How to Make Grooming Bows

Bows are a post-grooming accessory for your dog.

Bows add the finishing touch to your dog after grooming. Depending on the breed, the bow goes onto a topknot in the center of the dog's head or behind the ears. The bow attaches to a small plastic band that wraps around a shock of hair. Your dog bow should be tight enough to withstand the random paw that might pull it out; it should never be so tight that it pulls the dog's fur.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Beaded string
• Clear elastic bands

Instructions

1. Cut 7 inches of ribbon with the scissors. Cut the end of the ribbon at an angle to prevent fraying. Cut 1 inch of beaded string.

2. Fold the ribbon back on itself to make a loop. Hold the ribbon intersection between the finger and thumb of your left hand. Press the center of the loop with the index finger of the right hand until it meets the intersection. Slip the loop between the thumb and forefinger so that you are now holding three layers of ribbon.

3. Slide the center of the beaded string on top of the ribbon stack. Stretch the elastic band with your right hand. Slide the band over the center of the ribbon and place the band between two beads at the center of the bow. Pull the band securely. Twist the elastic band on the back side of the bow. This is the opposite side from the beads. Wrap the band a second time around the front of the bow and release.

4. Trim the ends of the ribbon to make them even.

Tips & Warnings

• If it is difficult to hold the ribbon between the finger and thumb, try securing the ribbon with a clamp or hemostat.

• Use more than one ribbon for a fuller bow or a layered look.

• Use clear elastic bands for classical bows. Use brightly colored bands for a colored look.

• Size the bows for your dog. Make larger bows for larger dogs and smaller bows for toy dogs.

• Use 1/4-inch small elastic bands for toy dogs and bands up to 3/8 inch for larger dogs.

• If you have a hard time finding tiny clear elastic bands at your craft store, talk to a local orthodontist. They often use the little bands for braces.

• Watch your dog for any signs of irritation from the band or the bow.

• Do not allow your dog to chew or eat the bow.

References

• You Tube: Basic Dog Grooming: How to Make Grooming Bows
• Do It Yourself Gifts: How to Make Dog Bows