I can only pass on the information that I have and the ribbon suppliers that I use. I buy the best grosgrain ribbons and I'm diligent about making my hair bows. They are true boutique quality. I've had customers tell me that they give around $8.oo apiece for bows just like them in boutique shops. So many styles to choose from and there is a site that is just for free instructions. I know of many but this one is by far the best. Also a hair bow yahoo group where the girls talk about hairbows and sewing and are always willing to pass along information of how to make a bow.
Here it is:
http://bowdesigns.50webs.com/index.html
The hairbow group is:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/freehairbows/?yguid=200229678
to join this group go to the left side of there home page and click promote and that will take you to the page to join. Lots of information and really nice friendly bowmakers.
As far as buying ribbon here are the two main ones.
The first one is so great, she sells hairbow instructions also and the best ribbons. Ribbons are sold by 5 yard lengths. For hairbow makers there is also a wholesale section where you can buy 20 or 100 yard rolls. Buy a little or buy alot.
http://theribbonretreat.com/
you can pay with your paypal account or a credit card. She also has some free instructions on her website.
The other ribbon supplier is:
http://ribbonandbowsohmy.com/
They are also real nice to work with.
You can find ribbon on ebay to but with shipping on every auctions it just makes more since to buy the 5 yard rolls from the ribbons suppliers that I mentioned above.
A three inch bow takes a length of ribbon 20 inches long. Usually 7/8 inch ribbon. So if you buy a five yard roll it will make 9 hairbows. Of course you don't have to make nine of them if you making for your child. Try using some to make a ribbon tee's or ribbon jeans. Save some of it back to make hairbows with several kinds of ribbons.
A 4 inch bow is usually made of 1-1/2 inch ribbon and you cut 29 inches.
On the free instructions website there are instructions for making 4 inch bows.
I tie my hairbows with elastic thread and some sew them. I hope to add a set of my own instruction to my website or my blog in the near future.
I buy my alligator pinch clips at Sall'y. I give 3.99 for 100 clips.
The french clips I buy from my ribbon supplier.
Hope this information helps. Your welcome to email me with any questions.
My website is http://www.judithladddesigns.com/
Have a great day, Judy
