How to Tie a Ribbon Bow
Making a ribbon is one of the easiest ways to beautify things, whether it’s a gift, your curtains or any other crafty decorations you want to display. Many people have been tying and making ribbon bows all their life, but others don’t know how to even start. Don’t fret, because here are two simple methods you can try.
The Simple Ribbon Bow
The end result of this method looks just like the ribbon you make with your shoelaces. There are a few easy ways to tweak it up, though, so you’ll end up with something prettier and neater.
What You’ll Need:
Ribbon
Scissors
Procedure:
Cut a length of ribbon, long enough for your project. Get the two ends of it, then cross them together and loop one of the ends under the other. This is how you start tying your shoes as well.
Create a loop with one side of the ribbon, Make sure it’s not twisted.
Do the same for the other side of the ribbon, the loop as identical in size as the other one.
Cross these two loops together, then pull on the loop that’s on top through the hole that’s between the two loops, just like you did in step one.
Tightly pull the loops. Don’t mind if the bow looks messy.
Adjust the loops of your ribbon, carefully loosen the ends then keep adjusting until they’re even.
This works great for ribbon bows you wear in your hair or for gifts. Don’t worry if the bow doesn’t look great. You can simply undo the knots and repeat it again.
The Complicated Ribbon Bow
If you want something that’s a bit more extravagant, but lovely, then this procedure might suit you better.
What You’ll Need:
Ribbon
Floral wire
Scissors
Procedure:
Cut a piece of ribbon that’s at least 45 inches long. Hold the ribbon, measuring six inches from the end. Using your left forefinger and thumb, mark the spot; this will be one of your ribbon’s tails. Using your right hand, fold the next six inches of ribbon, so there’s a three-inch loop ending at your forefinger and thumb.
Use your left forefinger and thumb to secure the loop at its base. This way, each of the loop will be secured.
Get the next six inches of ribbon and fold the up, so you’ll have an identical loop ending at your left forefinger and thumb. You now have two opposing tails and loops.
Using eight-inch long ribbon, create two more loops, resulting in four-inch loops. Create these loops as well as the ones that follow through folding upwards and to the center, rather than under,
Repeat the previous step using nine-inch long ribbons, making 4 1/2 inch loops. Repeat again, this time with 10-inch ribbons, resulting in five-inch loops.
Get 20 inches of floral wire and put it between your thumb and your ribbon loops. There should be an equal amount of wire on each side of the ribbon bundle.
Bring the halves of the floral wire together, using your right hand, then tightly twist them four or five times. You can either trim the excess wire or use it to attach the bow to the gift, décor or wherever you’re placing it.
Fluff up the bow loops, then cut diagonally across the ends, to trim the tails.
Make something extra-special by tyinga ribbon bow. Whether you create a simple one or a very exquisite type, it’ll surely add a lovely touch.