How To Make Hair Bows, Video & Step by Step!
I’ve always loved hairbows, really big ones! I was one of those little girls who identified with Laura Ingalls, but still thought Nellie Olsen was the luckiest girl in Walnut Grove to always have those big old bows perched atop her head! Now that I have a little girl, one of the things I have the most fun with is dressing her up in an assortment of bows. Fortunately, she enjoys them as well or I wouldn’t get to do this.
The other night I stayed up until midnight doing just that, and then posted the fruits of my labor on my Facebook page. My FB friends were so sweet! I received a lot of requests for a tutorial on how to make hair bows so I decided to post a video as well as a step by step photo tutorial. The video is the easiest way to learn, I think, with the photos acting as a good reference for later.
There are countless ways to make hair bows and you can find plenty of other instructions on the net. This is the way that I figured out how to make them a few years ago and I find that it works better for me than any of the other methods I’ve tried.
My husband and I did this video in about fifteen minutes and I spent a grand total of about five editing it so this is just a homegrown production but I think it shows ya what you need to know and I hope you find it helpful! Between the video and step by step photos I’m hoping I make sense but feel free to give me a holler in the comments section if you have any questions. I’d also love to hear from you if you find the tutorial helpful or just wanna say “hi”! 
How To Make Hair Bows with SouthernPlate.com from Christy SouthernPlate.com on Vimeo.
If you have any problems viewing this video, please see the help section at Vimeo.
And now for the step by step photos!
You’ll need: Ribbon, glue gun with extra sticks, barrettes, and thread and needle (already threaded with a knot tied at the end)
You’re also going to need scissors.
I usually start with a thicker ribbon but you can use this method for smaller bows as well, just use smaller ribbon.
Make your first loop.
This first one determines the size of your bow so if you want a larger one,
make a larger hoop and likewise if you prefer a smaller bow.
Now bring your ribbon around and make your second loop, holding the center secure with your fingers.
(This makes a lot more sense on the video, I think)
Now make your third loop…
And finally make your fourth, bringing your tail down to the side of the first one like this.
(honestly, you just gotta see the video to follow me here, I’m afraid..)
There, now we have four loops and we’re ready to secure it in the middle.
Run a few stitches right through the center.
Don’t worry about how your thread or your knot looks because no one will ever see this once we’re done.
This is my nice way of saying that if you ever looked at the centers of my bows, you’d see that I make these with all the grace of a bull in a china shop.
Secure the thread with a knot but don’t cut it yet. Now you’re ready for the next step.
At this point if you want to add contrasting colors or ribbon you set this one aside, cut your thread, and repeat the first few steps with each new ribbon, making them slightly smaller than this one we just did.
Once you get all of your other bows done, sew them to this and don’t cut your thread before going on to the next step.
Pinch your bow together…
and wrap the thread (which is still securely attached to the ribbon) tightly around the bow.
Until it looks like this. I wrap mine four or five times.
Run your needle through the back and tie a knot. Cut the thread.
You know, there is no law that says you can only have four loops, if you want more, knock yourself out 
Tug at your bow a bit until you have it arranged like you like, spreading out the loops a bit.
There, I like that.
Tie a knot in a small section of ribbon (a contrasting color is fun to use here).
Place a dot of glue in the center of the front of your bow.
Press center of knot down on top of glue.
Flip bow upside down.
Place a dab of glue in the center of the back.
Place open barrette on top of glue.
It’s important that it be open because if you glue that puppy shut its really annoying to try to open it again and get all of the glue mess off.
Take the top end piece from your knotted segment and pull it through the barrette like this.
Press down to seal the glue and then cut off excess.
Place a line of glue just above the barrette.
Pull the bottom portion of the knotted segment through as well, pressing down to seal the glue.
Trim excess.
Now you have a bow!
Trim tails of ribbon. I like to cut mine at an angle pointing towards the inside.
Some people cut “V”‘s for their tails but those are harder to get even so I stick with the angle cut.
Because I like it when life is easy.
like this.
Take a bit of fray check and run it along all raw edges.
Don’t forget that little bit of exposed edge on the back.
Voila! Our bow is done!
