How to Crochet a Bow Hair Tie | Easy Beginner Crochet Hair Bow Tutorial
Looking for an easy crochet bow hair tie pattern? In this step-by-step beginner crochet tutorial, you will learn how to make a cute crochet bow hair tie using a simple mesh stitch. The finished bow can be attached to a regular elastic hair tie and can also be adapted as a bag charm or back charm.
This project uses a lightweight #3 yarn and a 2.5 mm crochet hook. The written pattern below follows the steps demonstrated in the video tutorial.
Watch the Step-by-Step Crochet Bow Hair Tie Tutorial
Video:
If you prefer learning visually, follow the video from beginning to end and use the written instructions below as a quick reference while crocheting.
What You Will Make
- A cute crochet bow hair tie
- A simple rectangular mesh-stitch crochet strap folded into a bow
- A handmade hair accessory suitable for everyday wear or gifting
- A design that can also be adapted into a bag charm or back charm
Materials Needed
- Lightweight #3, 100% acrylic yarn — the tutorial uses Loops & Threads yarn
- 2.5 mm crochet hook
- Stitch marker
- Hair tie / elastic
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- A separate long piece of white yarn for wrapping the center of the bow
You can use a similar lightweight yarn with a suitable crochet hook. Your finished size may vary slightly depending on yarn weight, hook size and tension.
Crochet Stitches and Techniques Used
- ch — chain
- hdc — half double crochet
- YO — yarn over
- Mesh stitch — in this tutorial, the pattern is built with half double crochet stitches separated by chain-2 spaces
- Slip knot
- Weaving in yarn ends
Quick Answer: How Do You Crochet a Bow Hair Tie?
To crochet this bow hair tie, make a foundation chain of 20 chains. Work the first row using half double crochet stitches separated by chain-2 spaces, then continue the mesh-stitch pattern for a total of 60 rows. Fasten off, fold the long rectangular strip into a bow shape, wrap yarn around the center to form the bow, and secure a hair tie to the back. Finally, weave in and trim all yarn ends.
Written Crochet Pattern: Bow Hair Tie
Pattern level: Beginner-friendly
Yarn: Lightweight #3, 100% acrylic
Hook: 2.5 mm
Foundation: Chain 20
Main body: 60 rows of mesh stitch
Step 1: Make the Slip Knot
Make a slip knot and place it on your crochet hook. Adjust the working yarn so the loop sits comfortably on the hook.
Step 2: Foundation Chain
Chain 20.
Place a stitch marker in the 18th chain. The marker is used as a visual reference to make the last stitch easier to identify later.
Step 3: Row 1
Starting from the crochet hook, count 8 chains backward. Work the first half double crochet into the 8th chain from the hook.
To make the half double crochet: yarn over, insert the hook into the indicated chain, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all three loops.
Next, chain 2, skip the next 2 chains, and work 1 half double crochet into the next chain.
Continue the same sequence across the foundation chain: ch 2, skip 2 chains, hdc in the next chain.
The final half double crochet is worked into the last chain of the foundation chain. This creates the open mesh-stitch structure used for the bow.
Step 4: Row 2
Chain 4 and place a stitch marker in the second chain of the new chain-4. Turn your work to the back side.
Work a half double crochet directly on top of the half double crochet from the previous row, inserting the hook through both loops of the stitch (the V shape).
Then repeat the mesh pattern: ch 2, skip the next 2 chains, and work a half double crochet on top of the next half double crochet.
Continue across the row. At the end, use the marked chain as the reference point for the final half double crochet.
Step 5: Rows 3 Through 60
For each new row, chain 4 and place the stitch marker in the second chain. Turn your work.
Work one half double crochet on top of each previous-row half double crochet, with chain-2 spaces between the half double crochet stitches. Continue the same mesh-stitch sequence across every row.
The tutorial makes a total of 60 rows. Each row follows the same basic repeat, so once you are comfortable with Row 2, the remaining rows are repetitive and beginner-friendly.
Use the stitch marker to help identify the end of the row and avoid accidentally placing the final stitch in the wrong chain.
Step 6: Fasten Off
After completing the 60th row, make chain 1 and cut the yarn, leaving approximately 3–4 inches of yarn tail for weaving in.
Pull the loop through to secure the closing knot.
