How To Make Dog Bows:
Layered Barette

If you want to learn how to make dog bows, the layered bow on a barrette is a good one to start with.

Although the instructions call for two types or ribbon, transparent and opaque, you can substitute any combination of ribbon pieces that you like.

If you have no ribbon on hand but lots of scrap fabric, consider making your own dog bow ribbon

LAYERED BOW ON BARRETTE

MATERIALS

  • Transparent ribbon 6 inches(150mm) long; about 1 inch (25mm) wide
  • Opaque ribbon in matching color 7 1/2 inches (190mm) long and about 3/8 inch (10mm) wide
  • Double sided tape or cellotape
  • Matching color thread
  • Metal or plastic barrette
  • Hot glue gun (preferred) or Tacky glue
ESIMATED COST
  • USD 1.00 or less
INSTRUCTIONS

TRANSPARENT BOTTOM BOW

  • Cut a narrow strip of tape (less than 1 /4 inch wide)
  • Make it so it's sticky on both sides
  • Apply to the center of your ribbon or
  • Glue a narrow strip across the middle of your ribbon
  • Fold the ends of the ribbon over to the middle and stick them onto the tape or glue strip
  • Take thread and wrap it around the middle tightly several times
  • It should bunch up and form your bow
  • Bind off securely by tucking thread through a loop twice


MIDDLE BOW

  • Cut your opaque ribbon at 5 inches
  • Fold one end to the middle and twist
  • Glue the shiny side of this end to the non-shiny side of the middle
  • Take the other end and twist and glue in the same way
  • Glue this Middle Bow onto the center of your Bottom Bow

TOP KNOT

  • Take your remaining piece of ribbon
  • Tie a single knot loosely in the center
  • Twist so both ends are shiny side up
  • Pull a little more firmly
  • Place in the middle of the preceding bows and adjust knot for the best look


ASSEMBLY
  • Glue Top Knot onto center of Middle Bow
  • Glue Bottom Bow onto barrette
  • Take ends of Top Knot and glue underneath barrette

VARIATION A

  • Take two or more Middle Bows and glue them onto your Bottom Bow
  • Then apply a Top Knot over that as described above


VARIATION B
  • Instead of the same color ribbon for the Top Knot, use a bead, button, different colored ribbon, silk flower, or any other kind of decoration and glue in place
See also Ruffled Dog Bows on Barrettes

Thanks for giving how to make dog bows a try!

Return to How To Make Dog Bows main page for other ideas.

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