How to Make Bows for Bouquets

Wired ribbon bow

Ribbon, lace, corn husk and tulle bows are the finishing touches on a wide variety of floral bouquets and arrangements. Ribbons and materials that can be made into bows come in widths from 1/4 inch to 4 or 5 inches. There are also ribbons with wire embedded on both sides for a bow that is easier to shape and fluff out. If you are a novice with floral work, you will find you can make bows for bouquets quite nicely after constructing a few practice bows. You can find inexpensive rolls of ribbon at discount stores for practice sessions.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbon
• Wired floral sticks
• Scissors

Instructions

1. 

   Pull ribbon from the spool. Pull 6 to 8 inches forward and hold it between your thumb and forefinger.

2. 

   Form a 3-inch long loop and pinch it between your thumb and forefinger.

3. 

   Twist the ribbon at the center and form a second loop, opposite the first one.

4. 

   Twist the ribbon and continue forming loops. A nice full bow is made up of six to 10 loops.

5. 

   Hold the bow center tightly in your hand and pick up the wired stick.

6. 

   Place the top of the stick directly behind the center of the bow with your free hand. Hold in place with the thumb and forefinger that grasps the ribbon bow.

7. 

   Pull the wire up from the stick. Wrap it over the front and around the center of the bow. Wrap tightly up and over once more, pulling it firmly.

8. 

   Trim the edges of the tails of the ribbon bow at a slant, using scissors.

9. 

   Fluff the bow out. Push the wired stick into the bouquet you are arranging.

Tips & Warnings

• The bow shown is made from 1/2-inch wide wired ribbon. A 1/2- wide ribbon is a good size to use when you are learning how to make a bow. Be sure the center of the bow is wired tightly or it will come undone.

• Don't let go of the ribbon loops or the bow will fall apart and you will have to start the process over.