How to Make Homemade Korker Hair Accessories

Transform some extra pieces of ribbon into a colorful hair accessory.

Korkers are tightly coiled ribbons that are gathered into bunches to make curly hair bows, clips and barrettes. Make korkers at home from your choice of colored or patterned ribbon and then attach them to simple clips or hair elastics for hair accessories that stand out and get noticed. Make a few for a special child in your life, and then show off your inner youth and make some for yourself.

Things You'll Need

• 3/8-inch wide ribbon
• Scissors
• Heat-resistant clips or clothespins
• 1/4-inch wide wooden dowels
• Baking sheet
• Elastic
• Hot glue gun
• Glue
• Hair clip, barrette or hair elastic

Instructions

1. Cut the ribbon into 15-inch long pieces. Make 35 to 40 pieces for a medium-size hair accessory. For a large bow, cut about 45 pieces and make each piece about 20 inches long.

2. Attach one short ribbon end to the top of a wooden dowel using a heat-resistant clip or clothespin . Wrap the ribbon around the dowel, as if you were trying to make a tight coil. Clip the other end of the ribbon to the dowel with another clip. Repeat to attach each ribbon to the dowels.

3. Lay the ribbon-covered wooden dowels on a baking sheet and preheat the oven to about 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the ribbons for approximately 25 minutes. The length of time necessary may vary according to oven. Leave the ribbons in the oven for up to 30 minutes.

4. Remove the sheet and let the ribbons cool down for about 30 minutes. Take the clips or clothespins off the dowels. Gently unwind each ribbon from the dowel, trying not to uncoil the ribbon more than necessary.

5. Lay the coiled ribbons side by side on your working surface. Cut a piece of elastic and then wrap your hand around the center of the bunch. Tie the elastic around the center of the coiled ribbons to keep them together. Tie the ends of the elastic in a double knot to keep it in place.

6. Fan out the coils of ribbon to make a bow.

7. Spread some hot glue on the top of your hair clip, hair barrette or other accessory. Align the coiled ribbon bunch over the top of the glue and squeeze the two items together. Let the accessory dry for approximately 20 minutes before wearing.

Tips & Warnings

• Use wider or thinner ribbon or wooden dowels to make ribbons that are more tightly or loosely wound.

References

• The Ribbon Retreat: How to Make Korker Ribbons & Korker Bows