Hairbow Tutorial
(Please note: My pictures and instructions are not to be copied and/or sold or given away. Feel free to link to my tutorial page, however, please do not copy and post my directions or photos to your own site nor print them for distribution. Thank you for your courtesy in this matter!)
Over the years I have been asked many times how to make hairbows like Sarah’s. The truth is, they are very easy to make with a little practice!
I have devised this hairbow tutorial as a thank you to my many wonderful customers!
Please note that few people make a perfect hairbow on the first try! But with each bow you will become better!
I highly recommend a quality ribbon be used as this can make all the difference on the body of the bow. For a 4.5-5″ hairbow you will need approximately 1 yard of ribbon. You will need a ruler or measuring tape secured on your table to measure by, thread, scissors and matches. This allows for a bow with uniform loops.
1. Take a long length of thread doubled over and insert one finger through the loop to keep ends separated.
2. Measure off 3″ on one end of ribbon. Pinch between your thumb and middle finger of one hand using the finger in between to create two folds.
3. Wrap both ends of thread around the pinched area and bring up through the loop of the thread. Wrap ends around another time or two to secure tightly.
4. Measure ribbon 5″ from pinched area and again pinch between your thumb and middle finger using the finger to create two folds. Layer newly pinched area above the first pinched area forming your first loop. Wrap the thread ends around the pinched areas several times to secure in place.
5. Measure ribbon 5″ from pinched areas and again pinch between your thumb and middle finger using the finger to create two folds. Layer the newly pinched area above the first and second pinched areas to form the second loop. Wrap the thread ends around the pinched areas several times to secure in place.
6. Measure ribbon 5″ from pinched areas and again pinch between your thumb and middle finger using the finger to create two folds. Layer the newly pinched area above the first and second pinched areas to form the third loop. Wrap the thread ends around the pinched areas several times to secure in place.
7. Measure ribbon 5″ from pinched areas and again pinch between your thumb and middle finger using the finger to create two folds. Layer the newly pinched area above the first and second pinched areas to form the final loop. Wrap the thread ends around the pinched areas several times to secure in place. Knot thread thread around center and trim closely. Trim tail of ribbon leaving approximately 3″.
9. Take another piece of same ribbon and fold in half. Tie in a snug (but not tight) overhand knot.
10. Place knot over the center of bow. Bring both ends of knot to the back of bow and tie in a snug over hand knot. Trim ends of ribbon leaving approximately 1/2″ on each side.
11. Using a hot glue gun, cover the raw edge of knotted ribbon ends to keep from fraying and secure out of the way.
12. Trim ends of bow to desired length and heatseal. To heatseal, quickly pass a flame (either match or lighter) over the edge of the ribbon. This causes the ribbon to melt on the ends and prevents fraying even after washing! I recommend practicing on a scrap piece of ribbon before heatsealing your bow. PLEASE NOTE: the dots on dotted ribbon tend to be highly flammable. I avoid melting this area as the painted dot will not fray.
13. Secure desired type of barrette to center of bow back using hot glue.
