How to Make a Simple Bow With Wired Ribbon
Bows are one of the simplest, most versatile items to use in decorations. Moreover, homemade bows can be far cheaper than store-bought bows. Wired ribbon is a decorative ribbon that has thin craft wire threaded down each side. This makes the ribbon much easier to control and provides a more structured look to your bows. Use your wired ribbon bows on Christmas wreaths, wedding decorations, wrapped gifts, or anything that needs a decorative touch. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Cut a piece of cloth-covered craft wire about 5 inches long and set it aside for the moment. This will be used to fasten the bow together later on.
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2
Cut a section of ribbon, as long or short as you like. The length of the ribbon will determine how many loops your bow has and how big the loops are. For a medium sized bow, say for a wreath, cut about eight feet.
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3
Pinch the ribbon about one foot from the end of the ribbon, using your left hand. This tail will form one of your bow's tails at the end.
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4
Make a loop using the long end of the ribbon. It should start and end at the “pinch point.”
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5
Hold the loop so that it points to the left, and make another loop that extends out to the other side and back to the center point. If the design on your ribbon is only one sided, you will need to twist the ribbon 180 degrees before making the second loop.
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6
Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until you have a sufficient number of loops on either side for your bow. For a really simple bow, you just use one loop on either side. For larger bows, use three to five loops on each side. Regularly stretch the loops out taut to check if they are the same size. Slide a finger into each loop as you do this so you don't create kinks in the wire. Continue to squeeze the center point of the bow tightly so that the loops can't come loose.
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7
Make one last loop which is much smaller than the main loops. This will form the center piece of your bow. Loop the piece of craft wire through the smaller loop, around the center point and twist it tightly at the back to secure the bow. The cloth covering on the wire will prevent it from slipping around. Fan out the loops and arrange them as you wish.
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8
Cut the ends of the tails to finish your bow and stop the ribon from fraying. You can cut them in a simple diagonal line, or try a more decorative V-shape design. To make a V-cut, fold the ribbon in half along it's length, and cut off the tip diagonally. Once the ribbon is unfolded you will have a classic "v" shape.
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References
- Photo Credit Bow image by irum from Fotolia.com
