Nordic Lilac Crochet Hair Tie Set - Free Pattern

Introduction

These little Nordic Lilac hair ties are the perfect quick win for anyone who wants a cozy, handmade touch in their hair. Each one is a small, chunky tube worked in half double crochet back loop only, which gives it a soft horizontal ribbing that looks like a tiny knitted cuff. Made in three shades of lilac bulky wool, the set feels warm, plush, and wonderfully uncomplicated. They are ideal for beginners ready to practice working in the round, and they make lovely early Christmas gifts for friends, teachers, or anyone who loves a monochrome winter palette.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Bulky weight (category 5) wool, approx. 20 yds total: 7 yds each of light lilac, medium lilac, and dark lilac.
• Hook: 6.0 mm (US J-10).
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and 18 inches (45 cm) of thin elastic cord (cut into three 6-inch / 15 cm lengths).
• Finished size: Each hair tie is 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) in outer diameter and 0.75 inches (2 cm) wide.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• hdc – half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• back loop only (BLO) – work into the back strand of the stitch only, leaving the front strand free to create ribbing.

Gauge

12 sts and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in half double crochet back loop only. To check, crochet a small swatch in BLO hdc and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your starting chain loose so the ring does not pucker when you join it.
• Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place.
• Work the back loops consistently; the front loops should all face the same way for even ribbing.
• Leave 6-inch tails at both the start and end so the elastic can be hidden and the ends woven in securely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Hair Tie (make 3, one in each color)

Note: Work in continuous rounds without joining. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.

With color A (light lilac), leaving a 6-inch tail, ch 24. Being careful not to twist, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring.

R1: Ch 1, hdc in each ch around, join with sl st to first hdc. (24 hdc)

R2: Ch 1, hdc in back loop only of each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (24 hdc)

R3: Ch 1, hdc in back loop only of each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (24 hdc)

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in ends.

Repeat for color B (medium lilac) and color C (dark lilac).

Assembly

Cut elastic cord into three 6-inch (15 cm) lengths. Thread one end of elastic through the center of each hair tie, bring ends together and tie a secure knot, trim excess. The elastic should be slightly stretched to fit comfortably around hair. Adjust as needed.

Edging (optional)

With right side facing, join color A with sl st to any stitch of hair tie 1, ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off. Repeat for hair ties 2 and 3 using corresponding colors.

Assembly and Finishing

Thread the elastic through each tube and knot it firmly, trimming the excess close to the knot. Weave in all yarn ends on the wrong side, working them through several stitches to secure. Gently block each hair tie by misting with water and shaping it into a flat ring; let dry completely before use.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the lilac shades for a festive red, green, and cream trio for holiday gifts.
• Add a second round of sc edging in a contrasting color for a bolder look.
• Use a slightly larger hook for a looser, scrunchie-like fit on thicker hair.