Learn how to crochet a bow with this simple tutorial. Make a big red bow to wear in your hair, as a bowtie, or attach to something.
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I just love a big red bow. Bowties are cool.
I mean, I wouldn’t wear one on a daily basis, but with the right outfit, this is cute. Plus, it could also be pinned to a scarf or attached to a wrapped gift, so there are tons of ways to use one.
It is really easy to make yourself. A crochet bow doesn’t take long either.
I decided to make this one a big red bow like the title character wears in Kiki’s Delivery Service. If somehow you’ve missed this gem, it’s an animated film from the 80s about a young witch.
Aside from being a great kids’ movie about believing in yourself, it also makes a super-easy Halloween costume. Just whip up this big red crochet bow pattern, pair it with a dark dress and red shoes, and you’re good to go.
Crochet tips and tricks
Before we get started on the tutorial, I want to answer the questions I get most often about how to crochet a bow:
What stitch is best for making a crochet bow?
The stitch I used for this and most of my crochet projects is a double-crochet stitch (DC), but any stitch can be used. A single-crochet stitch will create a similar bow that has a tighter looking stitch.
What kind of yarn should I use?
My favorite yarn for most projects is medium weight and 100% cotton. It doesn’t stretch at all, so the finished crochet project is very neat and flat.
Synthetic blends work pretty well too, especially if you’re new to crochet, because the finished project can be reshaped a bit to hide uneven stitches.
How to I make a bigger/smaller crochet bow?
This pattern is very flexible because it’s basically a rectangle. This finished bow is big, about 10 inches across if you follow the instructions below (40 stitches across, 18 rows).
To make the bow smaller, just reduce the number of chains on the first row and add fewer rows. For example, a bow that’s about 5 inches across will be about 20 stiches across and 9 rows.
How do I make a…?
- hairbow – Use thread to sew your bow to a french barrette hair clip.
- headband – You can crochet a headband to attach it to by making a larger version of the center ring (that fits around your head) or use a plastic headband.
- bowtie – Sew your bow to a bowtie clip.
Crochet bow tutorial
Supplies
- red cotton yarn
- crochet hook (I used a size F5/3.75mm)
- scissors
Instructions
Make a basic loop and chain 40 stitches.
Turn, yarn over, skip two stitches, and DC into the third stitch in the row. DC into every stitch in the row. When you get to the end, chain one and flip the piece over.
DC back across into every stitch like you did on the last row and repeat this for a total of 18 rows. When you get to the end, you should have a nice rectangle. Cut the yarn and weave in the ends.
To start the middle piece, chain 16. Fold the bow in a W shape and wrap the little chain around. Slip stitch into the last stitch and you have a skinny ring holding it together.
DC into every stitch around the little circle and slip stitch into the first stitch when you get back to the beginning. DC around until you have 6 rows. Cut the yarn and weave in the ends.
Now you have a big red bow. You can attach it to something else, as I mentioned above, or just cut a length of yarn to tie it.
This crochet bow took me about two hours to make. It’s huge, but I also stopped to take photos. For a smaller one that’s about half as big, it can be done in about half an hour or so.
Kiki’s Delivery Service costume
I made this bow giant because I wanted to be Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service for Halloween.
Wear your big red bow with a black or dark blue dress and red shoes. Carry a mailbag, a broomstick, or a plush black cat to complete the look.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
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