Deborah Chan
Wedding hair bows are a fun accessory for brides who want to forgo the veil. They can be made from various materials, such as velvet, silk, or tulle, and can be simple or ornate, depending on the bride's preference. Making wedding hair bows is a straightforward process that only requires a few basic supplies and can add a unique touch to your special day. In this article, we will outline the steps to create beautiful wedding hair bows, as well as offer tips and tricks for customisation and different styles.
How to Make Wedding Hair Bows
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wired ribbon, silk, grosgrain, velvet, organza, tulle, paper, floral, glue, scissors, ruler, pencil, cardstock, floral wire, pipe cleaner, fabric, thread, needle, safety pin, elastic ties, hair clips |
| Ribbon Length | 15-20 inches for a hair bow; 2.5 yards for a pew bow; 4 yards for a chair bow; at least 3 yards for a decorative bow |
| Ribbon Width | 1 inch for a hair bow; 6 inches for a pew or chair bow; n/a for a decorative bow |
| Steps | Cut ribbon, make loops, twist, tie a knot, adjust loops, trim ends, attach flowers (for pew bows), attach to hair/clothing/objects |
What You'll Learn
How to make a basic hair bow
Making a basic hair bow is a simple process that can add a creative touch to your wedding decorations. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a basic hair bow:
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
You will need a ribbon, preferably wired, a pair of scissors, and some floral wire or pipe cleaner. Wired ribbon is ideal as it allows you to create a structured and voluminous bow. However, you can also use any type of ribbon such as silk, grosgrain, or velvet.
Step 2: Cut the Ribbon
Cut a piece of ribbon between 15 and 20 inches long. This length will create a nice-sized bow, and you can adjust the length according to the thickness of your ribbon. Remember, it's better to start with a longer ribbon and trim it down later if needed.
Step 3: Create the First Loop
Make a "bunny-eared" loop with the ribbon, and then twist the longer end twice so that it becomes rope-like. Ensure that the shiny side of the ribbon remains facing up.
Step 4: Create the Second Loop
Create another "bunny ear" loop with the ribbon, adjusting the size to match the desired final size of your bow loops. Ensure that the tails of the ribbon are fairly even.
Step 5: Form the Bow Shape
Take the left loop and fold it over the right loop, bringing it around and back through the center hole, similar to tying a shoelace. Pull it tight to create a knot. You can tug on the loops and tails to adjust and finesse your bow. Don't worry if it's not perfect on the first try!
Step 6: Trim and Adjust
Once you're happy with the shape of your bow, you can trim the ends of the ribbon if desired. You can also cut the ends diagonally to give them a classy pointed finish or perform a chevron cut for a unique touch.
Additional Tips:
- Always start with long ribbon strands. You can always cut them shorter, but if they're too short, you may need to start over.
- Ensure that the bow tails are even. If one tail is longer than the other, simply cut it to match the length of the shorter tail.
- Get creative! Add a special touch to your bow by attaching a charm or embellishment to the center.
With these steps, you can create a basic hair bow and even experiment with different sizes and types of ribbons to find your favorite look.
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Making hair bows from fabric scraps
Gather Your Materials:
You will need fabric scraps, scissors or a rotary cutter, a needle and thread (matching the fabric colour), elastic hair ties, a safety pin, and a ruler or seam gauge. If you want to get creative, you can also use decorative elements like glitter, embroidery floss, yarn, or fancy cloth.
Cut Your Fabric:
For a simple hair tie bow, cut two pieces of fabric scraps into rectangles. The main piece should be larger, approximately 8 inches by 6 inches, and the centre piece should be smaller, around 3 inches by 1 ¼ inches. If you want a fuller bow, you can adjust the width of the main piece.
Stitch the Bow:
Fold the main piece of fabric right-sides-together lengthwise and stitch along the edge, leaving a small opening. Turn the fabric tube right side out and use a safety pin attached to one end to guide it through. Press the seam with an iron to flatten it.
