How to Make the Perfect Ribbon Bow

Examples of a few bows made with this method.

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Ribbon bows can be used to embellish just about anything including decorations, clothing, cards, gifts, and hair. Ribbon bows can be made in a wide variety of sizes with colors to match any décor and/or theme. In no time, you will be creating perfect ribbon bows by following these simple steps.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Ribbon (any width, any color, wired, or non-wired)
Scissors
Ruler or yardstick
An extra pair of hands (a friend, child, or husband)

Step1

Choose a ribbon that is the appropriate width for its intended use. For example:
* Greeting cards should have 1/4 to 3/4 inches of ribbons
* Gift wrapping should have 1 inch and or more
* Hair ribbons should have 2 to 3 inches
* Wreaths and other large decorations should have 4 inches or more

Step2

Determine the size of the finished bow. For example:
* Greeting cards should have a 2-inch bow
* Gift wrapping should have a 4-inch bow
* Hair ribbons should be 2 to 5 inches
* Wreaths and other large decorations should be 6 inches or more

Step3

Cut the ribbon 4 to 5 times longer than the finished bow size.

Step4

Ask your helper to make a fist with both hands and put their index fingers straight up in front of you. The fingers should be spaced at the size you want your perfect ribbon bow.

Step5

Wrap the ribbon snuggly around the outstretched fingers, crossing the ribbon in front of you in the space between the two fingers.

Step6

Cinch the middle of the ribbon by bringing the one tail of the ribbon that is closest to you between the outstretched fingers, first under, and then over the ribbon that is wrapped around the fingers.

Step7

Secure the bow with a simple knot, using both tails of the ribbon.

Step8

Ask your helper to relax his fingers and remove the bow.

Step9

Trim the ribbon's tail to the length desire.

Tips & Warnings

Cut the ribbon on an angle to prevent raveling.
To create ribbon bows in quantities, make a stationary jig with dowel rods and a block of wood.
Wired ribbon helps a bow keep its shape, especially if it is large.
With practice ribbon bows can be made on a roll of ribbon, then cut to the desired length when finished. This method creates much less waste.
Use caution when using scissors near other people.