How to Make Victorian Satin Ribbon Bows for Bonnets
Victorian bonnets boast rich folds of fabric, decadent floral arrangements and frilly bows. Satin ribbon bows can be placed at the back, sides or front of the bonnet to add emphasis and shape to the garment. Victorian bonnets cover a wide array of styles and fits. Learning to make a simple bow with satin ribbon allows you to situate the adornment in the most appropriate place on the bonnet.
Instructions
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1
Fold the ribbon in half so the two short ends meet to find the center. Do not pinch the ends to avoid creating a misshapen bow. Hold the fold gently between your fingers.
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2
Create a loop with about 4 to 5 inches of the ribbon material to the right of the center fold. Pinch together with your fingers. Create a matching loop of 4 to 5 inches just to the left of the center fold. Make these loops with the right side of the ribbon facing out. Hold each loop in either hand.
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3
Cross the right loop over the left loop. Pull the right loop back behind the left loop and push the tip of the right loop through the hole you created when you crossed the two loops. Pull on the two loop ends to create a taut knot at the center of the bow. Fluff out the loops to create volume.
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4
Thread a needle. Fold up one of the ribbon ends to sit at the back of the central knot, and to create a new loop at the bottom of the bow. Repeat with the opposite ribbon tail. Hold the two ends in place. Tack the satin ribbon tails in place with thread and needle, using a basic basting stitch. Do not cut off the thread.
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5
Place the bow on the body of the bonnet. Stitch the satin ribbon in place at the back of the center knot of the bow, using a basic whip stitch. Keep the stitches hidden from view as much as possible. Place about 5 to 10 stitches at the back of the bow to secure into place.
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Tips & Warnings
Create bows with wider or thinner ribbon to complement the design of the bonnet.
References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
