How to Make a Crochet Bow – Working in Rounds

There is an abundance of great crochet tutorials available on how to make a crochet bow but I couldn’t find one that creates a bow by working in the round. I thought I’d give it a go and I was really happy with how it turned out.

I discovered that one of the best things about making a bow in the round is that it’s so easy to work the edging. All you need to do is make another round in contrast colour. You can also play with colours and crochet a stripey bow, like my pink and purple one below.

This pattern is super fast – I reckon an experienced crocheter can whip these up in around five-ten minutes. It’s also an ideal pattern for beginners wanting to learn the basics about working in the round.

Pattern Notes

Pattern is written in US terminology.

Join each round with a ss. Unless stated otherwise, replace the first dc of each round with no-turning dc or alternatively add a ch2 at the beginning of each round. This ch2 does not count as stitch.

I’ve tested the given instructions on 4 ply and 8 ply, but I think you can easily work this in other plies too. The instructions are more of a guide and it’s very easy to add more or fewer rounds if you think that suits your wool

Materials

This is what I used – but this pattern is flexible – see the pattern notes.

8 ply – 5mm hook
4 ply – 4mm hook

Bow ‘in the Round’ Crochet Pattern

Round 1   12dc in magic circle.

Rnd 2   dc in same st, *2dc in next st* repeat around (24).

Rnd 3 2dc in next st, *dc in next st, 2dc in next st* repeat around (36)

Rnd 4 dc in next st, 2dc in next st, *dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st* repeat around(48)

Rnd 5 dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st, *dc in next 3sts, 2dc in next st* repeat around (60)

8 ply only – Fasten Off

Attach CC with a slip stitch. Ch 1, sc in same st, sc around, join to top of first sc.
Fasten Off.

4 ply Continue…

Rnd 6-8   dc around [3 rounds] (60).

Fasten Off.

Here is what my circles (8ply) look like so far…

How to crochet a bow in the round – a pattern by Roaming Pixes

Finishing

To complete your bow, pinch the circle at the centre and wrap a long piece of yarn (at least 50 inches) in contrast colour around the middle.

Tie a knot or two to secure it, leaving one end short and the other long.

Make sure you tie the knot tightly so the sides look a little puffy. This can be a little tricky the first time and you might need some extra hands to help. I found it didn’t take long to get the knack of it.

Now pick up the long end and wrap it around the centre of the bow several times. Work your yarn over the other the short strand to hide it. You can trim any excess strand poking out later.

To finish, darn in the end by weaving your needle under the wrapped centre back and forth. You can tie a knot and trim your end. I prefer to keep a little extra length of yarn to use it for attaching to an item later.