That fray check is damp now but will be dry in about an hour.
This is about an evenings worth of work and well worth it. Making your own bows saves a lot of money over purchasing them and allows you to dress up simple outfits or really highlight fancier ones (We do more of the “dressing up simple outfits” at my house, though!)
I had a lot of fun making these and my Katy Rose loves showing them off!
Enjoy your bows!
The difference between an ordinary life and an extraordinary life is finding extraordinary things in an ordinary life.
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Posted by Christy Jordan
on Sep 20 2009. Filed under Southern Plate Kids, Video.
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Hi – it is Sue in NC again…I love your site. My daughters are grown..29, 25, 24 and now have a granddaughter and 2 grandsons – so I am back to making hair bows again for the granddaughter. Your instructions and the video are awesome! Easy and fun to watch! I’m printing this to share with my church friends – I know our GA’s will want to have a Saturday to make hairbows!!
Thank you so much for sharing with all of us…I love listening to you talk – you make me feel like we’re neighbors!! Love to hear southern girls talk!
Did you make a video on aprons? Would love to watch that one too!
Your kids picture is priceless!! Have a great day – love, hugs & kisses! Sue in Rougemont, NC.
Hi
I really enjoyed this post about making bows!
I also like to make bows simple and easy & this is!! thanks soo much sharing
I posted a link and photo on my blog look here http://seniwithlove.blogspot.com/2010/01/bows-bows-bows-bows.html
Yes, your instructions crank my tractor. Thankyou
I thought she said “paint my tractor!” How funny!
I’v been looking for an easy way to make bows for my 3 yr old. All other tutorials were a little too complicated for me. I loved your video with easy instructions.Now I’m gonna get started on making bows. Thank you so much.
Oh my gosh I’ve been wanting to make bows for years and it’s been so confusing. But thanks to you I’m headin’ to hobby lobby right now! THank you thank you!
OMG!
I want to just say thank you for the video! I have a 9mo little girl and one of the girls at her daycare always had the exact bow that matches her outfits so I finally asked the little girl’s mother, where do she find her bows… the lady told me that she had someone make them! I said duh! So since then I have been online trying to find ways to make the bows, and I agree completely with you, its just too technical! So thank you for showing me the “REAL” way to make these bows, save money, and most importantly, to have fun!!!
OMG! YOUR INSTRUCTIONS ARE SO CLEAR AND LOOKS EASY. I WISH I WOULD HAVE FOUND THIS SOONER. I PAID TO GO TO A BOW CLASS BUT COULDNT MAKE IT (HOPE I GET REFUND) I AM DEFINITELY GOING TO MAKE SOME, I AM HAVING TWO GRANDDAUGHTERS IN A FEW MONTHS. THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL VIDEO. I WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW MY BOWS TURN OUT.
Thank you soo much for posting this! I am 15 years old in high school and at my school wearing hair bows is a nice way to accesorize your outfit! I am an only child but I have 4 girl cousins who are young and still love to wear bows. I have started a buisness making bows and have always tried to find how to make the bows you have made but everything has always been so complicated with math equations and measuring that they just didn’t end up looking right. When I found your tutorial I was amazed at how simple it was and I can’t wait to start selling these and hope they become a big hit! Thank you so much for taking your time and making a tutorial for us on the internet!
All Love,
Rachel Lynn
I just made mine!!! A cute colorful bow for my friend’s little girl. Thanks!!! You are awesome!!!
Been wanting to do this for a while now since the bows I find in the store are …too big/small … too tight/loose …too obnoxious …too EXPENSIVE! This is great! I made one today for my little girl and it’s perfect! Thanks!! Your video and picture instructions are great. I have a wide assortment of ribbon now and am geared up to go (I may sell!!)
Thank you so much for the tutorial. I have been wanting to make these for so long now, and after seeing your video, I will. I just need to go and get some adorable ribbon. I heard you say that you got yours from Hobby Lobby and your prices are sooooo low as compared to us up here in Canada. I will probably get out this weekend to Michaels and see what they have.
