How to Tie a Decorative Bow

Handmade bows add a special touch to wrapped gifts. Bows made with holiday ribbon can also be used to decorate a front door, mantel or Christmas tree during the holidays. The bow described here is easy to make and can be created with any size or type of ribbon.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Craft Ribbons
• Gift Ribbons
• Greeting Cards
• Cellophane Tapes
• Floral Wires
• Scissors

1. Choose ribbon in an appropriate color, texture and width. Are you trying to match the ribbon color to a particular gift wrap? Will the ribbon width give you the size bow you want? How will you be using the bow?

2. Choose enough ribbon for the number of bows you want to make. For package bows, purchase approximately 45 inches of ribbon per bow. If you don't want a long tail on your bow, you can purchase less ribbon.

3. Measure approximately 6 inches from the end of a 45-inch length of ribbon. Use your left thumb and forefinger to mark the spot. This will be one of the ribbon's tails. Use your right hand to fold under the next 6 inches of ribbon to make a 3-inch loop that ends at your left thumb and forefinger.

4. Secure the loop at its base with your left thumb and forefinger. Each loop will be secured in this manner.

5. Fold the next 6 inches of ribbon up to form an identical loop that ends at your left thumb and forefinger. You now have two opposing loops and two tails.

6. Make two more loops, this time using 8-inch lengths of ribbon to make opposing, 4-inch loops. Make these loops and the ones that follow by folding up and toward the center rather than under.

7. Repeat step 6 using 9-inch lengths of ribbon to make a pair of 4 1/2-inch loops.

8. Repeat step 6 using 10-inch lengths of ribbon to make a pair of 5-inch loops.

9. Place a piece of floral wire, approximately 20 inches in length, between your left thumb and the ribbon loops. Make sure that an equal amount of wire is on each side of the ribbon bundle.

10. Use your right hand to bring the floral wire halves together at the back of the bow and twist them together tightly four or five times. Trim the excess wire or use it to affix the bow to the package.

11. Arrange and fluff the bow loops to your liking, and trim the ribbon tails by making diagonal cuts across the ribbon ends.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a ribbon width to fit your bow's use. Use narrow ribbon to make bows for small packages; use wider ribbon for larger ones.

• Choose a wire-rimmed ribbon to give your bow stability and to give you more control over the positioning of the bow.

• Keep extra ribbon on hand in case of mistakes or just in case you decide to make larger ribbons than planned.

• Use 2- to 3-inch-wide green or red velvet ribbon to make a holiday bow for your front door, or make several bows out of 1-inch or narrower red velvet ribbon. Use these to decorate a Christmas tree.

• Use a ribbon with a "right" and "wrong" side, but make sure the right sides are positioned as they should be when making your bow. You may need to tightly twist the ribbon at the base of each loop to accomplish this.