Make a Retro 80's Braided Ribbon Barrette

Who can forget the 80's with big hair and braided ribbon barrettes? This tutorial shows how easy it is to bring back the ribbon barrettes to pull back the 2000's hair.

Send your stylish kiddo off with one of the 80's hair staples: the braided barrette!  Old is new again with so many things and the braided ribbon barrette is no exception.

These ribbon barrettes are so cute and she should get compliments galore when she wears hers especially made by herself and her mom.

These are great for cheerleading outfits and can be made in any school colors!

Learn more about making a braided ribbon barrette by watching our video or keep reading this post.

WHAT YOU NEED to make an 80'S RETRO BRAIDED RIBBON BARRETTE

• A two-bar barrette
• Two different colors of 1/8" ribbons 
• Scissors
• Yard stick or other measuring tool
• Beads (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS to make a braided ribbon barrette

STEP 1: Choose and prepare the ribbon

Choose two complimentary colors of 1/8" ribbon.  For this tutorial, two oranges are used, but there are many color combinations that would look pretty together.

Use the scissors to cut each ribbon to 36" lengths. 

Before braiding the ribbon onto the barrette, it is important to find the center of the ribbons.  Layer the ribbons together and fold them in half to find the center.

This is where the braiding will begin.

step 2: Open the barrette and prepare to braid

The ribbon braided barrette is made on a two-bar barrette. Open the barrette and prepare to begin braiding the ribbon at the end with the hook/clasp.

There will be ribbons hanging down when the braiding is complete, and it is important that the ribbons hang down away from where the barrette clasps together.

step 3: begin braiding the ribbon barrette

Once the middle of the ribbons has been found in step 1, begin braiding at the end of the barrette by the hook. Hold the double bar barrette with the hook/clasp end facing up.

Starting at the top, hold both ribbons layered on top of one another and place the barrette in the center of the ribbons.

Hold the center of the ribbons at the top to secure them while braiding.  In time, the braiding of the ribbons will hold the middle in place.

Braiding can start from the left or the right side. For this tutorial, the braiding begins on the left side of the ribbon barrette.

Take the ends of the ribbon on the left side of the barrette and feed the two ends through the center of the barrette without twisting the ribbons.

One colored ribbon should be on top of the other when pulled tightly. Now, both sets of ribbons are towards the right side of the barrette.

Now take the ribbons on the top of the right side of the barrette and slide the ends of those ribbons through the center of the double bar barrette. 

As you pull the ribbons tight make sure that the same color of ribbon is on the top of the right side of the barrette as is on the top of the left side of the barrette.

Don't allow the ribbon to twist in the back or the ribbons will not be in the same color position on the braid. The ribbons should lie flat on both the front and the back of the ribbon barrette.

The first braid is complete and the same ribbon is showing on the left and right side of the braid.

step 4: continue braiding the ribbon

Continue with the next set of braids. Take the ends of the ribbon that are on the left side of the barrette and place them through the center of the barrette as in step 2. Make sure that the ribbon is flat so the colors stay in the right order. The second colored ribbon will show now.

Pull the ribbon tightly and hold the ends in the right hand.

Braid the 2nd side by taking the pair of ribbons that are on top of the right side and slide them through the center towards the left side of the barrette.  Pull the ribbons tight.

There should now be a second set of braids on each side of the barrette and it should show the second color ribbon.

Continue to braid back and forth in the same way. 

As you braid, push the ribbons up a bit to make sure all gaps are filled. 

The ribbon on the underside is also flat and not twisted around.

Keep braiding until the braids are all of the way to the end of the barrette and fill the barrette.

Step 5: tie off the ends of the braided ribbon barrette

To end the braiding, wrap the ribbons around the end of the barrette and to the back.  

Turn the barrette so the top is face down.  Holding a set of ribbons in each hand, make a knot on the inside of the barrette.

To secure the ribbons, make a second knot so they do not come undone.

The knots will be at the base of the barrette and hidden.  Hiding the knots gives it a more professional look.

The braided ribbon barrette is complete.

step 6: add beads (optional)

Adding beads to the ends of the ribbons are optional.  If you do not want to add beads, skip to step 7.

I have a box full of beads and selected a few with holes big enough to get the ribbon through.

Choose four beads.  I have some stars and hearts that match the ribbon colors.

String a bead onto each of the ribbons and tie a knot so the bead does not fall off of the ribbon.

Tie a second or third knot as necessary to keep the bead from slipping off the ribbon.

STEP 7: Trim Ribbons

The final step is to cut the ends of the ribbon at an angle to help prevent the ribbons from fraying.

The retro 80's braided ribbon barrette is completed and ready to wear!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on making braided ribbon barrettes. Make barrettes to coordinate with outfits, school colors, and team colors.

Have fun making them with your daughter and teach her how to make them on her own!  This would make a fun birthday party activity.

Scroll down for links to supplies for this project!

Other braiding and weaving activities

• Finger knitting
• Finger knitted friendship bracelet
• Loom Weaving is an easy, fun, old tradition craft. Kids can learn how with this tutorial.
• Two-Color Paracord Bracelets with Beads is a fun project to make.  These make wonderful gifts for friends.
• This crocheted rose hair barrette is a quick crochet project.  Watch our tutorial on making this pretty barrette.