Thanks again
Hugs
Shelley
Thank you so much for your video & Step by step photos! I’m going to buy my supplies to start making bows this weekend =] I have a 7yr old Daughter and I always go out and buy them & Never thought it could be so easy to make them myself! Thank so much they look wonderful!!
yo no hablo ingles pero complendi todo muchas gracias son muy bonitos tus monos
I think I can translate:
“I don’t speak English, but I understood it all. Many thanks! Your hands are very pretty.”
Welcome to the Southern Plate family, Maria!
(Bienvenido a la familia de Southern Plate!)
I REALLY REALLY ENJOYED THIS!! I am going to get me all diff sized and kids to make grandaughter bows. I have tried to get someone to show me and nobody would not even family, cause theyd lose money. but now I can THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH for this. It looks easy!!!!lol coulda saved me some money if Id came to your site. THANKS
your tutorial video was very helpful…thanks so much
I really enjoyed your your video! I make the pillow case dresses and such things for my daughter and have been looking to start making her the big cute hair bows and now I know how thanks to you! Glad you did this! Thanks!!
Hi christy,
I have started my own little business , and wanted to start offering bows,so i googled bow making , and found you, and now i’m ever sooooo grateful for you. my business is taking off and im swamped with bow orders. Your personality is so cute and warming, i just love wathcing you. Your the best !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take care pretty girl,and thanks again, i dont even know you and feel like i owe it to you big time
love, jen
Hi Jenny, I would love to get started in selling bows too. I’ve always been a crafty person but never found my niche. Would you mind telling me how and where you got started. Do you go to craft fairs or use another venue? If you wouldn’t mind emailing me, here’s my addy.. lightle3@yahoo.com. Hope to talk with you soon
This was SO awesome!!! Thanks so much for sharing this, I am really excited to try my hand at making some for my daughter! I only have one girl, so I like to make her a girly girl : ) I am also going to make some for our school’s craft booth, can’t wait to use different colors and patterns! Thanks again!
hey, loved that hair bow video, never made one but since watching your video, im going to attemp to make hair bows for my cheerleading league, only difference is i need pony tails instead of barretts>>>> wish me luck!!!!
Hi Christy,
You make it so much easier to do this! Thank you for sharing your “non-measuring” method!!! One question – what type of glue gun do you suggest – a “low temp” or “high temp” glue gun?
Thank you!!!
Hi there. Just wanted to thank you for the easy instructions on how to make hairbows. I’m saving it to my favorites now. I have been looking for creative ways to raise some money. My family would like to adopt a little girl from China. It will take a LONG time, and A LOT of money, but every little bit helps. I’m hoping to be able to sell some at local consignment sales, etc., once I master the art of it.
I got the idea after noticing that hairbows are very popular here in the South (my husband, daughter, and I moved “South” 3 years ago).
By the way, just had to tell you that it cracked me up when you said, “whatever cranks your tractor.” Love it. Totally made my night. Never heard that one before.
Take care and thanks again!
just a little advise, i dont sell the bows i make them because i seen how much people do charge for them, so if your looking to make a little extra cash, try selling to dance teams and cheer squads, in the past i have paid about 8 bucks each bow and have 75 girls on my squad…
Thank you so much. I am looking forward to making these cute bows for my grandaughter
Thanks for posting this, Christy. These little tangeants from cooking are one of the many reasons I enjoy your blog. I blogged about the bows I made and linked you up so others can give it a try, too.
http://tailoredpages.blogspot.com/2010/07/diy-hair-bows.html
thank you for instruction!!
YOU ARE A GENIUS!
i LOVE YOUR BOWS! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
This tutorial is amazing and so easy to follow! (plus I love your accent)
I made my entire field hockey team a set in their school colours for the grandfinal match. They really loved them and are the talk of their grade!
Thanks all the way from Australia
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I wanted to start making my own bows for my six year old and felt really intimidated since they all seem so hard to make but after watching your tutorial, I feel confident that I will be able to make cute bows! My daughter’s birthday is coming up so I’m very glad to have found this!!! Thank you very much!!!
I’m not speak english verry well, I´m from Mexico. Thank you for all, I like make the bows for my princess.
Saludos desde México!!!
