Simple Bow with Three-Strand Ropes

Do up this simple yet classic bow with three-strand ropes in a nautical theme. The gold appliqué anchor is bound to the shimmery white satin ribbon by a gold-link chain. Cast off any hair design with this one.

simple girls hair bow
This simple bow is easy to make and
sets off a roped hairdo.
What You'll Need:

  • 1-1/3 yards of wired ribbon, 2-1/2 inches wide
  • Craft wire
  • 5 inches of wired ribbon, 1-1/2 inches wide
  • Anchor appliqué
  • 24 inches of plated chain
  • 2-3/4-inch barrette

how to make a simple hair bow
Make two 4-inch loops, holding the ribbon between
your thumb and forefinger.

Step 1: Hold the 2-1/2-inch ribbon about 4 inches from the end to leave a tail. Make a 4-inch loop, bringing the ribbon under and holding it between your thumb and forefinger. Make another 4-inch loop on the other side, bringing the ribbon over and holding it between your thumb and forefinger.

nautical hair bow
Make another four inch loop.

Step 2: Make another 4 inch loop next to the first one, again bringing the ribbon under and holding it between your thumb and forefinger.

simple hair bow
Ensure that the tail is between the
ribbon and the second loop.

Step 3: Direct the ribbon to the other side of the tail, so that the tail is between the ribbon and the second loop.

how to make a girls hair bow
Make a fourth loop using the same technique.

Step 4: Bring the ribbon over to make a fourth loop. Put the end of the ribbon under the top layer of ribbon in the center and bring it out between the first and third loops. You now have four loops, with one tail between the first and third loops and one tail between the second and fourth loops. Trim any excess ribbon from the tail.

hair bow with anchor
Wrap wire around the center of the bow.

Step 5: Wrap craft wire around the center of the bow to secure. Wrap the 1-1/2 inch ribbon around the center to cover the wire and glue the ends together.

hair bow with chain
Glue the chain and anchor on the bow.

Step 6: Fold the chain in half, drape it at the center front of the bow as shown, and glue it in place. Glue the anchor on top of the chain.

make a hair bow
Glue the barrette to the back of the bow.

Step 7: Glue the barrette to the back of the bow. Trim the tail ends in a V-shape.

To show off the nautical bow to the best advantage, pull back hair using the three-strand ropes technique. Follow these directions:

Step 1: Gather up the hair on one side of the head from the front hairline to the ear. Divide it into three equal strands.

Step 2: With your right hand palm down, grasp the right strand and turn your hand palm up so that you twist the strand; do this two or three times. Then cross the right strand over the center strand so they switch positions.

Step 3: With your left hand palm up, grasp the left strand and turn your hand palm down so that you twist the strand; do this two or three times. Then bring the left strand under the center strand so that they switch positions.

Step 4: Continue twisting and braiding the hair in this fashion, alternating from right to left, until you have a strand long enough to reach the nape of the neck. You'll have to maintain tension on the strands and handle them carefully to keep them twisted. Secure the strand at the nape of the neck with hairpins.

Step 5: Repeat this procedure on the other side of the head. Secure the two strands together at the nape of the neck and let the rest of the hair hang down naturally.

neon hair bow
Use a plain white bow and brightly colored paints to create a lively bow.

If you want, you can skip the nautical theme and express yourself with a basic white ribbon and lots of neon paints. This vibrant burst of color is fun and easy to make.

On the next page you'll learn how make a round bow to offset a braided chignon.

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