Step 7: Shape the Crochet Bow
You should now have a long rectangular crochet strap made with the mesh stitch.
Gently stretch and straighten the stitches so the fabric looks aligned. Fold the rectangular strap into the bow shape shown in the tutorial.
Step 8: Wrap the Center of the Bow
Take a long piece of white yarn and hold it at the center of the folded bow. Wrap the yarn around the center several times until the bow holds its shape.
Secure the wrapping with a couple of knots on the back of the bow.
Adjust the front of the bow by gently pulling and arranging the stitches until you are happy with the shape.
Step 9: Attach the Hair Tie
Place a black hair tie on the back of the bow. Wrap yarn around the center of the bow and the hair tie several times so the elastic is securely attached.
Use the starting and finishing yarn ends from the center wrapping to make a couple of secure knots on the back.
Trim the excess yarn after the hair tie is firmly attached.
Optional: Turn the Bow Into a Back Charm
If you prefer to use the crochet bow as a back charm instead of a hair tie, the tutorial explains that you can add a long foundation-chain strap and attach it to the back of the bow.
Step 10: Weave In the Yarn Ends
Thread the starting and finishing yarn tails through a tapestry needle. Weave each tail into nearby stitches on the back of the project. The goal is simply to hide the loose yarn securely inside the stitches.
Once the yarn tails are hidden and secure, trim the excess yarn. Repeat this process for the other loose ends.
Your cute crochet bow hair tie is now ready!
Tips for Making a Neat Crochet Bow Hair Tie
- Keep your tension reasonably consistent from row to row.
- Use the stitch marker as demonstrated so the last stitch is easier to locate.
- Gently stretch and straighten the mesh fabric before shaping the bow.
- Wrap the center firmly enough to hold the bow shape, but do not distort the crochet fabric.
- Secure the hair tie from the back so the front of the bow stays clean.
- Weave in all yarn tails before trimming them.
- Try different yarn colors to create bows for different outfits and occasions.
Can I Use Different Yarn?
Yes. The tutorial uses lightweight #3 100% acrylic yarn with a 2.5 mm crochet hook, but a similar yarn and an appropriate hook can be used. Changing yarn weight or hook size can change the finished dimensions and the appearance of the mesh.
Can I Make This Crochet Bow as a Bag Charm?
Yes. The same crochet bow can be adapted as a back charm. Instead of attaching an elastic hair tie, add a long foundation-chain strap to the back as demonstrated in the tutorial.
Is This Crochet Bow Good for Beginners?
Yes, if you already know how to make a slip knot, chain and half double crochet. The main body uses a repeating mesh-stitch sequence, making it a useful small project for practicing consistent half double crochet stitches and chain spaces.
Easy Ways to Customize Your Bow
- Use pastel yarn for a soft, feminine look.
- Use black, white or neutral yarn for a simple everyday accessory.
- Use bright colors for kids' hair accessories.
- Make matching bows as handmade gifts.
- Try the same bow as a bag charm or decorative accessory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stitch is used for this crochet bow hair tie?
The tutorial uses a mesh-style stitch made with half double crochet stitches and chain-2 spaces.
How many chains are needed to start?
The tutorial starts with a foundation chain of 20.
How many rows are made for the bow?
The rectangular mesh-stitch strap is worked for 60 rows.
What crochet hook size is used?
A 2.5 mm crochet hook is used with lightweight #3 yarn.
What yarn is used in the tutorial?
The tutorial uses Loops & Threads lightweight #3, 100% acrylic yarn.
Can I use this crochet bow for something other than a hair tie?
Yes. The tutorial shows that it can also be adapted as a back charm by adding a foundation-chain strap.
Watch, Crochet and Share Your Finished Bow
Follow the full DIYKraftZ video tutorial for the visual step-by-step instructions. The written pattern on this page can be kept beside you while crocheting.
When you make your own bow, share a photo on Instagram and tag @DIY_KraftZ. I would love to see your color combinations and finished projects!
DIYKraftZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diykraftz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DIY_KraftZ/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diykraftz
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diy_kraftz/
CrochetKart: https://www.crochetkart.com/
Happy Crocheting! 🧶🎀
Pattern note: This written pattern is transcribed from the accompanying DIYKraftZ tutorial script. Follow the video for the exact visual placement of stitches and shaping.
