Bows are the perfect topper for many projects. However, in many cases they have a tendency to flop instead of stand up. Using wire-edged ribbon resolves problems with floppy bows ensuring your bows stay the perfect accessory and don’t “wilt”. The thing to remember, however, is that wire-edged ribbon acts differently than ribbon that doesn’t have wire so you may need to practice a little first. Here are some step-by-step ideas showing you how to make a bow with wired ribbon for 5 different purposes to get you started.
Project 1 – How to Make a Bow with Wired Ribbon For a Gift
There’s little better to top off the perfect present than the perfect bow.
What You Need
- 7 feet of 1-1/2″ wide wire-edged ribbon;
- Flexible floral wire (20 gauge);
- Scissors;
- Wire cutters;
- Lighter.
Step-by-Step
- Cut the end of the ribbon in a diagonal cut and wave the end over the lighter to seal it.
- Fold the ribbon then fold it again to make a 6″ set of loops. Repeat 5 more times so you have a total of 6 loops. (The more loops you make the fuller the bow will be.)
- Cut the ribbon off at a diagonal and wave the end over the flame.
- Cut small “V’s” on each side of the loops in the center.
- Wrap the floral wire several times around the center and twist it only once at the back of the bow.
- Cut streamers for the bow cutting each end at diagonals and waving them over the flame to seal them. Attach the streamers to the back of the bow by centering the bow onto the streamer then wrapping the wire around the bow and streamers a couple of time. Twist the wire a couple of times around the bow and streamer, trim the wire close to the twist and press the wire flat against the back of the bow.
Note: If you want to use the streamers to attach the bow to the package then make 4 tails that are long enough to go all the way around the box. - Beginning with the loops on the inside, pull them out one at a time, twist and pull into place. They need to be pulled into all directions while being fluffed out. Once all the loops have been separated, you can then adjust them so they make a full look that covers the wire.
Project 2 – How to Make a Bow with Wired Ribbon For a Tree
On trend this year is using a beautiful big bow on the top of the tree. Remember, however, that it needs to be made in such a way as to look great all the way around.
What You Need
- 3 kinds of wire-edged Christmas ribbon in 3″ widths;
- 3 kinds of wire-edged Christmas ribbon in 2-1/2″ widths;
- Floral wire;
- 24″ length of 2×4;
- 2 long nails (16 penny are great);
- Hammer;
- Scissors;
- Floral wire.
Step-by-Step
- Decide on the size of the bow based on the size of the tree. Hammer two nails the distance apart needed to create the size bow desired.
- Beginning at the back, wrap each ribbon around the nails the number of times needed to make the fullness of the bow desired. Be sure and end at the back and cut the ribbon just beyond the center.
- Continue with each ribbon until all 6 have been used with the smaller ones mixed in with the others.
- Take the floral wire, run it under all ribbon thicknesses and around to the front several times. Twist the wire tightly and cut the wire so the tails are left long enough to fasten to the tree.
- Carefully remove the loops from the nails being sure not to snag them on the heads of the nails as you remove them.
- Twist and pull the loops including up, down, out and in all directions. Make sure colors and patterns of ribbons are alternated as you go for a more cohesive look.
- Attach the bow to the tree.
Project 3 – How to Make a Bow with Wired Ribbon For Your Hair
Attaching this one to a headband makes the perfect accessory for any outfit.
What You Need
- Fabric headband in a contrasting color;
- 3″ two-sided wire-edged ribbon with a pattern (not shown);
- 1/2″ ribbon in the contrasting color that matches the headband;
- A rectangle of floral foam;
- 2 dowel rods;
- Floral wire;
- Scissors;
- Wire cutters;
- Hot glue gun;
- Lighter;
- Needle and thread (optional).
Step-by-Step
- Take the two dowel rods and stick them into the floral foam the distance apart that you want your final bow to equal.
- Begin by placing the ribbon at the back of the dowel rods and leave a tail the size of one loop. Wrap the patterned bow around the rods 3 times ending in the back. Cut off the ribbon leaving a tail the same size as one loop.
- Carefully wrap the floral wire under the ribbon in the center and back around several times. Twist it at the top, trim the wire close to the twist and press it flat against the bow.
- Carefully slip the loops off the dowels.
- Glue the ribbon in place on the side of a fabric headband. Allow it to dry before continuing.
- Take the smaller, contrasting ribbon and cut off a 12″ length.
- Place the center of the ribbon at the back of the headband behind the bow. Bring the ends around to the front and make a 1/2 knot. Pull the ribbons to the back in opposite directions, cross the ribbon in back, pull it forward and repeat the sequence until the ribbon is almost gone.
- Cut the ribbon at the back of the headband so the ends will overlap just slightly. Glue the ends in place. You can also take a couple of stitches through all thicknesses of the bow and headband to secure it in place.
- Take the tails of the bow and wave them over the flame of a lighter to seal them.
- Holding the center, pull all the loops into place and fluff them open so there are 3 on each side of the center band.
Project 4 – How to Make a Bow with Wired Ribbon For a Flower Vase
Depending on the season, you can change the ribbon colors and types of flowers to fit any occasion.
What You Need
- 2″ Two-sided wire-edged ribbon;
- Square glass vase;
- Floral foam square;
- Fresh flowers;
- Floral Wire;
- Scissors;
- Wire cutters;
- Lighter.
Step-by-Step
- Take the wire-edged ribbon and make a small loop holding it tightly between your thumb and forefinger.
- Make a larger loop to the right then the left twist the ribbon on the bottom in the center so the right side stays on top. Continue until you have 4-5 loops on each side. Make smaller loops as you work toward the top. The more loops you make, the fuller the bow will be.
- Cut the ribbon off after the last loop.
- Take a long piece of floral wire and run it through the center then wrap it around all loops a couple of times. Twist it in back a couple of times tightly. Do not cut the wire off. Set the bow aside.
- Place the foam in the bottom of the vase.
- From the top, run additional ribbon down the sides of the vase, cross it at the bottom, run it up the other sides and tie it off at the center top. Leave 6″ tails, cut inverted “V’s” in the bottom of each tail and wave them over a flame to seal them.
- Crimp the tails to make them look wavy.
- Take the bow and pull the loops in all directions so the bow gets fluffy. Run the wire tails down into the foam.
- Add a little water.
- Fill in the rest of the vase around the bow with fresh flowers.
Project 5 – How to Make a Bow with Wired Ribbon for a Country Wreath
This bow is the perfect choice for that touch of country elegance.
What You Need
- Burlap wire-edged ribbon;
- Plaid wire-edged ribbon;
- Solid ribbon with plaid wire-edges;
- Solid translucent ribbon with wire-edges;
- Floral adornment with pine cones, holly berries, pine fronds, etc.;
- A book the size of the finished bow;
- Floral wire;
- Scissors;
- Wire cutters;
- Lighter.
Step-by-Step
- Find a book the size you want the finished bow.
- Place the burlap ribbon at the back of the book and wrap it around 2 times ending at the front then cut off the end of the ribbon.
- Put the plaid ribbon at the back of the book on top of the burlap and wrap it around the book 2 times ending at the front then cut the ribbon.
- Place the solid ribbon with trimmed edges at the back of the book and wrap it around 1 time ending at the front then cut the ribbon.
- Slide the ribbons off the book and wrap the floral wire several times around the middle then twist it tightly at the back. Leave long tails of wire for the next steps.
- Cut short lengths and long lengths of each ribbon. Cut the ends in an inverted “V” shape then run each end over a flame to seal them.
- Lay the long ribbons across the bow with the short ribbons on top then wrap the wire several times around the center twisting it at the back.
- Finally, place the floral adornment in the center and wire it into place twisting it tightly at the back.
- Trim the wire and press it tightly against the back of the bow.
- Pull the loops into place with the burlap and plaid ribbon pulled with two loops up and two down and the solid bow with plaid edges straight across.
- Pull the short length of ribbon straight up and down and allow the long ribbons to hang straight down.
Summing Up
Wire-edged ribbon can be used for many projects such as tree toppers, adornments on wreaths, for floral arrangements, to make gifts look special or as hair accessories. Although they are readily available at local craft stores, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on pre-made bows when you can so easily learn how to make a bow with wired ribbon yourself for a fraction of the cost.
Anyone can tie the perfect bow and the wired-edges will ensure that the bow retains its beautiful shape. Additionally, you will be able to personalize the ribbon while coordinating your bows with your décor, style and/or purpose.
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