4 hair bow supplies you need to make your own hair bows
![]() Now that you have decided to give bow making a try, you will need some hair bow supplies to get started. But what to buy?
Before You Forget... Claim YOUR Free Hair Bow Lesson! Every project needs the right tools for the job. You don't want to spend too much money or too much time getting frustrated with materials that don't work. The fact is, the tools you need to start making hair bows will not cost you much at all and you can easily find them without running all over town. In fact, you can get everything you need shipped right to your door when you shop online! This article will highlight four main hair bow supplies - ribbons, glues, scissors and embellishments. Jump To... |
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hair bow ribbons

Obviously ribbons are the key ingredient in hair bow supplies. You should start saving ribbons from gifts you have received and shop for ribbon by checking the clearance section at your local craft store.
Hair bow ribbons are very inexpensive to stock up on.
Different types of ribbons produce different types of bows. You should definitely purchase some of the following different types of ribbon:
Next you should purchase a high temperature glue gun. You want a high temp one because it's the best way to secure your hair bow.
Hair bow ribbons are very inexpensive to stock up on.
Different types of ribbons produce different types of bows. You should definitely purchase some of the following different types of ribbon:
- Grosgrain Ribbon
- Taffeta Ribbon
- Tulle Ribbon
- Organza Ribbon
- Velvet Ribbon for the holidays
- Satin Ribbon for layering
- Printed Ribbon
(Choose some holiday patterns, team colors or flower prints for variety)
Next you should purchase a high temperature glue gun. You want a high temp one because it's the best way to secure your hair bow.
Hair bow making supplies... High temp glue guns

Glue guns work best in that they are fast drying (I know, it's not actually wet but that is the accepted term. You can call it setting if you prefer) When you use a glue gun you don't want to have to sit there for an hour trying to hold your hair bow together while it dries.
See All Our Recommended Hot Melt Glue Guns And Accessories Here!
However, you do need to be careful while you are learning to use a glue gun to avoid burns. Here's a tip for you… keep a bowl of cool water on your work table . If you get some glue on your finger stick it in the water right way. Remember, safety first!
While you are practicing, don't worry if you get some glue somewhere on the ribbon where it should not be. Just stick the bow in the freezer to harden the glue and then carefully pull it off.
Glue guns come in all different sizes ranging in price from $5 to $20 with refill glue sticks ranging from $3 to $5 for packs of 25 sticks. You can even purchase a glue gun stand to add to your hair bow supplies for around $4, so you don't have to keep laying your hot glue gun on the table.
See All Our Recommended Hot Melt Glue Guns And Accessories Here!
However, you do need to be careful while you are learning to use a glue gun to avoid burns. Here's a tip for you… keep a bowl of cool water on your work table . If you get some glue on your finger stick it in the water right way. Remember, safety first!
While you are practicing, don't worry if you get some glue somewhere on the ribbon where it should not be. Just stick the bow in the freezer to harden the glue and then carefully pull it off.
Glue guns come in all different sizes ranging in price from $5 to $20 with refill glue sticks ranging from $3 to $5 for packs of 25 sticks. You can even purchase a glue gun stand to add to your hair bow supplies for around $4, so you don't have to keep laying your hot glue gun on the table.
hair bow supplies... scissors

When choosing scissors it is not necessary to spend a lot of money, but you should make sure they are sharp and of good quality. Better scissors will make better cuts and will help keep your ribbon from fraying.
Once you do find scissors that you like, you should only use them to cut your ribbon and fabric. Do not use them to cut anything else in the house. This will insure they are always sharp.
In fact, I use a sharpie pen to write "fabric" or "ribbons"on the handle of my Fiscars to remind everyone NOT to use them for other things.
There are also scissors that come in a variety of decorative edges. These will produce wavy lines and other patterns as you cut your ribbon. These are a little harder to cut with so they must be of HIGH quality and VERY sharp to work well on ribbons!
NO EXCEPTIONS!
But the effect they produce is nice and unique so you may want to consider adding these to your hair bow supplies down the line. Just be sure to heat seal the edges of ribbons cut with this type of scissors IMMEDIATELY!
Once you do find scissors that you like, you should only use them to cut your ribbon and fabric. Do not use them to cut anything else in the house. This will insure they are always sharp.
In fact, I use a sharpie pen to write "fabric" or "ribbons"on the handle of my Fiscars to remind everyone NOT to use them for other things.
There are also scissors that come in a variety of decorative edges. These will produce wavy lines and other patterns as you cut your ribbon. These are a little harder to cut with so they must be of HIGH quality and VERY sharp to work well on ribbons!
NO EXCEPTIONS!
But the effect they produce is nice and unique so you may want to consider adding these to your hair bow supplies down the line. Just be sure to heat seal the edges of ribbons cut with this type of scissors IMMEDIATELY!
Hair Bow Embellishments

Finally, adding embellishments such as glitter, beads, sequins, and small plastic or metal charms will only enhance and beautify your hair bows.
You want your hair bows to be unique and stand out and sparkle. Embellishments are fun and easy to add with just a drop of hot glue or a needle and thread. They are inexpensive and come in packs of assorted sizes and colors.
The important thing is to wait until your hair bow is completely dry and secure before adding the embellishment. You don't want to undo all your hard work because you were a little impatient to get the rhinestones in place.
Even though making your own hair bows is both fun and easy, we know mishaps like this can happen because we've "been-there, done-that". Hopefully you have looked into and signed up for our free hair bow making instructions so you don't have to learn the hard way like we did!
The good news is that purchasing these supplies is not an overwhelming task. As we've already mentioned, all of them can be found right here online or at your local craft store.
As you shop for your hair bow supplies remember that these will be your personal creations, so make them unique and have fun!
You want your hair bows to be unique and stand out and sparkle. Embellishments are fun and easy to add with just a drop of hot glue or a needle and thread. They are inexpensive and come in packs of assorted sizes and colors.
The important thing is to wait until your hair bow is completely dry and secure before adding the embellishment. You don't want to undo all your hard work because you were a little impatient to get the rhinestones in place.
Even though making your own hair bows is both fun and easy, we know mishaps like this can happen because we've "been-there, done-that". Hopefully you have looked into and signed up for our free hair bow making instructions so you don't have to learn the hard way like we did!
The good news is that purchasing these supplies is not an overwhelming task. As we've already mentioned, all of them can be found right here online or at your local craft store.
As you shop for your hair bow supplies remember that these will be your personal creations, so make them unique and have fun!