Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Two Minute Ribbon Hair Bows

I'd hoped to be back with a sewing tutorial today-- but I ran into some issues. Hopefully I'll get it done soon! For today, I'd like to share a post I did for Ribbon Retreat ages ago. It's a cute little hair bow that you can make in just minutes.

Have you ever had the perfect ribbon to match that dress-- but you are already late for the party? These little no glue, no sew bows can literally be made in the car on the way to your destination. Believe me, I've done it!

The trick are these little latex rubber bands. If you have a little girl, you can probably already have these. If not, you can find these at any megamart (or even the dollar store!).  The only other thing you need is ribbon! Any type or size will do. I used 7/8 and 1.5 inch ribbon from Ribbon Retreat.

Let's get started! The ribbon I use is about 7.5 inches long. 

 Instead of heat sealing, just cut the ends at an angle to control the fraying.

 Overlap the edges as shown. The overlap will be the back of the bow.


 Pinch or accordion fold the ribbon.

Pinch in Center.
While holding it tight, wrap a latex rubber band around it. And you are done! You can also make these with scraps of fabric, as shown in my two minute bow tutorial.


To make a double bow, use two lengths of ribbon pinched together. Accordion fold and rubber band just as before.

 I overlapped the pink ribbon a bit more, so the orange ribbon would show through the back.


I use these bows as is, by wrapping the rubber band around a ponytail. But what if your little girl doesn't have enough hair to put in a ponytail? (We waited a long time for that, too!)  Simply slip a snap clip into the rubber band to make a clippie.

If your little girl is very young and has very little hair, you can always use one of these baby hair bands. Make  a small slip knot with a rubberband as shown.

Put one side of the rubberband into the other to form a loop.
Then, wrap that loop around your hair bow.

And you are done! All of these took me just a few minutes and no gluing or sewing. I'd love to see if you make any of these for your little one!