How to Make a Bow

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Looking to add a little something special to a present, bag, or skirt? Bows can make the perfect embellishment to almost any project. Most bows can be easily made using almost any type of ribbon. But, use wire-edged ribbon if you're looking for an elaborate bow that really holds it shape. Whether you're using ribbon made from plastic, cloth, satin, or silk, try making a decorative bow.

If you're looking for information on how to Make a Bow and Arrow , check out this article: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Bow-and-Arrow .


Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making a Classic Bow

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Using scissors, cut the ribbon to your desired length.
    • When starting out, leave your ribbon a little longer. It will be easier to practice with.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Hold the ends of the ribbon, one end in each hand. Keep the ribbon from twisting, and fold the ribbon back to front. [1]
    • You should end up holding the ribbon with two loops towards the top and one larger loop at the bottom's center.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Cross the top right loop over the top left loop.
    • If you're making a bow to wrap a box, cross the top left loop over the right and do a half-knot. This will keep it in place on the box. [2]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Fold the right loop behind and underneath the left loop. Pull it up through the hole. [3]
    • Don't let the ribbon get twisted or bunched as you knot the loops.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Hold the ends or tails of the bow and pull to tighten. This should make a smooth knot. [4]
    • Make sure both your loops are the same size. If not, pull to adjust them. You can also trim the bow's tails by cutting a little chevron out of the ends.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making a Big Bow

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  1. You'll need floral stem wire to hold the bow together at its center. Make sure to bend it in half so it looks like a U. You'll also need wire-edged ribbon. [5]
    • Get a spool and that way you can make the bow as big as you like.
  2. Pull about 18 inches (46 cm) of ribbon away from the spool. Hold onto the ribbon with the fingers of your left hand. [6]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Pull out another 12 inches (30.5 cm) of ribbon off the spool, using your right hand. Your left hand should still be holding and marking the ribbon you first pulled off. [7]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Your right hand should be holding and marking the ribbon that you just pulled off the spool. Bring your right hand and left hand together to make a loop in the ribbon. [8]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Now that you've made a loop, transfer it to your left hand and hold it firmly in between your fingers. [9]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Pull out another 12 inches (30.5 cm) of ribbon off the spool, using your right hand. Your left hand should still be holding the loop you just made.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Fold this extra ribbon over your loop and hold it together with your left hand. [10]
    • You should see a loop on either side of your hand holding the ribbon. The loops will look like a figure 8 or infinity symbol.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Pull out another 12 inches (30.5 cm) of ribbon off the spool, using your right hand. Fold it over an existing loop. [11]
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Continue pulling out ribbon and folding it into alternating loops, so that your bow will be even. [12]
    • Make at least 4 loops on each side of your hand.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Measure out 6 more inches of ribbon and cut the end. Make the loop wrap over the top of your finger that's holding the center of the bow. Bring the ribbon under your finger so it's secure. [13]
  11. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Use your bent floral stem wire to bring it through and underneath this top center loop. Bend the stem wire into a knot and pull it to tighten. Twist the wire around several times to keep it in place. [14]
  12. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Gently pull out on the wire loops to fluff them out. If you used wire-edged ribbon, the loops should hold their puffy shapes. [15] Trim the ends of the bow. Cut chevrons or simply cut a diagonal angle at the tails. [16]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Making a Winged Bow

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Using scissors, cut the ribbon to your desired length.
    • Use caution when cutting with scissors.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Fold the left tail over the right tail. Make sure your ribbon isn't twisted or bunched. [17]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Fold the left tail completely behind and underneath the right tail.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    Bring the left tail up through the hole and pull the tails. You should have a smooth even knot. [18]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bow
    At this point, your ribbon simply looks like tails and a knot in the center. Trim the tails close to the knot. [19] Cut a chevron at each end or tail. The top of the chevron should be pointing towards the knot.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What ribbon should I use for bows?
    Amy Guerrero
    Arts & Crafts Specialist
    Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement.
    Amy Guerrero
    Arts & Crafts Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Wired ribbons have a metal wire running through them so they'll hold the shape of your bow a lot easier.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/christmas/gift-wrapping/make-a-classic-bow-in-4-easy-steps/
      2. ↑ http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226403/three-perfect-bows
      3. ↑ http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226403/three-perfect-bows
      4. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/christmas/gift-wrapping/make-a-classic-bow-in-4-easy-steps/
      5. ↑ http://www.save-on-crafts.com/how-to-make-a-floral-bow.html
      6. ↑ http://www.save-on-crafts.com/how-to-make-a-floral-bow.html
      7. ↑ http://www.save-on-crafts.com/how-to-make-a-floral-bow.html
      8. ↑ http://www.save-on-crafts.com/how-to-make-a-floral-bow.html
      9. ↑ http://www.save-on-crafts.com/how-to-make-a-floral-bow.html
      1. ↑ http://www.save-on-crafts.com/how-to-make-a-floral-bow.html
      2. ↑ http://www.save-on-crafts.com/how-to-make-a-floral-bow.html
      3. ↑ http://www.save-on-crafts.com/how-to-make-a-floral-bow.html
      4. ↑ http://www.save-on-crafts.com/how-to-make-a-floral-bow.html
      5. ↑ http://www.save-on-crafts.com/how-to-make-a-floral-bow.html
      6. ↑ Amy Guerrero. Arts & Crafts Specialist. Expert Interview. 9 October 2020.
      7. ↑ http://www.save-on-crafts.com/how-to-make-a-floral-bow.html
      8. ↑ http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226403/three-perfect-bows
      9. ↑ http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226403/three-perfect-bows
      10. ↑ http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226403/three-perfect-bows

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a classic bow, cut a ribbon with scissors, then take an end in each hand. Fold the ribbon back to front so you end up with two loops towards the top and one larger loop at the bottom’s center. Then, cross the top right loop over the top left loop. Fold the top right loop behind and underneath the left loop before pulling it up through the hole. To finish, pull the ends of the bow to tighten. To learn how to make other types of bows, like a florist or winged bow, keep reading the article!

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