Here, a simple crochet strip becomes a neat little bow with two colors, rounded ends, and a center band that brings the whole shape together.
Long crochet strips can be surprisingly useful for small accessories, and this bow is a good example. The first row gives you a narrow foundation, while the following double crochet rows build around both sides of the chain to create the rounded shape needed for the finished loops.
One thing to watch is the turning end of the strip. The extra double crochets at each end are what let the work curve around, so keeping those stitches in the correct spot makes folding the strip into a bow much easier later. Once the center is wrapped, the long piece quickly starts to look like the finished bow.
Credit Erfin R. Tangdilintin
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Two contrasting colors of yarn, such as a main color and a contrast color for the center stripe
- Crochet hook: 2.0 mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle: For sewing the center band and finishing
- Lighter: For carefully melting yarn ends
- Keychain ring or lanyard cord: Optional, depending on how you want to use the finished bow
Finished Size & Customization
The finished bow is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for keychains, bag charms, or hanging Christmas tree ornaments.
You can customize the bow by:
- Changing the two yarn colors for different seasons.
- Using pastel shades for spring.
- Choosing festive red and green for Christmas.
- Adjusting the initial chain length to make the bow larger or smaller.
Changing the foundation chain changes the overall length of the strip, so it is one of the easiest places to adjust the finished size.
Pattern Abbreviations & Terminology
US crochet terminology is used throughout.
- ch – Chain
- sc – Single Crochet
- dc – Double Crochet
- sl st – Slip Stitch
- st(s) – Stitch(es)
How to Crochet the Main Bow Body
The main bow starts as a long strip worked from a 60-chain foundation. The first row uses the contrast color, while the next two rows add the main color and work around the opposite side of the original chain.
This is an important part of the pattern because the strip does not simply grow back and forth like a typical flat rectangle. The rounded ends are created by placing extra double crochets at the turning points.
Create the Contrast-Color Foundation
Row 1: With the contrast color, make a slip knot and crochet 60 chains.
Skip 1 chain, then work 1 sc in each remaining chain across for a total of 59 sc.
Make 1 chain, secure the yarn with a lighter, and trim the yarn tail.
The 60-chain foundation determines the basic length of the bow. If you want to experiment with size later, this is the measurement to change rather than altering the shaping instructions in the following rows.
Add the Main Color
The second row changes to the main color and begins building the rounded strip.
Row 2: Join the main color with a sl st in the first sc of Row 1. Make 3 chains, which count as the first dc, then work 2 dc in the exact same stitch for a total of 3 dc in the first stitch. Work 1 dc in each of the next stitches across until the last stitch for a total of 55 dc. In the final stitch, work 2 dc, then 3 dc in the same last stitch to form the turning curve.
The extra stitches at the last stitch are important because they allow the crochet to turn around the end of the foundation row.
If the end looks wider than the middle at this point, that is intentional. Those additional stitches create the curve that lets the next row travel back along the opposite side.
Work Along the Other Side
Instead of turning the piece like a normal row, continue around the opposite side of the original foundation row.
Row 3: Continue along the opposite side of the foundation row, placing 1 dc in each stitch across for a total of 55 dc. In the last remaining stitch, work 2 dc, then 3 dc in the same stitch to complete the rounded end. Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc.
Make 1 chain, secure with a lighter, cut the yarn, and weave in the ends.
Check the Rounded Ends
Before moving to assembly, look at both ends of the strip.
They should have enough width to curve smoothly rather than ending in a sharp point. If one end looks different from the other, check the extra dc groups at the turning points before continuing.
The finished strip should now have a contrast-colored first row visible beneath the main-color stitches, with rounded ends ready to be folded.
Turn the Strip into a Bow
The bow shape comes from folding rather than from additional crochet shaping.
Fold both ends of the long crocheted strip inward toward the center to create two loops. Overlap the ends neatly in the middle so the two sides form the bow.
Take a moment to compare the two loops before securing anything. Adjusting the folds now is much easier than trying to reshape the bow after the center has been wrapped.
Make the Center Band
The small center band holds the folded strip in its bow shape.
Step 1: Create a separate band by making 10 chains.
Step 2: Work 1 sc in each stitch across for a total of 9 sc. Chain 1, fasten off, and leave a yarn tail.
Step 3: Wrap the small band tightly around the center of the folded bow. Use a tapestry needle and the yarn tail to sew the band securely at the back.
Center Wrap Check
The center band should be snug enough to hold both loops together without crushing them completely.
After sewing, gently adjust the two loops so they have a similar size, and the folded ends sit neatly behind the center.
Add a Keychain or Hanging Loop
The finished bow can be used in more than one way, so the final attachment depends on where you want to display it.
Option A: Keychain Attachment
Attach a metal keyring directly to the center wrap, or sew a small loop securely to the top of the bow.
Make sure the attachment is firmly sewn because a keychain will experience more pulling and movement than a decorative hanging bow.
Option B: Christmas Ornament Loop
For a hanging ornament, use the main color yarn to chain 30.
Securely sew and knot the chain loop to the back center of the bow.
The loop should be attached to the center rather than one side so the bow hangs evenly from a Christmas tree branch or other hook.
Finish the Yarn Ends
Inspect the bow before trimming the remaining yarn ends.
Any frayed ends can be carefully melted with a lighter to create a cleaner finish. Keep the flame away from the crocheted fabric and handle this step carefully.
The center wrap, attachment point, and yarn ends are the areas most worth checking because they affect both the appearance and how securely the bow can be used.
Change the Bow for Different Seasons
The same basic bow can work throughout the year simply by changing the colors.
Soft pastels can give it a spring look, while red and green make it suitable for Christmas. You can also adjust the initial chain length when you want a different bow size.
For a keychain or bag charm, keeping the bow compact makes it easier to carry. A longer foundation chain can be useful when you want a larger decorative bow for hanging.
A Small Bow with Plenty of Uses
The finished bow is created from a surprisingly simple combination of chains, single crochet, and double crochet. The rounded ends give the strip enough shape to fold into loops, while the small center band holds everything together.
The most important point is to pay attention to the turning ends and the center fold. Once those two areas are handled carefully, the long strip transforms into a neat bow that can become a keychain, bag charm, or festive Christmas ornament.
