How to Tie a Floral Bow

This article will teach you how to make a beautiful floral bow, which is perfect for use in arrangements, as well as gift-wrapping. A floral bow is the type of bow that has different loop sizes all around, with larger loops on the outside and smaller loops visible from the top.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 to 3 yards ribbon (any size), a piece of 16 to 20 gauge floral wire bent into a U-shape, scissors

How to Make a Floral Bow

1. If you are right handed, you will hold the ribbon in your left hand. Hold the end of the 2 to 3 yards of floral ribbon in between your thumb and index finger, thumb closest to your face. Make a very large loop, about 5 inches in diameter, bringing up the loop and tucking the other end of the ribbon in between your fingers as well. This loop will later serve as the two tails of your bow and will dangle at the bottom. Keep the other end of the ribbon in your right hand.

2. 
   How to hold the ribbon

   Now, twist the ribbon 180 degrees, so that the dull part of the ribbon is facing away from you. Bring the ribbon up with your right hand, create a loop about 2 inches in diameter, and tuck the ribbon back in between the thumb and index finger of your left hand.

3. The shiny side of the ribbon is now facing you. Twist the ribbon 180 degrees again, so that the shiny side of the ribbon is facing away from you. Bring the ribbon up with your right hand, create a loop about 2 inches in diameter on the opposite side of the first loop, and tuck the ribbon back in between the thumb and index finger of your left hand. Now you have two loops.

4. Continue to repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have created 4 to 6 loops on each side, with the first few loops being larger and progressively getting a little smaller the more loops you make.

5. For the last loop, twist the ribbon a final time, making the shiny side face away from you. Make a loop that is smaller than all the rest. This will be the middle loop. Bring it up and all the way over, tucking the last of the ribbon around and under your thumb. (Just like a loop of tape) If the piece of ribbon is too long, make the loop, and then cut the excess and discard.

6. While still holding the bow together with your hand, take the U-shaped wire and thread through the middle loop (the last loop you made). With your right hand, take the two ends of the wire under the bow and twist them together very tightly. You may now let go of the bow.

7. 
   Wire holds ribbon

   Use scissors to cut the very first loop that you made, the largest one hanging from the bottom of the bow, in half. Softly fold each end length-wise, and cut up to that fold, making a V-shaped end. These are your tails.

8. Fluff the bow with your fingers, pulling the loops around into a circular shaped bow. Do not be afraid to use a little force.

Tips & Warnings

• Making a floral bow takes practice. Try, try and try again! It is easier to begin with a smaller ribbon. Perhaps 1-inch width is best.
• It is wise to wrap the wire in floral tape if the bow will be used in a floral arrangement, as this will prevent rust.

Resources

• http://www.save-on-crafts.com