DIY Hair Ties: Bow Hairbands {Free Pattern}

Make some of these pretty DIY hair ties to match your little girl's favorite outfits. It is back to school and unruly hair needs to be tamed into something respectable. These DIY hair ties are perfect for using up small scrap fabrics and can attach to any kind of elastics.

DIY Hair Ties - Supplies

• Elastic hair bands - You can use any kind or color. I like the snagless ones without the metal piece as they don't catch in my daughter's hair. I found lots of multicolored packs at my local discount store at a cheap price.
• Scraps of fabric - Cotton quilting fabric works the best. Choose fabrics with small prints so they show up on the bows. I also like to use different contrasting fabrics for the back and front of the bow.
• Pattern - Your downloadable bow template. Make sure the test square measures 2x2 inches (5.1cm) for accurate sizing. >>DOWNLOAD PATTERN. The pattern will open in a new window. If you are new to printing then read my article on how to print PDF patterns.

DIY Hair Ties - The Video

Watch this couple of minute video on making the DIY hair ties. Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more weekly sewing and crafting videos.

DIY Hair Ties - Instructions

Step 1 - Cut Template

Cut 2 pieces of fabric from the template in your pattern piece. The template is fairly small so try and cut and sew accurately. It looks nice if you use a different color fabric for the front and back.

Step 2 - Stitch

Put the front and back with right sides together and stitch around with a ¼ inch (6mm) seam allowance. Leave a 2 inch (5cm) gap on one side in the middle as shown in the video.

Step 3 - Clip

Clip the curves and the ends. I like to use pinking shears to reduce bulk. Just make sure to leave the gap untrimmed

Step 4 - Turn & Press

Turn the bow to the right side and give it a good press. It is fairly small so you will probably need a chopstick or other blunt instrument to help turn it and poke out the corners. I have a blunt pair of scissors I use.

Step 5 - Topstitch

Make sure the seam allowance at the gap is pressed neatly to the inside. Topstitch around the edge and this will close the gap.

Step 6 - Tie the Bow

Now grab your hair and tie the bow around it. You just need a single knot. A double knot is too much and will make the bow too small. You can tie it so both sides of the bow are the same color or twist one side around to the contrast color on the back. It is a little fiddly so just take your time and get the look you would like. Pull tight.

Design Idea: Instead of tying the bow around an elastic, why not tie it around a scrunchie. (Read how to make a scrunchie)

MORE DIY Hair Tie TUTORIALS

Thanks for reading my DIY hair ties tutorials. If you like making hair accessories then here are some more to try. Hair accessories make great presents and are perfect for selling at craft fairs.

1. How to Line an Alligator Clip - Alligator clips are great for adding bow on top. They are easy to line with grosgrain ribbons in assorted colors.
2. DIY Hair Ties
3. How to Make Fabric Bows - These fabric bows can be glued or stitched to alligator clips or combs.
4. How to Make a Ribbon Bow - Ribbons can be used to make all kinds of bows to attach to hair clips.
5. DIY Hair Accessories – Easy Hair Clips to Make in Under 10 Minutes
6. Felt Bow Template - Oversized felt bows can be attached to clips and headbands for a fashion statement.
7. DIY Fabric Flowers
8. Cloth Flower Making
9. How to Stop Ribbon from Fraying - When making bow styles of diy hair ties from ribbon, it is important to stop your ribbon from fraying.
10. How to Make a Scrunchie - This tutorial shows you 2 sizes of scrunchie to make.
11. DIY Fabric Bow for Clothing
12. DIY Felt Bow