One of those small patterns that takes twenty minutes and gets worn constantly. The spirals bounce as the wearer moves, which is the entire appeal, and a child who likes them will want a pair in every colour.
How the spiral happens
The curl is not shaped or wired – it is a consequence of the stitch count. You work several stitches into each stitch of a foundation chain, forcing far more fabric along the outer edge than the inner one, and the strip has nowhere to go but round. More stitches per chain gives a tighter coil; fewer gives a looser, softer wave.
That also means you control the result completely. Work them as long or as short as you like, as tight or as loose as you like, and stop when the spiral looks right rather than when a row count says to.
Yarn
The pattern calls for worsted weight, but almost anything works. Worsted gives a substantial spiral that holds its shape well. A finer yarn gives a delicate curl; a bulky yarn gives a dramatic one. This is a good pattern for using up small amounts left over from larger projects, since each spiral takes very little yarn.
Something with a little shine – a cotton blend, or a yarn with a strand of sparkle – suits a hair accessory well.
Attaching them
Sew them onto a plain elastic hair tie or a barrette clip. Attach at the top of the spiral only, so the rest hangs free and can bounce; stitching along the length will hold it flat and defeat the point.
Making them last
Check the stitching where the spiral meets the elastic every so often. That join takes all the strain, and it is the only part likely to give way.
