How to Make a Simple Bow

A simple bow may be used to embellish almost any craft. The bow like its name, is simple, but the fine tuning requires practice and patience. Once the simple bow is perfected, the crafter can experiment with different types of ribbon for various uses or build upon the skill with more complex designs.

Instructions

1. Tie a bow. Make a loop with one half of the ribbon and hold with one hand. Cross the other half of the ribbon over and around the loop with the other hand. Push the ribbon through the loop with index finger like tying a shoe lace.

2. Tighten the center knot. Place a thumb in each loop of the bow. Tighten the bow's center knot by pulling the loops tight with thumbs and loosen by pulling the extended ribbons out using other fingers and palms of hands. Keep adjusting until the bow is the desired size and then tighten.

3. Straighten out the bow. Twist the loops and extend the ribbons until the bow lies flat in both the front and the back.

Tips & Warnings

• Using various types of ribbon requires modifications. If using a ribbon with a pattern on one side, make the plain side the center of the bow. A wired ribbon gives the bow more structure.

• Don't begin to tie a bow with a knot. This causes the extended ribbons of the bow to end up going in different directions.