Learn how to make a layered ribbon hair bow with this step-by-step DIY hair bow tutorial. Use pastel blue ribbon, softly gathered loops, and a floral charm to create an elegant handmade ribbon hair barrette.
Materials for a Layered Ribbon Hair Bow
Ribbon width: 1.57 in (4 cm) for all five ribbon pieces.
- Pastel blue ribbon: 13.78 in (35 cm) — 1 piece
- Pastel blue ribbon: 11.81 in (30 cm) — 2 pieces
- Pastel blue ribbon: 9.84 in (25 cm) — 1 piece
- Pastel blue ribbon: 3.35 in (8.5 cm) — 1 piece
- Gold loop bead — 1 piece
- Rose-shaped metal flower charm — 1 piece
- Flat automatic hair barrette: 3.94 in (10 cm) — 1 piece
- Gold decorative barrette label — 1 piece
- Jump ring: 0.16 in (4 mm) diameter — 1 piece
Tools You'll Need
Hot glue gun and glue sticks, scissors, a lighter (only if suitable for the ribbon fiber), cotton thread, 0.47 in (1.2 cm) wide double-sided tape, and jewelry pliers. Tools are separately supplied. Use caution with hot glue and open flames.
Step-by-Step DIY Hair Bow Tutorial
Steps 1–2: Prepare the Ribbon Loops
Step 1. Apply double-sided tape halfway across the back of one short end of each 35 cm, 30 cm, and 25 cm ribbon piece, following the photos. Set the 8.5 cm piece aside for the center accent.
Step 2. Join each longer ribbon strip end to end to make four circular loops, keeping the backing on the unused part of the tape until needed.
Steps 3–5: Fold and Gather the Large Bows
Step 3. Flatten each loop and fold it in half to mark its midpoint with a light crease. Reopen the ribbon.
Step 4. Remove the remaining tape backing and position the joined end seam diagonally toward the center crease, as shown in the photos. Secure the overlapping ribbon.
Step 5. Gather the centers of the 13.78 in (35 cm) and 9.84 in (25 cm) ribbon loops into three pleats each. Wrap cotton thread around each center about seven or eight times to secure.
Step 6: Gather the Two Medium Ribbon Loops
Overlap the two 11.81 in (30 cm) ribbon loops halfway, as shown. Gather them together into four pleats at the center and wrap firmly with thread.
Step 7: Assemble the Layered Ribbon Bow
Apply a small amount of hot glue to the center of the 13.78 in (35 cm) bow. Attach the gathered pair of 11.81 in (30 cm) loops on top, then glue the 9.84 in (25 cm) bow over them. Adjust the loops for a full, balanced shape.
Step 8: Fold the Small Ribbon Center Accent
Fold the remaining 3.35 in (8.5 cm) ribbon piece into a curved, petal-like shape, following the photos. Secure the folded ends with a small amount of hot glue.
Steps 9–10: Attach the Accent and Barrette
Step 9. Wrap the small petal-shaped ribbon accent around the center of the layered bow and secure it at the back with hot glue.
Step 10. Apply hot glue to both ends and the center of the 3.94 in (10 cm) flat automatic hair barrette. Position the barrette horizontally across the back of the bow and press gently until secure.
Steps 11–12: Attach the Gold Label and Floral Charm
Step 11. Open the barrette and use hot glue to attach the gold decorative label at its center, as shown.
Step 12. Open the 0.16 in (4 mm) jump ring and slide the gold loop bead and floral metal charm onto it. Carefully make a small hole through the ribbon at the center of the bow. Insert the jump ring through the hole and close it securely with jewelry pliers. The flower decoration hangs directly from the ribbon without glue.
Your Handmade Layered Ribbon Bow Is Complete!
This layered ribbon hair bow combines gathered ribbon loops, soft pleats, and a delicate hanging floral charm. Try different ribbon colors to personalize your DIY hair bow or handmade hair accessories.
DIY Tip: Keep each gathered center tightly wrapped with thread and use hot glue sparingly to preserve the bow's dimensional shape.