This crochet bow pattern combines two shaped wings, three scallops along each outer wing edge, and two tails with a simple openwork row. A separate center band holds the pieces together and conceals the assembly stitches.
The bow is made without stuffing. Its shape comes from the widening wings, the central folds, and the way the tails are arranged beneath them.
Make both wings and both tails before fitting the center band. That lets you compare matching pieces and adjust the arrangement before sewing everything permanently.
Materials for the Crochet Bow Pattern
- Medium-weight yarn, Category 4, in your chosen color.
- A 4.0 mm crochet hook as a starting option.
- A yarn needle.
- Scissors.
- Removable stitch markers, optional for checking placement.
Use the same yarn and hook for the main components so the fabric remains consistent.
Choose a yarn that allows you to see the stitches clearly. The final width, tail length, and amount of drape will depend on the yarn, hook, and tension used.
No stuffing is required.
If you plan to attach the bow to a clip, elastic, or another item, have that attachment available when fitting the center band.
Construction and Counting Notes
This crochet bow pattern contains five pieces:
- Two wings.
- Two tails.
- One center band.
All pieces are worked in rows.
Beginning ch-1 and ch-2 do not count as stitches. After turning, work the first stitch into the first actual stitch of the previous row.
On the foundation rows, follow the specified starting chain. Do not add the skipped chains to the stitch total.
The scallops are worked only across the final row of each wing. There is no additional edging around the side edges or tails.
Abbreviations — US Terms
- ch: chain.
- sc: single crochet.
- hdc: half double crochet.
- dc: double crochet.
- st / sts: stitch / stitches.
- ch-1 space: the opening beneath one chain.
- FO: fasten off.
When instructed to work two or five stitches into one stitch, place every stitch of that group into the same base stitch.
For help with terminology, consult the Craft Yarn Council’s crochet abbreviation reference, including its comparison of US and UK terms.
Crochet Bow Pattern: Wings
Make two identical pieces.
Foundation
Ch 13.
Row 1 — 11 Double Crochet
Starting in the third chain from the hook, work 1 dc into each remaining chain.
Count: 11 dc.
The two skipped chains do not count as a stitch.
Row 2 — 11 Half Double Crochet
Ch 2, turn.
Work 1 hdc into each stitch across.
Count: 11 hdc.
Row 3 — Increase to 15 Stitches
Ch 2, turn.
Work the following sequence three times:
- 1 dc into each of the next two stitches.
- 2 dc into the following stitch.
Nine stitches from the previous row have now been used.
Across the final two stitches:
- Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
- Work 2 dc into the final stitch.
Count: 15 dc.
There are four increases in this row, taking the count from 11 to 15.
Row 4 — 15 Single Crochet
Ch 1, turn.
Work 1 sc into each stitch across.
Count: 15 sc.
Row 5 — 15 Half Double Crochet
Ch 2, turn.
Work 1 hdc into each stitch across.
Count: 15 hdc.
Row 6 — Three Scallops
Ch 1, turn.
Repeat this sequence three times:
- Work 1 sc into the next stitch.
- Skip the next stitch.
- Work 5 dc into the following stitch.
- Skip the next stitch.
- Work 1 sc into the following stitch.
Each repeat uses five base stitches. Three repeats use all 15 stitches from Row 5.
Completed edge: three scallops, containing 15 dc and 6 sc.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Make the second wing using the same instructions. Compare the two pieces before continuing.
Visual Guide: Three Scallops on Each Wing
Check the three five stitch scallop units against the final wing row.
Open this guide at a larger size.
Lace Tails — Make Two
Each tail begins with 14 stitches. The openwork row preserves 14 positions when its stitches and chain spaces are counted together.
Foundation
Ch 16.
Row 1 — 14 Double Crochet
Starting in the third chain from the hook, work 1 dc into each remaining chain.
Count: 14 dc.
Row 2 — 14 Half Double Crochet
Ch 2, turn.
Work 1 hdc into each stitch across.
Count: 14 hdc.
Row 3 — Openwork
Ch 2, turn.
Work 1 dc into the first stitch.
Repeat the following sequence six times:
- Ch 1.
- Skip the next stitch.
- Work 1 dc into the following stitch.
Work 1 dc into the final remaining stitch.
Count: 8 dc and 6 ch-1 spaces.
The beginning ch-2 does not count as a stitch or an openwork space.
Row 4 — 14 Single Crochet
Ch 1, turn.
Work 1 sc into each dc and 1 sc into each ch-1 space across.
Work into the chain spaces rather than into the individual chain stitches.
