How to Make a Bow Out of Ribbon | How to Tie a Perfect Bow

Bows are so easy to make,they can be used to wrap up packages, decorate your hair, wrap around a dress to cinch the waist, and accent your latest accessories. Knowing how to make your own bow will be a useful skill that you will use all of the time. I have included a guide to making a bow out of satin ribbon, you can also view our tutorial on how to make a bow out of wired ribbon here, which is more ideal for decor and packages.

Tie a Perfect Bow

Supplies You Need to Make a Perfect Bow:

• Ribbon! Any kind will do. (this tutorial shows a satin ribbon)
  • Here’s a quick guide to some of the many ribbons you will find at a craft store:
  • Wire ribbon will hold its shape and allows you to create bows with lots of volume
  • Satin ribbon is a smooth fabric ribbon, use this for a classic result
  • Acetate ribbon has a plastic feel, often used in packaging
  • Curling ribbon a crimped ribbon that will curl when pulled over a sharp edge
• Scissors to cut the ribbon
• Your hands

How to Make a Simple Bow Out of Satin Ribbon

Step 1: Cut ribbon

Cut out a lot of ribbon, always give yourself plenty to work with. For a large bow I would cut out a yard, for a smaller bow 18″ will do. Think about the size of the ribbon you want to work with. If it is thin you will need less, if it is wide you will need more.You want your bow to look proportional to the size of ribbon being used.

Step 2: Loop ribbon

Form a loop with your ribbon, keep your left thumb over where the ribbon crosses. The ribbon in your right hand should be behind (underneath) the loop.

Step 3: Bring ribbon over

Bring the ribbon in your right hand over the front of the loop, and around to the back.

Step 4: Push ribbon through opening

When you have brought the ribbon in your right hand around the other loop and it is in the front again, use your index finger to push it through the opening you just created in the front. Keep the ribbon folded under as pictured, this will be your second loop to form the bow.

Step 5: Pull ribbon through front to make bow

Pull this new loop tight. Your ribbon should now resemble a basic bow.

Step 6: Adjust bow

Pull at the loops and the tails until you are happy with the shape of your bow.

Step7: Clip tail of bow

Clip the ends of the bow with your scissors to create a sharp angled edge.

Now you can make your own perfect ribbon bows every single time!

Go ahead and experiement with different types of ribbon, different colors, different sizes, etc. Here is a quick tutorial to make a bow using two layers of ribbon instead of just one.

How to Make a Double Bow

To make a double bow, perform the same steps as the single bow, but this time with 2 pieces of ribbon. Use this technique for a fuller looking bow. You can also add more color and dimension based on your choice of ribbon.

Measure out the amount of ribbon you would typically use for the single bow, but now double it over itself.

Step 1: Cut the ribbon in half

Once you have the desired amount of ribbon, fold it in half and cut it in the middle. Now you have two pieces of ribbon to work with.

Step 2: Loop ribbon

Just like we did with the single room, begin by forming a loop with your ribbon, keep your left thumb over where the ribbon crosses. The ribbon in your right hand should fall behind the loop.

Step 3: Bring ribbon over

Bring the ribbon in your right hand over the front of the loop, and around to the back.

Step 4: Push ribbon through opening to form bow

When you have brought the ribbon in your right hand around the other loop and it is in the front again, use your index finger to push it through the opening you just created in the front. Keep the ribbon folded under as pictured, this will be your second loop to form the bow.

Step 5: Pull ribbon through front

Pull this new loop tight. Your ribbon should now resemble a basic bow.

Step 6: Adjust bow

Pull at the loops and the tails until you are happy with the shape of your bow. Make sure you like the way both layers of ribbon fall. Maybe you want one to stick out more?

Step 7: Clip tail of bow

Clip your bow’s tail with the scissors. Cut the ends at an angle, this creates a crisp finish and prevents any loose fibers from unraveling.

Enjoy the simple art of tying bows, and all the new variety they will bring to your life!

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Check out:

How to Make a Round Bow | How to Tie Beautiful Bows with Ribbon