How to Make Ribbons & Bows for Corsages

Corsage bow.

Making ribbons into attractive bows is a good skill to acquire as bows can be used in everything from hair adornment, to package presentations and flower arrangements. A corsage is often one, three or five flowers, a small cluster of leaves and some tiny filler flowers gathered together with a bow. The corsage pins to the upper chest area of a woman's garment and is used to show appreciation for the person by the person who is giving the flowers.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 inch ribbon
• 26 gauge floral wire
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut 1 yard of 1/2 inch ribbon that complements the color of the flowers being used in the corsage or event.

2. Measure 6 inches from the end of the ribbon. Form a 2-inch loop on one side of the tail and a second 2-inch loop straight across from the first loop. Pinch the short tail and the center between the loops between your thumb and forefinger of one hand.

3. Form a 1 and 1/2-inch loop to one side over the larger loop. Add the center between your pinched fingers. Fold a second 1 and 1/2-inch loop over the other larger loop. Form a third set of smaller loops the same way and then cross the center with your longer ribbon tail.

4. Cut 3 inches of floral 26 gauge wire and wind the wire around the pinched center of your ribbon and loops. Twist the wire fairly tight and make sure the loops are even on each side.

5. Fan out the loops and trim the tails into points or V shapes. Add your floral bow to your corsage.

Tips & Warnings

• Make two of these bows, one smaller than the other and wire them together for a bow and ribbons that are much more full. These work well with larger flowers.

References

• save on crafts: How To Make Corsage Bows