How to Make an Ornamental Bow

Tie ornamental bows for decorative wrapped gifts.

Create hand-tied ornamental bows from decorative ribbon. Use your ornamental bows to decorate presents, flower arrangements, Christmas ornaments, wreaths, front doors, mantels and craft projects. You can use any type of ribbon to tie an ornamental bow. The thicker the ribbon used, the fuller and bigger the bow. Ornamental bows contain a series of loops and twists in a single length of ribbon. The loops of the bow fan out, creating a rounded, mounding bow.

Things You'll Need

• 2 yards ribbon
• Scissors
• Floral wire
• Wire cutters

Instructions

1. Cut a 2-yard length of ribbon using a pair of scissors. Form a 5-inch loop in the ribbon, 6 inches from one end. Fold loop so that the right sides of the ribbon are facing outward. Position the loop so it is sticking upward above your hand with the loose lengths hanging straight down below.

2. Create another 5-inch loop in the longer loose portion of ribbon below the first loop. Pinch the base of the loops between the thumb and forefinger of your left hand. Make a half twist in the ribbon at the base of the second loop to bring the right side to the top.

3. Continue to make loops in this manner. Give the ribbon a half twist after each loop to move the right side of the ribbon to the top. Make an even number of 5-inch loops until there is only 6 inches of remaining loose ribbon.

4. Wrap a piece of floral wire around the center of the loops. Twist the wire's ends together tightly to secure the bow. Trim the ends of the wire with wire cutters.

5. Pull on the loops of the bow to spread them apart and give the bow a rounded shape. Cut the tails of the bow to the desired length with a pair of scissors. Cut the ends of the tails at a 45-degree angle. Attach your bow to the desired object using floral wire.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a firm grasp on the formed loops to avoid letting them unravel.

References

• Offray: Florist Bow
• Save On Crafts: How to Make a Perfect Floral Bow