April 26th, 2021
Simple Bow Ribbon – Free Crochet Pattern
This simple crochet bow ribbon is one of those quick little projects that’s almost too easy — and endlessly useful. My wreath obsession is what started it: I wanted to crochet the focal point, the bow itself, instead of reaching for store-bought ribbon. It turned out far simpler than I expected, and now I make these for hair clips, gift toppers, headbands, and decorative accents on all kinds of handmade pieces.
Best of all, this is a completely free crochet pattern — a perfect beginner make you can finish in an afternoon.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Bow Ribbon
This crochet bow ribbon is worked flat in a simple seed stitch, so it’s beginner-friendly and wonderfully repetitive — the kind of project you can pick up and put down without losing your place. It uses just a small amount of yarn, works up fast, and is endlessly adaptable. Make it long for a flowing wreath bow, or short for a sweet little hair clip. Once you have the ribbon, shaping it into a bow takes just a few minutes.
Pattern Notes
This pattern uses the crochet seed stitch. You can change the gauge of the ribbon by using a different yarn — just follow the recommended hook size and gauge on the yarn label. To make the ribbon wider, increase your starting chain in multiples of 2 stitches.
Materials
- 4.0 mm crochet hook
- Bernat Softee Baby yarn — 3 balls in any color you like (shown in Lemon)
- Tapestry needle, for weaving in ends
Bernat Softee Baby is a soft, lightweight yarn that gives the bow a gentle drape. You can substitute any yarn you love — if you’d like to understand how yarn weights are categorized so you can swap confidently, the Craft Yarn Council yarn weight system is a helpful reference.
Gauge
4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm) = 16 sc x 19 rows with a 4.0 mm crochet hook. Gauge isn’t critical for a decorative bow, but it will help you predict your finished length.
Finished Measurements
Approximately 4 x 50 inches. Work the ribbon longer or shorter depending on how you plan to use it.
Abbreviations
- Ch — Chain
- Sc — Single crochet
- Dc — Double crochet
Simple Crochet Bow Ribbon — Pattern Instructions
With your chosen color, ch 19 to start.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *dc, sc; repeat from * to end. Ch 1, turn. (18 sts)
Row 2: *Dc in the prior row’s sc, sc in the prior row’s dc; repeat from * to end. Ch 1, turn. (18 sts)
Repeat Row 2 until the ribbon measures 50 inches, or your desired length. Fasten off and weave in your ends.
That’s it — enjoy your finished crochet bow ribbon!
Ways to Use Your Crochet Bow Ribbon
- Wreath focal point — shape it into a large bow as the centerpiece of a handmade wreath.
- Hair accessories — make a shorter ribbon and attach it to a clip or headband.
- Gift toppers — tie a soft, reusable bow onto a wrapped present instead of paper ribbon.
- Decorative accents — add a little bow to bags, baskets, blankets, or stuffed toys.
How to Turn the Ribbon Into a Bow
Once your ribbon is complete, shaping it into a finished bow takes just a few minutes. I filmed the whole process — including how I assembled it onto a wreath — in a separate step-by-step post: How to Make a Crochet Bow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this crochet bow ribbon good for beginners?
Yes. It uses only chain, single crochet, and double crochet, repeated in a simple seed stitch rhythm. It’s a great first project or a quick make for a relaxing afternoon.
How much yarn do I need for a crochet bow?
A full 50-inch ribbon uses about 3 balls of Bernat Softee Baby. A shorter ribbon for a hair clip or gift topper uses far less, so it’s a great scrap-yarn project.
Can I make the bow ribbon wider or longer?
Absolutely. For a wider ribbon, increase your starting chain in multiples of 2. For length, simply work more repeats of Row 2 until you reach the size you want.
Try Out These Fun Crochet Patterns
In the mood for a quick, playful make? Here are a few more free crochet patterns worth a try:
- Crochet Succulents — a no-water plant collection that never wilts
- Crochet Bobble Pillow Trio — three squishy, textured pillow designs
- Crochet Butterfly — a pretty appliqué to add to almost anything
- 6 Color Rainbow — a cheerful crochet rainbow in six bright shades
- Puff Stitch Crochet Flower — a soft, dimensional flower for embellishing