How to Make 80s Three Ribbon Barrettes

Bring back a 1980s fashion trend with ribbon barrettes.

Every decade has fashion trends and styles, and the 1980s was no exception. Jelly shoes, Spandex, friendship bracelets and parachute pants were popular in the '80s, along with handmade ribbon barrettes with tails dangling from the ends. These barrettes are easy to make and require no sewing or gluing. They are a fun craft project and make nice gifts for your favorite little girl or woman with fond memories of the 1980s.

Things You'll Need

• 1/8-inch-wide satin ribbon in 3 colors, 1 yard each
• 2-inch double-bar barrette

Instructions

1. Stack the ribbons on top of each other. Hold the barrette vertically with the clasp or hook end at the top. Thread the ribbons under the double bars at the clasp end so the clasp is at the center of the length of ribbon and the ribbon ends are the same length on both sides of the barrette.

2. Thread the right-side ribbons over the right bar and under the left bar. Keep them stacked so one color ribbon is on top. All the ribbons should now be on the left.

3. Thread the original left-side ribbons over the left bar and under the right, keeping the ribbons stacked.

4. Turn over the stack of ribbons you just brought to the right so the bottom color is now on top and bring them back to the left as described in Step 2. Turn over the ribbons that were on the left and bring them back to the right as in Step 3.

5. Continue braiding, turning over the ribbon stacks to alternate colors, until you get to the end of the barrette. There will be about 8 inches of ribbon remaining at each side, with the bottom color showing. Thread one set of ribbons over to the other side if you want all the ribbons together, or let them hang from both sides.

6. Tie the ends into a double knot at the end of the barrette. Trim the ends so they are even, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Tie beads to the ends of the ribbons for variety.

• Use two ribbons instead of three, or vary the combinations by using only one or two colors.

• Weave in silver or gold threads or ribbon along with the other colors.

• Make holiday barrettes by choosing specific colors: red, white and blue for July 4; red, white and green for Christmas; red and pink for Valentine's Day; or all green for St. Patrick's Day.

References

• Remarkably Domestic: Remember These? 80s Braided Ribbon Barrettes
• Wrights: Braided Barrette