How to make a ribbon barrette

1. Materials & tools

Materials (one barrette, standard size)

• Fabric (cotton print) — about 20 × 15 cm (scraps are fine)
• A snap hair clip, 6 cm — 1
• Craft glue
• Hand-sewing thread

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Accessories” → “Ribbon barrette” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the clip length, the clip width and the ribbon width. Presets cover small, standard, large and no ribbon.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Measure the clip
   Measure the length and width of your clip. 6 cm is the common size.
2. Trace the pattern
   Lay the pattern on the wrong side and trace the cutting line.
3. Cut the pieces
   One cover strip, plus the ribbon and wrap if you want a bow.

4. Sewing

4-1. Cover the clip

1. Fold both long edges of the cover strip to the middle so it matches the clip's width.
2. Spread a thin layer of glue on the face of the clip and lay the fabric on.
3. Fold the ends round to the underside. Clamp with a clothes peg until dry.

4-2. Make the bow

1. Fold the ribbon right sides together and sew the long edge into a tube.
2. Turn, press flat and close both ends.
3. Gather at the center notch and whip a few stitches by hand.

4-3. Wrap the middle

1. Fold the wrap strip in four and topstitch.
2. Wrap it round the gather and stitch on the underside.

4-4. Attach to the clip

1. Glue or stitch the bow to the covered clip.
2. Stitching in a few places survives washing better than glue alone.

✏️ Spread the glue thinly. Too much soaks through the fabric and dries as a stain. Spread it with a cocktail stick and clamp with a clothes peg — that is enough for a permanent bond.

5. Tips & variations

• No machine needed: the covered clip on its own can be made entirely with glue.
• Skip the bow: a plain covered clip in a good fabric looks fine on its own.
• Match the hair ribbon: the same fabric makes a pair.