How to Make Weaved Barrettes

Barrettes add pizzazz to your hairstyle.

Hair barrettes are an accessory you should not overlook. Aside from being functional, they can add pizzazz to your hairstyle. Weaved or woven barrettes are easy to make and can be a colorful complement to an outfit. You can also make them in your own hair color for a more subtle effect or with metallic ribbon for a festive look.

Things You'll Need

• 2 1-yard long lengths of 1/8-inch satin or grosgrain, reversible ribbon
• 1 double bar barrette, 2 inches long

Instructions

The Basics

1. Position one ribbon directly on top of the other.

2. Face the two bar side of the barrette toward you and pass the ribbons inside the loop at the top of the barrette.

3. Center the barrette so there are equal lengths of ribbon on either side.

4. Weave one end of the pair of ribbons over the bar closest to them and under the bar on the opposite side of the barrette.

5. Weave the other end of the pair of ribbons over the bar closest to them and under the bar on the opposite side.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 in the same order until you reach the end of the barrette, making sure you keep the ribbons taut all through the process.

7. Thread the last piece tightly an additional time through the opposite side so that all the ribbon strands are on the same side of the barrette.

8. Knot the ribbons tightly twice, as close as possible to the barrette.

9. Decorate the ends of the ribbons with beads or buttons, tie small knots on the ends or just leave as is.

Tips & Warnings

• For a matching pair, be sure to end the second barrette on the side opposite of where you ended the first.

• If you want a more conservative barrette, trim the tailpieces off once you have knotted the ribbon once and add a touch of glue with a glue-gun.

References

• Wrights Classroom: Braided Barrette
• Wee Folk Art: Braided Barrettes