How to Make Bows for Mailboxes

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You can make bows for mailboxes.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 to 4 yards of all-weather ribbon, 1/2 to 4 inches wide

  • Scissors

Bows can be made to decorate your mailbox for any holiday or season. The bow also often serves as a symbol which shows that you honor a cause, or that you are counting the days for a loved one to return home. A bow is a colorful sign that lets your guests know that they have arrived at the party. You can create your own stunning, professional looking bows for mailboxes for any occasion. You can make the bows in a series of sizes for your mailbox, lamppost, columns or any other suitable outdoor structures, as well as for indoor decor.

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Step 1: Tie the Ribbon Into a Knot

Cut a 14-inch piece of ribbon. Tie a knot in the center of the ribbon and set aside.

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Step 2: Measure, Pinch and Loop

Measure about 6 inches from the end of the ribbon. Pinch the ribbon between your thumb and forefinger. Make a 3 to 4 inch long loop with the half inch wide ribbon. Make a 4 to 6 inch long loop with a 1 to 3 inch wide ribbon for a larger bow.

Step 3: Twist the Ribbon and Make a Loop

Twist ribbon and make a loop opposite the one you made first.

Step 4: Make More Ribbon Loops

Continue making loops. Remember to twist the ribbon when moving to the opposite side of the bow for a new loop. This keeps the ribbon fabric consistent with the correct side out.

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Step 5: Add the Piece of Knotted Ribbon

Hold the bow firmly in your hand. Lay the 14 inch piece of ribbon with the knot in the center of the front of the bow.

Step 6: Turn and Pull

Turn the bow over. Pull the tails of the knotted ribbon to the center of the back of the bow.

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Step 7: Tie and Make a Double Knot

Tie the 14 inch ribbon tightly. Double knot it to keep the mailbox bow firmly tied.

Step 8: Tie the Bow to the Mailbox

Wrap a piece of the ribbon around the body of the mailbox. Tie a knot at the center bottom of the box. Tie the tails from your 14 inch piece of ribbon onto the base ribbon strip on the side of the mailbox.

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Step 9: Tie the Bow Onto the Base Ribbon

Tie the bow on to the base ribbon at the center top of the mailbox for another choice.

Step 10: Make a Large Bow and Then Another

Make a large bow from the 3 to 4 inch wide ribbon and another from the 1/2 inch wide ribbon.

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Step 11: Tie the Base Ribbon

Tie the base ribbon with the widest ribbon.

Step 12: Finish the Bow for Your Mailbox

Tie the smaller bow to the large bow's center. Tie the large bow to the base bow for an extra special mailbox swag bow.

Tip

Use all-weather ribbon to make a bow for the mailbox that will be on display on the mailbox for days or weeks.

Warning

Do not turn the ribbon loops loose until you finish and tie off the bow.

Cut a V notch in the bow ends for a crisp, different look.

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