The Bow Maker's Blog: Bow Tie Style Hair Bow

Learn How To Make A Bow Tie Style Hair Bow

Materials Needed:

1.5" Ribbon (about 4")

3/8" Ribbon (about 1")

Alligator Clip

Hot Glue

Step 1: Cut 1.5" wide ribbon to 5 inches in length. Be sure to heat seal the ends of the ribbon or treat with a sealer to prevent fraying.

Step 2: Fold the ribbon in half lining up the edges. Be sure to press the crease firmly with your fingers so you can lightly see it for the next step.

Step 3: Lightly mark the center of the ribbon with a pen.

Step 4: Flip the ribbon over and mark 1/4" on each end of the ribbon. Be sure the mark is on the opposite side on the same end of edge of the ribbon.

Step 5: Fold one side of the ribbon towards the center lining up your 1/4" mark with the center of the ribbon.

Step 6: Fold the other side in lining up all three marks you made on your ribbon. (don't worry, these marks will not be visible on your finished bow)

Step 7: Fold the entire piece of ribbon in half length-wise.

Step 8: Thread a needle and thread (with a large knot on one end) about 1.4" up from the folded side of the ribbon. Be sure it is centered. Use the marks you made on the ribbon as a guide.

Step 9: Fold down one half of the ribbon (two layers) and line it up with the folded edge of the ribbon. Sew through bottom again about 1/4" from the folded center.

Step 10: Now fold the other side down and sew through the entire folded stack of ribbon. Be sure to hold the shape tightly until you have sewn through.

Step 11: Wrap your remaining thread around the center of the bow and know the thread by looping through the back and few times. Trim the thread after knotting.

Step 12: To add a center that will also attach the bow to a clip start by putting a dab of hot glue on one end of 3/8" ribbon.

Step 13: Squeeze open an alligator clip and place the ribbon in the clip glue side up. This will not glue the alligator clip shut if you place the ribbon in glue side up. Then add another dot of glue on top.

Step 14: Place the bow on the glue and wrap the ribbon around the bow. Be sure to open the alligator clip when you wrap it around and put the ribbon inside the clip. Trim off any excess ribbon. Your will want it long enough to glue down in place inside the alligator clip.

Step 15: Squeeze open the alligator clip and put a dot of glue on the ribbon center. Then place the end on top of the glue. Be sure not to use too much glue or it will ooze out and glue your clip shut. Just a little dot will work.