It is not surprising why crochet patterns are becoming so popular lately. When you make the first one, you will soon make another one. Are you looking for a small and satisfying project that can make your day? Here exactly why this crochet granny bow pattern will be what you need.
You will notice that this classic granny square stitch is an adorable bow. There are plenty of uses for it as well. Clip it on the headband, stitch it on to the bag or wrap it around the gift.
No matter how you use it, this handmade bow adds a personal touch in your accessories. Not even store bought can have this much aura. So, let’s get started to create one of the best handmade pieces of our life!
What is this project?
A small decorative crochet granny square done in traditional granny square style but in an innovative, creative and stylish manner. It forms a pair of similar bow loops that are tied together in the middle with a nice little bow wrap in the middle for that characteristically puffy bow appearance everyone adores. Compact enough so that it can be finished in one sitting making it ideal for the beginner who wants a quick and rewarding make. You can look into an easy crochet bow tutorial to understand more about this project.
Skill Level
Ideal for beginner to easy intermediate. You only need to know how to chain, single crochet, and double crochet. This crochet pattern is extremely beginner friendly.
Materials You Need to Gather
The materials and supplies needed are listed below:
Yarn Colors:
- Main color yarn
- A contrasting color for trims and edgings
- White or cream yarn for center knot wrap
- Optional: Hot pink yarn for a playful and colorful appearance
Crochet Hook:
- Use yarn sizes of 3.5mm to 4.5mm, depending on the yarn weight.
Other Supplies:
- Needles used to sew pieces together.
- Sharp scissors
- Stitch markers
- A small volume of polyfill stuffing, hair clip, headband base or keychain ring as you wish to use your bow
- Blocking pins (optional but helpful)
Yarn Tip:
Cotton yarn will provide a crisp and clean bow shape. Acrylic yarn is soft and ideal for newbies. Just about 30 to 50 grams is all that’s required so this is an excellent stash buster project. You can add a lot to the handmade crochet bow ideas.
Crochet Techniques Used
- Magic ring (or chain loop alternative)
- Chain stitch
- Single crochet
- Double crochet
- Slip stitch
- Increase and decrease
- Working in rounds and rows
- The process of joining pieces by sewing and assembling. Joining parts by sewing and putting together.
All of these are easy. If the magic ring seems mysterious at first, just chain 4 and join, this pattern will work just as well.
Step-by-Step Crochet Pattern Instructions
1 – Create the Bow Loops (Make 2)
Both bows are two identical granny style bows. Begin with a magic ring. At the end of the chain 3 (this is the first dc), then 2 dc into the ring.
Chain 2 then works 3 dc, chain 2. Do this 3 more times around the ring. Pick up and make the first slip stitch to the top of the first chain. Pull the magic ring snugly closed.
Round 2: Slip stitch into corner space, chain 3, 2dc in the same corner, chain 1 and 3dc in next corner. Purse all the way around and sew with a slip stitch.
Round 3 (optional): Round again as in Step 3 for a more full and dramatic bow. Wear off and tie off a long yarn tail for sewing.
2 – Form Bow Loops
Fold each piece downwards so that the two opposite corners are aligned in the middle of the piece of paper. Take a few stitches with your tapestry needle and folded yarn tail through the middle (center), this will hold the wing shape.
Do not flatten out each loop, but maintain a slight fullness. Place a very small amount of polyfill in the center of the bow and sew it closed if you wish to make a 3D bow. Repeat with the second bow piece.
3 – Make the Centre Knot Strip
Take the half strip and tie it into a knot in the middle.
Chain 12 with center color yarn.
Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from the hook and all the chains across. You will have 11 sc. Chain 1, turn, SC across rows 2-5.
Quickly tie off a long tail! This is a small rectangle that will be wrapped around the bow center.
4 – Assemble the Bow
Put two bow loops on the wrong sides together.
Stitch together the two centers that have been gathered with your tapestry needle tightly.
Pick up the center knot strip and wrap it around the bow so that it is tight enough to pinch the middle of the bow.
Tighten it up so that the loops puff out nicely on either side. Join the back of the bow ends of the center strip. Tie in all ends of the yarns.
5 – Finishing Touches
Lightly block the bow for an hour of cotton yarn, by sprinkling lightly with water and shaping flat. Use a hair clip or headband base and attach with a needle and yarn or a little craft glue to the back.
To make a bag charm, put a keychain ring through the middle and wrap before the bag is sewn closed. To add to a ribbon or twine bow, tie or stitch the bow on.
Helpful Beginner Tips
Do not change your tension. The tighter the stitches, the more defined the bow’s shape will be. If it’s too slack, the bow might appear a bit floppy.
Use stitch markers
Mark the beginning of each round for your reference.
Count stitches after each round. It only takes a few seconds and saves time from unraveling rows later.
Do not overstuff
Just a little polyfill will suffice. Stuffing too much will make the bow lumpy and lose form.
Stitch the center tightly. Give your needle several passes around the center knot as it will do much of the structural work.
Shape while damp
A little bit wet and flexing the bow with one’s hands (or if cotton, making it a little bendy) has a huge impact on the finish.
Design Customization Ideas
Change colors:
Use classic black and cream, pastels, bright jewel colors or seasonal colors such as red and green for Christmas. Even just two colors can create a fantastic look.
Extra Cute Touch:
Add a little button, pearl bead or tiny crochet flower at the center of the bow for a little flair. Using a metallic or sequin in the center wrap creates wonderful looks for special occasions.
Mini Size Variations:
Make a small bow with fine cotton thread for earrings or card embellishment with a 2mm hook. It’s very thin and light.
Large Bow:
Use a 6mm hook and chunky yarn for a big bold bow ideal for bags or wreaths.
Combine Textures:
Use a smooth main yarn and a fluffy/ boucle yarn for the center knot. The contrast in texture is very interesting and artisan-like.
Conclusion
So, here it is, your crochet granny bow pattern is ready to go out with you. It will turn heads and make your accessory the center of attention. Being creative is all the fun here. This little yarn and a simple hook will combine together and make something charming.
Wear it, sell it or gift it, that’s all up to you. Your bow never goes out of style. This is how the magic of this crochet begins!