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How to Make Korker Hair Bows!

June 16, 2011 By Heidi 53 Comments

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

Learn how to make Korker Hair bows with this easy DIY tutorial!

How to Make Korker Hair Bows

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Have you been wondering How to Make Korker Hair Bows with the curly ribbon??

Well, check out this easy Korker Hair Bow Tutorial below…

Related:

  • Fun Crafts To Do that Anyone Can Enjoy! {huge list}

How to Make Korker Hair Bows

What You’ll Need:

  • Grosgrain Ribbon ~ 3/8″
  • Dowels ~ 1/4″ by 12″
  • Clothespins ~ regular or mini
  • Alligator Hair Clip or Barrette
  • Glue Gun

What You’ll Do:

First, you’ll start by gluing ribbon to an alligator clip ~ go here for step-by-step instructions ~ or you can also just use a barrette!

Now… on to the korkers!  Wrap ribbon around dowel, and secure each end with a clothespin.  {I used mini clothespins}

Place on foil-lined cookie sheet…

Bake at 250 degrees for 20 minutes.  {yep… I know it’s weird, but trust me… it works!} 😉

Allow dowels to cool, then carefully remove super-cute corkscrew ribbons from the dowels ~ you can gently unwind them…


…or just slide them right out…

You can experiment with how many ribbons you’ll use, depending on how full you want your bow.  I used 7 ribbons for this bow.

It’s time to cut your ribbons to your desired length… my corkscrews were around 12″ long, so I cut them into thirds… with each piece ending up around 4″ long…

Angle cut the edges of the ribbon, then quickly run the ends of the ribbons under quick flame to prevent them from fraying.  {no burning your fingers… mm-kay??}

Then start stacking the ribbons, alternating the colors.  Keep them pressed together neatly in the middle….

Once you’re done, you’ll tie the last piece of korker ribbon left around the middle, like this…

Fluff the ribbons… and you’ve got a seriously CUTE korker bow!

Now it’s time to glue them onto the top of your alligator clip or barrette {knot side facing down} ~ and you’re all done!! 🙂

For more fun 4th of July Hair Clip ideas, check out these…

4th of July Clippies ~ go here for instructions

4th of July Clippie Bows ~ go here for instructions

Pretty Flower Clips ~ go here for instructions

A BIG thanks to frugal friends Danielle & Denon for sharing the tips and tricks to make these adorable korker bows!

Get inspired with more fun Hair Clip Tutorials and Ideas here…

How to Make Cute DIY Hair Clips

Hair Clips

DIY Flower Hair Clips and Headbands

DIY Hair Clips and Headbands

DIY Double Ribbon Hair Bows

Baby Hair Clippies

Fabric Flower Tutorial

Fabric Flower Headbands

Simple Ribbon Organizer

Hair Clip Holder

Fun Ribbon Storage Ideas

Ribbon Storage

Fun Crafts To Do that Anyone Can Enjoy! {huge list}

How to Make Korker Hair Bows at TheFrugalGirls.com

Filed Under: 4th of July, Crafts

Comments

  1. Angela Heap says

    May 8, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Looking at making some of these for the girls I coach for netball here is Australia.

    Just wondering if you need to wet the dowel prior to baking.

    Also does anyone know the oven temp conversion for Australian ovens :p

    Reply
  2. Amanda says

    December 19, 2016 at 11:15 am

    Does this also work for the polyester ribbon with metallic in it!?

    Reply
  3. Tingz says

    July 2, 2016 at 9:48 am

    My 3 yr old niece and I had a great time making these. Didn’t see the starch tip until after we finished round 1 but will be sure to try it on the next batch. Thanks for the fun!

    Reply
  4. Jo says

    August 21, 2015 at 11:39 am

    Love making bows for my Multipoo puppy..Want to make these, any suggestions for sizes? I usually use 5/8 ribbon.

    Reply
  5. Shireenfinkle says

    June 19, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    love these I’m making these for all of my nieces and granddaughters. The 4th of July is huge here in Kirkland. Can’t wait!!

