I’m sure you’ve seen them, they’re all over the place. Pretty elastic hair ties that usually come in a pack of 4 or 5. Once you used them you probably fell in love too. Not only are they an updated, more stylish, version of the regular ponytail holder but they don’t snag or dent your hair like their skinnier cousins. They’re also fabulous for little girls with sensitive heads since they don’t get tangled like the rubber ones. I wonder though if you’ve ever been as offended as I have when you turn that package of pretty ties over to see how much it costs? $6, $8, heck, this 5 pack from JCrew costs $12.50!! I’m gonna let you in on a little secret here…those cost them all of a nickel to make. If that.
Here’s the good news…you can make them too. The amount of crafty skill they require? ZERO. If you can tie a knot you can make these. 
The ties above are made of one of two kinds of elastic, fold over or stretch elastic by the yard. Some are plain, some are ruffled, a few are velvet & one is even made of elastic lace. I found all of my elastic at Michael’s, JoAnn’s & the best selection was from G Street Fabric. (At Michael’s however the elastic was located in the jewelry section, I believe it was $1.99 for a package of it) No craft store nearby? There are tons of options online, in fact just a quick search of “glitter elastic” on Etsy turned up dozens of options, one yard could easily make 4 hair ties. Next time I think I’m going to order in bulk from this site, I’ve heard you can ask them to mix up the selection so you get a little bit of everything.
Ok, so are you ready for this? Pay close attention.
Step 1: Cut a 9″ strip of elastic
Step 2: Fold the strip in half
Step 3: Tie the ends in a knot, singe ends with a lighter to keep from fraying
Step 4: Singe ends with a lighter to keep the edges from fraying
Told you it was easy.
How fun would this be for a cute craft activity at a little girl’s birthday party or heck, even a bachelorette party! A handful of them in a pretty mesh baggie would make a sweet ‘just because’ gift for a girlfriend too.
Oh, & in case you’re new to the world of elastics this what the two look like…
So am I alone here or do you also adore these little ties but think the price tag is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever seen?? Have I tempted you into making your own?
Where are you finding all the cute colored and printed elastic??
Michael’s, JoAnn’s, any fabric store or the links I put in the post…
I now have a reason to head to Michaels tomorrow! I somehow lucked out last spring when I found an 8-pack of those hair ties at Old Navy for $3. I haven’t been able to find any others since for less than $8, so I’ve been rationing their use and NEVER let friends borrow them…they’re MINE! Now I’ll make my own! I wear one on my wrist all the time, just in case I need it. Way cuter than the plain old black elastic!
I started buying foldover elastic a few years ago when my daughter was born (it’s perfect for baby headbands). I couldn’t believe it when I saw these hair ties in the stores for $$! I kind of felt bad for all the people who were spending so much on them, when anyone who knows how to make a knot could have them for pennies!
So do you use 5/8″ elastic or 3/8″?
Either one would work, it’s really just personal preference on how you like the look of the different widths…
Thanks for the tip on where to find the elastic in Michael’s. I was there today looking but couldn’t find it (or anyone to help me). I can’t wait to go back tomorrow and start making my own hair ties. So much cute than plain, old ugly black!