Growing up, my mother was the queen of making bows. No matter what season, you can always bet there are some pretty ribbon bows somewhere within the house. Somehow throughout all of this, I never actually learned how to make a bow and failed miserably whenever I would try to make one. BUT not to fear, mama to the rescue. She taught me with this super easy step by step process, and as long as you have ribbon with wire, it’s pretty much impossible to screw up. Whether it’s topping a Christmas tree or tied around a mason jar of flowers, a ribbon bow is a classic statement. Anyway, let’s get to tying.
Step 1. Ribbon & Loop
Like I said, you need ribbon with WIRE in it to make this bow work. I’ve tried to do it with regular ribbon and I promise you it isn’t even worth the aggravation. With the ribbon still attached to the spool, make a big loop like so and pinch it in the middle with your thumb and index finger.
Step 2. More Loops
While still pinching like you were before, take the ribbon and fold it over to create another loop back to where your pinching. Pinch that loop, and then create another in the opposite direction so it looks like the picture below. Imagine this as sort of a figure-8 of layering loops.
Step 3. Just Keep Looping
With the same strategy as above, keep creating loops on each side and pinching them with your thumb and index finger in the center. Create about five loops on each side.
Step 4. Flip and Snip
When you’re satisfied with the amount of loops you’ve got going on in your ribbon bow, flip it over (keeping your thumb and index finger pinched so you don’t unravel all of your meticulous work and want to cry) and snip a little triangle of ribbon in the center. This step isn’t crucial but it will make your ribbon bow easier to tie!
Step 5. Tie Your Ribbon Bow with Wire or String
While still pinching your ribbon together at the center, slide a small piece of wire or thick string through the center loop and twist it together or tie it at the bottom of your bow. Make sure it’s tight!
Step 6. Fluff your Ribbon Bow!
You’re almost done! Fluff your ribbon bow by pulling the pieces out to the sides and rounding the loops. Since the ribbon has wire in it, each loop should stay how you place it. Tie a strand of ribbon through the middle loop to create the tails, and ta da! Your beautiful ribbon bow is complete!
Depending on the size of the ribbon you use, you may want to do more or less loops. Sometimes creating a ribbon bow using this method takes a few tries, but once you get it, it’s so easy! Post your questions or suggestions in the comment box, I’m always looking for new ways to make bows! Make sure to pin the image below for future reference!
xx
