Knitting Bee

5 Free Bow Knitting Patterns: Cute & Easy Knitted Bows

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Looking for a free bow knitting pattern? These adorable little knitted bows are quick to make, use very little yarn and can be added to everything from baby hats and headbands to cardigans, hair accessories, gifts and home décor.

Below you’ll find 5 free bow knitting patterns, including simple bows that are suitable for newer knitters as well as projects that use knitted bows as decorative details.

One of the nicest things about knitting a bow is just how little yarn you need. If you have small amounts of leftover DK, worsted or aran yarn sitting in your stash, a tiny bow can be the perfect way to use them.

5 Free Bow Knitting Patterns: Cute & Easy Knitted Bows

Free Bow Knitting Patterns

These five patterns show different ways to incorporate bows into your knitting, from a simple standalone knitted bow to bows used on accessories and baby knits.

Yuletide Ribbon Knitted Bow

This oversized knitted bow from DROPS Design is a lovely choice if you want something more substantial than a small bow embellishment. Designed as a Christmas decoration or reusable gift bow, it measures approximately 94 cm long before being tied and combines wool, mohair and a fine metallic thread for a soft, slightly sparkling finish.

The construction is particularly interesting: rather than knitting two separate bow loops, you work one long shaped band from side to side in garter stitch, gradually increasing and decreasing to create wider sections. An I-cord edge runs along both sides, giving the finished ribbon a much neater, more defined edge when it is tied.

reusable knitted gift bow

Although the actual stitch pattern is simple, this is better suited to a confident beginner or intermediate knitter because you need to keep track of regularly spaced increases and decreases while maintaining the I-cord edging. The pattern is worked holding DROPS Flora, DROPS Kid-Silk and DROPS Glitter together, but the basic idea could also inspire a less festive version worked without the metallic thread.

  • Yarn weight: Fingering / 4-ply yarns held together
  • Yarn: DROPS Flora + DROPS Kid-Silk + DROPS Glitter
  • Needle size: 3.5 mm
  • Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate
  • Finished size: Approx. 94 cm long × 11 cm wide
  • Construction: Knit flat from side to side as one long shaped band
  • Stitches and techniques: Garter stitch, I-cord edging, increases, decreases and yarn overs
  • Best for: Christmas decorations, Christmas tree bows and reusable knitted gift bows
  • Designer: DROPS Design
  • Pattern: DROPS Extra 0-1631
  • Get the free pattern: Yuletide Ribbon – Free Knitting Pattern

Holly Red Bow

The Holly Red Bow from DROPS Design is a beautifully structured knitted bow that can be used as a Christmas decoration, gift embellishment or removable accessory. At approximately 11 cm wide and 9 cm high, it’s large enough to make an impact without the oversized proportions of the Yuletide Ribbon above.

What makes this pattern particularly interesting is its English rib construction. The main section is knitted flat as a 22 cm strip with neat I-cord edges, then the cast-on and cast-off edges are sewn together to form a ring. A separate double-knitted centre band is wrapped around the middle, pulling the ring into its finished bow shape. This creates a plump, dimensional bow rather than a flat knitted embellishment.

The original uses DROPS Cotton Merino in cherry red, a wool-and-cotton blend that gives the stitches good definition while still producing a soft bow. Each bow uses only around 17 g of yarn, making this an excellent small project for leftover yarn. A safety pin or tie can be added at the back so the finished bow can easily be attached to a Christmas wreath, garland, gift, bag or other decoration.

Free Bow knitting pattern, hair adorned with a medium sized knitted red bow.

This isn’t the simplest bow in the collection, however. You’ll need to be comfortable working English rib, slipped stitches, yarn overs, I-cord edging and double knitting. If you’re looking for a bow that introduces a few interesting techniques without becoming a large project, this is a particularly satisfying one to try.

  • Yarn weight: DK
  • Yarn: DROPS Cotton Merino
  • Needle size: 3 mm
  • Skill level: Intermediate
  • Finished size: Approx. 11 cm wide × 9 cm high
  • Yarn required: Approx. 17 g per bow
  • Construction: Main bow knitted flat as a strip, seamed into a ring and gathered with a separately knitted centre band
  • Stitches and techniques: English rib, I-cord edging, double knitting, slipped stitches, yarn overs and seaming
  • Best for: Christmas decorations, knitted gift bows, wreaths, garlands and removable accessories
  • Designer: DROPS Design
  • Pattern: DROPS Extra 0-1628
  • Get the free pattern: Holly Red Bow – Free Knitting Pattern

Barbie Bow

This beginner-friendly bow from Lion Brand is quite different from a traditional shaped knitted bow. Instead, you knit a simple I-cord using just three stitches, creating a narrow knitted cord that can be tied into a bow at whatever size you prefer. It is an especially approachable option if you want to experiment with I-cord without committing to a larger project.

