How to Tie a Ribbon Around a Box
Packages should be bright, cheerful and beautiful. A gift for a birthday, anniversary, some other special event or in celebration of a holidiay should always be special. One way of ensuring that a boxed package always looks its very best is to tie it with a ribbon. There are lots of different ways to tie a ribbon around a box to make the perfect gift.
Instructions
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1
Decide what ribbon color and width to use. Choose a finish you like such as satin, grograin, metallic or velvet.
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2
Determine the type of ribbon tie and bow. If the ribbon is meant to encompass the bow as well as the tie, it must be carefully measured to make certain sufficient ribbon is available. If the bow is to be tied on separately from the ribbon itself, it offers more tying options and flexibility.
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3
Choose the type of box tie to use. This could include a single tie around the length or width of the box or a dual tie around both the length and width of the box.
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4
Measure the ribbon out according to the plans outlined in Steps 2 and 3 above by simulating the planned tie around the box itself. Allow an extra two to four inches and cut the ribbon.
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5
Wrap the ribbon around the length of the box first. If that is to be the only tie, tie the ribbon in a secure knot on the front of the box. For a simple bow tie, loop the left side of the ribbon in a simulated rabbit's ear. Take the right side of the ribbon around the left loop keeping your thumb between the rabbit ear and the right ribbon. Push a rabbit's ear loop from the right side of the ribbon through the hole made by your thumb. Pull tight. Cut the ends of the ribbon tails in a slant or make an inverted "v".
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6
To tie a dual tie ribbon around both the length and width of the box, wrap the ribbon around the length of the front of the box, making a preliminary tie on the back of the box. Take the two ends and wrap them around the width of the box, making a second tie on the front side. Tape the width tie of the ribbon to the length tie of the ribbon and the box. For a simple bow tie, loop the left side of the ribbon in a simulated rabbit's ear. Take the right side of the ribbon around the left loop keeping your thumb between the rabbit ear and the right ribbon. Push a rabbit's ear loop from the right side of the ribbon through the hole made by your thumb. Pull tight. Cut the ends of the ribbon tails in a slant or make an inverted "v".
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7
Add a bow to the box. Tape the bow to the center part of the ribbon tie. Cut any remaining ribbon from the tie as desired. Another way to attach a bow is to tie it around the center knot of the ribbon tie. This can be tricky if the ribbon is secure and tight against the box. Loop the tail of the bow underneath and around the ribbon knot tie and tie it in a second knot with the other bow tail. Cut off any excess ribbon. A third way to attach a bow is with a twist tie or pipe cleaner that has been wrapped around the bow first. Loop one end of the tie underneath and around the ribbon knot tie and bring it around to twist it into place with the other end of the twist tie or pipe cleaner. Cut off the excess material and fluff the bow.
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8
Tape the ribbon and bow into place for added security.
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Tips & Warnings
The material, finish, and texture of the ribbon should work well with the box's wrapping paper.
Satin finish and grograin style ribbons work well with most types of wrapping paper. For the most part, metallic and velvet type ribbons should be confined to dressier types of packaging.
Add interest to a package with a double tie around the length or width of the box.
Be careful not to poke holes in the wrapping paper or box.
