How to Make Ribbon Hair Bows for Softball
For fastpitch players, softball hair bows are practically part of the uniform. From the littlest coach-pitch players to the college athletes, fans will find ribbons on ponytails.
I made these “softball streamer” or “pony-o” style softball bows for my daughter’s team, making sure they were made as tough as the girls are.
Customize ribbon colors for teams, school spirit days, or occasions. Be sure to check out all the 17 softball gifts for players and teams for more fun ideas.
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To Make Ribbon Hair Bows
If you’re making bows for a whole team, cut all the ribbon at once and make them assembly-line-style (all of step 1, then all of step 2, etc.) rather than one full bow at at time. It cuts down on having to switch out supplies over and over.
Softball Bow Supplies:
- 5-6 styles of coordinating ribbon, varied patterns and widths as desired
- Elastic ponytail band, no metal pieces
- Scissors
- Needle and coordinating thread
- Beacon Fabri-tac Adhesive or hot glue
- Lighter or heat tool
Softball Bow Instructions
- Cut ribbon in 24″ lengths. I find that older girls (10+) like the longer length rather than the shorter, poofy, style. If you’re looking for short and poofy, cut ribbons to 15-20″.
- Arrange ribbons and sew together. Next, line up ribbons in desired order, with narrower ribbons toward the top. Thread needle, knot end, and sew ribbons, weaving in and out of each ribbon as shown.
Once all the ribbons are sewn, gently tighten thread to gather ribbons together. This method will produce more volume than simply stacking the ribbons flat and stitching through them.
- Attach ribbons to ponytail holder. These are sport bows, they need to be as strong as our players are.
Stitch through ponytail holder and ribbons, wrap thread around both pieces 4-5 times, and stitch through holder and ribbons again. Knot thread, and trim excess.
- Cover thread with ribbon. Use 2″ length of ribbon (1/2″ to 5/8″ wide). Tie a half-knot in the center for a bit of extra detail, then glue knot directly in center of stitching.
Hold in place for a minute or so until glue dries. Wrap ends around to underside, and glue in place.
*note* Do not use anything containing hard plastic or metal as a decorative accent in this area if you are planning to use these bows for sports.
Those hard materials are illegal for safety reasons, and won’t be permitted on the field. The ribbon knot is perfectly legal.
- Wrap loose ends of ribbon piece around ponytail band, trimming excess if needed, and glue in place.
- Trim and seal ribbon edges. Use scissors to trim edges of ribbon so the ends of each ribbon type are even, cutting at an angle. Ribbons can be cut all the same length, or varied lengths and angles, depending on preference.
Then, seal ribbon edges and prevent fraying. Pass end of ribbon lightly over tip of lighter flame or heat tool until the cut edge just becomes glossy. (Alternately, dab white glue or decoupage medium on edges if flame or heat tool is unavailable.)
Once the ends are trimmed and sealed, you’re finished. And if you made softball hair bows for everyone, you’ll have a team full of happy girls at the next practice. Yay you!
Easy-Save Instructions for Ponytail Streamer Ribbons
Use the instruction card below to save this tutorial to your favorites, or to print. Saving makes it easy to find your tutorial later.
Make Streamer-Style Hair Bows
Make DIY hair streamer bows for softball or other sports. Customize ribbon colors for teams, school spirit days, or occasions.
Materials
- 5-6 styles of coordinating ribbon, varied patterns and widths as desired
- Elastic ponytail band, no metal pieces
- Scissors
- Beacon Fabri-tac Adhesive or hot glue
Tools
- Needle and coordinating thread
- Lighter or heat tool
Instructions
- Cut ribbon in 24" lengths. (15-20" for short poofy bows)
- Line up ribbons in desired order, with narrower ribbons toward the top. Thread needle, knot end, and sew ribbons, weaving in and out of each ribbon.Gently tighten thread to gather ribbons together.
- Stitch through ponytail holder and ribbons, wrap thread around both pieces 4-5 times, and stitch through holder and ribbons again. Knot thread, and trim excess.
- Use 2" length of ribbon (1/2" to 5/8" wide, and tie a half-knot in the center. Glue knot directly in center of stitching, then wrap ends around to back and glue in place.
- Cut ends of ribbons at an angle at desired length. Seal ends to prevent fraying by lightly passing end through flame until end just appears glossy. (seal ends with glue if flame unavailable)
Notes
If making multiple bows, save time by batching each step. Complete step 1 for all bows, then step 2, etc.
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Thanks for stopping by, have a great season!
Carla
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LOVE these Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome Suzzette, I’m glad you like them!
So cute and your directions made this super easy!! Thank you!
Love these and super easy to make used 12″ length ribbon. They turned out super cute. Thanks for sharing
Awesome! I’m glad they worked well for you!
Carla, where did you get the ribbon?
Hi Judy, Most of the ribbon for this bow came from Hobby Lobby. The exception might be the small black glittery one, which I picked up on Halloween clearance at one of the big box craft stores. I like to comb the clearance after each holiday to get cheap things like that I can use year-round.