Many people are baffled when it comes to making bows. But, actually, constructing one is not all that complicated if you have step-by-step directions to follow. Here are some of our favorite bows with a list of needed supplies and directions to make sure yours come out perfect the first time.
Project 1 – How to Make a Bow for a Wreath That’s Big and Loopy
Image Source: Etsy
This is the perfect bow for a door wreath where you want to make a statement.
What You Need
- 12 ft. of 2-sided wire edged ribbon 2″ wide;
- 2 pipe cleaners that match the color of the ribbon;
- Scissors;
- A lighter or fabric glue.
Step-by-Step
- Seal each end of the ribbon with a lighter or fabric glue.
- Using one end of the bow, make a small loop. Note: Keep your thumb inside the loop as you make the rest of the bow.
- Create a bigger loop on each side going back and forth while holding the center securely and adding the loops to the bottom of the pile as you cross the center.
- Continue making loops until you have 6 on each side. Make sure they are similar in size.
- Take the end of the remaining ribbon and make a huge loop at the bottom about 4 times the size of the previous loops then add the end to the back of the pile between your thumb and forefinger.
- Insert a pipe cleaner through the center and pull it back gathering all the loops together.
- Pull the pipe cleaner to the back and tighten the center of the bow twisting the pipe together.
- Trim the tails of the ribbon at the back.
- Cut the loop at the bottom to create the length of tails desired.
- Fluff the bow and spread out the loops to get the look desired.
- Use a lighter or fabric glue to seal all the raw ends of the ribbon.
Project 2 – How to Make a Bow for a Wreath That’s Super Simple
This is the perfect bow for an indoor decoration and looks especially lovely when tied onto a simple wreath that has few other adornments.
What You Need
- Wired 2-sided silk ribbon 2″ wide;
- Florist or jewelry wire;
- A book that’s 9-10 inches long or one the size of the finished bow;
- Scissors;
- A lighter or fabric glue.
Step-by-Step
- Melt or glue the end of the ribbon you’re beginning with to ensure the it won’t fray.
- Place the end of the ribbon in the center of the book.
- Wrap the ribbon around the book being sure to keep the ribbon secure and neat but not overly tight.
- Continue wrapping the ribbon around the book until you’ve created the number of loops desired. Between 5 and 9 usually works best.
- After the final wrap, cut the ribbon off in the center of the book. Note: If you want the same number of loops on each side of the bow, be sure and cut the ribbon off on the opposite side from where you started. For example, if you begin on the front side of the book, cut the ribbon off at the back of the book.
- Melt or glue the cut end of the ribbon to prevent fraying.
- Carefully slide the loops off the book.
- Cinch the middle together to create the look of the center gathering you want.
- Wrap the wire around the center, pulling the ends to the back, then twist the wire at the back several times.
- Determine how long you want the tails of the bow to hang then cut the ribbon slightly longer. For example, if you want a bow with 1 foot tails then cut the ribbon 2.5 feet long.
- Seal each end of the ribbon with the lighter or glue.
- Find the mid-point of the ribbon and tie a loose knot around the center of the bow making sure to cover the wire.
- Secure the knot by twisting the wire a couple of times through the knot at the back.
- Use the left over wire, secure the bow to the wreath then trim the ends and push the wire flat against the back.
- Separate the loops and fan them out to create a beautiful bow.
Project 3 – How to Make a Bow for a Wreath That Looks Eclectic
Image Source: Etsy
If you can’t decide what kind of bow you want, there’s no reason you can’t combine all kinds of ribbons to make something that looks eclectic and unusual. These instruction are for a medium-sized bow.
What You Need
- 2-sided wire-edged ribbon 2″ wide in 1 or more colors and/or patterns;
- 2-sided wire-edged ribbon 1″ wide in 1 or more colors and/or patterns that complement the 2″ wide ribbon;
- Grosgrain ribbon in 2 or more colors that complement the 2″ wide ribbon;
- 24″ floral wire;
- Wire cutters;
- Lighter or fabric glue;
- Scissors.
Note: The amount of ribbon used determines the fullness of the finished product.
Step-by-Step
- Cut 3 pieces of each color of the 2″ wide ribbon 24″ long.
- Seal the ends with a lighter or glue.
- Fold each ribbon in half with the ends together.
- Cut 3 pieces of each color of 1″ ribbon 18″ long.
- Fold each ribbon in half with the ends together.
- Cut 3 pieces of each color of the 2″ wide ribbon 12″ long and 3 pieces of the 1″ wide ribbon 9″ long but do not fold these in half.
- Seal all the ends with a lighter or glue.
- Start the ribbon stack with the widest and longest folded ribbon on the bottom alternating ribbon colors and patterns. Also alternate unfolded ends to the right then left.
- Pile the flat ribbons on top of the folded ribbons alternating colors and patterns.
- Continue layering the ribbons alternating folded ends first followed by flat ribbons on top as well as colors and patterns.
