How to Make a Simple Gift Bow in Ten Steps
DIY Bow Suitable for Corsages, Wreaths and Gift Boxes
Nov 14, 2008
Learn how to make a ribbon bow with streamers suitable for corsages, wreaths and decorative projects. The function and purpose of the bow, determines the ribbon width.
Finish holiday craft projects with a correctly completed bow and streamer for a polished appearance. For striking and interesting results, fashion bows and streamers from ribbons complementary to projects. (Photo #2) For example: ribbon measuring ½-inch in width is suitable for a typical corsage bow, while 3-inch ribbon is a good choice for door wreaths and swags. Patience and practice lead to professional-looking bows.
Materials
- Roll of ribbon suitable in width for project; a second roll of lesser width with contrasting color or texture for special effects (see chart below);
- Scissors;
- Narrow (26 gauge) florist wire in 8- to 12-inch lengths or cut from roll in those lengths.
Ten-step Procedure
- For a special effect bow and streamer, lay a ribbon with contrasting colors and / or textures, narrower width on top of the wider background ribbon, and proceed as though working with only one ribbon. (Photo #1 & #3)
- Leave ribbon on the roll or cut from the roll a piece suitable in length for the project (see chart below).
- Start bow by grasping ribbon between thumb and forefinger 2 to 3 inches from the cut end. The 2 to 3 inches are one of the bow's streamers. Measure off a greater amount of ribbon for a longer streamer.
- Make first loop about 3 to 4 inches long (1 to 2 inches if for a corsage). Make certain to both gather and pinch ribbon between thumb and forefinger at loop's center.
- Form second loop in the opposite direction from the first. It is gathered and pinched in the same manner. Twist ribbon having both a dull and shiny side, and a printed and plain side, each time it passes through thumb and forefinger.
- Continue making loops until there are four or five on either side of the pinch. The more loops created, the fuller the bow. One hand should hold all loops gathered and pinched.
- With your free hand, push all ribbon loops toward palm of hand. Hold the almost-folded bow so as to be able to wrap wire around the center.
- Use free hand to place florist wire over center pinch. Hobbyist bow-makers usually push wire through on the thumb side of gathers. If desired, use a length of ribbon instead of wire to secure the pinch. This also creates another streamer.
- Even up lengths of wire or ribbon streamers. Twist wire or ribbon, not the bow, a couple of turns around the bow's center.
- Rework loops loosely by twisting gently. This gives a full and polished appearance to your professional-looking bow. (Photos #4 & #5)
Ribbon Widths and Lengths
Suitable for bow with streamer to attach to corsage, wreath or gift box
- for ¼" wide ribbon, cut 2 yards of ribbon from roll;
- ½" x 2 yards;
- 9/16" x 2 yards;
- ¾" x 2 ½ yards;
- 1½" x 3 yards;
- 2¾" x 3 ½ yards.
Other Simple Holiday Ideas
How to Have a Safe Christmas Tree: Fresh-cut and Well-watered Trees Maintain Decorative Longevity
The copyright of the article How to Make a Simple Gift Bow in Ten Steps in Crafts is owned by Georgene A. Bramlage. Permission to republish How to Make a Simple Gift Bow in Ten Steps in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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