How to Tie a Florist Bow

16-loop, 1/2-inch-wide ribbon bow

Ribbon bows make a finishing touch for floral arrangements, bud vases, funeral arrangements and wreaths. A 16-loop bow is a full, tight bow and can be made by anyone after some practice. Floral sticks come in a short length that works in table arrangements and long sticks more appropriate for large arrangements with tall or large mass flowers such as gladiolus or mums. You can use ribbon to tie off the bow for projects, which is easier with hand-tied bows. This florist-style 16-loop bow can be made with any width ribbon. The larger the width, the larger you must make your loops.

Things You'll Need

• Florist-quality ribbon
• Wired stick
• Scissors

Instructions

1. 

   Unroll a few yards of ribbon from the spool. If you want to tie the bow instead of affixing it to a wired stick, cut about 8 inches of ribbon off the spool. Tie a single knot in the center of the ribbon piece. Set aside.

2. 

   Grasp ribbon between thumb and forefinger to make a loop. Make the loop 2 1/2 to 3 inches long with 1/2-inch-wide ribbon.

3. 

   Make another loop opposite the first one by using a loop-under motion to keep the shiny or right side of print ribbon showing. The center of the ribbon remains flat. Hold in place with thumb.

4. 

   Make two more loops. Loop over on top, under on bottom on opposite side.

5. 

   Continue until you have eight loops on each side. Have a clothespin nearby if you struggle to hold the ribbon in place the first few tries. You can clamp the center with it as you go along.

6. 

   Hold stick next to ribbon with wire going under the middle. Pick up the ribbon piece with knotted center if you want to use ribbon instead of a wired stick. Slide it under the center of the ribbon loops. Tie around the center tightly and knot in place. Cut ribbon from spool.

7. 

   Holding the stick under ribbon loops, twist wire up and around the entire center of ribbon. Wrap once more if the center does not seem secure.

8. 

   Wrap wire tightly around stick under the bow.

9. 

   Wrap remaining wire tightly down the stick. Fluff ribbon with fingers until it is completely open.