Crochet Bow Hair Clips: A 20-Minute Free Pattern for Girls
The coquette bow, in yarn. Three tiny pieces, one ball of cotton and about twenty minutes — make a matching set of clips, hair ties and bag charms.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn
- DK (#3) cotton, about 30 yd
- Hook
- 4 mm (G-6)
- Time
- 20 minutes
- Finished size
- 3½ in (9 cm) wide
You'll need
- DK weight (#3) cotton or cotton blend — about 30 yd (27 m) per bow
- 4 mm (G-6) crochet hook
- Alligator clips, snap clips, hair ties or brooch backs
- Tapestry needle and scissors
- Optional: a small felt circle and fabric glue for the back
In this post
Bows are everywhere right now — on sweaters, sneakers, phone cases and, of course, in hair. The soft, slightly romantic "coquette" bow has stuck around far longer than most trends, and a crocheted version is the cutest way to wear it.
This little bow is made from three simple pieces: a rectangle for the loops, a narrow band for the knot and a strip for the tails. It's a lovely first project, a brilliant stash-buster, and the kind of gift that makes little girls (and grown-ups) very happy.
Why you'll love it
- Only single crochet — if you can chain and sc, you can make a bow.
- About 20 minutes from first chain to finished clip.
- Two sizes — a classic bow and a mini for barrettes, bag charms or amigurumi.
- No glue needed: slide the clip or hair tie in before closing the center band.
Materials
- DK weight (#3) cotton or cotton blend — about 30 yd per bow
- 4 mm (G-6) hook
- Alligator clips, snap clips, hair ties or brooch backs
- Tapestry needle and scissors
Yarn tip: cotton gives a crisp, structured bow that holds its shape. For a softer, plush look, try a velvet or chenille yarn — just go up to a 5 mm hook.
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
Safety first: hair clips and small accessories are not suitable for babies or children under 3. Always supervise little ones wearing them.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
The pattern
All three pieces are worked in rows. The turning ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
1. Bow loops
- Ch 31.
- Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (30)
- Rows 2–11: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (30)
Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail. You now have a small rectangle, about 6½ × 2 in.
- Fold both short ends in so they meet in the middle on the back.
- Using the tail, whip stitch the two short ends together.
- Pinch the center into a bow shape and wrap the tail tightly around the middle 8–10 times. Knot it at the back, but don't cut it — you'll use it to attach the tails.
2. Tails
- Ch 41.
- Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (40)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (40)
Fasten off. Fold the strip in half into an upside-down V and stitch the fold to the back of the bow's center with the remaining tail. The two ends hang down as the bow's tails.
3. Center band
- Ch 6.
- Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (5)
- Rows 2–12: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (5)
Fasten off, leaving an 8-inch tail. Wrap the band around the center of the bow, covering the wrapped yarn and the top of the tails.
Here's the trick: before you sew the band closed at the back, slide your alligator clip, snap clip or hair tie under it. Then whip stitch the band's ends together, catching the clip inside. No glue, and it'll never fall off.
Mini bow (for barrettes and charms)
- Loops: ch 19; Row 1: sc across (18); Rows 2–7: ch 1, turn, sc across (18).
- Tails: ch 25; Row 1: sc across (24). One row is enough.
- Band: ch 5; Row 1: sc across (4); Rows 2–9: ch 1, turn, sc across (4).
Mini bows are adorable on the top of a crochet ghost, on a keyring, or tied onto a gift instead of ribbon.
Ways to use your bows
- Hair clips and barrettes — make a pair for pigtails.
- Hair ties and scrunchies — slip a hair tie under the band.
- Bag charms — tie one to the handle of a granny square tote.
- Brooches — sew a pin back on and wear it on a cardigan or coat.
- Party favors — a bow in every guest's favorite color is a sweet birthday gift.
Common questions
My bow is floppy. How do I make it stiffer?
Use 100% cotton and a hook half a size smaller than usual. For a really crisp bow, mist it with fabric stiffener or a sugar-water spray and let it dry in shape.
How many bows can I make from one ball?
A standard 50 g ball of DK cotton (about 120 yd) makes three or four full-size bows, or eight to ten minis.
Can I sell bows made from this pattern?
Absolutely — handmade bows sell well at markets and online. Please don't share or sell the written pattern itself, and a credit to YarnBloom is always lovely.
Which color are you making first? Tell us in the comments! 🎀
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