How to Get Bows to Hold Their Shape

Craft ribbon can be made to hold its shape as a bow.

Over time, bows tend to lose their shape and flatten out, especially when they are worn as a hair accessory. Hair bows have two different purposes such as accenting an outfit and holding your hair out of your face. Some craft materials can help you make your bow look fuller, last longer and keep its shape.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric ribbon
• Craft barrette
• Elastic hair band
• Tissue paper
• Stiffening spray
• Starch spray
• Glue
• Fishing line

Instructions

1. Make the bow into the shape and size you want it to be. Once made, attach the bow to desired hair accessory by adding glue to the bottom of the bow and pressing it onto a craft barrette. You can also tie fishing line through the center of the bow, and tie it to an elastic hair band or craft barrette.

2. Insert crumpled up pieces of tissue paper into the bow’s loops. Use enough tissue paper to completely fill in the bow loops to make them appear full and open.

3. Spray the bow with the stiffening or starch spray. Use sweeping, side-by-side motions to cover the bow with an even coat so it looks wet and glossy. Do not allow the spray to pool or completely soak the bow‘s fabric.

4. Allow the bow to completely dry; if needed, apply a second coat. Once the bow has dried, remove the tissue paper.

Tips & Warnings

• To clean the bow, wash in warm soapy water, however, the stiffener spray will need to be reapplied.

• Ribbon with wire edges may help with keeping a bows shape.

• Stiffening and starch sprays can be hazardous if inhaled. Take the bow outside or to a well ventilated area of your home before applying spray.

References

• Girly Things: Tips
• Where Did You Get that Bow?: FAQ’s