The pattern uses Lion Brand Baby Soft and 4 mm needles, but because the bow is simply worked until it reaches your desired length, the finished size is completely flexible. Make a short length for a tiny decorative bow or continue knitting for a larger bow with longer tails. One ball of yarn will make multiple bows, so this is also a useful project for using up small amounts of leftover yarn.

icord pink bow knitting pattern

Although the pattern specifies a circular needle, the bow is not knitted in the round. The three stitches are knitted, slid back to the opposite end of the circular needle and knitted again without turning the work. Pulling the working yarn firmly across the back closes the stitches into the characteristic I-cord tube.

Once you understand that little technique, the pattern is extremely repetitive and suitable for beginners. The finished bows could be used for gift wrapping, small decorations or embellishing other knitted projects.

  • Yarn weight: DK / light worsted
  • Yarn: Lion Brand Baby Soft
  • Needle size: 4 mm (US 6) circular needle
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Finished size: Customisable – knit the I-cord to your desired length
  • Construction: Three-stitch I-cord knitted flat on a circular needle, then tied into a bow
  • Stitches and techniques: Knit stitch, I-cord, casting on and binding off
  • Best for: Beginners, gift bows, small decorations, embellishments and scrap-yarn projects
  • Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
  • Pattern number: M23174 BS
  • Get the free pattern: Barbie Bow – Free Knitting Pattern from Lion Brand

Bow Wow Knitted Bow

Bow Wow by Rue des Gens Heureux is a beautifully shaped knitted bow pattern available in three sizes, from a small bow suitable for a hair accessory through to larger versions that can be used as Christmas decorations or statement embellishments.

Unlike a basic knitted rectangle that is simply gathered in the middle, this pattern uses German short rows to shape the bow, creating gently curved sections that give the finished piece more dimension. The main band is worked in garter stitch, beginning with a provisional crochet cast-on, and finished with an I-cord bind-off for a neat, rounded edge. A separately knitted centre band is then wrapped around the folded bow to hold everything securely in place.

reusable knitted gift bow free pattern

There is also the option to make a two-colour knitted bow, with the pattern indicating exactly where to change yarn. The three finished sizes measure approximately 11 × 12 cm, 13 × 18 cm and 14 × 19 cm, so you can choose a size according to how you intend to use it.

This is one of the more technically interesting patterns in the collection. You’ll need to work a provisional cast-on, German short rows and an I-cord bind-off, as well as carefully fold and assemble the finished knitted band. The pattern includes links to video demonstrations of the techniques, making it much more approachable if any of them are new to you.

Worked in sport-weight alpaca, the original has a wonderfully soft appearance, but only requires around 35 to 80 metres of yarn depending on the size, making the smaller version a good project for leftover yarn.

  • Yarn weight: Sport
  • Needle size: 3.5 mm
  • Skill level: Intermediate
  • Sizes: Small, medium and large
  • Finished size: 11 × 12 cm (small), 13 × 18 cm (medium), 14 × 19 cm (large)
  • Yarn required: Approx. 35 m (small), 65 m (medium), 80 m (large)
  • Gauge: 19 sts × 52 rows in garter stitch after blocking
  • Construction: Shaped garter-stitch band folded and gathered into a bow with a separately knitted centre band
  • Stitches and techniques: Garter stitch, German short rows, provisional crochet cast-on, I-cord bind-off, twisted stitches and seaming
  • Best for: Hair accessories, brooches, Christmas decorations and larger decorative bows
  • Designer: Rue des Gens Heureux
  • Pattern: Bow Wow
  • Special feature: Includes three sizes and an optional two-colour version
  • Get the free pattern: Bow Wow

Simple Knitted Bow

This sweet little bow by Emma Du of Anna Lucia Design is one of the easiest bow knitting patterns in this collection and a great choice if you’re looking for something quick to make from leftover yarn. The finished bow measures approximately 6–7 cm, making it just the right size for a hair clip, small accessory or decorative embellishment.

The construction couldn’t be much simpler. You knit a long, narrow strip in a k1, p1 textured pattern, slipping the first stitch of each row to keep the edges neat. Once the strip reaches the required length, it is tied into a classic bow rather than being shaped or seamed into one. The designer also provides a video showing how to tie the knitted strip correctly.

simple bow knitting pattern free

Only 3–4 g of yarn is required for a single bow, depending on the yarn you choose, so this is an excellent scrap-yarn project. The original pattern gives two yarn options: a fine wool-and-silk Manos del Uruguay Fino Mini for a smaller, more delicate bow, or BC Garn Loch Lomond wool for a slightly larger version.

The pattern is also very easy to customise. Cast on additional stitches if you want a wider bow, or change the length of the knitted strip to adjust the size of the finished loops and tails. Tension isn’t particularly critical; the main thing is to avoid knitting so loosely that the bow loses its shape.

If you’re new to knitting and want to make your first bow, this is probably the most approachable pattern in the collection. There are no short rows, increases or complicated shaping to follow—just a small strip of knitting that is transformed into a bow at the end.

