Toolbox
- 3-4 coordinating ribbons less than 1 inch wide
- large, no-damage hair elastics
- scissors
- embellishments (optional)
- glue (for embellishments)
My daughter and I were walking through Target the other day when she noticed there were princess things in a bin. She didn’t know what the things were but she knew she wanted one. It turned out to be a really cute hair elastics with ribbons and sequins that make an adorable pony tail bow. When I went to put it in her hair for a party, I noticed that it was basically a large, no-damage hair elastic
I decided I wanted to make one for her to wear for the Fourth of July (yeah, I know it’s a bit early) so I went to my local craft store to pick out some ribbon that would work well together. I didn’t want the ribbon to be too wide and I also didn’t want it to be too thick. Also, make sure you don’t pick up any ribbon that has wire in it. I saw the cutest pattern and was heartbroken that it was wired. I did find one really cute pattern I liked so I got that and the rest I picked out were solid, organza type ribbons
Selecting the ribbons was the hard part, and making the bow was the easy part. All I did was pick the order of the ribbons I wanted and follow it repeatedly. I did the patterned ribbon first, followed by the red, white, then blue. I tied each one on in a simple knot and pushed the knots together along the elastic.
I continued knotting the ribbons in the same sequence all the way around the elastic. For the final touch, I glued red stars to both sides of the white ribbon.
The possibilities are endless for the embellishments if you want to add them. Check the scrapbook aisle, jewelry-making section, and the notions section of the fabric department for small embellishments to compliment your color scheme. Be careful they aren’t too big or hard, because we don’t want any head injuries!
This project was so quick and easy, I decided to make another one with ribbon and yarn I had left over from another craft project. Once I started looking at all the ribbon I already owned, I noticed that by adding a few solid organza colors to my collection, I could make tons of these elastic bows! They look so cute on a ponytail.
This would be a great project for a slumber party, Girl Scout troop, or school team (make the bows in the school colors). It’s an easy project for a wide range of ages, too. If you can tie a knot, you can do this!
Update! Chica discovered that strips of fleece work equally well for this project, too!
22 comments so far:
Everyone that scrapbooks with me knows that I have a small ribbon addiction. I never let puny wires stop my using a ribbon. Just cut off the length you want, wiggle the wire out of one of the ends and pull gently. The wires will slip right out.
Now get back to the craft store and get your ribbon.
Very cool easy idea! I like the idea of making my own so that I can make the lengths of ribbon shorter, since my daughter’s hair isn’t very long.
I have done these for my granddaughter another way is to single crochet eyelash yarn around your pony tail holder.these are also easy and take about 10 to 15 minutes to make,The coloe variations of the new yarns are endless.they make cute party favors for girls parties and stocking stuffers at Christmas.
I also found that they sell great at Flea Markets
You can use Tulle (sorry spelling maybe wrong) just tie strips on. I make these quick and easy
Wire can be removed from wired ribbon very easily with pliers. My daughter has a beautiful personalized canvas tote (a gift) which was decorated with wired ribbon. When the wire broke and started poking through the ribbon, I used pliers to pull out all the pieces of wire. The bag is usable again!
I make these for my daughter’s softball team all the time (they keep losing them).BUT,Im getting tired of the same exact ribbon at all the fabric stores. Being that I only have 3 colors I can use to match their uniforms, I try to find different patterns or shades with no luck. Any suggestions?
Kat, my first stop for a different selection of crafting supplies is always http://www.Etsy.com. You can search for ribbon in the “Supplies” category at the top of the page. You could also try to dye some white cotton ribbons. A tie dye effect using the softball team colors could create some very unique designs. You could even try cutting small strips of fabric with some pinking shears to tap into the wide variety of patterns on fabrics. Just make sure the fabric is really lightweight or you will have really heavy bows!
how long did you cut the ribbon to tie it on there?
Martha, I cut mine about 4 inches or so but it really depends on the thickness and type of ribbon you are using. Cut the ribbon to different lengths to add even more interest. Would love to see pictures of what you make!
Hi.
How long are you cutting the ribbons? I love the ones in the pictures above, but think I’d like a little longer. What length do most of you use? I’ve read on some sites they do 10-15 inches long. What do most of you do?
Thanks,
Melissa
Melissa, I usually cut them between 4-6 inches long depending on the ribbon type. I suggest cutting and tying a few much longer and then trimming to your taste.
I saw the ribbon ponytail holders at a craft show for $8.00 each!!!! needless to say I bought the elastic fabric holders and ribbon and made several for a lot less in a few minutes
Way to go, Suzanne!
Very cute and easy..just what I was looking for! My daughter just started soccer and I wanted to do something like this. I found another site that gave instructions to a similar ribbon elastic and it required sewing and glue. I’m so glad I found your instructions..I just made a cute one for her first game! Thanks.
Margi, glad you found us! This is one of my favorite projects to do because it is so easy and my daughter loves the results.
where can I purchase a gator bite it is a tool for for putting ponytail holders on ribbon or does any one know anything else that will work?
Hi mimi. I found something called gator clips. Is that what you are looking for? Or maybe these?
no that isn’t it I saw it on you tube last week and I can’t find it again..It puts the rubberband on the ribbon after you make it.. I need one badly.. Thanks for trying
Mimi, is this it? http://www.lookatmebaby.com/index.php/cPath/24
THANK YOU JO OMG OMG THAT IS IT I HAVE ORDERED IT NOW YOU GIRLS NEED TO CHECK THIS OUT ONCE AGAIN THANKS JO
I love these but are they just supposed to go over a ponytail that you already have in? I put them in my daughters hair like a regular ponytail holder and the ribbons get all scrunched up and messy. Any suggestions?
I use them as a regular ponytail holder. I usually put it in and then pull some of the ends of the ribbons out. Send me a picture of what you are getting and I might be able to help you more. Perhaps it was the type of ribbon you used?