How to Make the Perfect Bow

Make a florist bow in 5 minutes.

Many package decorations, table centerpieces and chair/pew decorations use handmade bows made from ribbon. There are several types of handmade bows with the most common being the florist bow. Other handmade bow styles include the pompom bow, starburst bow, pinwheel bow, dior bow and package bow. Learn to make the florist bow before trying the other styles. Make a florist bow using any width ribbon. A 3/4-inch to 1-inch-wide ribbon is the simplest ribbon to use when experimenting with the bow process.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4-inch to 1-inch-wide ribbon
• 26-gauge wire
• Yardstick
• Wire cutter
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of 26-gauge wire at approximately 12-inches.

2. Measure and cut a piece of 3/4-inch to 1-inch-wide ribbon at 6 feet.

3. Make a small 1-inch loop about 10 inches from one end of the ribbon. Pinch the ribbon together and hold.

4. Make a 1.5-inch loop on one side of the center. Pinch the ribbon together at the center mark and hold. Make a 1.5-inch loop on the opposite side of the center. Pinch the ribbon together at the center mark and hold.

5. Make a 2-inch loop on one side of the center. Pinch the ribbon together at the center mark and hold. Make a 2-inch loop on the opposite side of the center. Pinch the ribbon together at the center and hold. Continue to the next set of loops and make those one half inch larger than the previous row. Continue the process until 10 inches of ribbon is left for the second tail.

6. Insert the end of the 12-inch wire through the center loop. Position the middle of the wire under your finger and over the pinched center of the ribbon.

7. Bend the two ends of the wire together. Twist the wire directly under the last two loops of the ribbon. Continue to twist the wire about eight to ten times.

8. Fan the loops of the ribbon by pulling them one at a time from the stacked center. Continue to pull the ribbons into the desired position to create a full florist bow.

References

• Save on Crafts: How to Tie a Bow
• Offray: Ribbon How Tos