    Reply
  6. Diane R says

    December 17, 2014 at 12:03 pm

    Just wondering if the curl is a permanent thing or if it will unwind over time.

    Reply
    • Sue says

      August 20, 2017 at 7:33 pm

      Spray with a stiffener spray. I use kryolec clear gloss. It works great. Tried hairspray but doesn’t hold as well.

      Reply
  7. Maddie says

    June 2, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    This will definitely help! Now I can add onto my bows! thanks!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      June 2, 2014 at 2:55 pm

      You’re very welcome, Maddie! Have FUN making your bows!

      Reply
  8. Cecilia Ayers says

    May 20, 2013 at 5:38 pm

    Fray check is safer to use on the ends of ribbon.

    Reply
  9. Cecilia Ayers says

    May 20, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    Fray check is a great product to use on ribbon. Much safer!

    Reply
  10. Heather says

    January 13, 2013 at 4:42 pm

    Awesome thank you! I have been searching everywhere how to do this!

    Reply
  11. Kiki says

    August 26, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    How do you get it to fluff so nicely/evenly? I couldn’t get mine to look like yours for the life of me! The ribbon keeps bunching together & only going out to the sides, exposing the middle part where the tying ribbon is. I can’t get it to fluff all around & look uniform. Any tips?

    Reply
    • Kristina says

      March 8, 2016 at 3:55 am

      Use a needle and poke it through halfway, stack each ribbon in the needle before puking it all the way through. It will help keep everything centered while you even the ribbons out.

      Reply
  12. Susan says

    June 18, 2012 at 7:26 am

    Does Anyone know how you can stop colours running when Korking. Using dark ribbons with white Polka Dots in it the dots never remain pure white?
    Great tips though as I’ve never used tin foil.

    Reply
  13. Dawn Arant says

    May 7, 2012 at 2:12 pm

    Thanks for the help. I’ve been wanting to make these to add to my bows & such on my business page. Thanks a lot for the simple & easy directions. Can’t wait to try them!

    Reply
  14. Shalise says

    May 5, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    Thanks I love doing these and I have not done the foil before but I think I will. I also love to spray the ribbon with starch before baking, I found it keeps the curl better.

    Reply
  15. carlee says

    March 11, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    my favorite bow size is extra large

    Reply
  16. Shannon says

    September 12, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    *helpful hint to ease frustration*
    if you spray the ribbon with some NATURAL starch, they will come out stiff, keeping their shape for YEARS to come! Do not use a toxic/flammable starch in your oven though, and increase the oven time to 30-35 min. 🙂

    Reply
  17. sue c says

    July 7, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    ahhhh, i have been looking for curling ribbon and couldn’t find. now i know how to make curly bows. thanks for the tips!

    Reply
  18. Richelle Gonelli says

    July 4, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    I LOVED these cute little bows. Unfortunately my daughter has outgrown hairbows. HOWEVER – she has NOT outgrown cute flip-flops! Guess what I did? I used your “recipe” for corker hair bows and instead put them on flip-flops. My daughter and I ended up with the CUTEST little flip-flops for 4th of July!! They are so cute, I’m going to make some for every holiday (Well, maybe not Christmas. Actuallly – we live in Texas so I could probably even wear them in December!!) Thanks for the tutorial and great idea!!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      July 5, 2011 at 3:17 pm

      Great idea, Richelle!! 😉

      ~ Heidi

      Reply
  19. Jenny D. says

    July 2, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    I am literally about to make these right now…so excited. Bought everything I’d need last night at Michael’s (LOVE their $1 ribbon bin!!). Can’t wait to see how these turn out! My Neices and my Cousins Daughters are going to love them!! Oh, and for how cheap these are to make, I will NEVER let anyone I know spend $10-$15 on these ever again!!

