Ripple Collar Band with Bow Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This little ripple collar band is the perfect quick project for anyone who wants to dress up a small dog without a lot of fuss. It's made in soft aran weight yarn with a cheerful teal-and-coral chevron stripe, and it works up in under an hour, so it's a great confidence-builder for beginners. The narrow band sits flat and light against the neck, while the tiny bow appliqué adds a preppy finishing touch. Whether you're making a gift for a friend's pup or a photo-ready accessory for your own, this pattern is simple, satisfying, and sweet.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Aran weight wool blend (e.g., 80% acrylic, 20% wool). Approximately 30 yards (27 m) teal (Color A) and 20 yards (18 m) coral (Color B).
- Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing, one small button (about 1/2 inch / 1.25 cm), scissors.
- Finished size: Band measures 10 inches (25.5 cm) long x 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, to fit a neck circumference of 8-10 inches (20-25.5 cm). Bow measures 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) wide x 1.5 inches (4 cm) tall.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
- sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook at once.
- sk — skip: leave the next stitch(es) unworked.
- st(s) — stitch(es).
- A / B — Color A (teal) / Color B (coral).
Gauge
16 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the chevron pattern. To check, work a small swatch in pattern and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed so the band comes out the right length.
Tips Before You Start
- Count your stitches at the end of every row — the chevron pattern stays at 40 stitches throughout, so a quick count keeps your peaks and valleys lined up.
- Change colors on the last pull-through of the final stitch of a row so the new color starts cleanly at the edge.
- Keep your tension relaxed and even; a stiff band will feel uncomfortable on a small neck.
- Try the band around your dog's neck (or measure a favorite collar) before sewing the button so the fit is just right.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Band (Colors A and B)
Setup: With Color A, ch 42.
Row 1 (A): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 5 ch, 3 sc in next ch, sc in next 5 ch, sk 2 ch, sc in next 5 ch, 3 sc in next ch, sc in next 5 ch, sk 2 ch, sc in next 5 ch, 3 sc in next ch, sc in next 5 ch, sk 2 ch, sc in last 6 ch. Change to B. (40 sts)
Row 2 (B): Ch 1, turn, sc in first 6 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last 6 sts. Change to A. (40 sts)
Row 3 (A): Ch 1, turn, sc in first 6 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last 6 sts. Change to B. (40 sts)
Row 4 (B): Ch 1, turn, sc in first 6 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last 6 sts. (40 sts)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Button Loop (Color A)
Join Color A to one short end of the band, ch 6, and sl st to the same end to form a loop. Fasten off. Sew the button to the opposite short end of the band.
Bow (Color B)
Setup: With Color B, ch 12.
Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in next 9 ch, turn. (10 dc)
Row 2: Ch 2, dc in each st across, turn. (10 dc)
Row 3: Ch 2, dc in each st across. (10 dc)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Bow Center (Color A)
Setup: With Color A, ch 6.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 4 ch. (5 sc)
Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Wrap the teal bow center around the middle of the coral bow and sew the ends to secure, cinching the bow into shape. Sew the finished bow to the center front of the band. Weave in all remaining ends neatly on the wrong side. Lightly steam or block the band and bow flat, being careful not to stretch the chevron shaping, and let them dry completely before use.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the colors for a holiday look — red and green for winter, or pastel stripes for spring.
- For a slightly wider band, add one extra repeat of the chevron section and adjust the starting chain accordingly.
- Use a snap or hook-and-loop closure instead of a button loop for a faster, adjustable fit.
