How to make a hair ribbon

1. Materials & tools

Materials (one ribbon, standard size)

• Fabric (cotton print) — about 25 × 26 cm (scraps are fine)
• A hair elastic — 1
• 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” → “Hair ribbon” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the ribbon width, the ribbon length and the tail length. Presets cover small, standard, large and with tails.
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. Trace the pattern
   Lay the pattern on the wrong side and trace both lines.
2. Cut the pieces
   One ribbon body and one wrap strip. Two tails if you want them.
3. Transfer the notches
   Mark the center of the ribbon body — that is where it gathers.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew a tube

1. Fold the ribbon body right sides together and sew the long edge into a tube.
2. Leave about 5 cm open for turning.
3. Pressing the allowance open before turning gives a cleaner edge.

4-2. Turn and close the ends

1. Turn right side out and press flat.
2. Turn the allowances at both ends inwards and topstitch closed.
3. That closes the turning gap at the same time.

4-3. Gather the middle

1. Pinch the ribbon vertically at the center notch.
2. Whip a few stitches by hand to hold the gather.

4-4. Wrap and attach the elastic

1. Fold the wrap strip in four and topstitch.
2. Wrap it round the gathered middle and stitch on the underside, catching the hair elastic as you go.
3. Turn the strip's raw ends inwards before stitching.

✏️ Gather the middle by hand first, then wrap. Relying on the wrap alone to hold the shape lets the bow spread out flat. Gathering first is what keeps it looking full over time.

5. Tips & variations

• For using up scraps: 25 × 26 cm is enough. A little of a favorite print goes a long way.
• Add tails: setting a tail length gives the bow movement.
• Interface thin fabric: fusible interfacing stops a lightweight print from collapsing.