How to Make Dog Hairbows

Longer-haired toy dog breeds, such as the Maltese, are especially known for being adorned with bows, but a bow can go in any dog̵7;s hair. If your dog̵7;s hair is too short for a bow, put one on the front of the dog's collar instead. Make your own hairbows, either for your own dog or to give as a gift for your dog-owning friends and family.

Things You'll Need

  • Ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Grooming bands
  • Thin wooden dowel
  • Hot glue gun
  • Centerpiece element (bead, pompom or silk flower)
  • Fabric stiffener spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 7- to12-inch length of ribbon, depending on if you want a smaller or larger bow. Cut the ends either at an angle or in a V-shape to create nicely finished bow ends.

    • 2

      Make a symmetrical loop with two tails (like making an X-shape but looped at the top) and pinch the ribbon at the center point, where it crosses over itself.

    • 3

      Push in the top of the loop and bring into the center. Gather it together at the center point to create a bow shape.

    • 4

      Place a grooming band (which is like a miniature rubber band and is available from pet grooming suppliers) on top of the center point, under your finger (still keeping it all pinched together).

    • 5

      Stretch the grooming band around the top and bottom of the bow so the ends meet in the back. Loop the ends of the grooming band around a thin wooden dowel to secure the bow in place. A chopstick or a Popsicle stick can be used if you do not have a dowel.

    • 6

      Hot glue a decorative element in the front center of the bow to hide the grooming band and secure it in place. A flat-backed bead, a pompom or a small silk flower can be used.

    • 7

      Spray the entire bow with a fabric stiffener to ensure it will keep its shape.

    • 8

      Keep the bow on the dowel until you are ready to put it in your dog̵7;s hair. Use the grooming band ends at the back of the bow for securing it around your dog̵7;s hair.