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!
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Posted by Christy Jordan
on Sep 20 2009. Filed under Southern Plate Kids, Video.
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That brings back memories. I used that same technique to make bows for my daughter’s long, black, wavy hair when she was young. She’s almost 21 now, so no more bow-making. Enjoy it while you can!
Keep those skills fresh, you’ll need them for granddaughters!
Thank you so much for sharing. Now I have the confidence to give bow-making a try for my granddaughters and numerous neices and great-neices.
I’ll have to give these a try. I just recently started making bows. Today i just made a bow holder. Using a painters canvas I picked up at a yard sale this weekend.
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Can I ask where you get your ribbon? You have such fun ones, and all I know is michaels, and they don’t have ribbon like that!
Hobby Lobby has really great designs these days, and if you wait until they’re half off (about every other week), you can get a really great deal.
Wal mart has some nice ones too
Thank you so much for this how-to video! I have been pondering how to start making bows for my daughter’s outfits and it felt so overwhelming until I watched your video! I was actually googling hair bows because I’d decided to BUY them and I stumbled onto your site from Google Images and I sure am glad that I did! I’m headed out to stock up on supplies tomorrow!!!
I enjoyed viewing your step by step tutorial. Very easy and to the point. I, like you do not enjoy all the measuring. I like having fun when creating. For the most part my project come out good, but not usually as planned. Thank you for your help.
Thanks so much for posting this video! I have wanted to learn how to make bows for years and have never been able to figure it out. Your directions were so easy to follow! I had my first bow made in no time! I can’t wait to make more!
Yay!! So glad it came in handy for you!!
Thank you so much for sharing this video…I absolutely love the way the bows came out and I cannot wait to make more. I’ve already made about 10 bows using your tutorial…
I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed it!!!
Thank You Thank You Thank You! Your tutorial was so simple to understand AND my two girls LOVE bows! This is going to save me money, and give me something fun to do. Thank You so much for making this tutorial readily available to all of us!
If you can’t find Fray check, or don’t want want to pay the ridiculous amount some places charge for it, a lighter can deliver the same results. That’s what I use and haven’t had any issues so far. I just make sure that my daughter is out of the room (wouldn’t want her getting idea’s about playing with fire) and that I keep it out of reach when it’s not in use.
you can also use a wood burner found at walmart in the kids craft section
Thanks for the video! I have had a lot of fun making bows like these.
I learned how to make bows by watching your video over and over again. I love making bows for my granddaughters. I can not find the type of barrette you used in the video. I have looked at Hobby Lobby and other craft stores.
I like it because it can not break. I am using double prong alligator clips and the French barrette but the barrette can come apart if the kids pull it out of their hair (you know kids!)
You can get the barrettes at any store like a wal-mart or target. They normally sell them in the section where they sell shampoo and hair scrunchies.
I made the bows for my daughters cheerleading team and they were a hit! I attached them to ponytail holders instead. Thank you for sharing your technique.
How fun!! Go Christy Go!!
Thanks for putting this up. I just followed your directions and made my first bow!
LOVED IT! Just made my first bow after watching the video!
I have three little girls with A LOT of hair and have just started research on how to make hair bows. I am not crafty at all and didn’t want to go through all the measuring. I can do this way! Thanks for putting this up. I can’t wait to make my first bow
I enjoyed watched the video. I understood every step to make this bow. Simple but beauiful. THANK YOU
Thanks so much for posting your video. I have been thinking about buying a bow maker to learn, but your video seems really easy and no use in buying the bow maker now. Thanks again
Thank you so much for this tutorial!! I bought a ton of ribbon to make my daughter some bows and then quickly got frustrated with all of the videos online that gave precise measurements and difficult directions. Your tutorial made it easy and more importantly fun to make bows! So thanks again!
Thanks for making this video. Its simple with great results.
Thank you so much for putting this out there!!!! I’ve been wanting to make my girl bows for so long but thought it was tooo hard and my attempts always looked sloppy. I had so much fun making 4 bows this morning….all in aboout 30 minutes. One took longer b/c my daughter wanted to “do it herself” Thanks again!
Thankyou! i made the cutest cheetah print bow for my baby girl im expecting
Question!!!! I am new to crafting in general and don’t know how to knot the stitch in the middle of the bow. In the video it kind of looked like Christy ran her needle underneath the stitching…I am just really confused. Not a seamstress at all.
Help please?
Thanks for doing this. I have granddaughters and wanna keep them stocked with bows. Tho I’ll need the practice, I enjoyed doing these. Thanks so much for showing us.
I am so glad you like the video. I love making bows for Katy Rose.
on the base bow does the ribbon have to be even when you thread it?
cause at the point of threading them all together the ribbons were not coming together it was all bunched up cured up and the center was like a huge bulk. thanks.
Is there anything else we can use to attach the bow to our hair????
Thanks Christy….I have made my little GabyBaby (4yr old granddaughter) 17 hairbows since I watched your tutorial (about a week ago)…love it!!! I have always made Christmas bows, wreath bows, well about all kinds of bows, but I had never made a hairbow…why…I do not know.!!! I want to thank you for the wonderful instructions…you made it so easy. The only problem is….I cannot find enough ribbon (we only have a Walmart–expensive) but I have absolutely fell in love with making hairbows.♥ I wish I knew how to show them to you, they are gorgeous! My little GabyBaby told me, they were “styling” ???? (4yr old–STYLING) ?
