How To Make Dog Bows? 5 Easy Steps to Style Your Pooch

If you’re a dog owner, you surely love to spend time with your furry friend. You probably wish you could make them even more adorable than they already are – and what better way to do that than by adding cute bows to their hair?

But where to start? How difficult can it be to make dog bows from scratch? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you may think!

In this article, we will show you a simple yet effective tutorial on how to style your pooch with one-of-a-kind bows. With just five easy steps, you’ll enhance your dog’s appearance and add an extra touch of personality.

“Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.” -Roger Caras

Forget about spending money on pre-made bow ties. Making them yourself is fun, cheap, and tailored to your tastes and your pup’s needs. Plus, creating crafts for your pet can be incredibly rewarding, and you don’t need any particular skills or tools.

Ready to get started? Grab your supplies and follow our guide to learning how to make dog bows:

Choose the Right Ribbon

Making dog bows can be challenging but rewarding. One of the key components to making a great dog bow is selecting the right ribbon for your project. Here are some things you should consider when choosing the perfect ribbon:

Consider the Occasion

The occasion will dictate the type of ribbon you select for your dog bow project. For example, if it’s for a festive event such as Christmas or Halloween, you might want to choose brightly colored ribbons with fun patterns that match the occasion.

If the dog bow is for a more formal event like a wedding, competition or photo shoot, you’ll want to opt for ribbons with subtle shades and elegant designs such as chiffon or satin.

“For dogs to look their best in show rings they must have clean grooming; which includes shiny coats, cleanly brushed teeth, daily ear care and well-trimmed nails” – American Kennel Club

Choose the Right Width and Material

Ribbon width is key because it determines the size of the bow and how it sits on the dog. Generally, smaller breeds require narrower ribbon widths whereas larger breeds need wider ones.

The material used for the ribbon also affects its durability and longevity. Some popular materials include satin, grosgrain, organza, velvet, and taffeta. Satin is an excellent choice because it drapes well and has a luxurious feel. Grosgrain ribbon is durable and heavy making it ideal for active dogs who love being outdoors.

“The Havanese loves people and will do anything to please them. They aren’t barkers or aggressive. The happy-go-lucky breed is good with children.” – Dogtime.com

When using delicate fabrics like organza, it’s important to reinforce the ribbon because it can easily fray and tear when your playful furry friend is running around.

Velvet ribbons are perfect for cold weather as they help keep your dog warm. They also work well when used in conjunction with other materials such as satin or chiffon to create a layered look.

“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen” – Orhan Pamuk

All things considered, making dog bows can be a fun and fulfilling activity especially if you pick the right colors, materials, and sizes for each occasion. It takes some practice to get it right, so don’t worry if the first few attempts don’t turn out perfectly. With time, dedication, patience, and attention to detail, you’ll soon become an expert at dressing up your furry buddy.

Measure and Cut the Ribbon

Measure the Length of the Ribbon

The first step in making a dog bow is to measure the length of the ribbon needed for your desired size of the bow. The length of the ribbon you cut will depend on the size of your dog and how big you want the bow to be. If you have a small dog, you may only need a few inches of ribbon, while larger dogs will require longer lengths.

To get an estimate of how much ribbon you’ll need, keep in mind that a standard 5-inch bow requires around 12-14 inches of ribbon. Measure using a tape or a measuring tool if possible. Ensure the measurement is taken from one end of the ribbon to the other so that it includes enough excess ribbon to form the bow itself.

Use Sharp Scissors to Cut the Ribbon

In order to create neat and consistent cuts, utilizing sharp scissors is extremely crucial when cutting ribbons. Always use fabric or crafting scissors because they are specifically designed to make precise cuts through soft materials like ribbons without fraying the edges.

“Choosing high-quality scissors with stainless steel blades is essential for making accurate cuts effortlessly.” -Cut It Fine

Make Sure the Ends are Neatly Cut

To ensure a polished look when creating dog bows, one must be careful not to leave any ragged ends after cutting ribbon. To accomplish this, make sure the tips of the scissors blade are as flush against the fabric surface. Pull tight each side of the material before cutting it which prevents movement and provides better results.

Seal the Ends with a Lighter or Fray Check

Fraying ends could lose charm and ruin the overall appearance, hence sealing these ends to prevent them from fraying is essential. After carefully cutting the ribbon, run a lighter flame clean across the cut edge to melt any stray or ragged threads that are likely to appear on the surface of the fabric.

If using an open flame is not preferable, apply Fray Check instead. This liquid sealant is a great item for finishing ribbons’ edges and preventing fraying over time. It’s a clear solution applied with an applicator brush onto each end of the ribbon, which then quickly dries within an hour.