    Reply
  20. Kerry says

    June 29, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    I love making these and they hold up very well. The satin/soft ribbon does not work well at all for the curls. I found the ribbon must be grosgrain ribbon or it will not work. I have tried the other ribbons as experiments and even with the starch the curl does not hold up. My girls have several different ones we bought and I will usually buy the ribbon on the off season when it is on sale and make the bows for the next year holiday!

    Reply
  21. katie says

    June 22, 2011 at 8:44 am

    so cute! i’m totally going to make these for like every holiday! thank you!

    Reply
  22. caroline @ c.w.frosting says

    June 19, 2011 at 11:59 am

    Great tutorial & fun hair clips! Would have never thought to heat set using an oven!

    Reply
  23. Theresa says

    June 18, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    I’ve always wondered how to make korkers!

    I gave this a go tonight and had trouble getting the ribbons to stay spaced how I liked them when I tied the last ribbon on. Instead, I just used a needle and thread. One quick stitch up and back through secures them really nicely!

    Reply
  24. Michelle says

    June 18, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    I tried once to make a korker but it didn’t go too well but this has some tips that might make it actually turn out right. Can’t wait to try again, thanks!

    Reply
  25. Tracey says

    June 18, 2011 at 9:39 am

    These would be cute for cheerleaders also! 🙂 Just make them a little bigger.

    Reply
  26. cathi carpenter says

    June 17, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    Oh my golly how stinkin cute are those and HEY! Thanks for the tip on makin the bows all curly…never knew how to do that!! So cute!!!

    Reply
  27. Jenn says

    June 17, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    An easy way to seal the edges of the ribbon, use a T-lite candle and hold the ribbon with an alligator clip. No burned fingers and you don’t have to try and hold the lighter!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      June 17, 2011 at 4:20 pm

      That’s a great tip, Jenn! 😉

      ~ Heidi

      Reply
  28. Noelle says

    June 17, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    I have spent so much on bows for my daughter. I am SO excited to start making them on my own. Not that she needs anymore! lol

    Reply
  29. Donna B says

    June 17, 2011 at 11:11 am

    I HAVE GOT TO TRY THIS!!!
    I’ve always wondered how to make these things!!

    Reply
  30. Laura says

    June 17, 2011 at 9:02 am

    Thanks so much for sharing this! I’ve got an almost five year old daughter who loves anything girly…she’s going to love these! We’ve also got a 15 month old daughter who wants to do everything like her big sister, so we’ll have to make matching bows for the girls :).

    Reply
  31. Page says

    June 17, 2011 at 8:52 am

    Quick question…I have made these bows before this way and find that the ribbon doesn’t stay curled. They look cute at first, but then end up barely curled after a couple weeks. I even tried spraying them with starch before putting them in the oven. Did you have this problem, or is it just me? Thanks for any input. Love your site!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      June 17, 2011 at 8:59 am

      Hi Page ~ hmm… I honestly haven’t had any problem with the curls coming out. I wonder if it might have to do with the temperature or amount of time they were in the oven?

      ~ Heidi

      Reply
      • Marie Lindahl says

        June 17, 2011 at 9:36 am

        You can try using liquid starch….dip them in it before wrapping or use the spray kind and spray after wrapping them. You can also try using Stiffen Stuff spray. It isn’t cheap, but works to make ribbon stiffer and stay the way it is shaped. The only thing you have to remember is to clean out the spray head with warm water when finished or the spray will clog the nozzle.

        Reply
      • Marie Lindahl says

        June 17, 2011 at 9:38 am

        If the ribbons won’t stay curled… You can try using liquid starch….dip them in it before wrapping or use the spray kind and spray after wrapping them. You can also try using Stiffen Stuff spray. It isn’t cheap, but works to make ribbon stiffer and stay the way it is shaped. The only thing you have to remember is to clean out the spray head with warm water when finished or the spray will clog the nozzle.

        Reply
      • lindsay says

        March 4, 2013 at 4:44 am

        i do 275 for 20-25 min i spray with starch before and after. keeps them curled. my new problem is using satin ribbon or ribbon with like glittery designs. they like to bleed or melt. i’m guessing lower temp and less time. ideas?

