How to Make Bows With Red Velvet Ribbon

Learn how to make bows with red velvet ribbon with these easy to follow pictures and step by step instructions. Making bows can be a challenge, the red velvet ribbon is stiff and hard to craft into a nice bow if you don't have a good technique down.

If you are making bows for wreaths, gift baskets, a flower bow, or whatever the occasion, using red velvet ribbon makes a beautiful bold statement. It also is the most cost effective red ribbon. These qualities make it well worth learning how to make a bow with red velvet ribbon!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Red velvet ribbon
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Measuring tape
• Craft wire or Pipe cleaner

1. 

   Find the best red velvet ribbon:
   The two best places I have found is Wal-mart and Big Lots. Wal-mart's red ribbon is less expensive, but the velvet ribbon is more stiff and much harder to work with. If you have a Big Lots near by, it would be my first choice. Their red velvet ribbon is much softer, you will save yourself some frustration with getting the folds right, with a softer velvet.

2. 

   Measure and cut-
   You will want to cut 4 pieces. When I make bows, I am usually making mine for wreaths. I cut the tail piece 3' two bow parts at 16", and the middle piece 2" long. You can adjust this to how large you would like your finished red velvet bow to be.

3. 

   Start with the bow-
   Take both the shorter bow pieces and fold each end to each other. Place a dot of hot glue in the center and overlap one end and press down. Repeat with each piece.

4. 

   Fold bow pieces-
   Make two creases in the bow loop. Start at the center of the loop and make two indents with your finger, press together like you were making a fold in a napkin, or a paper fan.

5. 

   Fold second bow piece-
   This might take some practice. While holding the bottom bow loop that you have already folded, add the second glued loop to the top. Fold it just as you did with the first loop.

6. 

   Now that both loops are folded, pinch together with both your fingers and pull at the edges of the bow, to get the pleats looking smooth.

7. 

   Tie a craft wire or a pipe cleaner around both the bow loops. A craft wire will be easier to cover up than pipe cleaner, but both will work.

8. 

   Fold the tail -
   Next step is to fold the tail, in a similar way the bow loops were folded. Pinch in two folds and hold it tightly.

9. 

   Attach the red velvet tail ribbon-
   Keeping the folds together, turn it to the side and attach with the wire that's around the bow loops. Bring the wire around to the back of the bow.

10. 

    Fold middle -
    Lastly take your smallest cut of red ribbon, and fold it so both halves touch. Add a strip of glue under the folds.

11. 

    Turn over the small ribbon and fold it around the middle of your red velvet bow. Glue in the back.

12. 

    You can also cut the tails by folding them in half, and making a diagonal cut like pictured.

13. 

    There you have it, you have just made your own red velvet bow. The cost savings on making your own bow are great. 50' of ribbon at Big Lots is only $3.00. You can make 10- 13 bows out of one roll, depending on the size of your finished bow. That is less than .30 cents a bow!
    
    As an added benefit, the bows look beautiful. No factory made, smashed looking red velvet bows here!

Tips & Warnings

• You might need to practice to get the folds down, but once you do, it is much easier.
• Be careful when gluing with a hot glue gun, as you know the glue is very hot. Wait to press down on the ribbon, after applying hot glue.

[Handmadedreams]

on 1/31/2009 Now that is clear steps. Thanks.