How to Make Woven Ribbon Barrettes

Ribbon for a Woven Barrette

Woven ribbon barrettes were popular hair accessories in the 80s. These simple, decorative hairclips are enjoying a comeback among girls of all ages. Make your own woven ribbon barrettes with a few supplies from the local craft or discount store. Split-style barrette forms are the key to the woven design; look for them in a variety of sizes from straight to wavy styles. Select two complementary colors of ribbon to weave around the barrette, the colors will alternate to form the woven pattern.

Things You'll Need

• Split-style barrette form
• 1/8-inch wide satin ribbon, 2 colors, 1 yard each
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Open the barrette so that the clip section falls away from the split top. Cut two colors of 1/8-inch wide ribbon into 1-yard strands.

2. Stack the ribbon strands one on top of the other, creating a double sided, two color ribbon, with the wrong sides of the ribbon (if applicable) facing each other. As you weave the ribbons, the colors will alternate along the length of the barrette form.

3. Find the center of the ribbon strand, and place it between the barrette and the clip so that it touches the bend in the metal at one end of the barrette and half the strand hangs to right side and half hangs to the left.

4. Weave the right side of the ribbon strand over the right side of the split bar, and then underneath the left side of the split bar.

5. Weave the left side of the ribbon strand over the left side of the split bar, and then underneath the right side of the split bar. Pull the sides of the ribbon taut.

6. Keep repeating Steps 3 and 4 until you weave the ribbon down the length of the metal barrette.

7. Thread one side of the ribbon over to the other side of the barrette so that the two dangling ribbon strands are hanging from the same side. Tie a double overhand knot in the ribbon at the edge of the barrette. Leave the excess ribbon strands to dangle from the barrette.

Tips & Warnings

• Thread beads over the dangling ends of the ribbon strands, knotting the ribbon beneath each bead to hold them in place.

References

• Family Fun: Weave a Barrette

Resources

• Wee Folk Art: Braided Barrettes