        Reply
    • Emily says

      June 17, 2011 at 11:39 am

      Could this be a humidity “problem?” I wonder where ya’ll live. I say that because it is pretty humid here in Iowa.

      Reply
      • Page says

        June 17, 2011 at 11:53 pm

        Thanks for the replies! I’ve tried both spray and liquid starch. I’ve also left them in longer than 20 minutes and increased the temperature in the oven some. I will see if I can find the Stiffen Stuff. 🙂

        Reply
        • Daneta says

          June 29, 2011 at 5:49 pm

          I have been making hair bows for a few years now (have sold a few) and have learned a few tips along the way…some trial and error and some by searching the internet.
          -Light ribbon takes longer to curl than dark. (don’t know why, but have experienced and found discussions online about it)
          -I find I have to “cook” my ribbon MUCH longer than the instructions (not just these) always say.
          -Some ribbons, depending on their content just take totally different times to curl and some (like some printed ribbon) doesn’t hold curl well.
          Stiffen Stuff is AMAZING! It is pricey, but I always use a 40% off one item Michael’s coupon to get it cheaper…After cooking the ribbon, I spray with stiffen stuff, let dry then spray 1 or 2 more times! makes them extra crunchy and it holds REALLY well!
          -I always use a dowel that is slightly smaller than my ribbon width and make sure to TIGHTLY wrap the ribbon around the dowel! Hope you have better luck!! 😀

          Reply
          • Page says

            June 29, 2011 at 10:24 pm

            GREAT tips! Thanks SO very much!

            Reply
        • Kristina says

          March 8, 2016 at 3:51 am

          I use a ribbon curler and starch spray. The curler is available at Michael’s.

          Reply
  32. Shauna Gaskill says

    June 17, 2011 at 8:49 am

    I cannot wait to try this with my girls, they have been bugging me for hair bows, or fancy hair ties, and the $ is just a little nuts. I am not sure how I ended up with a couple of girly girls, but these are right up their alleys

    Reply
  33. MaryAnn says

    June 16, 2011 at 11:18 pm

    Oh my daughter is going to love making these 4th of July hair bows. She’s been making different ones this week as she’s creative. She works at Michael’s part time so buys all her creative merchandise from them to make these bows. They are so cute on the ones she made so far. She told me she rather make her own than pay $5.00 or more for a plain simple from the stores.

    Reply
  34. Sara says

    June 16, 2011 at 8:46 pm

    If barrettes don’t work for you (my daughter has very fine hair and barrettes slide out too easily), you can do the same, only add a ponytail holder before you secure the center piece of ribbon.

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      June 16, 2011 at 8:48 pm

      Great tip, Sara!

      ~ Heidi

      Reply
  35. Heidi says

    June 16, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    Aww ~ I’m so glad you like the tutorial! They’re so fun {and simple} to make!! 😉

    ~ Heidi

    Reply
  36. Diane says

    June 16, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    Those are so adorable! Thank you for posting this! I love to make bows for my daughter and her friends. I have always wondered how to make the ribbon curly. I would have never thought to wrap the ribbon around a dowel and then bake it in the oven!!

    Reply
  37. Julie {buildsewreap} says

    June 16, 2011 at 7:54 pm

    Oh these are so cute, I really need to make some for the little girls I know and not just because I never knew you could put ribbon in the oven and am dying to try it. Thanks for the tutorial, soooo cute!

    Reply
  38. Denise says

    June 16, 2011 at 7:46 pm

    OH MY GOSH, my daughter is sooooo going to love me after I make these! Thanks!!!!

    Reply

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Hey there... it's so nice to meet you! I'm Heidi: a Frugal Girl living in sunny Arizona! I love sharing Easy Recipes, DIY Decor, Style & Beauty Hacks, Gardening Tips, Travel Hacks, and Creative Ways to Live the Sweet Life on a Budget. I'm so glad you're here!
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