“Using a lighter can ruin the ground finish of the ribbon by burning it or leaving residues, hence use fray check tools as more reliable sources.” -Parti Yorkie Secrets

Make the Bow Loops

Create the First Loop

The first step in making a dog bow is to create the first loop. Begin by taking a length of ribbon and folding it over, creating the loop. Pinch the center of where the ribbon folds together between your thumb and forefinger.

Next, take another small piece of ribbon and wrap it around the pinched area, tying it into a knot to secure the loop in place. This can be done with wire as well if you prefer a sturdier hold.

Create the Second Loop

The second loop is created similarly to the first. Take another length of ribbon and fold it over, creating the second loop that will sit on top of the first. Hold this loop in place with your fingers so it lines up with the first loop.

Take another small piece of ribbon or wire and tie it around the pinch point like before, securing both loops together. Adjust the size and positioning of each loop until you’re happy with their appearance.

Make the Center Loop

To make the center loop, cut a smaller length of ribbon than used for the previous two loops. Fold it over just like before but this time, twist the ribbon 180 degrees before pinching it together with your fingers.

Use your other hand to form the ribbon into a loop shape while still holding it twisted. Tie off the middle of the bow with yet another small piece of ribbon or wire, keeping the twist locked in place.

“When I’m working on something, I proceed as if no one else has ever done anything worthwhile.” -Steve Jobs

You should now have three loops tied neatly together, forming the base of your dog bow. Take a moment to adjust their positioning and fluff them up if needed. The end result should be an eye-catching bow that’s both simple and chic.

Secure the Bow with a Knot or Glue

If you want to make your dog look cute and stylish, making bows can be a great way to do it. However, it is essential to secure the bow properly so that it doesn’t fall off when your furry friend moves around. Here are two ways to secure the bow.

Tie a Knot in the Center of the Bow

The first method to secure the bow is by tying a knot at the center. To begin, take a piece of ribbon and loop it into an X shape. Now, bring the sides of the ribbon up toward the middle of the X, where they meet. Tie them together tightly in a knot, ensuring that both ends of the ribbon have roughly equal lengths.

You should adjust the length according to your preference and the size of your dog. In general, small dogs require smaller-sized bows. After you tie the bow together, ensure that all loops of the ribbon face upward and correctly adjusted before securing it to the fur.

Use Glue to Secure the Knot

The second method involves using glue for extra security. Start by creating the bow as usual and then tightening the knot in the center. And if there is no texture on the bottom side of the ribbon, consider applying some hot glue to reinforce the knot’s hold. Make sure that the bow does not spin out of shape or loses its form while the glue dries completely. Using too much adhesive may also ruin the whole look of the finished bow.

If your dog has long hair, use a clipper comb to prepare a clean area for gluing. Once the surface is neat and free of hair strands, add a dab of hot glue to each corner of the knot. Carefully press the bow onto the designated spot, let it dry, and you are done. Remember to be very gentle while pressing the bow down so that you don’t end up burning your dog.

Making bows for your dogs can be a fun and creative activity. However, it’s essential to ensure that they’re secure enough before letting your dog wear them out in public. Try to make sure the size is appropriate, and the knot is tied correctly or glued well before fixing it onto the dog’s fur.

Attach the Bow to Your Dog’s Collar

If you have finally made your dog bow, it is time to attach it to their collar. There are different ways of attaching a bow to your dog’s collar, and we will discuss some of them in this article.

Use a Twist Tie or Elastic Band to Attach the Bow

The easiest way to attach the bow to your dog’s collar is by using a twist tie or elastic band. First, position the bow on the collar where you want it. Then take the elastic band or twist tie and wrap it around the middle part of the bow. Make sure that it is snugly fit but not too tight to avoid hurting your furry friend’s neck. Once done, fasten it onto the collar with another twist tie or elastic band.

This method is easy and effortless, but the downside is that it may come off quickly or loosen up as your dog plays around. It works best for a temporary attachment or if you plan to change the look often.

Sew the Bow to the Collar for a More Permanent Attachment

If you prefer a more permanent and secure fix, consider sewing the bow directly onto the dog collar. You will need a needle and thread that matches the color of the collar and bow. Before stitching, ensure to hold the bow onto the collar and decide the exact place where you want it attached.

Take the threaded needle and poke through one end of the bow from inside to outside of the material. While holding the bow firmly in place, push the needle through the collar, creating a small stitch that holds the bow onto it. Repeat the process at least twice more to sew the bow securely in place. Knot the string and cut off the remaining threads once complete.

“Sewing is not just for grandmas anymore. You can create simple decorative designs that show off your furry friend’s fashion sense by learning to sew them onto their collar.” -Unknown

This method takes a bit of time and skill, but it ensures that the bow will stay attached longer, adding an extra flair to your dog’s style without worry about losing it.

Attaching a bow to your dog’s collar is easy, whether you opt for temporary or permanent attachment methods. With this guide, you can now add a pop of color to your furry friend’s collar with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions