There are numerous reasons to need a bow that’s elegant, symmetrical and visually appealing. You can make them to accessorize packages, hair, flowers or used as decorations for weddings and holidays. Learning how to tie a bow with ribbon that’s rather basic is fairly easy, but when it comes to those times when you want to make a statement then perhaps you’d like a little more information. Following are some bows that look spectacular but are easier than you might imagine.
Project 1 – How to Tie a Bow With Ribbon That is Loopy
Source: Pinterest.
This design is great for the perfect door decoration, displays or large packages.
What You Need
- 3 yards of ribbon;
- ribbon wire, floral wire or thin gauge wire;
- Scissors;
- Wire cutters.
Step-by-Step
- Curl the end of the ribbon into a small loop and hold it between your thumb and forefinger.
- Fold the loose end of the ribbon back under and place the end under the center twisting it and adding it to the ribbon you’re already holding. This will make your first big loop to the right side of the small center loop.
- Fold the loose end of the ribbon to the left and fold it under making sure its the same size at the loop on the other side then twist and add the end to the pile you’re holding.
- Make a 2nd set of loops the same way making sure they are the same size as the first set and creating a twist at the bottom.
- Continue making sets of loops until you have 5 sets.
- Still holding your pile securely, take the wire and run it through the center loop then all the way around to the back.
- Twist the wire at the back tightly to secure the center but do not cut the wire.
- Trim the end of the ribbon to the length of tail desired cutting it at an angle.
- Feed the remaining ribbon through the center matching one end to the length of the loop then the other all the way through the center loop.
- Take the long piece of wire from the back and feed one end through one side of the center loop and the other through the other side of the center loop and pull it all the way to the back again.
- Tightly twist the wire at the back and then trim it and push it flat against the back of the bow.
- Trim the ribbon to match the tail of the first ribbon and cut it at an angle.
- Pull each loop into place up, down and in a circular shape and puff them out.
- Trim any loose ends to match the length of the loops.
Project 2 – How to Tie a Bow With Ribbon for a Wedding
Source: Pinterest.
Pew bows are the perfect accent to any wedding ceremony and are not only simple to make but also inexpensive. Additionally, they can be made in any color. These directions are for a 14″ diameter bow but they can be made in any size.
What You Need
- 14-1/2 yards of tulle ribbon per bow
- Yard stick, two rulers or tape measure
- 2 wig pins or extra long nails that have rounded heads
- 2×4 board about 2 feet long
- Small hammer
- Accessories in wedding accent colors such as jewels, tiny flowers, etc. (optional)
- Hot glue gun and glue rods
- Pen
- Pew clip
Step-by-Step
- Measure out 17″ on the board and make marks at each end and one in the center. Make sure you leave a few spare inches at each end of the board.
- Hammer the pins or nails into your marks.
- Leaving a long tail (whatever length desired in the final product), begin wrapping the tulle from one pin to the other.
- Continue wrapping until you have 16 loops and a tail as long as the first.
- Cut a 15″ piece of tulle.
- Using the center mark as a guide, tie the short strip around the center of the loops very tightly.
- Carefully remove the loops from the pins being careful not to snag them on the heads.
- Tie the pew clip onto the back with the tails of the tie strip. If you won’t have pews or chairs as everyone will be standing, tie the bows to stakes that can be planted in the ground or some other tall stand that can serve as a holder. Cut the tie near the knot
- Fluff the bow making sure it sticks out in all directions.
- You can glue on accessories as desired such as colored or clear jewels, small flower sprigs, babies breath or even a small bow in the center in the wedding’s accent color if desired.
- Make sure the tails of the bow are the same length and trim if needed.
Project 3 – How to Tie a Bow With Ribbon That’s Twisted
A twisted look with a knotted center can really stand out on a package or as a hair accessory.
What You Need
- 2 spools of 1″ wide ribbon 1 each in different colors and/or patterns
- 1 spool of 1/2″ wide ribbon matching the first ribbon
- 1 spool of 1/4″ wide ribbon matching the 2nd ribbon
- Peel and stick fabric fuse adhesive
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Chalk
Step-by-Step
- Firstly, cut 3 pieces each of 1″ ribbons in the length needed to make the size loops desired. For example, 8″ strips will result in ribbons with 2″ loops on each side. You will end up with a total of 6 pieces.
- Secondly, cut 1/2″ and 1/4″ ribbons 4″ long. You will end up with 2 pieces.
- On the right side of the ribbon mark the center of each 6″ ribbon with chalk.
- Cut 4 pieces of peel and stick fabric fuse adhesive slightly less than 1″ long. Take 1 piece and attach it to the center of 1 piece of ribbon over the mark then remove the backing.
- Grab the right end of the ribbon and pull it to the center at an angle. Press the end across the adhesive strip halfway. Do not cover the entire strip of glue.
- Grab the left end, pull it to the center at an opposite angle and press it on the remaining exposed piece of the adhesive.
- Do the same again in the opposite color. You will end up with 1 twisted loop in each color.
- With a ruler and chalk, at the ends of each of the 4 remaining ribbons mark the center 1/2″ from the bottom. Draw lines from the corner to the center line making an inverted “V” then cut along the marks.
- Set the loops aside and take the piece of the remaining 1″ ribbon and place it on a flat surface.
- Take a piece of the cut adhesive strip and place it across the center mark made earlier.
- Take a piece of 1″ ribbon in the 2nd color and place it over the center of the first with the mark up. You want to overlap the ends slightly then press the center firmly.
- Place a piece of adhesive on top and repeat the process with the last two pieces alternating colors each time. You will end up with 1/2 a star.
- The 4″ ribbons are longer than would be needed but have been made extra long for ease of handling. Cut a piece of the adhesive strip slightly less than 4″ long and place it down the center of the 1/2″ wide ribbon then peel off the covering.
- Carefully place the 1/4″ ribbon down the middle of the 1/2″ ribbon being careful to center it as you go.
- Take the doubled strip and tie a knot in the center by wrapping one end over the other then taking one end around back and pushing it through the opening. Pull the ends tight to make a knot.
- Place the bow on top of the star tails made earlier then place the knot you just made on top.
- Wrap the tails of the knot around to the back encircling the star and bow.
- Holding the tails flat against the back of the bow between thumb and forefinger, trim the tails short. You want them to overlap but not wind back around to the front.
- Take the final piece of adhesive and place it on top of one tail.
- Lastly, fold the other tail over and press down to stick.
Note: If you want to use the bow for a hair accessory, attach the ponytail band or barrette in place prior to securing the knotted center. In such a case you would also need to add a dot of hot glue to ensure it does not come loose while in the hair.
Project 4 – How to Tie a Bow With Ribbon With a Flip
Source: Pinterest.
This two-tone bow is not only beautiful, but is extremely unique. It’s definitely one you should try.
What You Need
- 2 spools of 4″ wide 2-sided ribbon 1 in a solid color and the 2nd in a different color with a pattern
- 1 spool of 1/2″ wide ribbon in a 3rd color
- 1 spool of 1/8″ wide ribbon in the solid color
- Peel and stick fabric fuse adhesive
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun and rods
Step-by-Step
To Make the Big Bow
- Firstly, cut 1 strip of the solid ribbon 18-1/2″ long.
- Secondly, cut a 2nd strip of the solid ribbon 20″ long.
- Cut 1 strip of the patterned ribbon 23″ long.
- Cut 3 strips of peel and stick adhesive slightly less than 4″ long.
- Place a strip of adhesive at one end of one of the ribbons.
- Make a circle and overlap enough to secure it on top of the adhesive.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 with the other two strips of ribbon.
- Take the shortest solid strip and, while holding the center with thumb and forefinger, flip only the ends of the circle inside out.
- Pile the medium size solid flat circle on the bottom, the patterned circle in the middle and the flipped solid circle on top.
- Cut a length of solid 1/8″ ribbon long enough to encircle the middle when cinched and knotted at the back.
- Cinch the center of the bow and wrap the 1/8″ ribbon around the middle and tie a tight knot at the back.
- Lastly, trim the tails near the knot and tuck the ends under the wrapped piece.
To Make the Little Bow
- Firstly, cut the solid 1/4″ ribbon long enough to make a bow with tails and a 2nd piece long enough to encircle the big bow and tie it at the back.
- Hold one side of the longer ribbon between thumb and forefingers leaving a tail on one side.
- Cross the other end over the first leaving tails on each side and a big loop at the top. The tails will make an “X” in the center.
- Pull the center of the loop down and add it between thumb and fingers.
- Hold it securely and place it on top of the big bow.
- Take the smaller piece of 1/4″ ribbon, wrap it around the entire bow and tie it tightly at the back.
- Trim the string at the back near the knot and tuck the ends under the circle.
- Lastly, your bow can now be glued to a barrette or package. If you want to use a ponytail holder, add that to the back prior to completing steps 5 and 6.
Project 5 – How to Tie a Bow With Ribbon Onto a Package
Source: Pinterest.
Coming up with creative ideas for packages can be difficult. Here’s a real simple method that will look spectacular and can be adjusted so each package is unique.
What You Need
- A wrapped package
- Ribbon long enough to wrap the box and make the bow
- Scissors
- Tape measure
Step-by-Step
Getting Started
- Firstly, measure the box and cut the ribbon 6 times the length of the measurement.
- Secondly, fold the ribbon in half and place the box in the center. The loop will be at one end and the tails will be at the other.
- Pull the looped end up until it reaches the top of the box.
- Pull the tails through the loop.
- Center the loop at the top of the box and slide the bottom pieces or ribbon to each lower corner creating a triangle.
Making the Bow and Finishing
- Make a loop with each tail leaving some tail on each side.
- Knot the loops twice in order to secure the bow.
- Trim the tails so they are the same length.
- Cut inverted “V’s” into the end of each tail.
- Adjust the bow and tails.
Summing Up
When you learn how to tie a bow with ribbon it just seems to open up a new world of possibilities. Suddenly you’re set and prepared whether needing a topping for the perfect gift or looking for something unique to put in your hair. If you have a favorite way to tie a bow or have feedback on one of those listed here we’d love to hear from you. After all, you can never have too many bows and sharing is the best way to get more great ideas.