Question by Tori: How do you make a regular cheerleading bow?
I dont want one with a clip just an elastic. what size ribbon? do i need hot glue?

Best answer:

Answer by asaoki
I use about 18″ of ribbon per bow if making the traditional tuxedo style pinch bow. If making a screamer (ribbon just tied to an elastic and hangs alongside the hair) I use 12″.

To make the pinch bow you will need small tie ribbon to secure it in the middle and attach it to the elastic. It is pretty simple, just take the wide ribbon and lay it out flat. Fold each end to the center and adjust the overlap to how long you want the ends to hang down. Then pull the ends straight down so that you create and “x” just below the center of the ribbon. Now pinch the center and the “x” together making two loops on either side of the pinch. Hold the pinch with one hand and use the small tie ribbon to wrap around where you are holding – securing the center at the “x”. Before tying it, place the elastic between the two loose ends of the small ribbon, then tie tight. You can dress it up by layering two different wide ribbons and gluing them together with fabric glue (I like Fabritac – it holds the best) before forming your bow.

To make a screamer, you literally just tie a piece of ribbon to a hair tie. I use 12″ of ribbon for my longest piece, then make them gradually shorter for each additional piece. I usually start with the widest ribbon I have and make that the longest, but that’s just preference.

Good luck and have fun!

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