A handmade bow can turn a simple clip, gift, or craft project into something special.
These free printable hair bow templates give you clean, reusable outlines without requiring a cutting machine or complicated pattern drafting.
Print the pages you need, cut out the shapes, and use them with felt, faux leather, cardstock, craft foam, ribbon, or other suitable materials.
The PDF includes classic layered bow pieces as well as rounded and scalloped silhouettes.
Multiple sizes make it easy to choose a subtle accent, an everyday hair bow, or a larger statement piece.
Printable Details
Title: Hair Bow Templates. Sizes: Small, medium, and large options. Page Length: 5. Paper Size: 8.5 × 11 in (portrait). File Size: 11 KB. File Type: PDF. Color: RGB (can be printed in Black & White). License: Personal Use.
Start with the classic small bow if this is your first no-sew bow project.
Use the one-inch square to confirm that the templates printed at the intended scale.
Print on cardstock when you want durable tracers that can be used more than once.
Layer a smaller rounded or scalloped shape over a larger backing piece for extra dimension.
Choose felt or faux leather for sturdy hair accessories and paper for gifts or party crafts.
Print only the pages and sizes you need to save paper and ink.
What’s Included in This Hair Bow Template PDF?
The first page contains complete small and medium classic bow sets.
Each set has a loop piece, a separate backing piece, and a center strip. Solid outlines show where to cut, while teal dashed lines show where the loop ends fold toward the middle.
The second page provides a larger classic set with more room for folding, pinching, and wrapping.
The third and fourth pages offer rounded and scalloped one-piece silhouettes in three sizes. These shapes can become flat bows, layered back pieces, gift tags, coloring shapes, or craft tracers.
The fifth page includes printing, cutting, assembly, material, and personal-use instructions.
The classic finished bow sizes are approximate because the final width can change slightly depending on how tightly you overlap, pinch, or wrap the pieces.
How to Make a Classic Layered Hair Bow
Cut the loop piece, backing piece, and center strip on the solid outlines.
Fold both ends of the loop piece inward along the dashed lines so they meet or overlap slightly at the center. Secure the overlap with an adhesive appropriate for your material.
Place the folded loop over the backing piece. Pinch or pleat the middle, then wrap the center strip around the bow and the selected clip or headband.
Secure the strip on the back and trim any excess only after checking the fit.
Warning: Hot glue and sharp cutting tools can cause injuries, so children should have adult help. Always follow the instructions for your adhesive, cutting tool, and chosen material. Test adhesive on a scrap when discoloration or heat damage is possible.
How to Print the Templates at the Correct Size
Download the PDF and open it in a PDF reader. Choose US Letter paper, portrait orientation, and 100% or Actual Size in the print settings. Turn off Fit to Page, Shrink, or other automatic scaling options.
After printing, measure the calibration square. It should be exactly one inch on every side. If it is not, check the scale setting and print the page again before tracing or cutting expensive material.
Regular printer paper works for a one-time project. Cardstock is better when you plan to trace the same template onto several sheets of felt, faux leather, or paper.
Supplies You May Need
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Craft Felt Sheets
Assorted felt sheets give you colorful material for tracing and cutting the bow templates. The slightly stiff fabric helps the finished bows hold their shape while remaining easy to work with.
Metal alligator clips provide a simple base for turning the finished fabric bows into wearable hair accessories. Attach a clip to the back of each bow after securing the center strip.
A dual-temperature glue gun helps secure the folded bow layers, center wraps, and hair clips. Its small size makes it convenient for the detailed assembly work involved in these projects.
Felt and faux leather hold their shape well for hair accessories. Cardstock, scrapbook paper, and craft foam work well for decorations and general crafts. Stable fabric can also work, especially when backed with interfacing.
Yes, but printing at a percentage other than 100% changes every piece and the calibration square. Resize all matching pieces by the same percentage so the loop, backing, and center strip stay proportional.
No. This download is licensed for personal, non-commercial use. The template files, outlines, and items made from them are not licensed for sale, redistribution, uploading, or sharing.
