How to Make Satin Ribbon Bows

Use any color ribbon to make the perfect bow.

Satin ribbon bows can be used for a wide variety of projects and decorations. Whether you're adding a little bow to gift packaging, decorating your home during the holidays or even using the bows for a hair accessory, making satin bows is easy and inexpensive. With a few items, you can have perfect bows every time.

Things You'll Need

• 16-inch satin ribbon
• Pencil
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Lay the ribbon flat onto a clean surface. Place a pencil in the middle of the ribbon, perpendicular to the ribbon.

2. Pull up both sides of the ribbon so the pencil is perfectly centered. Tie the ribbon ends into a knot.

3. Turn the ribbon ends so the are parallel with the pencil (one end facing up and the other down).

4. Fold the ribbon end facing down in half, pinching the middle of the ribbon to keep it in place.

5. Pull the other ribbon end clockwise around the folded ribbon. Push the middle part of the ribbon through the back of the folded ribbon and out the right side. The bow is now formed.

6. Pull both bow ends tightly and adjust them as needed. Cut the ends of the ribbon to make them even---cut straight across, on a diagonal or in a "V."

7. Slide the satin bow off of the pencil and use it as needed. Tying the ribbon to a pencil will make a hoop in the back of the bow. The hoop can be easily slide up a headband or on to a bobby pin for a hair decoration; it can be slide through another piece of ribbon for easy decorating; or it can be used as decorations around the house.

References

• "Better Homes and Gardens": Bow-Making Basics