How to Make Floral & Pew Bows
Make your own floral or pew bows to add a creative accent to a wedding or party. Homemade bows allow you to coordinate colors and embellishments not available in rented or pre-made bows. The bows are easy to construct and the cost is economical because minimal supplies are required. Take the time to experiment with the size and type of ribbon to create a custom look.
Things You'll Need
- Satin ribbon
- Ribbon wire
- Silk flowers
- Ribbon embellishment
- 1/2-inch elastic
- Needle
- Thread
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
-
Making Bows
-
1
Make a loop with the satin ribbon, leaving a tail in the desired length. The actual loop size will vary as it relies on the desired finished size of the bow. Looping 6 to 8 inches of ribbon makes a nice-sized pew bow. Smaller loops are desired for floral bouquets.
-
2
Continue making loops with the satin ribbon in a back-and-forth motion. The loops create an accordion effect with one tail hanging on the bottom and the other on the top. Five to six accordion-looking loops will create a full bow and result in 10 to 12 total loops in the bow.
-
-
3
Cut the ribbon from the spool leaving a tail in the same length as the first tail. Pinch the center of the accordion loops and tightly secure with floral or bow wire. Use wire in the same color as the ribbon, if possible. Pull wire ends to the back of the bow.
-
4
Fan the loops to create the bow. Twist each loop slightly so they lay properly. Pull both the tails to the rear of the bow and clip the ends of each tail in a "V" or angle.
-
5
Embellish the bow center with silk flowers, ribbon or other decorations. This will also hide the wire loop. Add long sections of ribbon to the bow tails to accent or enhance the length of a long pew end.
-
6
Measure the diameter around the pew end. Cut a section of 1/2-inch-wide white elastic 1 to 2 inches shorter than the diameter. The elastic will hold the bow to the pew. Sew the elastic loop closed and sew or hot-glue it to the back side of the pew bow. Pew bow clips can be purchased to hang the bow on the pew instead of using elastic.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make a graduated bow for a different look. Instead of making each accordion loop the same size, gradually make them smaller as more loops are added. When the bow is fanned out, the small loops come forward with large loops in the back. Use tulle instead of satin ribbon to add an elegant look to a pew bow. Spools of pre-cut tulle are available at craft stores in the ribbon area.
