The Best Crochet Hair Bow Pattern - Esme Hair Bow
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Design Inspiration
Coquette core is going to be a HUGE trend in 2024, and its all about bows, pastels and femininity. What better way to jump on board than with a big, pink hair bow! My bow is perfect for crocheters wanting to try tunisian crochet as it uses simple stitches and very basic shaping as the perfect introduction. Plus, there’s no need to go out and buy a fancy hook - you can use a regular old crochet hook because the bow isn’t too thick.
About the Yarn
For the larger bow, I used the yarn Moda Vera Faux Mo. It is a blend of synthetic fibres that looks and feels like a mohair yarn and is a much more affordable option for crafters on a budget. I used 2 strands held together to get a sturdy, soft fabric. The yarn could be substituted for a mohair yarn with a light DK weight.
For the smaller mini bows, I used We Crochet Dishie. This hardwearing yarn comes in a range of gorgeous colours and makes a sturdy, pretty bow. It’s also super affordable and the generous skeins mean you can make a multitude of bows from one ball! You can use the code AWCLILYPURLDESIGN10 for a special discount on We Crochet!
Sizing
I made my bow quite oversized and like the large fit. It ended up being about 8.5cms (3.5”) wide. I only wrote the pattern in one size, however read the customisation tips to learn about how you can change the bow.
Construction
The bow is worked sideways in tunisian crochet. It increases for the first 20 rows, is worked flat for the body of the bow, and then decreases for the last 20 rows. A band is crocheted to hold the bow together and then clips or hairpins are added to secure it to your hair. If you’ve never done tunisian crochet before, this pattern is the perfect place to start! It is worked entirely in tunisian simple stitch and I have an in depth tutorial on my Youtube Channel.
Customisation Tips
While this bow only comes with one size of instructions, there are numerous ways to customise it! If you would like a thinner bow, simply add less increase and decreasing rows. If you would like a thicker bow, add more increasing and decreasing rows. For a shorter bow, complete less repeats of row 3 and for a longer one complete more.
If you’re not sure about trying tunisian crochet (but I encourage you to - it’s a fantastic new skill!), you can also use single crochet instead of tunisian simple stitch.
Materials:
5mm crochet hook (doesn’t have to be tunisian)
2 strands of lace weight yarn held together or one strand of fingering weight. Sample is made in Moda Vera Faux Mo (78% polyester 22% acrylic, 164m/30g)
38g/208m/228yd
Notions:
Tapestry needle, bobby pins/hair clip for attaching
Dimensions:
8cms wide
Gauge
22 sts x 19 rows in 10 cms
Abbreviations:
ch - chain
FP - front pass
RP - return pass
sk - skip
st(s) - stitch(es)
tss - tunisian simple stitch
Want a printable pdf? Grab it here!
Directions
Bow
Ch 2
Row 1 FP: sk first st, tss.
<1 st>
Row 1 RP and all RP: regular RP.
Rows 2-20: m1, tss to end.
<20 sts>
Rows 3: tss in each st.
Rep Row 3 until bow reaches desired length less 10cms
Next 20 rows: tss2tog, tss to end
<1 st>
Fasten off
Band
Ch 9
Row 1: sk first st, tss in each ch
<8 sts>
Rows 2-20: tss in each st
Fasten off
Finishing
Tuck all ends with tapestry needle. If your edges are curling, I found that by steam blocking the bow they stayed flat. Then assemble the bow as shown in the diagram below and add a clip or bobby pins to secure it to your hair.
Cross the tails of the bow over the back as shown in the diagram to the left. Then wrap the band around the middle of the bow, under the tails and around the back to pull it together.
Have you made this pattern?
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