How to Make a Big Bow for a Car

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Things You'll Need

  • 2-inch-wide ribbon

  • Scissors

  • Wide wire-edge ribbon

  • Chalk

  • Floral wire (optional)

  • Hot glue gun

  • Hot glue

  • Magnet

The recipient will recognize your gift right away with a shiny bow on top.
Image Credit: Comstock/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Enhance the excitement for the recipient of a brand new car with a giant bow placed on the hood or roof. Making a large bow seems like a daunting task for some, but it involves the same process used in making a smaller bow -- just on a much grander scale.

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Step 1

Cut a 10-inch length of the 2-inch-wide ribbon and set aside.

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Step 2

Measure out the tail length of the bow and unroll it from the spool of wire-edge ribbon. Mark it with the chalk.

Step 3

Grasp the ribbon on the chalk line with your thumb and forefinger and twist the ribbon so the right side of the ribbon is facing you. If you are right-handed, hold the ribbon in your left hand. If you are left-handed, hold the ribbon in your left hand. Keep grasping the ribbon.

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Step 4

Make a loop to the left with the ribbon, letting it unroll from the spool as you loop. Make this loop the size you require for your bow. If your bow is to be 24 inches, you will need a 12-inch loop.

Step 5

Bring the loop to meet the ribbon you are holding. Twist the ribbon as you bring it in and grasp it with the other piece between your fingers.

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Step 6

Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to the right of your hand. Make the loop the same size as the first.

Step 7

Continue repeating Steps 4 and 5 and make loops in different directions until the bow is as full as you prefer.

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Step 8

Pick up the length of smaller-width ribbon you cut in Step 1. Tie it around the middle of the ribbon loops where your fingers are holding the twists. It is helpful to have another person assist you with this step. Knot the ribbon tightly in the back of the bow. Do not snip the tails off of this ribbon, as doing so may loosen the bow. You can substitute a piece of floral wire for the ribbon if desired. Position the loops of the bow to create a round, full appearance.

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Step 9

Cut the wide wire-edge ribbon to the same length as your tail in Step 2 to free it from the roll.

Step 10

Glue the magnet to the back of the bow. Place on the hood or roof of the car.

Tip

Select coordinating ribbons so the ribbon used to tie the middle will blend into the bow.

Warning

If you choose to use the floral wire, use caution when placing the bow on the car that the wire does not touch the car's surface as it could cause scratches.

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