Materials: This photo shows an example of the ties crocheted with Lion Chenille Prints yarn, color Amsterdam Print, giving a soft look of velvet to the hair bow. This chenille yarn is sometimes available at a discount price at Smiley's Yarns (see their Internet Yarn Sale section and link named Lion Brand Chenille in the 1.99 sale in the list on the left-hand side of their main sale page). Note: crochet.about.com is not affiliated with Smiley's Yarns in any way; I'm giving the link as a discount price online source for the yarn used in the example.
Other yarn can be substituted. If you use a thinner yarn, the bow will be smaller; if you use a thicker yarn, the bow will be larger. The bow can be just as pretty and as useful in various finished sizes.
To make the style above, make two ties (see free directions link below), making only 3 or 4 shell groups on each side of the hair tie that will be the tie that will hang straight (making only that number of shell groups by repeating row 2 fewer times than the directions call for). Make the other tie with 6 shell groups on each side or as per the pattern directions if you want the finished bow to be wider.
Secure the bow shape on the hair elastic with the longer tie then tie the shorter one around the center of the bow, letting the ends of this second tie hang straight.
How to Thread Hair Elastic Through to Make Bow Shape
Free Pattern Directions For This Hair Tie
How The Piece Looks Before Tying
Pattern created by Sandi Marshall, copyright 2007 by Sandi Marshall, licensed to About.com, Inc. Do not republish pattern directions or pattern photos elsewhere. Per copyright law, do not give reproduced copies of the pattern to others, even for free. Instead, you may give the URL for the pattern or photo pages, for others to come to this site for themselves.
