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4 min. read
Learn how to make cheer bows at home with a simple step-by-step guide, the materials you need, and easy ideas to customize bows for your team.
Cheer bows are the finishing touch to any cheer uniform. They add personality, team spirit, and that polished look every squad wants. Store-bought bows can cost $10 to $30 or more. Making your own saves money and lets you create exactly what you want.
Here is everything you need to know about making cheer bows at home.
To make a cheer bow, cut 25–28 inches of 3-inch grosgrain ribbon. Fold it into an awareness ribbon shape, then create accordion folds in the center. Secure the center tightly with a plastic zip tie, attach an elastic hair tie, and wrap the middle with a smaller ribbon.
Fold your main ribbon in half and cut both ends diagonally or into a 'V' shape. Quickly pass the cut edges through a lighter flame to prevent fraying.
Find the center of your ribbon by folding it in half and making a crease. Lay the ribbon flat and cross the two ends over each other in the center so it resembles an "awareness ribbon". The looped top should be even, and the tails should hang down.
Bring the top loop down to the center point where the ends cross. Pinch the center with your fingers and begin accordion-folding the center (a "heel, valley, heel" pattern). Make sure both the left and right sides of the bow look perfectly even before moving on.
Slide a plastic zip tie around the center of your pleated ribbon. Before pulling it completely tight, thread your elastic ponytail holder through the back of the zip tie. Pull the zip tie as tight as you can and trim the excess plastic tail.
Add a dab of hot glue to the center of the bow, place the end of your smaller 3/8-inch ribbon, and wrap it tightly around the center a few times to hide the zip tie. Secure the final end with hot glue.
Use layers of different colors. Use a 3-inch ribbon as the base and thinner ribbons (¾ inch or less) as accents. Layer them together before folding.
Add rhinestones. Glue rhinestones in patterns along the tails or across the center. For competition bows, use lots of sparkle.
Use glitter or metallic ribbon. These ribbons reflect the light beautifully and look great on stage.
Add team initials. Use embroidery or heat-pressed vinyl to add letters or the team name.
Try different sizes. Jumbo bows (3-inch ribbon) are most popular. Regular bows use 2-inch ribbon. Traditional bows use ¾-inch ribbon. Youth cheerleaders often look better with smaller bows.
Use minimal glue for softer bows. Too much glue makes the bow stiff and hard.
Spray with stiffening spray. This helps the bow hold its shape, especially if adding heavy rhinestones.
Make it a team activity. Bow-making parties build team spirit and save everyone money.
Practice makes perfect. Your first bow might not be perfect. Keep trying. You will get better.
Making cheer bows is easy, fun, and budget-friendly. You need grosgrain ribbon, scissors, hot glue, zip ties, and ponytail holders. Cut the ribbon to 30 inches. Fold it into the bow shape. Secure the center. Attach a ponytail holder. Cover the middle. Trim the tails.
Customize with layers, rhinestones, and team colors. No sewing required.
Your homemade bows will look professional and save your squad money. Plus, making them together builds team spirit.
