer to crochet, or does the start not matter to you as long as the final design is gorgeous? Drop your thoughts in the comments below👇.
