DIY Long Bows

Long bows are useful in decorating Christmas wreaths.

Homemade bows are easy to make and will save you a lot of money when decorating for an event or holiday. You can use long homemade bows in decorating pews or chair backs at weddings as well as decorating for Christmas by attaching them to your tree, front door or the mantel. You can find spools of ribbon at discount, fabric and craft and hobby stores. They are inexpensive compared to the cost of a ready-made bow and come in an array of colors, sizes and fabrics.

Things You'll Need

• Wired or regular ribbon of your choice, at least 1-inch wide
• Scissors
• Florist wire

Instructions

1. Cut the ribbon so you have two lengths, each 3 yards long.

2. Find the middle section of one ribbon by folding it in half.

3. Hold the first ribbon in the middle and bring one end of it to the back center section. Repeat the method with the other end of the first ribbon. This forms the puffy loops of the bow.

4. Grab the second 3-yard long piece of ribbon. Hold the ribbon with the puffy loops horizontally and wrap the second ribbon vertically toward the back of the bow in the center so it covers the ribbon ends. Tie the ribbon tightly in the back of the bow and adjust the ends so they hang down.

5. Cut a piece of florist wire about 3- or 4-inches long. Insert it into the back of the tied section. You can use the wire to attach it to a Christmas tree branch, chair back or other item.

Tips & Warnings

• Wired ribbon gives you a lot of control in shaping the bow by pulling it gently into place. The wire helps it hold the shape and not become droopy over time.

• You can create bows with 4 or 6 loops by adding more 3-yard lengths to the bow section before tying it.

References

• Save on Crafts: Pew Bows: How to Make Pew Bows