How to Make a Hair Bow Out of Ribbon With a Bobby Pin
- 1). Cut a length of ribbon approximately 10 inches long using a very sharp pair of scissors. As you become more adept with making bows, you can increase or reduce the length of the ribbon used.
- 2). Place a bobby pin on the table in front of you. Slide the ribbon through the center of the bobby pin. If your ribbon has a “right” side or a side you prefer to show, turn that side of the ribbon down, facing the tabletop. Pinch the two ribbon ends together in one hand, hold the bobby pin to the table with the other hand, and pull the length of ribbon taut. You will now have a similar length of ribbon on each side of the pin.
- 3). Tie a single knot in the ribbon. Form a loop with each of the lengths of ribbon, “right” side facing out. Holding one loop in each hand between your thumbs and forefingers, lay the right-hand loop across the left. Grasp both loops between your left thumb and forefinger. The loops will form an “X" shape above an “O” below the loops, between the loops and the pin. Use your right hand to bring the loop of the bow atop of the "X" behind, down and through the “O.” This method is akin to the way a child first learns to tie his shoes. It forms a more attractive knot.
- 4). Straighten and untwist the section of ribbon that forms the top of the knot as needed to make it more attractive. Pull the loops to tighten the knot. Pull the loose ends to reduce the bow size. Work with these features repeatedly, consecutively, until you have a firm knot and the bow size you prefer.
- 5). Hold the two free ends of the ribbon taut, back to back, above the bow. Visually estimate the final length you prefer, then make one angled cut that passes through both pieces. This will give your ribbons more decorative ends than you can achieve with a straight cut. Also, the lengths of the free ends will be of similar length.