How to Make a Layered Bow Corsage

Make a corsage from layers of bows and embellish it with a single flower.

Create a simple corsage from satin ribbon, shaped into a layered bow. The corsage is created from two individual loopy bows that are piled on top of one another and embellished with a decorative center. The bow corsage can be attached to an elastic wristband for a wrist corsage or pinned on to a dress or lapel with a large safety pin. Use the corsage in place of a traditional floral corsage for an inexpensive and creative alternative for a prom, wedding or other special event.

Things You'll Need

• 1-inch-wide ribbon
• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Silk flower, large button (or other decorative embellishment)
• Elastic wristband or large safety pin

Instructions

1. Cut six pieces of ribbon, each to a length of 9 inches. Layer all of the ribbons on top of one another with the short ends aligned.

2. Fold the pile of ribbons in half. Insert a sewing needle with thread through all of the ribbons at the center fold. While the needle is still in the ribbons, fan them out so that no ribbon is sitting directly on top of another. Sew a stitch through the center.

3. Insert the sewing needle back into the center. Bring one ribbon end to the center and slide it onto the needle. Bring another ribbon end to the center and slide it onto the needle. Continue until you have added all ribbon ends onto the needle. This creates the loopy, layered bow. Sew two or three stitches through the center to join all of the ribbon ends.

4. Cut five pieces of ribbon, each to a length of 7 inches. Layer the ribbons on top of each other. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to shape the ribbons into another loopy bow.

5. Place the smaller loopy bow on top of the first. Sew four or five stitches through the center to join the bows.

6. Place a small silk flower, button or other decorative embellishment against the top center of the smaller bow and sew a few stitches to join the decorative center.

7. Hold the layered bow corsage against the corsage wristband and sew through the bottom of the bow and into the wristband to join. (If you would like a pin corsage, slide the pin through the underside of the bow instead.)

References

• "The Complete Photo Guide to Ribbon Crafts"; Elaine Schmidt; 2010