Super Simple Knotted Elastic Hair Ties

Have you seen the knotted elastic hair ties that are so popular lately in your favorite stores?  Do you have a girl on your Christmas list who would love some?

Well I’m going to show you how to make your own and save a TON of money in the process.  Recently I was at the huge Destiny USA mall in Syracuse and these knotted ties were EVERYWHERE.  When I saw the prices on them I just about choked.  $12.50 for 5 headbands, $8.50 for 4 hair elastics.  That’s CRAZY.  Even if you go to your local drug store they are going to cost about half of that–which as far as I’m concerned is still far too much.

Recently I was in the Walmart craft aisle (not the sewing aisle–over by the jewelry making stuff) and low and behold–they had cards of the same kind of elastic cord (also known as “Fold Over Elastic” or “FOE”) in all kinds of colors and patterns for $2.50 a card! And that was for 4 colors/patterns.  Bingo! What a perfect craft to share with all of you just in time for Christmas gifting.

These bands are so easy to make that I hesitate to even call this a tutorial. I’m sure you can pretty much figure it out just from looking at the photo.

You simply cut a piece of elastic about 9 inches long, seal the ends so it doesn’t unravel (I like to use Fray Check–I’ve heard some folks just melt it with a lighter), and tie a knot in the end.

A few tips:

1) How and where you tie the knot can significantly change the size of the finished elastic–you want to only leave about a 1/4 inch sticking out, and pull the knot tight.  If the bands are too tight, then you can cut your elastic a bit longer.

2) If you are making a bunch of bands, cut them all, then fray check all the ends and hang them over something like the edges of a cardboard box to dry for a few minutes before you tie them off.

3) Packaging makes all the difference.  I created some cards using my printer and some cardstock.  (I used the Avery 6 label template–but had to trim around 1/4 to 1/8 inch off each side to make the elastics fit)

These are so easy to make and so inexpensive–you can make them for stocking stuffers, for a teen to give to friends for Christmas, or even whip up a bunch for a winter craft fair.  The cards of elastic I bought had  4.9 yards of each color ribbon on a card for $2.50 total.  I used 9 inches per hair tie which will make at least 6 hair ties of each color (with some left over) at a cost of about $.11 a tie.  That’s far, far better than the mall price of $8.50 for 4 elastics!  The glitter elastic had a bit less yardage per color, but it’s still a significant savings.

****This is a sponsored post****

Disclosure: As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I’ve received product samples and compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.