How to Knit a Hair Bow

Knitting a hair bow is a creative and enjoyable project that’s perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike. This simple accessory can add a charming touch to any hairstyle and makes for a thoughtful handmade gift. With a few basic knitting materials and some patience, you can craft a beautiful bow that reflects your personal style.

This guide on how to knit a hair bow will walk you through the step-by-step process, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time. A knit hair bow is a perfect accessory to add a handmade touch to any outfit, offering both style and a cozy, personalized flair.

Why Knit a Hair Bow?

Knitting is a versatile craft that allows you to create unique and personalized items. Making your own hair bow means you have full control over the color, size, and texture of the final product.

You can use any type of yarn, from soft wool to sparkly thread, and experiment with different knitting techniques to achieve different looks. Plus, knitting is known for its therapeutic effects, making it a great way to relax and unwind while creating something beautiful.

What You’ll Need

To knit a hair bow, you will need the following materials:

Yarn of Your Choice (Preferably in Medium Weight): 

The yarn you choose will determine the final look and feel of your hair bow. Consider using a soft, smooth yarn for a classic look, or opt for a textured or sparkly one for a more unique finish.

Knitting Needles:

You can use any size of knitting needles, depending on the thickness of your chosen yarn. Thicker needles will create larger stitches, while thinner ones will produce tighter stitches.

Scissors:

Make sure you have a sharp pair of scissors on hand to cut the yarn as needed.

Needle:

A large-eyed needle is necessary for weaving in ends and sewing your finished bow together.

8 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Knit a Hair Bow

Step 1: Cast On Stitches 

Begin by casting the desired number of stitches onto your knitting needles. The number of stitches you cast on will determine the width of your hair bow. For a small bow, consider casting on 15-20 stitches, whereas for a larger bow, you can cast on 30-40 stitches.

Use the long-tail cast-on method for a clean and sturdy edge, but feel free to use any casting-on technique you are comfortable with. Ensure that your stitches are evenly spaced and not too tight, as this will make the knitting process smoother. Once your stitches are cast on, you’re ready to start knitting!  

Step 2: Knit the First Row 

Using the knit stitch, work your way across the row. To do this, insert your right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle from back to front, wrap the yarn around and pull it through, then slip off the old stitch and onto the right-hand needle. Continue until you have knitted all stitches in the row.

The number of rows you’ll need to knit will depend on the length of your hair bow. For a small bow, aim for around 10-12 rows, whereas for a larger one, you may need 15-20 rows.

Step 3: Cast Off  

To cast off, knit the first two stitches as usual. Then, insert your left-hand needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle and lift it over the second stitch and off the needle.

Repeat this process until all stitches have been worked and there is only one loop remaining on your right-hand needle. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail and pull it through the final loop to secure it.

Step 4: Make the Center of Your Bow 

To create the center of your bow, which will cinch the middle and give it its classic bow shape, you’ll need to knit a smaller piece. Cast on about 6-8 stitches, depending on how wide you want the center to be. Use the same knit stitch to create approximately 6-10 rows to form a small rectangle. Once complete, cast off as before, leaving a long tail to sew it in place.

This small knitted piece will later be wrapped around the center of the larger knitted rectangle to form the distinctive bow shape.

Step 5: Secure the Middle 

Take the smaller knitted piece you created for the center of the bow and wrap it tightly around the middle of the larger knitted rectangle. Ensure that it cinches the center securely to create the bow shape. Using the long tail left from casting off the smaller piece, thread the yarn through the large-eyed needle and sew the ends of the small rectangle together at the back of the bow.

Make sure the stitches are tight and secure to prevent the center from unraveling. Once done, weave in any loose ends to give your bow a clean, finished appearance.

Step 6: Create the Tails 

To create the tails of your hair bow, you’ll need to knit two rectangular pieces. Cast on about 10-12 stitches and work in the same pattern as before, knitting each row until you have a desired length for the tails. Once complete, cast off and weave in any loose ends.

If you prefer a longer or shorter tail, adjust the number of stitches and rows accordingly. You can also experiment with different knitting techniques such as garter stitch or seed stitch, to create unique textures for your tails.

Step 7: Attach the Tails 

Once the tails are knitted and ready, position them at the back of the main bow, ensuring they are evenly aligned for a symmetrical look. Using the long tail from the smaller knittedcenterpiecee or a separate piece of yarn, thread it through the large-eyed needle. Carefully sew the tails to the back of the bow, making sure they are securely attached.

Focus on neat stitches to maintain a clean and polished finish. After attaching both tails, weave in any loose ends and trim the excess yarn to complete this step. Your bow should now have a beautifully balanced appearance with elegant tails.

Step 8: Attach a Hair Clip 

To turn your knitted hair bow into a functional accessory, attach a hair clip to the back of it. You can use any type of hair clip you prefer, whether it’s a bobby pin or an alligator clip. To attach the clip, simply sew it onto the back of your bow using the large-eyed needle and yarn.

Ensure that the clip is securely attached by stitching through multiple layers and making sure there are no loose threads. Once complete, trim any excess yarn and give your finished hair bow one last look-over for any final touches.

Following these steps on how to knit a hair bow, you can easily knit your own unique hair bow to add a stylish touch to any outfit. Experiment with different yarns and stitch patterns to create various looks and have fun customizing your knitted hair bows! Happy knitting!  Now go show off that beautiful new accessory!

Additional Tips

• When casting on stitches, leave a long tail of about 6 inches or more as this will be used for sewing and weaving in ends later.
• To make your hair bow look fuller, use a thicker yarn or hold multiple strands of yarn together while knitting.
• For added embellishments, consider attaching buttons, beads, or ribbons to the center of your bow.
• Get creative with different color combinations and patterns to create a wide variety of unique hair bows.
• Don’t limit yourself to just hair accessories; these knitted bows can also be attached to hats, scarves, bags, and more!  So get creative and have fun with it!

Happy knitting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I Use a Different Type of Stitch to Knit My Hair Bow?

A1: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different stitches such as garter stitch, seed stitch, or even cable stitch for a more intricate design. Just make sure to adjust the number of stitches and rows accordingly for your desired size and shape.

Q2: Can I Knit a Hair Bow Using Circular Needles?

A2: Yes, you can use circular needles to knit a hair bow. Simply follow the same steps mentioned above, working in the round instead of back and forth.

Q3: How Do I Make My Hair Bow Stay in Place?

A3: If you find that your hair bow is slipping out of place, try attaching a small amount of non-slip fabric or silicone grip to the back before adding the hair clip. This will help keep it securely in place on your hair. 

Q4: Can I Wash My Knitted Hair Bow?

A4: It is best to hand wash your knitted hair bow using gentle detergent and cold water. Avoid wringing or twisting the bow as this can cause it to lose its shape. Lay it flat to dry and reshape it if needed.

Conclusion

Knitting your own hair bow is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to explore your creativity while crafting a practical accessory. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, the steps outlined in this guide on how to knit a hair bow provide a straightforward way to create a beautiful, handmade bow. With endless possibilities in terms of yarns, colors, and embellishments, you can customize each bow to reflect your personal style.

Beyond hair accessories, these bows can be used to enhance various items, making them versatile and charming additions to your wardrobe or as thoughtful, handmade gifts. Happy knitting, and enjoy showcasing your unique creations!