Ready to learn how to make cheer bows? The process is actually really simple once you have our secret weapon: the Bowdabra! We are going to call this your extra set of hands when making hair bows like these. Plus, we are going to go over some tips and tricks for adding heat transfer vinyl to your ribbon bows as well! Follow along for my step by step cheer bow tutorial.
Cheer bow tutorial supplies:
- Bowdabra Bow Maker
- Ribbon
- Heat Transfer Vinyl
- Cricut Machine
- Cricut EasyPress or Iron
- Stiffen Spray (optional)
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Lighter
- Hot Glue and Glue Gun
- Pony Tail Holders
What is the Bowdabra?
First, the Bowdabra is a piece that helps to hold your ribbon when making a wide variety of bows for a wide variety of projects. You will get the Bowdabra itself as well as some wire in the package. It also comes with a full set of instructions for making a wide variety of bows but we will also share that information below.
What type of ribbon should you use?
I actually used a few different types of ribbon to make the cheer bows in this post. I would suggest a 2 1/2 to 3 inch wide ribbon for large bows and smaller widths when making smaller bows. You can use wire edged ribbon if you want the bows to be able to hold their shape on their own. The large bows require about 28 inches of ribbon while the smaller bows need about 18 inches of length.
For just plain grosgrain ribbon, you can use a stiffener spray over the surface and allow it to dry before beginning. This is optional but will keep your bows standing up.
Using the Bowdabra to Make Hair Bows:
Start by adding wire into your Bowdabra as shown below.
The fold your ribbon as shown below. Make sure the bow is approximately even.
Add the ribbon to the Bowdabra as shown below.
You will want to push it all the way to the bottom.
Then use the second piece of the Bowdabra to push your ribbon down.
Wrap the ribbon around the center and pull tight. Use it to lift the bow out of the Bowdabra.
Tighten and twist the wire several times to create your bow.
You can fluff the bow at this point and make sure everything looks okay.
Use the wire to attach a pony tail holder to the back.
Cut the ends of your ribbon into a “V” by folding in half. You can burn the ends of your ribbon with a lighter to prevent fraying.
Cut a small piece of a different ribbon.
Wrap it around the center and secure with a bit of hot glue in the back.
Trim to length and again use a lighter to burn the end.
Adding Heat Transfer Vinyl to Bows:
You can definitely stop with a plain bow, but why not add some heat transfer vinyl and make them extra special!
Cut the heat transfer vinyl into any design using your Cricut machine. Weed away excess vinyl and lay it out on your bow.
I usually cover my bows with a protective sheet when ironing in order to protect the ribbon.
Then use your Cricut EasyPress or your iron to adhere your heat transfer vinyl according to the directions on the package.
Remove the protective liner.
You now have a cheer bow that has an added design.
I did a few different cheer bows! You can make these in any colors and add any designs that you wish.
Make these hair bows for an entire squad or just your favorite cheerleader.
You can also use this same method to make ribbon bows for your daughter.
You may also like -
Angie blogs at The Country Chic Cottage where you can find creative crafts, vintage finds, home decor, and DIY all with a little farmhouse flair. Angie has been blogging for several years and is married with three kids. Stop by her blog where you will find everything from small, quick crafts to major furniture and home makeovers.
Leave a Reply