How to make a bow?

Would you want to embellish an existing Christmas wreath with a ribbon bow? Or do you want to add flair to your wreaths, gifts or home décor with a beautifully designed bow? You may want to add a bow to accent your home decor or make a hair bow to coordinate with your outfits. If you’re going to find out how to make a ribbon bow for any of these scenarios, you will find that this post includes step-by-step instruction bow tutorials showing how to create and style DIY ribbon bows in easy ways. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or preparing for a special occasion like a wedding or Christmas, follow this guide to master the art of creating bows that add a touch of elegance to your projects.

 

How to make the easiest bow?

The most accessible bow to add to a wrapped gift involves a simple technique using a long ribbon. Learn this quick method for a polished finish, and discover additional tips for perfecting your bow-making skills.

• Start with long ribbon strands.
• More material should be used than you were expecting.
• Ensure bow tails are even; adjust if necessary.
• Customise your bow with notched or chevron-cut ends.
• Experiment with different ribbons and widths for varied styles.

 

How to choose the ribbon for bow-making?

Choosing the right ribbon is crucial for creating the perfect bow. Whether you’re making a bow for a garment or a gift, follow these tips to select the ideal ribbon texture and colour. 

• Decide the purpose of the bow for colour and texture matching.
• Choose ribbon quality based on ease of tying and desired effect.
• Experiment with different types to find your preferred style.
• Experiment with different widths to achieve the perfect look.

 

Step-by-step guide to making a bow

Crafting a beautiful bow might seem daunting, but fear not! Mastering the art of bow-making involves understanding three fundamental styles, each with its unique charm. These bows are ideal embellishments for wreaths, gifts, or even stylish accessories. Follow our step-by-step tutorials and discover the joy of crafting DIY ribbon bows.

Classic 2-loop bow with wired ribbon

Materials required

• 52 inches of wired ribbon
• 12 inches of florist wire or a pipe cleaner
• Wire cutters
• Sharp scissors

Process of making

• Create a loose “M” shape with 52 inches of wired ribbon.
• Cinch each side to form loops and cross them.
• Pull one loop through the opening under the crossed loops.
• Tighten the knot in the centre and lay the bow flat.
• Shape the loops using the wire in the ribbon.
• Attach a 12-inch florist wire to hang the bow.
• Trim the ribbon tail ends for a polished finish.
• Add multiple tails for extra fullness if desired.
• Enhance your bow with a brooch-style pin or gift tag.

Multi-loop ribbon bow

Materials required

• Three pieces of 1/2 yard wired ribbon
• Scissors
• 12 inches florist wire (optional: wire cutters)

Process of making

• Use three half-yards of wired ribbon.
• Follow the video tutorial for a visual guide.
• Start with one end of the ribbon and create loops.
• Continue making loops, including a centre loop.
• Secure the loops with a 12-inch florist wire.
• Adjust the size and shape of the bow as needed.
• It is ideal for holiday decorating with a festive ribbon.

Ribbon bow with a stapler

Materials required

• Ribbon cut into loop, tail, and knot sections
• Stapler
• Scissors

Process of making

• Cut the ribbon into loop, tail and knot sections.
• Fold the loop section and staple it to create loops.
• Find the centre of the tail section and staple it.
• Match up staples on tail and loop sections and staple.
• Lay the knot section underneath and fold one edge over.
• Tuck the raw edge under, overlap, and staple twice.
• Fluff the loops and trim the tails for a polished look.
• Experiment with variations for different effects.

See also: What are wreaths? Why are they important?

 

How to make a paper bow: A step-by-step guide

Try crafting a paper bow if you want a creative alternative to traditional ribbon bows. Perfect for small gift boxes, bridesmaid jewellery, or wedding cufflinks, these paper bows add a unique touch to your presents.

Materials required

• Bow template
• Printer
• Cardstock paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue

Process of making

• Download and print the bow template on cardstock.
• Cut out the template components.
• Apply glue to the centre of the bow cutout.
• Fold the rounded edge pieces to create bow loops.
• Attach the tail cutout to the centre of the bow loops.
• Wrap the small band cutout around the centre and glue it.
• Create unique paper bows for small gift boxes or crafts.

 

How to make a floral bow: A step-by-step guide

Floral bows are a charming addition to flower arrangements, wedding decor, or even a card box. Follow these simple steps to create a delightful floral bow using your choice of ribbon.

Materials required

• Ribbon
• Ruler
• Scissors

Process of making

• Cut a short (12 inches) and a long (1-2 yards) ribbon.
• Create loops with the long ribbon twisting at each end.
• Use the short ribbon to tie the bow loops together.
• Double knot and leave the second longer end as a tail.
• Cut the tails and fluff individual loops to your liking.
• Perfect for embellishing flower vases, corsages, and more.

See also: DIY decorations for Christmas

 

How should a bow be attached or hung?

Choose attachment method

Decide between glue dots or florist wire based on your preference and the surface to which you attach the bow.

Proper glue application

Apply a single glue dot or a dab of hot glue on a sealed surface for a secure attachment without causing damage when removed.

Utilise florist wire

Ensure stability using florist wire, especially when attaching bows to various objects or surfaces.

Consider sealed surfaces

Opt for glue dots for sealed surfaces, allowing for a professional finish while being easily removable without harm.

Explore budget-friendly options

Find beautiful ribbons at affordable stores or explore online platforms like Amazon for various options.

Ensure stability and professional finish

Regardless of the method chosen, aim for stability and a professional appearance in securing your bows.

 

FAQs

What type of ribbon is best for bows?

Various ribbon types, from velvet to grosgrain, can be used. Wired ribbon holds its shape well, while tulle and crepe paper offer festive alternatives.

Can I make bows without a wired ribbon?

Yes, bows can be made with various types of ribbons. Wired ribbon helps maintain the bow shape, but experimentation with different materials is encouraged.

How much ribbon is required for making a bow?

The amount of ribbon depends on the size of the bow, but starting with 15 to 20 inches is a good rule of thumb.

What’s the easiest way to add a bow to a wrapped gift?

Simply take a long length of ribbon, wrap it around the gift, and tie it like your shoelaces.

How do I ensure both bow tails are even?

Measure the bow tails after tying, and trim the longer tail to match the shorter one.

Can I make a bow with a stiff ribbon?

Yes, but additional help like wiring or stitching might be needed for stiff ribbons.

Can I use tulle or crepe paper to make bows?

Yes, tulle and crepe paper can make festive bows and are budget-friendly options at craft stores.

What’s the best method for hanging a bow on a surface?

Use a glue dot on a sealed surface or hang the bow with wire for a secure attachment.

How can I customise my bow for a special touch?

Consider cutting the ends diagonally for a classy look or adding a charm in the centre for a personalised touch.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com