These two cheerleaders are wearing fancy cheer bows which complement their outfits.
Cheerleading is a popular sport for young girls and older girls alike. Whether it’s Pop Warner, high school cheerleading or competitive cheerleading, it is likely that at one point or another cheer bows will be necessary. Cheer bows class up a cheerleading outfit by giving a distinct style that helps to set each cheer squad apart from the others. Armed with creativity, a glue gun, ribbons, barrettes and ponytail elastics, you can make cheer bows at home for a reasonable price.
Instructions
1. Choose a ribbon that is complementary to the cheerleading outfits. For example, if the primary color of the outfit is navy blue with accenting colors such as white and gold, find a white or gold fabric and accent it with the navy blue. You need approximately 20 inches of ribbon to create a cheer bow.
2. Add another fabric to the ribbon. Many indivduals like to place fabric behind the ribbon in order to give it a different style such as illustrated in the picture above. You will need an 8 by 10 piece of fabric. If you decide to do this, you will need to cut the fabric into strips and attach it to the ribbon. You can do this by placing the ribbon on top of the fabric or gluing pieces of fabric to the outside of the ribbon. This step must be completed before you proceed and the glue must be dry.
3. Decide whether you want to use ponytail elastics or a barrette. Ponytail elastics tend to stay on better during performances. However, barrettes are easier to make and often easier to fix.
4. Create the ribbon. Now is the time to get creative and make your cheer bow flashy. If you want to add sequins, glitter or other decorations, use a hot glue gun to attach it to the ribbon. Allow everything to dry.
5. Tie the ribbon in a tight bow. Make sure it is exactly the way you want it because this is how the ribbon will look once it is attached to the hardware.
6. Attach the ribbon to the hardware. Use your hot glue gun to attach the ribbon to the barrette or ponytail elastic. Allow the glue to dry. For extra security, wrap another ribbon around the center of the bow and tie it in a knot. The part that shows on the front of the bow should be smooth. Either cut off the excess ribbon or leave it attached and use scissors to create curls.
7. Test the ribbon. Attach the ribbon to your hair or another individual’s hair and see how it looks. Jump around a little bit. The ribbon should not bend or move. It should stay in place. If you’re not satisfied, make adjustments and retest it.