Create the Bow Shape:
Fold the ends of the stitched piece towards the back so they overlap slightly at the centre. Stitch over the overlap area to stabilise the bow. Then, grab the centre piece, fold it accordion-style, and pinch it closed to create a bow shape. Wrap heavy-duty thread or yarn around the centre a few times and tie it off.
Finishing Touches:
Take the longer, narrow piece of fabric and fold under the two long edges. Press to keep them in place. Wrap this piece around the centre of the bow and stitch the ends in place, or glue it closed if you prefer. You can attach the bow to an elastic hair tie or a hair clip. If using a hair clip, cover the metal part with a small piece of fabric and glue the bow on top.
Tips and Tricks:
- You can create patchwork bows by using smaller fabric scraps. Just be sure to factor in your seam allowance.
- For a more defined bow shape, cut a small triangle out of the seam allowance at the point of the bow ends.
- If you want to add some sparkle to your wedding hairstyle, consider using glitter elastic ties or decorative fabric with embroidery, gold mesh, or a fancy ribbon.
- Play around with different sizes and dimensions to create a variety of bows. You can make larger bows for adults and smaller, cuter bows for little girls.
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Using wired ribbon to make bows
Wired ribbon is a great way to make a bow for wedding hair as it holds its shape and is easy to work with. You can use any type of wired ribbon, such as satin, burlap, or even a thin ribbon for smaller bows. The wire will help the ribbon maintain the shape of the loops and tails, so you can create a beautiful, full bow.
To make a bow with wired ribbon, start with a long piece of ribbon, around 2 yards or 7 feet in length. First, create a small loop at the end of the ribbon and pinch it at the back. This will be the centre of your bow. Then, twist the ribbon at the back, ensuring the right side (shiny or printed) is showing, and make another loop, holding it in place with the small loop. Continue to twist the ribbon and make loops, alternating sides, until you have three loops on each side.
Next, bring some ribbon to the centre to create tails. Fold the ribbon in half and bring it up to the back with the loops, then cut the ribbon from the spool. Thread a wire through the small centre loop and around all the pieces at the back, twisting tightly to secure. Cut the folded ribbon at an angle to create two tails, then fluff up the loops and tails until you are happy with the shape.
You can use wire, a zip tie, or a chenille stem to hold the bow together, and attach it to the hair with wire or glue. You can also add a ribbon knot to the centre for extra detail.
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Decorating champagne glasses with bows
There are several ways to decorate champagne glasses with bows for a wedding. Here are some ideas:
Ribbons and Flowers
This is a simple method that results in gorgeous champagne flutes. Gold ribbons usually work with any wedding décor, but you can also match the colour theme of the wedding. The ribbons can be tied in bows or wrapped around the stems of the glasses. You can add artificial flowers tied on with the ribbons for a finishing touch. If you're feeling creative, you can use crochet lace and twine rope for a rustic, country-themed wedding.
Ribbon and Charm Embellishments
This method allows you to customise the glasses to match the theme or colour scheme of your wedding. Choose a ribbon that complements your aesthetic and cut it to a length that can wrap around the stem. Secure one end of the ribbon to the stem with double-sided tape or a small dot of glue. Wrap the ribbon tightly around the stem, ensuring it is smooth and even. Secure the other end of the ribbon with another piece of tape or glue. You can attach a charm to the ribbon using a small jump ring or a piece of thin wire.
Glass Etching
Glass etching gives the glasses an elegant and sophisticated look that is perfect for formal events like weddings. To etch your champagne glasses, you will need glass etching cream, a stencil or vinyl cutout, and a small paintbrush. First, clean the glasses thoroughly to remove any dirt or oils, and dry them completely. Apply the stencil or vinyl cutout, making sure it is secure. Then, use the paintbrush to carefully apply a thick coat of etching cream to the exposed areas. Allow the cream to sit for the recommended time, then rinse it off under running water. Remove the stencil, and your elegant etched glasses are ready!
