How to Wrap Ribbons
A single strand of ribbon can be wrapped multiple times to form a bow. These simple bows are a staple element of decoration, whether for gifts, as a base of most boutonnieres and corsages or decorating the outside of potted plants. They are also used to decorate baskets, Christmas trees and holiday wreaths. You can wrap ribbon into bows, altering the ribbon size and bow fullness to meet your specific purpose.
Instructions
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1
Cut a length of ribbon between 3 and 5 yards long. The length of ribbon will determine the fullness of the final bow and it is better to have more ribbon than you need than to not enough to complete the bow. If you have more ribbon than necessary to achieve the look you desire, you can always trim off the excess at the end.
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2
Cut an upside-down "V" notch out of the center of the ribbon's end. This angled cut will not only be more esthetically pleasing but can prevent the end of the ribbon from unraveling.
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3
Starting with the end you just trimmed, slide the ribbon between your thumb and forefinger, stopping when the tail that hangs down is the length you desire the tail on your bow to be.
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4
Pinch the top of the tail between your fingers and wrap the ribbon around to make a loop to the left of your fingers. Pinch the end of the loop between your fingers.
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5
Put a twist in the ribbon at this point, ensuring that the top side of the ribbon will stay on the outside of the second loop. This is not necessary if both sides of your ribbon look the same.
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6
Make a second loop to the right of your fingers. Fold it back to the center and pinch to hold the loop in place.
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Repeat this looping process, one to the left and one to the right. A standard bow has 5 loops on each side of the pinched spot but more or less loops can be used to make the bow as full or as slim as you like.
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8
Wrap the ribbon around your thumb to make a single small loop at the bow's center. This loop will cover the pinch point.
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9
Make a second tail the same length as the first off this end and cut off the remaining ribbon.
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10
Run a length of wire through the loop over your thumb and fold it around the pinched area, securing the loops. Make an "X" with the wires' two ends and twist it down tight.
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11
Trim an upside-down "V" notch into the end of the second tail.
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Hold on to the bow, holding only the wires on the back of the bow. Spread and shape the loops to create an attractive bow. Do not pull too hard on the loops or else you may pull them out.
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Tips & Warnings
To create a fuller, rounder bow, two simple bows can be attached side by side, one another. Attach them to each other with a strand of craft wire and spread the loops so that it looks like a uniform whole.
If you are not comfortable cutting your length at the beginning of the bow making process, you can work off the spool and cut it only at the end of the process. This will also prevent significant waste if you are making multiple bows.
References
- Photo Credit bow image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
