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bow for cheerleaders
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5 from 1 vote

Cheer Bows with Heat Transfer Vinyl

Make cheer bows with your Cricut machine and HTV using these easy to follow instructions.
15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Author Angie Holden

What You Will Need

  • Bowdabra Bow Maker
  • Ribbon
  • Heat Transfer Vinyl
  • Cricut Machine
  • Cricut EasyPress or Iron
  • Stiffen Spray optional
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Lighter
  • Hot Glue and Glue Gun
  • Pony Tail Holders

Instructions

  • Now that you have your supplies, it is time to make the bows and add some embellishments. Be sure to pick the colors that match your team and look for a design to cut from HTV that will coordinate.

Making Ribbon Bows

  • Cut your ribbon to length. I find that 28 inches works well for large bows and 18 inches for small ones. If you are NOT using wire-edged ribbon, see my tips below for stiffening the ribbon before proceeding.
  • Start by adding wire into your Bowdabra.
  • Fold your ribbon where you have two loops of equal size and two tails of equal size.
  • Add the ribbon to the Bowdabra.
  • Push the ribbon all the way down to the bottom.
  • Use the piece for the Bowdabra to make sure the ribbon is pushed down well.
  • Wrap the wire around the center of the ribbon and pull tight. Use the wire to lift the bow out of the Bowdabra.
  • Tighten and twist the wire several times to create your bow.

Adding a Hair Tie

  • Now that you have your bow, you will want to add a hair tie to the back.
  • Use the wire to attach a pony tail holder to the back. Be sure to wrap several times and pull tight.

Finishing the Ribbon Bow

  • Cut the ends of your ribbon into a ā€œVā€ by folding in half. You can burn the ends of your ribbon with a lighter to prevent fraying.
  • Cut a small piece of a different ribbon. This ribbon can be the same or a different color. I like it to be fairly narrow.
  • Wrap it around the center and secure with a bit of hot glue in the back.
  • Trim away any excess and burn the cut end with a lighter.

Adding a Stiffening Spray (if needed)

  • For just plain grosgrain ribbon, you can use a stiffener spray over the surface and allow it to dry before beginning. This is optional but will keep your bows standing up. Just protect your work surface with paper and spray your entire length of ribbon. Allow to dry and follow the same instructions above for making a bow.

How to Put HTV on Cheer Bows

  • Why not add a design with your Cricut machine? Pick out a cute design and cut from HTV. Be sure to mirror your design and place the shiny side down on the mat when cutting.
  • Once cut, weed away all of the excess and put into place on your ribbon.
  • I usually cover my bows with a protective sheet when ironing in order to protect the ribbon.
  • Then use your Cricut EasyPress or your iron to adhere your heat transfer vinyl according to the directions on the package.
  • Peel the carrier sheet away and you have just learned how to make cheer bows!