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH. I DONT LIKE TO MEASURE AND ALL THAT OTHE STUFF… I LOVE YOUR BOWS AND SIMPLE TO MAKE MY GIRLS LOVE THEM!!!!! AGAIN THANKS
Thanks for the great instructions on how to make BEAUTIFUL bows! I had been shying away from sewing my bows, but you have me convinced that they look so much nicer! And I love the way you pair different colors and sizes of ribbon.
I learned a trick about cutting a “V” in the end of your ribbon – fold the ribbon (the long way) and then cut up toward the fold. It’s still not as easy as cutting an angle, but it makes cutting a “V” simpler.
I can’t wait to buy more ribbon! My girls LOVE bows! Thanks:)
Hey there!
Thank you SO much for this! I’ve made two bows already, and you have made it so easy! I’d been wanting some bows for my little girl, but I just couldn’t spend $6 or more on a bow! Thanks so much!
I just loved this tutorial. I’ve always seen these pretty bows at craft fairs and thought I couldn’t do it. Now I know I can. I watched this tutorial yesterday and went out on a bargain hunt for ribbon. Boy did I find a bargain. My local fabric store had 30yd. bags of random ribbon on clearance for 77 cents! I grabbed 4 bags and went to the checkout and they were ringing up for 20 cents so I went back and grabbed 5 more bags. Now I have ribbon coming out of my ears! My daughter is 4 and I’m expecting my second daughter in a few months so the bows I make will get lots of use and won’t have cost me much at all. Thank you again for sharing this, I’ve already made 3 bows and I’m loving how easy it is. Can’t wait to show the bows off at our next family gathering
(giving you credit of course!)
do you sell your bows?
[...] socks, it is a hit in Japan! They’ll have fun and look cute. To match all you can try to make a posh hair bowl for your girl. She will love [...]
Thanks for the instructions! I made bows for birthday party goody bags and they came out really cute!!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I love your bows and you make it so easy! I can finally start saving money on bows for my little twin girls. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
Twin girls…how sweet!! So glad you found the post. They really are easy to make and so much cheaper than buying them.
Hey I would love to just say thanks for such an easy way to make bows. I play softball and i get to make the bows for all the girls (almost 20 girls to make bows for) and let me tell you that can be over welming to do in one hit but they always turn out cute and the girls love them so thanks sooooo much
Thank you so much Kelsey!! I am so glad to hear that this tutorial came in so handy!
Thank you so much i will be making a blue one for a maternity photo
What a fabulous tutorial! Thanks so much, I love your no-fuss approach
Love your no-fuss approach. I’ve tried for the past couple years to make hairbows and I always got frustrated. Your tutorial was great!
I absolutely love your video! I searched the web in order to find out how to make bows for the girls on my High School Robotics team and your tutorial was perfect! With no measuring and easy instructions, the bows which i did in our school colors came out perfect! We all love them and are excited to wear them to competitions.
Going out today to get supplies. Can’t wait to get started. Hope to send pics later.
I tried to make hairbows for my daughters to match their cheer uniforms last fall. OH MY. This is a much easier way to make bows. Thank you!
Thank you so much! That was very helpful!
Christy, Your instructions for your bows is so easy. Thanks for printing this for us and making the easy to follow video. They are so cute and easy to make. Thanks so much.
Linda
I made a bow with this tutorial and I loved it. So idiot proof! I always WANT to do fun homey things but I get so frustrated. This was awesome! Thank you so much!
Hi Christy,
I am going to try out your hair bow instructions for my friends daughter who LOVES hair bows. I can’t wait to give them a whirl.
Thank you for making something so pretty so simple. If it goes well, I may even start selling them.
Thank you once again for sharing your gift with the rest of us.
God Bless.
I NEVER comment on anything online, but I have to tell you how much I appreciate this post. SO simple and SO adorable. I think I found my new obsession!!!
I also never comment on anything that I see online, but I have to agree with the above poster, these were very easy to do thanks to your video and then photos. I just made a set for my granddaughter. And I’m sure there will be many more to come. Thanks again!
do you have instructions for making the adding the smaller ribbon? I tried the method but mine look messy.