I have two little girls so there are never enough hair bows. I have about two boxes full, but I still make and buy hair accessories all the time. The bonus is that they actually like wearing things in their hair. I wanted to try a different way to make a hair bow and was quite pleased with the result. The best part? It’s such an easy hair bow to make! And it’s a great way to use up scraps too.
I made some big ones and some little ones. The bigger ones were easier to do when it came to the knotting, but the small is doable. It just might take a bit more strength getting it pulled tight enough. Especially if you are using a thick material.
First, let’s talk how to make bows with non fraying materials like felt, fleece, and thicker knit fabric. These just need to be cut into the correct size. Grab your scissors and cut a 1.5″ x 4.5″ piece for a small bow or a 3″ x 7.5″ piece for a big one.
Then just tie them in a knot. Make sure the knot is in the middle. Fluff out the edges and you are all done.
If using fabric, it’s best to sew two pieces together. You also want to cut the two fabric pieces larger than what is stated above to make room for the seam allowance. I added about one inch to each measurement for this. Place the two pieces together, right sides facing. Sew around the edges, leaving an opening in the middle of one of the longer sides. Cut small notches on the corners for a prettier point when it’s turned.
Turn right side out and fold in edges at opening. Sew opening closed. If you made sure to leave your opening in the middle like I did, the sewn part will end up in the knot and not be seen. Otherwise you can hand sew using a slip stitch to shut the opening so no thread will be visible.
Then knot the fabric. I found it harder to knot the fabric as it didn’t have as much flexibility as the other materials. It is still cute though and works out in the end.
Now that you have your bows you can add whatever you want to them. I used some hair accessories I had in my stash like an elastic headband and different hair clips/bobby pin. You could also make these into bow ties if you wanted or add it to a present. They are so easy to make they are great little presents (or present toppers) when in a rush.
-Jess
Very easy and nice!
These ribbons are perfect for decorating dresses as well as plain tank tops, the thing I like about this tutorial is that it is very easy to do
This might be a dumb question but how did you tie the knot?
Not a dumb question at all! There are many types of knots and I have met others who tie theirs differently than I do. If you do a internet search on how to tie an overhand knot, you will see how I did this type. I hope that helps 🙂
Did you glue these on the clips? I’m trying to figure out how to add them properly. If I slip them on then there’s too much fabric for them to work and when I glue them it easily comes off.
Hi Rachel 🙂 I did glue them on using a hot glue gun. If that isn’t working, I suggest using a higher strength glue like E6000. It can be found at craft stores. If you haven’t used this glue before, just be aware that it is stinky and should be used in an area with good air circulation.