How to Make a Perfect Wire Ribbon Bow
Wire ribbon is a floral ribbon usually made of satin or organza fabric with a thin pliable wire woven into the edging. The wire helps the bow hold up its shape and makes it easily arranged. The width of this ribbon varies for the making of different sizes and styles of bows. While regular ribbons can be difficult to work with when attempting to make bows, the wire in the wire ribbon helps even a beginner create perfect ribbon bows.
Instructions
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1
Hold the ribbon backside up approximately 2 inches from the end with length going away from you. With the other hand loop the short end away from you and over the ribbon. Tuck the end under the thumb that is holding the ribbon. This is the bow's center loop.
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2
Continue holding the wire ribbon bow with one hand. Use the free hand to twist the ribbon right below the center loop so the length of ribbon is right-side up. Bring the length back toward you, making a loop about 2 to 3 inches wide. Slide the loop in between the fingers holding the bow.
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3
Twist the ribbon right-side up directly under the first twist. Make a loop on the opposite side of the bow. Make sure the loops are equal in size so the bow will not be lopsided. Continue making loops and twisting at the center to keep the ribbon right-side up until you have three loops on each side. You will have to hold the bow fairly tight to prevent the loops from slipping away.
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4
After the last loop, twist the ribbon right-side up and loop the ribbon around, tucking the end under the bow for tails. With your free hand, slide the floral wire through the bow's center. Slip the wire under the thumb holding the bow and bend the wire around to the back of the bow until the wire's ends meet.
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5
Pull the wire tight against the bow and twist the wire approximately four times at the back of the bow. You want the wire to be tight enough to keep the bow loops from slipping out, but do not twist it so much the wire breaks.
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6
Cut the tail ribbon loop in half to make two tails hanging down from each side of the bow. Fold each end in half with wire edges lined up and cut at an angle for a v-shaped end. Cutting at an angle helps prevent fraying and gives the bows a finished look.
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7
Arrange and shape the loops by moving them until the bow is the desired shape. Use the leftover wire ends to attach the bow to the object you wish to decorate.
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Tips & Warnings
Ribbons wider than 3 inches tend to do well as larger bows, which larger loops and more ribbon.
Cloth-covered floral wire works well for bow making because it holds the bow together well and doesn't cut into the hands as you twist. It also holds up against twisting and looks better.
Resources
- Photo Credit red bow image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