Thank you so much Christy♥
Hello Christy! I am just loving the bows. i am going to Hobby Lobby soon to find some discounted ribbon and some barrettes. Thank you so much for your videos and your step by step photots! They helped so much.
~Katie~
Hi, Christy! I can’t thank you enough for posting this video tut. I’ve been scouring the ‘net for a tutorial that makes sense to me, and this one is it!! I have a new little grandbaby, and her momma LOVES hair bows. I can do that!! Can’t wait to get started! THANKS AGAIN!!!! =o))
Hey Chisty, I’m with you on easy peasy, but wanted to share a quick way to make your tails with “v/ in them. I make alot of holiday bows, so here what I do. Simply fold the tails evenly together and snip from the inner fold to the outside edge of your ribbon. When you open the fold, VWALA! Your “v” tail! Just thought I’d share. Darlene.
Thanks for sharing and keeping it simple
Thank you for the tips! I now have my own bow making shop on Etsy! http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetMaddieMarie
Thanks so much! I have made other bows that require the measuring, etc. but you made these look so easy to do and they are just so darn CUTE! Making them for my granddaughter…Thanks again!
Great simple to follow instructions. I am using the bows on headbands for my new grand daughter. I do not care for those huge flowers everyone seems to be putting on tiny babies. I like the soft little girl look of the bows. THANK YOU!
I am so glad you like the bows Laura, great idea using them on headbands!!
wow great super ideas
Awseome tutorial….thank you so much.
Thank you! Great tutorial. I stayed up until all hours last night making two and I only stopped for lack of ribbons that matched. LOL. Your prices make me envious of Hobby Lobby, though. We only have Jo-Ann’s…I guess I will need to watch the sale ads. In the meantime my daughter will have the cutest bow for St. Patrick’s Day. Thanks again!
Purtty
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Thanks for this tutorial! I just made my daughter a cheerleading bow for tryouts tomorrow! (fingers crossed). I used sparkle ribbon and it looks gorgeous!
GOOD LUCK! and thank YOU!
Thank you so much for the video. Your way of making bows is very easy to follow! Best and easiest way and I will continue to use this way! The video made it very easy. On my first bow, I can’t tell you how many times I had to replay what you just did, or pause it to get it just right!!
Again, Thank you so much!!!
Alice in Idaho
OH yay!!! I’m so glad it helped! I’m also glad I managed to make sense! lol I’d love to see some of your bows if you get a wild hair and want to post some on my Facebook page!
Gratefully,
Christy
Ok, what do my wondering eyes should appear, but a perfect bow tutorial on one of my favorite websites. NO KIDDING I’ve been looking for a week online for THE tutorial, and I found it in the least likely place I thought I would. YIPPIE! I definitely needed a “NO MEASURE” guide, something fun and in the SOUTHERN VERNACULAR! And I just thought you were all about good southern cookin… I was WRONG!! ;o) I can’t wait to make a bow for my nieces. I thought I’d make one for my son, I don’t think it would go real well with his tractor tshirt.
)
Oh Hollie, thank you so much for this sweet sweet comment, you have me beaming!!!!
Gratefully,
Christy
Thank you so much for this video and step by step directions. I have a 4 year old little girl and have never had the courage to make my own bows for her. Look out because I know now thanks to you. I am in the process of making bows now for her soccer team.
Thank YOU Pam!!! I know you’ll have fun doing it and your sweet baby girl will feel like a hairbow princess!
Gratefully,
Christy
Just wondering about the width of the ribbon I need. I don’t want it to get too “floppy” and wondered if the ribbon width would matter. Can’t wait to get started. Looks really easy. Love Southern Plate and all the cheerfulness you share (plus the good recipes!). My granddaughter and I look forward to the books, songs etc. too! Keep up the good work and inspiration and may God bless you and your family!
great tutorial. I just love the wonderful colors. I make hair bows and I just love to experiment with different pattern and colors. The expression on the little girls faces when they find the bow they love is just amazing.
The video tutorial is just what I needed to explain the bow making process. I never had reason to bother with it before I became a grandmother because I only have one son. Thank you. Another tip is to attach the bows (smaller version) to socks! With the hair bow and the socks to match, sooooo cute.
WOW! Thank you so much for posting this tutorial. I have watched tons & they are so complicated to me. I made my first bow last week & it was ok, but I love the contrast of the different colors of yours. I really think I can do this & cant wait to try
Thank you, Thank you 
I had three daughters, but back in the 60′s they didn’t wear the hair bows, so I didn’t get to make them. Now I don’t have any granddaughters, so I miss this. they are so cute and all the little girls wear them to church and school. Guess I could make some for my nephew’s little girls.
Well, I watched the video (good job, by the way). I may have to remember to watch it again if I ever get a grand-daughter! I have made bows before when my Amanda was little. Only a few, if memory serves. You have some georgous ones. Tell KR hey for me and I like her bows AND shirts!
Cute Cute CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for an easy way to make bows!!! I have 6 granddaughters….can’t wait to make some!!! You’re an awesome person to follow in life from cooking to well just ’bout anything in between Christy!!!