Velvet Crochet Bow Pattern

Create gorgeous, plush hair accessories in minutes with this simple velvet crochet bow pattern, perfect for quick gifts and stash busting.

Have you ever stood staring at your yarn stash, wishing for a project that gives you instant gratification? We have all been there, surrounded by beautiful leftovers but short on the hours needed for a massive blanket.

I certainly have.

That is exactly why I fell in love with making these plush velvet bows. They are the ultimate quick-win project.

If you have ever struggled with slippery yarns or felt intimidated by shaping, do not worry. Velvet can be a bit of a wild beast to tame because of its slick texture, but I will guide you through every single loop so your stitches stay perfectly secure.

This design comes in two distinct sizes, making it incredibly versatile. You can whip up a handful of these beauties while watching your favorite show, ready to attach to hair clips, headbands, or holiday gifts.

Let us grab our hooks and turn those velvet scraps into something magical.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Stash buster friendly: It uses tiny amounts of yarn, making it the perfect way to rescue leftover skeins from your bin.
• Two size options: Easily craft a larger version for adults or a sweet, smaller size for children.
• Super fast results: You can complete a finished bow in just a few minutes, giving you instant crafting satisfaction.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Bernat Velvet (Size 5 Bulky weight; shown here in White, Burgundy Plum, and Vapor Gray)
• Hook: Size J (6 mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, and optional clear-drying fabric glue (like Fabri-Tac) to secure slippery ends
• Yardage: Approximately 30 yards for the larger adult size, and only 7 yards for the child size

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: Not critical for this project, but stitches should be snug enough to keep the shape firm.
• Sizes included: Woman's Size and Kid's Size.
• Finished measurements: Woman's bow measures approximately 6 inches wide; Kid's bow measures approximately 3.5 inches wide.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain - Loop yarn over hook and pull through. Learn more about Adjusting Crochet Foundation Chains to customize your starting row.
• sc: Single Crochet - Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sl st: Slip Stitch - Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
• st(s): Stitch(es)

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked flat in separate pieces (top and tail) and then assembled.
• Tension Tip: Keep your slip stitches relatively loose. If you pull them too tight, it will be incredibly difficult to work into them on the subsequent rows.
• Customization Tip: You can easily scale this project up or down. If you want to make your bow even larger, simply add more chains to your starting chain.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Woman's Size Bow - Top Section

Leave a generous 14-inch tail of yarn before making your slip knot. Chain 32.

Row 1: Work a slip stitch into the second chain from your hook. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 13 chains. Work 1 slip stitch into each of the next 3 chains. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 13 chains. Finish with a slip stitch in the very last chain. Turn your work. (Total: 31 stitches).

Pro Tip: When working the slip stitches at the start, middle, and end of the rows, you can insert your hook under just a single loop. This clever trick reduces bulk right where we will pinch the center of the bow.

Row 2: Chain 1. Slip stitch into the very first stitch. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 13 stitches. Work 1 slip stitch into each of the next 3 stitches. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 13 stitches. Slip stitch into the final stitch. Turn.

Rows 3–8: Repeat Row 2 six more times.

To finish the top section, slip stitch the two short ends together to form a tube. Fasten off, leaving another long 14-inch tail.

Shaping: Slide the seam so it sits directly in the center of the tube. Pinch the middle tightly. Wrap your long yarn tails firmly around this pinched center several times, then tie them securely in a double knot at the back. Leave the remaining tails for assembly.

Woman's Size Bow - Tail Section

Leave an 8-inch tail and chain 27.

Row 1: Work 1 single crochet into the second chain from your hook and into every chain across. Turn. (Total: 26 single crochets).

Row 2: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in the first stitch, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Work 1 single crochet in each stitch across until you have 2 stitches left. Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in the last stitch. Turn. (Total: 28 stitches).

Row 3: Repeat Row 2. (Total: 30 stitches).

Row 4: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in the first stitch. Work 1 single crochet in each stitch across until 2 stitches remain. Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in the last stitch. Fasten off, leaving an 8-inch tail.

