DIY: Bows For Your Hair!

Lots of people have store-bought hair bows — this is your chance to make something unique!

Enlarge the patterns seen below as directed. Cut them out and tape them to the vinyl. Next, cut out two tail pieces and one ribbon piece per barrette.

Tape together the two tail pieces at the top center. Sew close to the edge around the tail sections, leaving 2 inches at the top open. Remove the tape and add sequins into the tips through the open space. Keep the sequins away from the center of the tail part. Sew the open top area closed. Trim to inch from the stitching, rounding the points. Set aside.

Take one ribbon piece and sew the short ends together close to the edges to create a loop. Pinch the loop together so the seam is in the center. Sew one side together close to the edges. Fill the ribbon sides with sequins. Keep the sequins away from the center. (Tip: A large paperclip opened to make a long point can be used to direct the sequins down into the outer parts of the tail pieces.) Sew the open side closed. Trim to inch from the stitching.

Pinch together the center of the ribbon part in an accordion (pleated) fold. Sew embroidery floss once through the edge of the folded center, then wrap around the pinched center 3-4 times. Tie off through the vinyl and the wraps. This will hold the ribbon pinch. Do not cut the floss. Sew on the tail section centered behind the ribbon. (This floss will be covered with the grosgrain ribbon.)

Cut a 3-inch length of ribbon. Fold under one end and hand sew with thread to the back center of the barrette onto the floss wrap. Wrap the loose end of the ribbon once around the center of the bow. Fold under the raw edge, pull tight and sew to the original end. This will secure and finish the center of the barrette.

Open the barrette and center over the back of the ribbon. Hand sew 2-3 times over the lower section of the barrette and through the ribbon. This will temporarily hold the barrette in place. Sew through the circle ends of the barrette and through the tail sections. This will not be visible through to the front of the barrette.