The Mermaid Bow Band is a free Tunisian crochet bow pattern that is great for exploring how Tunisian crochet stitches work. The firm, dense texture creates a bow with good stability that could be used as jewellery, hair accessories, appliqués for homewares or clothing and trims for shoes and bags, plus so many other ways.

I’ve included instructions for a cord to fasten it so you can use it as a hairband, curtain tie-back or choker. Perhaps you’ll think of other uses too.

Size: 9cm/3.5” tall and wide

Tension: 6 sts and 6.5 rows = 2.5cm/1” using a 3.75mm hook, and after blocking.

Working method: The pieces are worked flat from the RS.

Requirements:

• 30m/35yds of Main Colour (MC) King Cole Giza (100% cotton; 4ply/fingering; 160m / 175yd per 50g) or similar yarn

• Optionally add small scraps of similar yarn as contrast colour (CC) approx 1m/40” for each stripe desired

Sample in: White 2190 (MC), Fondant 2292 (CC)

• 3.75mm (US E/4) hook. This doesn’t have to be a Tunisian crochet hook or even a straight crochet hook as long as it has about 4cm/1 1/2” of straight neck before widening but it will be easier for you if it has a pointy tip

• Yarn needle and scissors