Red Entrelac Crochet Bow Bobby Pin

Portrait of Amanda, founder of Baby Crochet Ideas, crocheting at home

By: Amanda November 11, 2026

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The Red Entrelac Crochet Bow Bobby Pin is a small crochet accessory project for anyone who enjoys making useful, handmade items. Its compact scale makes it a practical choice when you want a project that does not require a large amount of yarn.

This project can suit makers who enjoy personal accessories, thoughtful handmade gifts, or small items for a craft table. The finished piece can be worn or shared with someone who appreciates a personal touch.

Working on a small project can encourage patience and careful attention. It also offers a chance to practice following a written pattern, build confidence with crochet, and enjoy the satisfaction of completing a handmade gift.

What Is a Bobby Pin?

A bobby pin is a small hair accessory used to hold hair in place. In crochet projects, it can also serve as the base for a handmade decorative item, allowing yarn work to become a personal accessory.

Crocheted accessories are appreciated for their handmade character and variety. Their size makes them convenient to carry, and their appearance can be adapted through yarn choices and careful finishing.

This kind of project can be useful for personal wear, gifting, or making a coordinated set of small handmade items. Crocheters often enjoy creating accessories because they can explore color and texture while producing something intended for everyday use.

Why This Is a Great Choice for a Crochet Accessory

Small project: A compact accessory is a manageable choice when you want to make something useful without committing to a large piece. It can also be a satisfying way to use a modest amount of yarn.
Personal style: Handmade accessories can reflect individual taste through thoughtful yarn choices. They offer room to create something that feels personal without needing elaborate materials or complicated planning.
Gift potential: A small crocheted item can make a considerate present for a friend, relative, or handmade-gift exchange. The effort involved gives it a personal quality that purchased items may not have.
Portable work: Small projects are convenient to take along when you have a little free time. Keeping your supplies together helps you return to your work without spending time finding what you need.
Practice opportunity: Accessories offer a chance to focus on neat, consistent crochet in a compact format. That attention can support confidence and provide useful practice for future projects.

Before You Start

Make a gauge swatch if fit or finished measurements matter. It helps you see how your yarn and hook work together before you begin the main project.
Read through everything before starting so the sequence feels familiar. Pause to identify any unfamiliar terms, and make sure you understand how each stage connects to the next.
Keep a notebook or tally sheet handy for recording your place and any observations. A brief note can make it easier to resume after setting your work aside.
Wind and organize your yarn before you begin. Separate the yarn you plan to use, keep it from tangling, and choose a comfortable place to work.

Yarn and Hook Recommendations

Choose a fiber that feels comfortable for an accessory worn near the skin. Cotton and cotton blends can provide a smooth hand, while other fibers may feel softer or warmer.
Match the yarn weight to the scale and structure you want. Consistent yarn weight helps keep the fabric even and makes it easier to compare your work with the intended result.
Smooth yarn makes individual loops easier to see and handle. A clearly defined surface can be especially helpful when you are learning an unfamiliar construction or checking your progress.
Select yarn with enough structure to hold its form. Very fuzzy or loosely spun yarn can obscure details, while a stable strand is usually easier to work neatly.
Consider how strongly the yarn colors contrast. Clear contrast can make sections easier to distinguish, while closely related shades create a softer, more blended appearance.
Use the hook size recommended for your yarn as a starting point. If your fabric feels too firm or too loose, a swatch can help you decide whether a small adjustment is useful.

Materials

Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Red (bright classic red), size 4 medium worsted weight (approx. 40 yards)
Yarn: Lion Brand Coboo, Magenta (vivid pink-purple), size 3 light weight (approx. 40 yards)
Thread: Aunt Lydia’s Metallic Crochet Thread, Gold (shiny metallic gold), size 10 lace weight (optional, approx. 20 yards)
Crochet hook: size G+ (4.5 mm)
Yarn needle
Scissors
Measuring tape
Bobby pins (or any other hair accessory)
Finished size: approximately 3 x 1.5 inches

Red Entrelac Crochet Bow Bobby Pin Instructions

Color key: Red = bright classic red; Magenta = vivid pink-purple; Gold = shiny metallic gold.

Abbreviations

ch = chain; st(s) = stitch(es); Tss = Tunisian simple stitch; RetP = return pass; sc = single crochet; sl st = slip stitch.

Notes

Rows are forward pass instructions. The loop already on the hook at the beginning of the row counts as the first stitch.

Return pass

Follow the foundation row and every row with the return pass in the same color, unless a color change is needed.

Return pass for entrelac

Do NOT ch 1 at the beginning. Yarn over, pull through two loops; repeat until 1 loop remains on the hook.

Foundation

Ch 19.

Row 1: Pick up a loop in each of the next 5 chains. Complete the RetP as described for entrelac. (6 sts)
Row 2: Tss in the next 4 sts, pick up a loop in the next chain. Complete the RetP as described for entrelac. (6 sts)
Rows 3-4: Repeat Row 2. (6 sts)
Bind off: Bind off the next 4 sts. Sl st into the next chain.
Second diamond: Repeat Rows 1-4 and the bind off for the second diamond.
Second bow: Ch 19. Repeat the instructions above to make a second bow on the right side. Sl st into the center. Leave a 12-18 inch tail and cut the yarn.
Assembly: Fold the bows over with right sides facing out. Whip stitch around and leave a 6 inch tail, then cut the yarn. Weave all loose ends into the bow.
Attaching: Attach the bow to a bobby pin or any other hair accessory, such as a headband or barrette.

