Here’s the simplest way to make hair tie bows out of fabric. I’ve created a step-by-step photo tutorial below, and a free pattern in 4 sizes. Give your hair tie (aka. ponytail) a new “oomph”.
This is a great scrap fabric project idea. And it makes very cute diy gifts!
Pin this image to bookmark the post for later 🙂
Hair tie bows make cute gifts. They’re super quick and easy to whip up.
Materials needed for diy hair tie bows
Project-specific supplies:
- Light to medium weight cotton fabric.
- Hair ties (also known as ponytail holders).
- The printable bow template (download here).
Basic sewing tools needed:
- A rotary cutter and mat (I use Fiskars ones). Or small scissors. Big fabric scissors will probably struggle to cut around this tiny bow.
- Matching thread. I used polyester ‘sew-all’ thread by Gutermann. It’s strong and lint-free.
- The right sewing machine needles. For light to medium weight non-stretch fabric, you’ll need a universal needle in size 80/12.
- An iron.
- A measuring tape or normal straight ruler.
- A basic sewing machine.
Free hair tie bow pattern (4 sizes)
You can download the printable template I used from my resource library.
I made the bow in 4 sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large. Here’s what the difference is between the sizes:
If you’re new to sewing, I recommend using size medium.
It’s easier to turn inside out than size small. And it’s easier to tie into a knot than size XL, which is bulkier.
Tutorial: how to make hair tie bows from fabric
‘Sewing words’ used in this tutorial:
- Selvage edges: the 2 sides of the fabric with finished edges. These don’t fray.
- Seam allowance: the area between the stitching line and the fabric edge.
- Right side: the side of the fabric that you want to see on the outside.
- Backstitch: when you sew backwards by about 3 stitches, before sewing your line of stitching. This reinforces the stitching and stops it from unraveling.
Prepare your fabric
Pre-wash and dry your fabric before starting.
This will stop your hair bows from shrinking in the wash (if you plan to wash them).
Here’s how to prepare fabric before cutting and sewing.
1) Cut your fabric
Use the template to cut 2 pieces of fabric (download here).
Big fabric scissors will struggle here. I recommend using a rotary cutter and mat, or tiny scissors.
The arrow on the template tells you what direction to place it on your fabric. The arrow should be going in the same direction as the selvage edges (the 2 edges that never fray).
2) Sew the 2 layers together, leaving a gap
Place the 2 pieces on top of each other. The ‘right’ sides should be facing each other.
Pin them together.
Sew the 2 pieces together. Use a 1/4″ (0.6cm) seam allowance.
Leave a 1″ gap on one of the straight edges.
Trim the excess threads.
Suggested sewing machine settings:
- Straight stitch
- Stitch length: 2.5
- Tension: 4
- Use a “universal” sewing machine needle in size 80/12. This is for light to medium weight fabrics.
Don’t forget to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to stop it from unraveling.
3) Trim the excess fabric
Trim the seam allowance down to 1/8″, BUT leave the area above the 1″ gap alone.
4) Turn the bow inside out
Use the 1″ gap to turn the bow inside out.
This is easy with sizes M-XL, but size small will take a bit longer. A blunt pencil will help you push it out.
Push out all the curves and corners.
A blunt pencil might help you push the corners out. I used my tiny scissors *risky haha*.
Push the seam allowance inside the 1″ gap. Press the fold straight with your fingers.
Iron the bow so that it’s flat.
5) Sew the hole closed
Stitch the 1″ hole closed. Sew close to the edge.
I used a 1/8″ seam allowance.
Don’t forget to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to stop it from unraveling.
Trim the excess threads.
6) Tie the bow onto a hair tie (or scrunchie)
Place your hair tie in the middle of the bow.
Cross the bow and tie a knot.
While the knot is big and loose, tug the bow ends until they’re the same length on both sides.
If your hair tie is overlapping the bow, pull the hair tie down and behind the bow.
Woohoo, your cute hair tie bow is done! Here’s what the end result looks like.
This post was originally published on 1 February 2021. It has since been updated.
Related posts:
How to make scrunchies using old hair ties (+ FREE pattern)
How to make ‘seamless’ scrunchies
The exact sewing machine settings for cotton: tension, length, and needles.
10 DIY stocking stuffer ideas (stylish gifts)