The Bigger the bow the better the Mommy!

I came across this phrase recently while searching Etsy (I'm totally addicted) , and loved it! As promised, today i'm going to teach you how to make my favorite bow. I call it "a basic boutique bow" and it is the basis for almost all of the hairbows i make my girls.  It looks great as a layered bow and just as cute all by itself! 

Step 1:  All you need is Ribbon (i'm using 1.5 in. but any size will do), scissors, elastic cord, hot glue gun (greatest invention of all time! i can make anything with a hot glue gun) a jumbo clip (found mine at sally beauty supply) and an alligator clip.

Step 2: cut the amount of ribbon you want to use.  I usually keep mine on the spool until i finish making the bow so i can control the size of it. hold the ribbon in your left hand and make your first loop. (This is what it should look like)

Step 3: Make your second loop. ( try not to move your thumb, this is keeping your bow secure so you can make your loops) 

Step 4: make your third loop. (it should start looking like "butterfly wings").

Step 5: Make your last loop to complete your "butterly wings" it should look like this ...

Step 6: Yay! the hard part is over.  Now take your jumbo clip and place it in the center of your bow.  Thread the elastic cord through the clip at the middle of your bow and tie in a knot.

Step 7: You can now remove the jumbo clip from your bow.  Take your Alligator clip and place it underneath the elastic on the back of your bow. (you could also glue the flat side of the alligator clip to your bow, but i prefer to secure it by placing it under the elastic cord.)

Step 8: cut about a 6 in. piece of ribbon. This will be used as the center knot for your bow.  I usually fold my piece of ribbon in half before tying if i'm using 1.5 in. Once you have tied the ribbon in a knot, glue your "center knot" to the middle of your bow.  The "tails" of the "center knot" should wrap around to your alligator clip on the back of the bow.

Step 9: Glue both "tails" of the center knot underneath the first prong of your alligator clip on the back of your bow. and Voila! You've got yourself a Basic Boutique Bow! I knew you could do it :)

Good Luck! I've found that the hardest part of hairbow making is getting perfect loops. Practice makes perfect, and remember The Bigger the Bow the Better the Mommy!

Happy Friday!