How to Make Simple Hair Bows

Hair bows are a classic accessory that never seem to disappear entirely. Worn in any number of ways to dress up a hairstyle, the simplest way to make your own is to imitate the hair accessory manufacturers and make your own hair bows. The simplest way to make hair bows is to use fabric ribbon and hot glue, followed by attaching them to hair clips or elastic bands.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbon Tape measure (optional) Scissors Iron and ironing board Needle and thread Crafter's glue gun Elastic bands and/or alligator hair clips

Instructions

1. Unroll the amount of ribbon that you want to work with from the spool.

2. Cut two equal lengths of ribbon measuring approximately twice the width of your desired finished bow.

3. Fold one length of ribbon in half until it forms a "V". Do the same with the second ribbon. Use an iron to press a crease into each ribbon so that it lays flat.

4. Grasp each folded ribbon in each hand so that the open ends point downward. Cross them (making an "X") at the center so that the folded loops are on the upper left and on the upper right. With needle and thread, place at least one stitch securely in the middle of the crossed ribbons. Knot the stitch firmly in the back of the ribbon.

5. Cut 2 to 3 inches of ribbon from the original spool. Fold this third piece of ribbon lengthwise in half, and iron a crease in it. Place a drop of glue on the back of the stitch where you placed the knot. Press one end of the third ribbon against the glue for five seconds, until it adheres. Wrap the remaining length of the ribbon once or twice around the center of the bow. Secure it with another drop of glue, allow it to also adhere, and cut away the excess.

6. 

   Attach your ribbon to an elastic band by either gluing or sewing the loop of the band horizontally to the back of the finished ribbon. It can now be used to secure a ponytail hairstyle. To attach the ribbon to an alligator clip, open the clip and either sew or glue the upper portion of the clip to the rear of the ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with lace and other decorative accents.

References

• Girly Things: Tails Down Bow

Resources

• Baby Bows: How to Make a Hair Bow
• Bow Business: Free Hair Bow E-Books