  • Yarn weight: Fingering or aran/worsted, depending on version
  • Yarn: Manos del Uruguay Fino Mini or BC Garn Loch Lomond
  • Needle size: 2.75 mm or 3.5 mm
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Finished size: Approx. 6 × 5 cm or 7 × 6 cm
  • Yarn required: Approx. 3–4 g per bow
  • Construction: Long narrow strip knitted flat and tied into a bow
  • Stitches and techniques: Knit, purl, slipped stitches and binding off
  • Best for: Hair clips, small accessories, gifts and scrap-yarn projects
  • Designer: Emma Du, Anna Lucia Design
  • Special feature: Easily resized by changing the number of stitches or length of the knitted strip
  • Get the free pattern: Bow Emma Du

How Do You Knit a Bow?

Most simple knitted bows are surprisingly easy to construct.

The basic method is to knit a small rectangle, usually in garter stitch, stockinette or seed stitch. Once the rectangle is finished, the centre is gathered or pinched together.

A second narrow knitted strip, an I-cord or simply a length of yarn can then be wrapped around the centre to create the characteristic bow shape.

This means many basic bow knitting patterns require only:

  • casting on
  • knit and purl stitches
  • binding off
  • simple sewing

For this reason, a small bow can be an excellent project for a beginner who has learned the basic knitting stitches but isn’t ready to tackle a larger garment.

What Is the Best Stitch for a Knitted Bow?

Garter stitch is one of the easiest choices for a knitted bow because it lies relatively flat and creates a thick, squishy fabric.

Seed stitch is another particularly attractive option. Its small bumps add texture and help give a bow more structure.

Stockinette can create a smoother-looking bow, although the fabric naturally curls at the edges. Blocking can help, but for a very small bow you may find garter or seed stitch easier to work with.

What Yarn Is Best for Knitting Bows?

You can knit bows with almost any yarn.

For small decorative bows, DK and worsted-weight yarns are particularly versatile. They create a bow with enough structure to hold its shape without becoming excessively bulky.

Cotton is a good choice when you want crisp stitch definition and a firmer bow. Wool produces a softer, slightly fuller result, while acrylic is inexpensive and particularly useful for experimenting with different colors.

Small bows are also excellent scrap yarn knitting projects. Even a few metres of leftover yarn may be enough.

How to Make a Knitted Bow Hold Its Shape

If your finished bow looks flat rather than full and defined, the problem is often the centre rather than the knitting itself.

Pinch the middle firmly into small pleats before wrapping the centre yarn or band around it. This pulls the two sides outward and creates the classic bow shape.

For a more structured bow, choose a slightly smaller needle than you normally would for the yarn. The resulting fabric will be denser and better able to maintain its shape.

Blocking can also make a considerable difference. Shape the two sides evenly and allow the bow to dry completely before attaching the centre band.

What Can You Do With Knitted Bows?

Once you know how to knit a bow, there are dozens of ways to use one.

A small knitted bow can be sewn onto a baby cardigan, baby hat, headband, beanie, scarf, pair of mittens or knitted bag. Tiny versions can become hair clips or brooches, while larger bows make cute decorations for cushions, wreaths and handmade gifts.

You can also use a contrasting bow to give a very simple knitting project a completely different look. A plain garter-stitch baby hat, for example, can become something much more distinctive simply by adding a small knitted bow.

Can I Make a Knitted Bow Bigger or Smaller?

Usually, yes.

The simplest way to resize a bow is to change your yarn and needle size. Fingering or sport-weight yarn will produce a delicate little bow, while worsted, aran or chunky yarn creates something much larger.

For a more precise adjustment, change the number of stitches cast on and the number of rows knitted.

Just remember to keep the proportions balanced. If you make the bow considerably wider, you will generally need to make it slightly taller as well.

Free Bow Knitting Pattern FAQs

Are knitted bows easy for beginners?

Yes. Many knitted bow patterns are suitable for beginners because the main piece is simply a small rectangle worked back and forth. Garter-stitch bows are particularly easy if you only know the knit stitch.

How much yarn do I need to knit a bow?

Very little. Small knitted bows are excellent scrap-yarn projects and can often be made from leftover yarn from another project. The exact amount depends on the size of the bow and yarn weight.

Can I knit a bow with straight needles?

Yes. Most simple bow knitting patterns can be worked completely flat on two straight needles. Circular needles can also be used for knitting flat if you prefer them.

What can I attach a knitted bow to?

Knitted bows can be sewn onto hats, headbands, baby cardigans, sweaters, bags, scarves, mittens and other knitted accessories. They can also be attached to hair clips, brooch backs or gift wrapping.

What is the easiest way to knit a bow?

For beginners, one of the easiest methods is to knit a small rectangle in garter stitch, bind off, pinch the rectangle together at the centre and wrap yarn around the middle several times. Secure the yarn at the back and weave in the ends.

Can I use leftover yarn to knit bows?

Absolutely. Bows are one of the best small knitting projects for using leftover yarn because even quite small scraps can be useful.

More Free Knitting Patterns

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