Securing the tails: Thread your tapestry needle and weave the tails through the stitches up to the center of the tail piece. Velvet yarn is notoriously slippery, and ends can easily pop out. I highly recommend securing these woven ends with a tiny drop of clear-drying fabric glue.

Assembling the Woman's Bow

Fold your tail piece precisely in half to locate the exact center. Align this center point with the pinched middle of your top bow section.

Take the remaining yarn tails from the top section and wrap them securely around the tail piece, binding the two parts together. Wrap it a few times, then tie a secure knot at the back.

Use the leftover tails to sew on a metal hair clip or an elastic hair tie. Weave in any remaining ends behind the bow.

Kid's Size Bow - Top Section

Leave a 14-inch tail and chain 16.

Row 1: Work 1 single crochet into the second chain from your hook and into each chain across. Turn. (Total: 15 single crochets).

Row 2: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in the first stitch and in every stitch across. Turn. (Total: 15 single crochets).

Slip stitch the two short ends together to form a loop. Fasten off, leaving a 14-inch tail.

Position the seam in the middle, pinch the center, and wrap the yarn tails around the middle. Tie a knot at the back and leave the tails.

Kid's Size Bow - Tail Section

Leave an 8-inch tail and chain 14.

Row 1: Slip stitch in the second chain from your hook, then slip stitch in the next chain. Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches. Slip stitch in the next stitch. Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches. Finish with a slip stitch in each of the last 2 chains.

To fasten off, pull your starting yarn tail directly through the active loop on your hook. Cut the yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail.

Weave both tails up to the center of the tail piece and secure them with fabric glue to prevent slipping.

Assembling the Kid's Bow

Find the center of the tail piece by folding it in half. Align it with the pinched center of the top bow.

Wrap the remaining yarn tails around both pieces to join them. Knot securely at the back. Attach your hair clip or elastic band, then weave in the remaining ends.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Chunky Yarn Swap: If you do not have velvet yarn on hand, you can easily substitute any standard bulky weight yarn. Try a wool blend for a cozy, rustic look similar to the texture of the Nova Button Cowl.
• Headband Attachment: Instead of a hair clip, sew this bow directly onto a crocheted headband. It makes a stunning addition to the Ruby Headband Pattern.
• Gift Toppers: Skip the hair attachment entirely and use these bows as reusable, eco-friendly gift toppers. They add a beautiful handmade touch to any package.
• Add a Pom Pom: For a whimsical, wintery look, attach a small Faux Fur Pom Pom to the center of the bow instead of wrapping it with yarn.
• Selling Your Bows: These make incredible inventory for craft fairs. Just be sure to review the Crochet Pattern Copyright Guidelines if you plan to sell your finished items online.
• Colour ideas: Classic holiday red, deep forest green, mustard yellow, or soft pastel pinks for springtime.
• Yarn substitutions: Any category 5 bulky yarn, such as Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (if you adjust hook size slightly) or double-stranded worsted weight yarn.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The velvet yarn is shedding or "worming" as I crochet.
  Fix: Velvet yarn can be slippery. Try using a slightly smaller hook size or tightening your tension to keep the loops snug and secure.
• Problem: The center of my bow looks too bulky when I pinch it.
  Fix: Make sure you are working your slip stitches under only one loop in the center section. This significantly reduces the bulk when wrapping.
• Problem: My yarn tails are slipping out of the finished bow.
  Fix: Velvet is very slick. Always weave your tails in thoroughly, and apply a tiny dab of clear fabric glue to the ends to lock them in place.
• Problem: The bow shape is floppy and does not hold its structure.
  Fix: Your tension might be too loose. Try dropping down to a 5.5 mm hook to create a denser, sturdier fabric.

Care Instructions

Hand wash your velvet bows in cool water with a mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing, reshape the bow, and lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry. Avoid machine washing or drying, as this can ruin the plush pile of the velvet yarn.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of a quick, beautiful project that you can finish in one sitting. These velvet bows are a joy to make, and they make the sweetest gifts for loved ones of all ages. Happy crocheting, my friends!