How to Make a Big Bow for a Wreath

Wired ribbon helps a giant bow stand out from the wreath.

A big, fluffy bow is the traditional finishing touch for a wreath. Wide ribbon works best for making a big bow. Thin ribbon tends to looks limp or scraggly. Some ribbon is made with fine wire inserted along the sides. This type of ribbon works especially well for a wreath, as it holds its fluffy shape to stand out against the body of the wreath. If your wreath will be outdoors, make sure the ribbon you use is waterproof.

Things You'll Need

• 2-inch-wide ribbon
• Tape measure
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut two 16-inch lengths of ribbon and one 97-inch length. Lay the two shorter lengths together and set aside.

2. Hold the long ribbon 6 inches from one end and pinch between your thumb and finger. This is the center. Pull the long end of the ribbon out and back toward the center, forming a 6-inch loop on one side. Pinch the ribbon at the center. The loop should stick out 6 inches, meaning each loop uses 12 inches of ribbon. (The short, 6-inch starting section will be hidden behind the loops of the bow.)

3. Continue folding the ribbon back and forth in an accordion or "S" pattern, so that two 6-inch loops are formed on each side, then make the loops progressively smaller by 1/2 inch. If the ribbon has a design on only one side, twist it at the center point before making a loop on the opposite side. Stop when the last set of loops is 10 1/2 inches and the end of the ribbon is near the center.

4. While still pinching the center of the loops, wrap the double length of shorter ribbon around the center of the loops and tie in a knot at the bottom. Tuck the 1-inch end piece from the last loop between the two layers of the knot. Let the four tails of the ribbon hang down. Trim the end of each tail on an angle or in a V-shape.

5. Fluff up the folds of ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• To make your ribbon loops more secure, wrap the center with thin crafting wire or a twist tie, then tie the double-length of short ribbon around them.

• Use 4-inch wired ribbon with larger, but fewer loops for a different look.

• Be careful of the ends of the wired ribbon -- they are quite sharp. Carefully bend back the ends to avoid scratches.