Tips for Crochet Accessory Success

Comfortable posture

Choose a seat that supports your back and lets your shoulders rest naturally. Bring your work close enough to see without hunching forward, and take a short pause if your hands feel tired.

Use steady, comfortable lighting so you can see the yarn and your work clearly. Adjust the light to reduce shadows, especially if you are working in the evening or beside a window.

Even tension

Let the yarn move through your fingers without gripping it tightly. A relaxed hold makes it easier to draw loops consistently and reduces strain during a longer crochet session.

Check how the fabric feels from time to time. If it becomes stiff, pause and loosen your grip; if it feels loose, adjust your yarn handling gradually rather than pulling each loop sharply.

Track your place

Keep a tally sheet or notebook beside your work and mark your progress as you go. A small record can help you restart with confidence if you are interrupted.

Use clear marks that are easy to understand later. If you note a correction or observation, write it in plain language so it remains useful when you return.

Check your work

Look over your work regularly for missed loops, uneven edges, or a section that differs from the surrounding fabric. Finding a small issue early can make correction less frustrating.

When something looks unusual, pause before continuing. Compare nearby areas and consider whether the difference comes from tension or a missed action, then correct it while the work is still manageable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the swatch

It is tempting to begin immediately, especially when a project is small. Skipping a swatch can leave you unaware that your yarn and hook produce fabric with a different density than expected.

A small sample lets you assess the fabric before investing more time. Use the same yarn and hook planned for the project, and compare the sample with the desired feel and scale.

Pulling too tightly

Tight tension can make it hard to insert the hook and draw yarn through loops. It may also create stiff fabric that does not sit comfortably or respond well to shaping.

Try holding the yarn securely without squeezing it. Let each loop rest on the hook in a consistent way, and pause to reset your grip if your hands begin to tire.

Miscounting

It is easy to lose track when you are interrupted or when several parts of the work look alike. A missed or extra stitch can gradually affect the fabric and make later sections harder to align.

Count carefully at natural stopping points, and use a tally sheet to record progress. If the count seems wrong, check the current work before adding more, rather than trying to compensate later.

Leaving ends too short

Short yarn ends can be difficult to thread and weave in securely. They may slip free during finishing or leave you with too little yarn to tidy the work comfortably.

Leave enough yarn for the finishing method you plan to use. If you are unsure, allow a little extra length, then trim only after the end is secured and hidden.

Changing yarn or hook midway

Switching materials partway through can change the fabric’s thickness, drape, and overall appearance. Even yarns with similar labels can behave differently, so the transition may be visible in the finished work.

Choose the yarn and hook before beginning, and keep them together while you work. If a change is necessary, make a small sample first to see how the new combination behaves.

Ways to Make It Your Own

Choose a different color palette that suits your wardrobe or the person receiving the gift. A coordinated group of shades can feel calm, while a bold mix can feel playful.
Try another yarn with the same weight and a similar feel. Check that it is comfortable to handle and produces fabric with enough structure for a small accessory.
Make a matching second project to create a coordinated set. Shared yarn choices can give the pieces a connected look without making them identical.
Give the handmade item with a handwritten note explaining why you chose it. A personal message can make a small present feel especially thoughtful.
Present it in a small gift box or paper envelope with a simple tag. Neat packaging adds care without taking attention away from the handmade work.

Care and Washing Instructions

Washing: Follow the yarn label for washing guidance, since fiber content and yarn construction affect care. If the label allows washing, handle the item gently and avoid rough rubbing that could distort the fabric or loosen fibers.

Drying: Remove excess moisture without twisting or wringing the work. Arrange it in its natural form on a clean, dry surface, and allow it to air dry fully before putting it away.

Blocking: Gentle blocking may help smooth the fabric if it looks uneven after washing. Use a method suitable for the yarn, and avoid stretching the work beyond its natural shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn?

Yes, another yarn can work if it produces a fabric that suits the project and feels comfortable to handle. Check the yarn label for care information and consider how its texture may affect the appearance. A small swatch lets you assess the result before committing to the full piece.

How can I keep my stitches even?

Use a relaxed, repeatable way of holding both the hook and yarn. Avoid tightening each loop after forming it, since that can create uneven tension across the fabric. Pause occasionally to compare the density of nearby areas and adjust your grip gently if needed.

How can I count reliably?

Count at a natural stopping point and keep a written tally beside your work. Mark completed sections clearly so interruptions do not leave you guessing where you stopped. If your count differs from what you expect, inspect the recent work and find the source before continuing.

What if my finished project looks different?

Small differences in tension, yarn texture, or personal handling can affect the finished appearance. Compare the overall fabric with your intended result, rather than focusing on a minor variation. If the fabric feels and looks suitable for its purpose, you can choose to keep it as a personal handmade interpretation.

How long should I leave yarn tails?

Leave enough length to thread the yarn needle and weave each end securely through the fabric. The amount needed depends on the finishing method and how easily the yarn moves. Keeping a little extra is more useful than cutting too close before the end is secured.

More Ideas to Try

If you enjoy making small handmade accessories, you could explore crocheted headbands, bookmarks, key fobs, or decorative bag charms. Each offers a different way to practice careful construction and use yarn creatively. Choose a project that suits your interests, then consider making a coordinated group of gifts for friends or family.

Conclusion

Give the Red Entrelac Crochet Bow Bobby Pin a try when you feel ready to make a personal handmade accessory. Take your time, enjoy the process, and let the finished piece reflect your care. Explore more crochet ideas on the blog whenever you are looking for another project to enjoy or share.