How to Make Single Loop Dog Bows

Toy dog owners use single-loop bows to keep the hair from falling into the face of their long-coated dogs. These bows can be simple and utilitarian or they can be highly decorative, depending on the occasion for which they are to be used. Well-crafted bows are sturdy and can last for years with the proper care.

Things You'll Need

  • Satin ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Thread
  • Needle
  • White glue
  • Fabric-stiffening spray
  • Barrette backing or coated elastic
  • Beads or buttons (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Single-Loop Bow with a Barrette

    • 1

      Select your ribbon. For very small dogs, such as a Maltese, a 3/8-inch ribbon is appropriate. For slightly larger toy dogs, such as a shih tzu, a 5/8-inch-wide ribbon is more attractive. Because these bows are made with two lengths of ribbon, you can choose two different colors.

    • 2

      Wrap a length of ribbon around three fingers to form a loop. Cut where the ends meet. Cut a second length of ribbon approximately the same length.

    • 3

      Glue the ends of one length of ribbon to form a loop. The smooth, shiny side (the ̶0;right̶1;) side should be facing out. Pinch the ribbon so it forms a pair of even loops, with the glued ends at the center of what will be the bottom of the loop. Glue the ribbon in place or tack it in place with a few small stitches.

    • 4

      Place the loop section on top of the ribbon that will be the flat ̶0;flag̶1; section of the bow. Glue it in place or tack it in place with a few small stitches.

    • 5

      Cut a small piece of ribbon and glue it across the ribbon, creating a division between the two loops and hiding the stitching there. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly.

    • 6

      Spray the bow with the fabric stiffener. Place something rounded, such as a spool or a small ball in each of the loops of the bow to retain their shape as they dry, if necessary.

    • 7

      Glue or sew the bow to the barrette.

    • 8

      Decorate the bow as desired.

    Single-Loop Bow with a Rubber Band

    • 9

      Select your ribbon. For very small dogs, such as a Maltese, a 3/8-inch ribbon is appropriate. For slightly larger toy dogs, such as a shih tzu, a 5/8-inch wide ribbon is more attractive. Because these bows are made with two lengths of ribbon, you can choose two different colors.

    • 10

      Wrap a length of ribbon around three fingers to form a loop. Cut where the ends meet.

    • 11

      Fold this length of ribbon in half, length-wise. Use the scissors to make a small, shallow V-shaped cut on each side of the ribbon.

    • 12

      Cut a second length of ribbon, slightly longer than the first. Notch this ribbon in the center of its length, as with the first. Make a notch on one side only.

    • 13

      Glue the ends of one length of ribbon to form a loop. The smooth, shiny side (the ̶0;right̶1;) side should be facing out. Pinch the ribbon so that it forms a pair of even loops, with the glued ends at the center of what will be the bottom of the loop. Glue the ribbon in place or tack it in place with a few small stitches.

    • 14

      Place your coated elastic behind the flag ribbon, in the notch you have prepared. Slip one end of the elastic through the other, forming the loop by which you will secure the bow to the dog̵7;s topknot. Secure this loop knot with a couple of small stitches.

    • 15

      Glue the bow loops in place over the coated elastic or secure it with a couple of small stitches.

    • 16

      Finish the bow as described above.