Making your own festive decorations is a fun way to liven up the season. Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids or by yourself this holiday season, there are lots of options, from making your own homemade Christmas cards to sewing the ideal ’90s-themed scrunchie.
Making your own bow is a terrific skill to have if you’re searching for a creative DIY project. They are simple enough for a DIY newbie to make, and they look great as house or gift wrapping.
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How to Make a Ribbon Bow
The art of bow-tying is not accessible to everyone since it requires skill, practice, and creativity. Others need a little guidance to get started, while those with more practice can make complicated bows with their eyes closed.
The goal of this piece is to encourage readers to try their hands at bowmaking. Here is a collection of the most impressive DIY bow ideas we could discover, from basic ribbon bows to elaborate patterns.
What Type of Ribbon Makes the Best Bows?
Numerous varieties of ribbon are suitable for use while tying a bow. You can use any ribbon you like, from velvet to grosgrain. No of the thickness or material of the ribbon, the process of making a bow remains the same. Bows made from wired ribbon are fuller and hold their shape better, making them perfect for decorating Christmas presents or a classy evergreen wreath.
If you like your bows to drape gently to the sides, then use satin or velvet ribbon. Tulle, which can be purchased for next to nothing at a craft store, makes for highly festive bows if you can’t locate ribbon you like. Bows can be constructed from a variety of materials, including crepe paper, twisted paper ribbon, burlap ribbon, and even strips of fabric yardage.
Supplies Needed
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Craft wire
Step-by-Step Directions
If you follow these steps, your homemade pom-pom ribbon bow will rival any store-bought version. Any ribbon will do, but wire-edged ribbons will make styling a breeze.
Step 1: Form a Ribbon Circle
Make a circle out of the ribbon; ours is about six inches in diameter because that’s how wide of a bow we want to make. Keep going around and around with the ribbon until you have at least eight complete circles. Bows can be made fuller by increasing the number of times the ribbon is wrapped around the center.
Step 2: Trim Corners
When you’re done making circles with the ribbon, press the loops flat and cut a diagonal slit in each corner with a pair of craft scissors (about $14 on Amazon). If you trim the bow too much, the center will lose its round shape.
Step 3: Secure Center
When you’re done cutting the four corners, refold the loops so the notches in the cuts meet in the middle. Tie the ribbon as tightly as you can around the center notches using a small piece of string or craft wire ($6, Amazon). Don’t bother knotting the strings; the loops will cover them up afterwards.
Step 4: Fluff Loops
To make a bow, start by pulling out the center loop and twisting it to the right. To the left, twist the next innermost loop that you pull out. Keep going until you’ve twisted all of the loops on that side. Do the same thing on the other bow arm.
Step 5: Adjust Loops
Assemble the bow by rearranging the loops as necessary. If you’re using a wire-edged ribbon, the loops won’t come undone no matter how you shape them. Attach the bow to the top of your gift using the thin ribbon or wire ends.
Conclusion
It is not difficult to present a beautifully wrapped gift. If you want to look like you just stepped out of a department store, we’ll show you how to make your own beautiful, full bows in no time at all.
Whether you use homemade wrapping paper or fabric to present your gifts, a classic pom-pom ribbon bow provides that extra something. If you make your own bow, you can use any colors and patterns you like.
This bow is easy enough that even a slacker could learn to use it. Our method is suitable for novices and may be used to any ribbon.
If you’ve never attempted to make a bow before, we suggest starting with a wire-edged ribbon, like the plaid wired ribbon we used (which cost $9 at Walmart). You can simply disguise any flaws in the bow’s loops thanks to the wiring.