Count: 14 sc.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Repeat for the second tail. No additional scalloped edging is added to the tails in this version.
Center Band
Begin the band now, but check its length around the assembled bow before fastening off.
Foundation
Ch 6.
Row 1
Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc in each chain across.
Count: 5 sc.
Rows 2–8
Ch 1, turn.
Sc in each stitch across.
Count: 5 sc per row.
After Row 8, place the working loop on a marker while arranging the bow.
The band is five stitches wide. Its length can be adjusted by adding or removing five-stitch rows once the wings and tails are gathered together.
Visual Guide: Lace Tail Counts and Center Band
Count the lace spaces and fit the center band around the assembled bow.
Open this guide at a larger size.
Assemble the Crochet Bow Pattern
Position the Wings
Place both wings with their right sides facing upward.
Orient the narrower foundation edge of each wing toward the center. The scalloped edges should face outward, one to the left and one to the right.
Slightly overlap the two foundation edges at the center.
Compare the height and angle of both wings before sewing.
Gather the Middle
Make small, matching folds in the inner edges of the wings.
Using a separate length of matching yarn, sew through the folded sections to hold them together.
Keep these stitches within the area that the center band will cover. Do not tighten the gathering so much that the outer wings collapse.
Position the Tails
Each tail has two long edges and two short row-end edges.
Place one short edge of each tail behind the gathered center, with the remaining lengths extending downward and slightly outward.
Adjust the angles so both tails are visible.
Sew their upper short edges to the back of the gathered wing section. Catch both tails securely without sewing across their openwork sections.
Fit the Center Band
Wrap the band around the gathered wings and the attached tail ends.
Its two short ends should meet at the back without stretching the band firmly or leaving it loose.
If the ends do not meet, add more rows of five sc. If the band is too long, remove rows until the fit is suitable.
Fasten off with a sewing tail.
Sew the two short ends together at the back, matching the five stitches across their widths.
Add a few discreet stitches between the band and the underlying assembly so the band does not rotate or slide.
Secure and weave in the ends.
Practical Tips for This Crochet Bow Pattern
Check the First Increase Row
Each wing starts with 11 stitches and reaches 15 in Row 3. Count before continuing, because the scalloped row requires exactly 15 base stitches.
Distinguish Stitches from Spaces
The tail’s openwork row has eight dc and six chain spaces. The following row places one sc in each of those 14 positions.
Keep the Scallops on the Outer Edges
The scalloped edges face away from the center band. The narrower foundation edges are the parts gathered together.
Compare Both Tails Before Sewing
Check their length and orientation side by side. Small tension differences can be more noticeable once the tails hang below the bow.
Fit the Band to the Actual Assembly
The required band length depends on the fabric and gathering. Use the assembled bow to determine the length instead of stretching a fixed band into place.
Finishing and Attachment
Spread the wings gently with your fingers and arrange the tails.
If blocking is appropriate for your yarn, follow its care instructions. Do not apply steam automatically or pull the fabric firmly to force it into shape.
To sew the bow onto a bag or another crochet item, attach through the back of the center assembly using several stitches. Avoid fastening it only through one scallop or an openwork space.
For a hair clip or elastic, use hardware designed for that purpose and check its attachment method. Keep the fastening at the back of the center so it does not distort the wings.
More Crochet Embellishments and Accessories
For another decorative motif, explore the Sunflower Crochet Applique Pattern, which combines a circular center, petals, and a separate leaf.
If you prefer a hanging accessory, visit the Crochet Butterfly Keychain Pattern for a different way to arrange matching crochet components around a central piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Crochet Bow Pattern Suitable for Beginners?
It uses single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet, plus skipped stitches and simple increases. The main counting challenges are the wing increase row and the openwork tail row.
Do Turning Chains Count as Stitches?
No. The beginning ch-1 and ch-2 do not count. Work the first stitch into the first actual stitch of the previous row.
How Many Scallops Does Each Wing Have?
Each wing has three scallops. Every scallop repeat uses five base stitches, so the edging fits the 15-stitch final wing row.
Why Might the Center Band Need Extra Rows?
Yarn thickness, tension, and the amount of gathered fabric affect the distance around the center. Fit the band after assembling the wings and tails.
Can I Change the Size?
Changing yarn weight and hook size changes the dimensions and fabric. Make one complete sample to assess the wing-to-tail proportions before preparing several bows.
Share Your Finished Bow
Record the yarn, hook, finished width, and number of center-band rows when making this crochet bow pattern. Those details will help you reproduce the fit and proportions.
Share your color choice and how you used the bow in the comments. If a step needs clarification, include the component and row number.
