Create decorative hair bow spikes using your choice of grosgrain ribbons. Design hair bow spikes to complement an outfit or to represent the colors of your favorite team. Also called pinwheel bows, these hair bow spikes are cheerleader favorites. The simplicity of the technique may surprise you; once you learn to make one spiky bow, you may find reasons to make many more. Look for grosgrain ribbon, glue and barrette forms at your local craft store.
Instructions
1. Cut four 10-inch-long strands of 5/8-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon. Cut five 8-inch-long strands of 5/8-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon in your choice of patterns. Cut five 6-inch-long strands of 5/8-inch-wide ribbon. Vary the ribbon patterns in each length to alter the hair bow design.
2. Fold each ribbon strand in half lengthwise and tape a 1-inch-length of both ends together with clear tape. Cut the ends of the 10-inch long ribbons at an angle to make angled spikes for the hair bow. Cut a V into the 8-inch-long and 6-inch-long strands to make a double-edged spike for the hair bow. Remove the tape.
3. Cut an 8-inch square section of cardstock. Thread a sewing needle with 2 feet of thread that matches the ribbon strands. Pull the ends of the thread together and tie a knot.
4. Insert most of the needle through the center of the cardstock. Do not pull the thread through the cardstock. Tape the thread to the underside of the cardstock with painter's tape. Tape the cardstock to a work surface with the needle facing up to prevent it from moving as you add the ribbon strands over the needle.
5. Stack the 10-inch long ribbon strips in the desired pattern from back to front. The ribbon at the top of the stack is the ribbon on the back row of the bow. Pick up the top ribbon and fold it in half widthwise with the folded edge away from you. Pierce the center of the folded ribbon with the needle and then slide the ribbon down over the needle to rest against the cardstock.
6. Fold and add the remaining three 10-inch-long ribbon strands in the same manner. Turn the ribbons so that they are arranged around the needle like a pinwheel. Follow the same process to arrange and add the 8-inch-long strands. Do the same with the 6-inch-long strands.
7. Carefully press the ribbon stack against the cardstock. Lift the cardstock and remove the tape from the thread on the backside of the cardstock. Pull the needle through the stacked ribbons. Before the knot in the thread exits the cardstock, pick up the stacked ribbons and hold them in your hand. Continue pulling the needle until the knot in the thread leaves the cardstock and rests against the first ribbon that you added on the needle.
8. Wrap the thread around the center of the ribbon strands six times. Insert the needle back down through the center of all of the ribbon strands. Cut the excess ribbon. Wrap a rubber band around the center of the ribbons to hold them intact. Fan and fluff the ribbon spikes in a circle.
9. Glue the backside of the gathered ribbon spikes to the top of a barrette form with one-part epoxy adhesive. Wait 24 hours before wearing the hair bow.
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