Most people associate bows with ribbons. In fact, it is possible to make them using a ribbon in a thousand ways, depending on the use for which they are intended. They can be used for styling hair, gift wrapping, embellishing clothes, crafting crafts and much more.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Making a Simple Bow
Step 1. Cut a piece of ribbon
Make sure it's long enough to tie the bow. Always cut them a little more to facilitate the operation and get quite long nocks.
Spread the tape out on a flat surface
Step 2. Bring the two ends to the center
Overlap them and you will have two rings and two tails. Shape the rings if they are too tight.
Step 3. Adjust the various parts of the bow so that they are even
Check the symmetry of the rings and tails, making sure they are the size and length you want.
Step 4. Fold the left ring over the right ring
Bring it around the back and pass it through the center hole. Tighten the knot in the center.
Step 5. Finished
Part 2 of 6: Making a Bow in Gros Grain
Step 1. Measure and wrap the tape
Cut 2 meters of grosgrain ribbon. Wrap it around the box lengthwise. Use glue or duct tape to secure it, but don't cut it yet. To get the bow, you will need to continue knitting the ends.
This bow is ideal for embellishing a gift box
Step 2. Make a loop with the ribbon
Bring the ring towards the center and hold it in place with your finger. Fold the ribbon towards the base of the ring. Fold it back until you get another loop. If you want, glue it to secure it. Make another ring in the same way.
Step 3. Make more rings
Keep working on the other side. Make three more loops in the same way, folding the ribbon backwards, then towards the center and securing it with glue.
Step 4. Finished
Part 3 of 6: Making a Bow with Ribbon and Wire
Step 1. Cut a piece of ribbon
You can use this bow for gift wrapping and flower arrangements, hair accessories and party decorations. Place the tape on a flat surface.
Step 2. Make two loops
Bring the two halves of the ribbon towards the center and overlap them. At the ends you should see the nocks.
Tighten the center of the ribbon to secure the bow
Step 3. Wrap and hide the wire
Wrap a piece of thin wire tightly in the center of the bow. Cover it with tape or tape to hide it. Use the same color as the bow or a complementary shade. Glue or sew this strip to attach it to the bow.
Step 4. Adjust the rings and nocks
Adjust the shape of the rings and nocks as needed to ensure symmetry. Trim the tails to keep them from fraying. Add the bow made from the wire to your next gift or garland.
Step 5. Finished
Part 4 of 6: Making a Rosette
Step 1. Cut a piece of ribbon
It must be 115 cm long. This type of bow resembles a large, blooming flower. You can use it for decorations, gift wrapping or as an additional ornament.
Step 2. Take the size of the rings
Starting from the end of the ribbon, create a ring that has a variable measure between 2, 5 and 20 cm. Hold it steady by squeezing it between your thumb and forefinger.
Step 3. Fold the ring
Lift the longer end so that you have another 2.5 cm loop to the left of the one already formed. Hold both of them between your thumb and forefinger.
Step 4. Switch sides
Make another identical ring, but this time on the right side. Do this, alternating the rings on opposite sides so that they form pairs. You will need 3-5 pairs to complete the cockade.
Step 5. Secure the cockade
Wrap a thin wire around the center of the bow. Squeeze it tightly to stop it and cut off the excess. Wrap some tape over the wire to hide it. Block it with some glue or a seam.
Step 6. Open the rings
They should have a rounded shape for the rosette to take on the appearance of a flower.
Part 5 of 6: Shaping the Nocks
Step 1. Don't forget the nocks
Together with the rings, they are the essential elements that give completeness to the bow. They are not always present, but if they are foreseen, it is important that they have a neat and finished look.
Step 2. Shape the long nocks
Make sure they are long enough when creating a bow. You can always shorten them later, while it will be practically impossible to lengthen them without ruining the shape of the rings.
Step 3. Cut it
This will prevent the ribbon from fraying and ruining the structure of the bow. Use a sharp pair of fabric and fabric scissors. You can cut the ends in different ways:
- Diagonally. Just cut the ribbon crosswise;
- Dovetail. Pick a center point at the end of the nock. Cut diagonally to the chosen point on both the left and right sides, making sure that the two cuts meet at the predefined point. Gently remove the triangle if it hasn't already fallen on its own.
Part 6 of 6: Choose the Ribbon
Step 1. Decide how to use the bow
This way, you will know how to choose the right color and fabric. For example, if you want to add it to an item of clothing that you are making or combine it with a series of accessories that accompany your outfit, combine it with the shades or fabric of the clothes.
Step 2. Choose it with quality in mind
Satin is widely used to create bows, but it can be slippery for those who are not practical, while grosgrain is easier for those who are beginners. You can choose a patterned ribbon, in velvet, lurex, cotton, organza or other types. If it has metallic edges, it is great for wrapping gifts and bouquets.
- The simplest way is to tie the ribbon by making a tight knot, and then make the bow;
- Some ribbons are too stiff to be made into bows without the support of a metal thread or some stitching.
Step 3. Experiment
It's best to try out different methods and lengths to figure out which shape fits your needs best.
Always keep in mind that it takes a lot of ribbon to make a bow. The folds and knots consume much of the length
Advice
- For more bows ideas, check out the wikiHow articles listed below.
- To find out how much tape you need to pack a box, wrap it loosely around the package, then leave another 60 cm on each side.
- If you are using glue to attach the bow, test it first on an unused piece of ribbon and let it dry. If traces are visible once it dries, you will need to try to hide them or choose another type of glue.
- If you have little dexterity, you can use a bow frame. Alternatively, buy them pre-made at a home improvement store or online.
