Happy Wednesday everyone!   As promised, here is my How To Make A Bow Tutorial And Video!  This is only my second tutorial and I’m in much need of some practice but I tried my best not to confuse you.  I angled the camera so that it would look as if you were standing behind me looking over me rather than in front of me.  I once had someone try and show me how to make a bow while standing directly in front of me and I just couldn’t get it so I taught myself.  Yes, I’m self taught and hope that my instruction and videos help you to create your own bows.

I included two photos of bows that I’ve done in the past along with instructions and four videos on a smaller bow using ribbon I recently bought through Amazon.com.  I tried teaching you as I would want it taught to me but if you have any questions, feel free to email me or comment below.  Thursday starts my 12 Days of Christmas posts and I will be doing another video during that time on creating a bow using two different styles of ribbon at the same time.  Once you get the hang of it, it’s very easy! I promise 🙂

First steps to making a bow:

Step 1:

– Select your ribbon.  I like to use ribbon that has a wire edge because I find it easier to create the bow.  It holds it’s shape better.

– Buy a sharp pair of scissors.  I bought mine at JoAnn Fabrics years ago.  They have been used on so many craft projects but still remain very sharp.

– Purchase pipe cleaners or wire to tie your bow together.  I normally just buy white or brown but also love to use matching pipe cleaners to my ribbon if I can.  You don’t want your pipe cleaner or wire to show on your bow!  

How to make a bow:

Step 2:

– First un-ravel the ribbon and pull out as much as you would like hanging down.  I call these streamers.  Once you get the desired length, create a small loop approximately 1 – 2 inches around (enough to fit two fingers inside of the loop) by first twisting the ribbon making sure the pattern is upright facing you, create your loop and twist together.  This I call the first loop.

– Decide how big you want your bow.  This will determine how many loops to make.  Make sure your loops are an even number of loops on each side.  Start by making your second loop and then proceed with each loop a bit bigger.

Making the loops:

Step 3:

– Pull enough ribbon out, make your loop, bring towards the middle under loop 1, scrunch and twist making sure you are holding it in your hand.  If you let go, your bow will come un-done.  Repeat on each side making sure you are making each loop bigger than the previous loop. The more loops, the bigger the bow.

– When your bow is finished, take your pipe cleaner and wrap it around the middle of the bow where you have twisted it all together and twist the pipe cleaner together in back.  You can cut the pipe cleaner off there or leave the ends to be used for tying onto something.  Maybe you are making a wreath or swag.  I always make custom bows for my gifts and sometimes cut them off if they look messy.

– Decide where you want to cut the ribbon from the roll to make your steamer.

Shaping your bow:

Step 4:

– Start with loop 1 by making sure it is centered and then fan out your loops creating your bow.  Make sure the loops are wrinkle free and puffy.  You don’t want a deflated looking bow.  Again, the more loops you have and the size of the loops, the bigger the bow.

– You can cut the streamers straight across, at an angle, or fold over at the end and cut to create a different edge.  You can also use scissors with a pattern on them to cut with so the edges are fancy.

I hope my instructions were easy to follow and this has helped you create your very first bow!  Again, don’t hesitate to make suggestions or ask questions!  I’ll be doing another video soon with combination ribbons!  It’s basically the same process only you are using two different ribbons at the same time.  As long as you are able to hold the ribbons in place with one hand and twist with the other, you will be ok!  Might just take some practice and you’ve got this!

Want more DIY posts?  Check them out here:

DIY Fall Wreath

DIY Ornament For Any Pet Lover

How To Create A Christmas Wreath