- As you go, weave the grosgrain ribbon in and out of the stack occasionally.
- Once the stack is complete, cinch the center of the stack of ribbons together in the middle then wrap the length of floral wire around the center and twist it at the back.
- Fluff the bow out by turning the folded ends into loops then tug and twist the unfolded ends this way and that until you’re satisfied with the look.
- Use the remaining wire to attach the bow to a wreath twisting the wire at the back then trim and spread the wire flat.
Project 4 – How to Make a Bow for a Wreath That’s Combined With Raffia
Raffia brings an element of country to any project. Therefore, a great way to incorporate a touch of country with something more contemporary, traditional or funky is to incorporate the two.
What You Need
- A bow from projects 1, 2 or 3;
- A package of raffia;
- Scissors;
- Florist’s wire;
- Wire cutters;
- Lighter or fabric glue.
Step-by-Step
- Make a bow from Project 1, 2 or 3 and set it aside.
- Pull a handful of raffia from the package and straighten it out. Note: The more raffia used, the fuller the bow.
- Holding the center, take one end and flip it over the center then grab it. That will made a loop on one side and leave enough for a tail at the bottom.
- Do the same on the other side. Note: The bow should be slightly larger than the Project bow selected.
- Wrap the florist wire around the center and twist it at the back to secure it.
- Fluff the loops of the raffia bow.
- Place the Project bow on top of the raffia bow and center it.
- Take the ends of the florist wire and weave it through the Project bow. Wrap the wire around to the back and twist it to secure. Do not cut the ends yet.
- Place the double bow on the wreath and wind the wires through to the back.
- Twist the wires to secure then trim them close to the twist with the wire cutters. Flatten the ends against the back of the wreath.
Project 5 – How to Make a Bow for a Wreath That Lights Up
Image Source: NewNise.com
With lights that no longer need to be plugged in, creating an amazing door wreath is easier than ever. Once you know the basics of how to make a bow for a wreath it’s not that hard, either.
What You Need
- 2 spools of 2″ translucent wire-edged ribbon;
- 2 spools of 1″ translucent ribbon slightly darker than the first with edging in a secondary color;
- One long and one short strand of miniature lights with a battery packs (The short strand should contain a battery pack that sets in the center of the unit);
- Hot glue gun and rods;
- Floral wire;
- Scissors;
- Wire cutters;
- Lighter or fabric glue.
Step-by-Step
To Prepare the Ribbon
- Seal the raw edge of the ribbon with a lighter or fabric glue.
- On a long table lay out 2″ ribbon with the right side up.
- Beginning about an inch from the edge, lay the long strand of lights down the center of the ribbon.
- As you run a bead of hot glue a short way down the length of the ribbon about 1/4″ from the edge, place the 1″ ribbon on top and press into place. Run a bead a short way on the opposite side to press the other side into place. You’ll end up with 2 rows of glue on the 2″ ribbon, the lights in the center not touching the glue, and the 1″ ribbon glued on top.
- Work back and forth securing the lights and 1″ ribbon into place with the hot glue until you run out of lights.
- Cut both ribbons just before the battery pack.
- Prior to gluing the final ribbon in place, seal the ends with a lighter or glue.
- Do the short strand the same way only leave an opening in the center for the battery pack and lights on each side. You’ll end up with an extremely long ribbon and a short ribbon.
- Let the ribbons dry thoroughly before trying to work with them.
To Make the Bow
- Once dried, pick up the end of the long ribbon that does not have the battery pack and make a small loop.
- Hold it securely between your thumb and forefinger. Note: Remember that all other loops will be added to the back of this loop.
- Make a medium-sized loop to the right and add it to the back of the small loop.
- Twist the ribbons and make a medium-sized loop to the left. Make sure that as you work the 1″ ribbon is always on top.
- Repeat the process 3 more times on each side.
- Make a large loop to the right adding it to the back of the pile then back to the left being sure to twist the center so the small ribbon remains on top.
- Repeat the process 5 more times on each side or until you run out of ribbon.
- Run the floral wire through the center, pull it to the back and twist it to secure all the loops. Twist it around the battery pack to secure that as well.
- Take the small ribbon (tails) and, holding it by the center, secure the battery pack to the back of the bow by twisting the floral wire around it and having the tails hang below the bow. Note: Remember that you need to have access to the battery packs to turn them on and off.
- Fluff each loop and pull them into the desired position.
- Use the extra wire to attach the bow to the wreath.
Summing Up
There are many theories about how to make a bow for a wreath that will turn something ordinary into something spectacular. Here we’ve listed just a few ways to create the perfect bows to achieve the desired look. However, it’s still up to you to figure out what style would best suit your design aesthetic. If you have a bow for a wreath that you’re especially partial to, we’d love for you to share it with our readers. Additionally, if you try one of these projects, let us know how it went for you.