Gems and Rhinestones
This is a popular way to decorate wedding champagne glasses, and coloured rhinestones are readily available at craft stores. You will need glass glue, toothpicks, and gems. It is a little tricky to place each gem in the desired location, but it gets easier as you go along. Browse decorating ideas to get a sense of how you would like your finished glasses to look. You can keep it simple with basic gold stones or go all out with sparkling sapphire flutes.
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Adding flowers to your hair bow
Fresh Flowers
Adding fresh flowers to your hair bow is a beautiful way to incorporate a seasonal touch to your wedding hairstyle. You can choose flowers that complement your bouquet or go for wildflowers for a more natural, rustic look. Simply attach the flowers to your hair bow using floral wire or pins. This method is best for day-of or last-minute additions, as fresh flowers may wilt over time.
Fabric Flowers
If you want something more durable, consider making fabric flowers to attach to your hair bow. You can use fabrics such as lace, chiffon, or felt to create a variety of flower styles. For example, you can twist and fold lace or chiffon fabric to create a delicate floral accent. Felt, on the other hand, can be cut and shaped into petals and leaves for a more structured look. These fabric flowers can be sewn or glued to your hair bow, adding a unique and personalised touch.
Floral Prints
Another way to add flowers to your hair bow is to choose a floral print ribbon. This option is especially elegant if you're going for a vintage or romantic look. Look for ribbons with small, delicate floral patterns, which can be used to create your hair bow. You can also mix and match different floral prints for an eclectic, bohemian vibe. This method is perfect if you want the flowers to be more subtle and integrated into the design.
Flower Hair Clips
If you want to add flowers to your hair bow without making any permanent changes, consider using flower hair clips. These clips come in various colours and sizes and can be easily attached to your hair bow. You can choose clips with small, delicate flowers or go for something bolder, like a large fabric flower. This option gives you the flexibility to change up your look and even remove the flowers for a different occasion.
Flower Accessories
In addition to hair clips, there are other flower accessories you can incorporate into your hair bow. For example, you can use beaded flower hair combs or barrettes to add a touch of sparkle to your hairstyle. Fresh or fabric flowers can also be attached to bobby pins and placed throughout your hairstyle. These accessories allow you to be creative and playful with your look, adding flowers in different areas of your hair.
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Frequently asked questions
The materials you need will depend on the type of bow you want to make. For a basic ribbon bow, you will need a ribbon (any kind, such as silk, grosgrain, or velvet), a ruler, and scissors. For a wired ribbon bow, you will also need a pipe cleaner. If you want to add some sparkle to your bow, try using a ribbon with a shimmery or metallic finish.
Cut a piece of ribbon between 15 and 20 inches long. Make a "bunny-eared" loop and twist the longer end twice so that the same shiny side of the ribbon is facing up. Make a second loop and adjust both loops to your desired size. Fold the left loop over the right and bring it back through the center hole, then pull tight to create a knot. Adjust the loops and tails as needed, then trim the ends if desired.
To make a large bow, you can use wired ribbon, which will allow you to create a more dramatic size and shape. You will need at least 2 yards of ribbon, a pipe cleaner, and scissors. Cut a long piece of ribbon and create a loop, then wrap the rest of the ribbon around that loop continuously. Cut the ribbon to your desired tail length, then fold the loop in half and secure it with the pipe cleaner. Cut up the center of the tail to create two tails, then use these to tie a standard knot over the pipe cleaner. Fan out the loops and trim the tails if needed.
There are a few ways to attach a wedding hair bow, depending on your hairstyle and the type of bow. You can use a barrette, hair clip, or bobby pin to secure the bow in place. If you are using a ribbon bow, you can also tie it around a ponytail or braid. For a more permanent solution, you can sew or glue the bow onto a hair elastic or clip.
