There is something undeniably charming about the intersection of school supplies and handmade crafts. As the seasons shift and we think about back-to-school preparations or simple classroom decor, a crochet pencil hair bow offers a delightful way to add a touch of whimsy to everyday accessories. This project transforms the familiar shape of a pencil into a wearable piece of art, blending the nostalgia of stationery with the cozy texture of yarn. It is a perfect project for keeping little hands busy or creating unique gifts for teachers and classmates.
Seasonal Styling Ideas
While the pencil motif is a classic staple for back-to-school season, this accessory is versatile enough to shine year-round. The ribbed texture created by the back loop stitches mimics the wood grain of a real pencil, giving it a tactile appeal that pairs beautifully with autumn tones like burnt orange, mustard, and forest green. For spring, switch to pastel amigurumi yarns to create soft, cheerful bows that match floral hair clips. The lightweight nature of the finished bow ensures it is comfortable for daily wear, whether clipped into a ponytail for a busy school day or attached to a tote bag for a stylish statement. It also serves as a thoughtful, handmade gift for educators, symbolizing creativity and learning in a way that store-bought items simply cannot match.
Project Overview
This crochet pencil hair bow is an intermediate-level amigurumi project that results in a textured, wearable accessory. The design features two primary rectangular sections—a larger base and a smaller tip—worked in single crochet with a ribbed finish. The tip is shaped using progressive decreases to mimic the point of a pencil, while a separate eraser piece and a black center band complete the realistic look. The finished piece is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for attachment to hair clips, tiaras, or headbands.
Materials
- Amigurumi yarn in four colors: Natural (off-white/beige), light pink (cadmium shade), red, and black.
- Size 3 mm crochet hook.
- Small scissors.
- Tapestry (darning) needle.
- Hair clip, tiara, or headband base.
- Fabric glue (optional).
- Malleable wire (optional for reinforcement).
Gauge and Finished Size
Gauge is flexible; tension consistency is more important than exact measurements. The primary stitch is single crochet (sc) worked in the back loop only (blo) for ribbing on rectangular sections. Decreases form the pencil tip shaping. Seaming uses simple whip stitches or running stitches for secure joining.
The finished bow measures approximately 15 cm in height (from top to pencil tip) and 13 cm in width (side to side). The base rectangle measures approximately 29 cm long by 7 cm wide. The tip rectangle is approximately 14.5 cm long by 7 cm wide. Weight is approximately 42 grams after final assembly and attachments. Adjust dimensions proportionally if using different yarn or hook size.
Abbreviations
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single Crochet
- blo: Back Loop Only Single Crochet
- dec: Decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)
- sl st: Slip Stitch
Pattern Notes
- Yarn tension should be consistent but relaxed enough to maintain flexibility.
- Always pick up the last stitch in each row to avoid crooked edges.
- Back loop only single crochet rows create a ribbed effect adding texture to the bow.
- Wire incorporation is optional but recommended for shape retention.
- Using a tapestry needle for sewing pieces together ensures neat assembly.
- Glue helps secure yarn ends for durability but is optional.
- Color changes are carefully introduced to represent the pencil’s eraser, body, and tip.
- Adjust chain counts and row numbers as needed depending on yarn thickness for the desired size.
Pattern Instructions
Section 1: Larger Base Piece (Body of Pencil Bow)
Foundation chain: Chain 60 stitches.
Row 1: Starting in the second chain from hook, work 1 single crochet (sc) in each chain across, total 59 sc. Do not turn chain edge; this row forms foundation.
Row 2 (and onward): Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), turn work. Work 1 blo sc in each stitch across (59 stitches). Continue with blo sc in each stitch, turning and chaining 1 at end of each row.
Continue: Repeat Row 2 until you reach a total of 16 rows. Your fabric will have a ribbed texture with upward ridges on the right side.
Finish: At last row, chain 1 and cut yarn, leaving a 1-meter tail for assembling. Weave in the starting tail neatly on the wrong side.
Section 2: Smaller Tip Piece (Pencil Tip)
Foundation chain: Chain 30 stitches.
Row 1: Work 1 sc in each chain across (29 sc). Turn, chain 1.
Row 2 – 16: Work blo sc across each row, repeating for 16 rows to match the height of the larger piece. Leave a long tail (~1 meter) after final row.
Section 3: Shaping the Pencil Tip with Decreases
Attach natural colored yarn or continue with smaller tip piece. Begin decreases: Work single crochet stitches across, but introduce decreases as follows: In the first two stitches, work dec (sc2tog) to reduce width gradually. Continue with single crochet stitches across the remaining stitches.
Follow sequence: Gradually decrease stitches on both ends of rows by working dec at start and end, turning and chaining 1 each row. Typical stitch counts progress from 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 stitches as you reach the pencil point. Continue working decreases until only 2 stitches remain. Use a tapestry needle to pull the last loops tight, closing the tip neatly.
Section 4: Creating the Pencil Point (Black Tip)
Using black yarn, fasten on at the closed tip. Work single crochet stitches over remaining stitches, decreasing gradually to taper the point further. Finish by weaving in all tails neatly.
Section 5: Making Eraser Piece (Pink Section)
With light pink yarn, chain 16 stitches, then work 4 rows of single crochet stitches, working through both loops normally. This creates a narrow band to represent the pencil’s eraser. Leave a tail for sewing.
Section 6: Assembly
Sew pieces together: Position the two rectangular pieces with right sides facing outward. Sew along one long edge using a tapestry needle to form the bow’s base.
Gathering: Fold the sewn rectangle at the midpoint. Pull a long yarn tail through the center several times to gather and cinch the middle of the bow. Secure with knots, trimming excess tail.
Attach black band: Using the black yarn, crochet or sew a small rectangular piece about 17 chains long and 4 rows high. Wrap this band tightly around the bow’s center where gathered and sew or glue ends invisibly to secure.
Attach to clip or band: Position the bow onto a hair clip or tiara/headband. Sew through folds to secure firmly. Optional: Use fabric glue for extra hold.
Tips
- Yarn tension should be consistent but relaxed enough to maintain flexibility.
- Always pick up the last stitch in each row to avoid crooked edges.
- Back loop only single crochet rows create a ribbed effect adding texture to the bow.
- Wire incorporation is optional but recommended for shape retention.
- Using a tapestry needle for sewing pieces together ensures neat assembly.
- Glue helps secure yarn ends for durability but is optional.
FAQs
What type of yarn is best for this pattern?
Amigurumi yarn is recommended as it provides the necessary structure and softness. The pattern calls for four colors: natural, light pink, red, and black.
Can I use a different hook size?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the chain counts and row numbers to maintain the finished dimensions of approximately 15 cm in height and 13 cm in width.
Is this pattern suitable for beginners?
This is an intermediate pattern. It requires knowledge of basic stitches, working in the back loop, making decreases, color changes, and sewing techniques.
How do I attach the bow to a hair clip?
Position the bow onto the hair clip or headband and sew through the folds to secure it firmly. You can use fabric glue for extra hold if desired.
What if I want to make the bow larger?
You can adjust the size by increasing the foundation chain stitches and the number of rows. Ensure you maintain the ratio between the base piece and the tip piece to keep the pencil shape proportional.
If you enjoy creating wearable accessories, you might also like our easy crochet fish amigurumi for a playful touch, or check out this easy beginner crochet bow pattern for more hair accessory inspiration.
