How to Make Custom Hair Bows

Make a hair bow to match a specific outfit.

Customized hair bows express individuality and style and set your hairdo apart from the rest. Your customized bow can be big and outrageous or small and simple and can be made to match any outfit--either a child's or your own. Regardless of the style of the bow you plan to customize, make your bow one-of-a-kind by choosing materials that reflect your personality at your local craft store.

Things You'll Need

• Grosgrain ribbon
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Alligator clip
• Embroidery floss
• Needle
• Thread
• Hot glue gun
• Button or charm
• Hair barrette

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of grosgrain ribbon 22 inches long and fold it in half so that the ends meet, making sure that the ribbon's design (if any) is facing the outside. Crease the center fold.

2. Unfold the ribbon and make a loop (again with the design facing out) by bringing one of the ends of the ribbon to the center where the crease is. Do the same with the other end, making a second loop. You should have formed the shape of a figure eight.

3. Pull down the center of the figure eight so you have two small loops. Do the same on the other side, creating a total of four small loops. Holding the center tightly, clip it with an alligator clip.

4. Tie embroidery floss around the center of your bow, making a secure knot to keep the ribbon in place. Remove the alligator clip.

5. Sew the middle of the bow with a needle and thread over the center, where the embroidery floss rests. Cut away the loose pieces of thread and the embroidery floss.

6. Apply a small amount of glue to the middle of the bow, over the thread. Embellish the area with a small button or charm to hide the thread and enhance your design. Allow your decoration to dry for 15 minutes.

7. Apply glue to the back of the bow and attach the barrette to it. Allow the barrette to dry for 15 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Grosgrain ribbon is the preferred material to use because it’s durable and comes in many colors.

• Burning the ends of your ribbon briefly with a lighter will seal the material and keep it from fraying.

References

• Flower Loop Hair Bow
• How to Make Custom Boutique Hair Bows

Resources

• Free Hair Bow instructions and Other Projects