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.
Bows are delightful embellishments that can add a touch of charm and elegance to various occasions and projects.
Whether you’re wrapping a gift, decorating for a special event, or adding a finishing touch to a craft project, knowing how to make various types of bows can be a valuable skill.
In this detailed guide, we will explore the art of bow-making, including how to create a simple ribbon bow, a 4-loop bow, a cute bow, a giant bow, and a double bow.
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Contents
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.
How to Make a Simple Ribbon Bow
A simple ribbon bow is a classic choice for gift wrapping and crafting. Here’s how to create one:
Materials:
- Ribbon of your choice
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cut a length of ribbon, leaving extra for the tails.
- Make a loop with one end of the ribbon, creating the size of the bow you desire.
- Hold the loop in place and make a similar loop with the other end of the ribbon.
- Cross the second loop over the first loop, creating an “X” shape.
- Thread one end of the ribbon through the center of the “X” from behind.
- Pull both ends of the ribbon to tighten the bow.
- Adjust the loops and tails as needed to achieve the desired look.
How to Make a 4-Loop Bow
A 4-loop bow adds extra flair to your decorations. Here’s how to make one:
Materials:
- Ribbon of your choice
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cut a length of ribbon, leaving extra for the tails.
- Create a loop with one end of the ribbon, as you would for a simple bow.
- Repeat this process to create three more loops, arranging them evenly around the center point.
- Secure the loops at the center using a twist tie, a piece of wire, or a separate piece of ribbon.
- Fluff and adjust the loops to achieve the desired shape and fullness.
- Trim the tails to your preferred length.
How to Tie a Cute Bow
A cute bow is all about adding a touch of sweetness to your projects. Here’s how to tie one:
Materials:
- Ribbon with a cute pattern or design
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cut a length of ribbon, ensuring you have enough for the bow’s loops and tails.
- Create a loop with one end of the ribbon, forming the size of the bow you want.
- Make another loop with the other end of the ribbon.
- Cross the second loop over the first to create an “X” shape.
- Gently pinch the center of the “X” to create a bow shape.
- Secure the pinched center with a small piece of ribbon or a twist tie.
- Fluff and adjust the loops to achieve a cute and playful look.
- Trim the tails to your desired length.
How to Make a Giant Bow
A giant bow is perfect for decorating larger items or creating a dramatic statement. Here’s how to make one:
Materials:
- Wide ribbon or multiple strands of ribbon
- Scissors
- A twist tie or wire
Steps:
- Cut a long length of wide ribbon or multiple strands of ribbon.
- Create a large loop with one end, forming the size of the bow you want.
- Make a similar loop with the other end.
- Continue creating loops, alternating between the two sides, until you achieve the desired fullness.
- Secure the loops at the center using a twist tie or wire.
- Fluff and arrange the loops to create a voluminous bow.
- Trim the ends of the loops for a neat appearance.
- Attach the giant bow to your project or gift.
How to Make a Double Bow
A double bow adds depth and elegance to your decorations. Here’s how to create one:
Materials:
- Two different ribbons of your choice
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cut two lengths of ribbon, each with a different width or pattern, and leave extra for the tails.
- Create a loop with one of the ribbons, forming the size of the bow you desire.
- Make a similar loop with the other ribbon, slightly smaller than the first loop.
- Cross the second loop over the first loop, creating an “X” shape with the ribbons.
- Thread one end of each ribbon through the center of the “X” from behind.
- Pull both ends of both ribbons to tighten the bow.
- Adjust the loops and tails as needed to achieve the desired look.
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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.
Mastering the art of bow-making allows you to add a personalized and creative touch to your gifts, decorations, and craft projects. Whether you opt for a simple ribbon bow, a 4-loop bow, a cute bow, a giant bow, or a double bow, the key is practice and creativity.
Experiment with different ribbons, patterns, and sizes to achieve the perfect bow for your specific needs, and watch as your creations come to life with a touch of elegance and charm.
