Keep Your Bananas Fresher with a DIY Beeswax Wrap & Crocheted Banana Hat
If you’ve ever spotted those adorable crocheted banana hats online, you might have wondered—do they actually help keep bananas fresh? The truth is, the crochet part is just for fun; sealing off the banana stems can help contain the ethylene gas they naturally emit, which plays a role in ripening. As one study found: “Throughout this experiment it was discovered that bananas exposed to the ethylene gas naturally emitted by ripening bananas did have a faster rate of decay.” (Wright State University) The good news? You can DIY your own beeswax wraps for this purpose—and top them off with a cute crocheted Panama hat!
How It Works
Bananas release ethylene gas from their stems, which speeds up ripening. Wrapping the stems in an airtight material like plastic wrap, beeswax wraps, or silicone caps helps slow this process. Adding a crocheted banana hat? That’s just for flair—and I’m all about fun AND function.
The Science Behind Ethylene Gas
Ethylene gas plays a significant role in the ripening process of bananas. Research indicates that bananas exposed to ethylene gas naturally emitted by ripening bananas exhibit a faster rate of decay. (Wright State University)
Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Experimental Botany found that ethylene response factors are involved in banana fruit ripening through the transcriptional regulation of ethylene biosynthesis genes. (PMC)
A Brief History of the Panama Hat
You know I had to do some research! Here is what I learned. Despite its name, the Panama hat originates from Ecuador. Indigenous Ecuadorian cultures have been weaving straw hats for centuries, with evidence dating back to 1200 B.C. Spanish conquistadors observed the local people wearing these lightweight hats made from toquilla palm fibers in the 16th century. The finely woven hats became internationally known when they were exported via Panama, and their association with the Panama Canal further solidified the misleading name.
The highest quality Panama hats, known as Montecristis, are still handwoven in Ecuador, and in 2012, the traditional weaving of the toquilla straw hat was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. (Read more about Panama hats)
Ok now that the science and history lesson is over, let’s get to making! 😀
DIY Beeswax Wraps for Bananas
You’ll need:
- 100% cotton fabric (cut into small squares, about 4×4 inches)
- White beeswax pellets
- Parchment paper
- An iron
Instructions:
- Place a piece of parchment paper on an ironing board.
- Lay your cotton fabric square on top, right side up, and lightly sprinkle with beeswax pellets (you don’t need to cover every millimeter – I made that mistake and then wax went everywhere).
- Cover it with another parchment paper sheet.
- Iron over it on low heat until the wax melts and spreads evenly.
- Let it cool and harden before using.
Now you have a reusable, plastic-free wrap perfect for sealing banana stems!
Crocheted Banana Hat Pattern – Panama Style
(Note: This crocheted banana hat pattern includes two variations—one using sport weight yarn as a great stashbuster, and another using hemp or waxed cotton cord for a more structured look.)
Materials (Version 1 – Stashbuster):
- Sport weight acrylic yarn (for better shape and flexibility)
Materials (Version 2 – Authentic Look):
- 1mm hemp cord or cotton wax cord in the color or your choice.
- 3.5 mm (E) crochet hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Pattern:
- Make a magic ring, ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), work 10 hdc in ring, sl st to join (10 stitches total)
- Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in same stitch, 2 hdc in each stitch around, sl st to join (20 stitches total)
- Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), 1 hdc in each stitch around, sl st to join (20 stitches total)
- Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), 1 hdc in each stitch around, sl st to join (20 stitches total)
- Ch 1, sc in back loops only around, sl st to join (20 stitches total) (this forms the structured hatband)
- Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in same stitch, [hdc in next stitch, 2 hdc in next stitch] repeat around, sl st to join (30 stitches total)
- Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in same stitch, [hdc in next 2 stitches, 2 hdc in next stitch] repeat around, sl st to join (40 stitches total)
- 2 sl sts to start, [1 hdc in next 6 stitches, 2 sl sts] repeat around, sl st to join (40 stitches total)
- Final round: Work a crab stitch* (reverse single crochet) around the entire brim for added texture and stability, sl st to join.
- Weave in ends and shape to fit on your banana bunch!
*How to Crochet the Crab Stitch (Reverse Single Crochet):
- Finish your last regular stitch and do not turn your work.
- Chain 1 for height.
- Insert your hook into the previous stitch (instead of moving forward, work backward to the right if you’re right-handed, or to the left if you’re left-handed).
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (you now have two loops on the hook).
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops to complete the stitch.
- Repeat in each previous stitch around the brim.
- Slip stitch to join and fasten off.
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Copyright Notice: This pattern is copyrighted and designed by Marni Reecer. It is free to use for personal projects, and I encourage it to inspire your creativity! If this design inspires your own original work (e.g., a woven piece adapted to knit), I kindly ask that you credit me, Marni Reecer, as the source of inspiration. Sharing credit builds our creative community!
For selling finished items made from this pattern, a Commercial Use License is required. Learn more at https://www.patreon.com/c/TheYarnyWay. Reselling or redistributing this pattern in any form is strictly prohibited.
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Dress Up Your Bananas with a Crocheted Banana Hat
Once your beeswax wrap is ready, tightly wrap it around the banana stems and secure it with a rubber band if needed. Then, pop your crocheted Panama hat on top for a fun and functional way to keep your bananas fresher for longer!
The famous Panama hat is a testament to craftsmanship, tradition, and elegance—woven with skill and worn with pride. Just like a well-made hat, a thoughtful handmade project carries warmth and character. As they say in Ecuador:
“Un buen sombrero no solo cubre la cabeza, sino que cuenta una historia.”
(“A good hat doesn’t just cover your head; it tells a story.”)
So why not let your bananas tell a story too? ️
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Warm stitches and kind vibes,
Marni