Crafting Wedding Bows: Ribbon Guide For Beginners

Making bows out of ribbon is a great skill to have, especially if you're planning a wedding. Ribbon bows can be used for gift wrapping, decor, hair accessories, and more. The process is simple: cut your ribbon to the desired length, create loops on both ends, overlap them, and adjust as needed. You can use any type of ribbon, but wired ribbon is a popular choice as it's easier to shape. With just a few steps, you'll be making beautiful bows in no time!

Choosing the right ribbon

Type of Ribbon

The most common types of ribbon used for bows include satin, grosgrain, velvet, wired ribbon, and floral ribbon. Satin is a standard option, but it can be slippery for beginners. Grosgrain is a good choice for novice bow makers as it is easier to work with. Wired ribbon is excellent for creating structured and dramatic bows, while floral ribbon gives a flower-like appearance.

Width and Length

The width and length of the ribbon will determine the size and fullness of your bow. Wider ribbons will create bigger bows, and you'll need a longer ribbon if you want fuller loops and tails. It's always better to start with a longer ribbon than you think you need, as you can always trim it down later.

Colour and Design

Consider the colour and design of the ribbon to match your wedding theme or the specific purpose of the bow. If you're using the bow for a gift, you might want to choose a colour or pattern that complements the wrapping paper. If it's for a wreath or decoration, opt for a colour that fits the overall aesthetic.

Texture and Quality

The texture and quality of the ribbon are important, especially if you're a beginner. Some ribbons may be too stiff to work with and might require additional help, such as wiring or stitching. Look for ribbons that are easy to tie into tight knots and experiment with different types to find the perfect one for your project.

Wired vs. Non-Wired

Wired ribbons are excellent for creating bows with structure and shape retention. The wire helps to mould the ribbon into the desired form and is perfect for large, dramatic bows. However, non-wired ribbons can also be used, especially if you're looking for a softer, more fluid look.

Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of ribbons. Try out various widths, textures, and colours to find the ideal style for your wedding bow. Remember, making bows takes practice, so don't get discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out perfectly.

Creating loops

To create loops for a bow, you will need to cut a length of ribbon and lay it out flat. Then, make loops on both ends of the ribbon and overlap them, much like when you tie your shoelaces with "bunny ears". You should be left with two loops and two tails.

Adjust the loops and tails so that they are symmetrical and of the desired size. For a fuller bow, you can make more loops. For example, you can make three loops on each side of the bow by making three ribbon circles.

For a floral bow, make a loop measuring 2.5cm/1 inch 20cm/8 inches in from the end of the ribbon. Pinch it between your thumb and forefinger to hold it in place. Bring the long end of the ribbon up to make a 2.5cm/1-inch loop on the left of the pinched loop. Keep it secure between your thumb and forefinger. Make the same loop on the right side. Continue making loops, alternating each time to create pairs. Make about three to five paired loops.

For a wired ribbon, you can make a loop with the ribbon and then loop the ribbon around the first loop twice. Be sure to start and stop the ribbon circles a little before the centre starts and a little after to finish. The number of loops on each side will equal the amount of ribbon circles you make.

Securing the bow

The type of ribbon you use will determine the method you use to secure your bow. For example, if you're using a wired ribbon, you can simply twist and tighten the wire at the centre of the bow to secure it. This method is mentioned in several sources. One source suggests using floral wire or a chenille stem/pipe cleaner to secure the bow, while another recommends using thin-gauge wire to tightly twist and secure the loops.

If your ribbon doesn't have a wire, you can secure the bow by creating a knot at the centre. One source recommends pulling the loops taut to form a knot, while another suggests creating a separate knot with a small piece of ribbon and using the tails to tie it around the centre of the bow.

For an even more secure hold, especially if you're attaching the bow to a wreath or gift, you can use hot glue or duct tape. One source recommends using a zip tie to secure the centre of the loops and then trimming the excess with wire cutters. Another mentions using hot glue or floral wire to attach the bow to your desired surface.

Finally, pay attention to the tails of your bow. You can cut them in different styles, such as a V-shape or a slanted cut, and secure them with tape, hot glue, or by twisting and trimming the excess wire.

Adding tails

For a V-shaped tail, fold the ribbon in half and cut at an angle to your desired length. For slanted tails, cut the tails at an angle. If you are unsure which style you want, cut the V-shape first, as you can always cut the slant from this.

Shaping the bow

Start by making a small loop at one end of the ribbon. This will be the centre of your bow, so you don't want it to be too big. Secure this loop with a small amount of glue or tape. If your ribbon has a design on only one side, remember to twist the ribbon each time you make a new loop so that the design always faces outwards.

Once you have twisted the ribbon around the centre loop, create a larger loop on one side of the bow. Decide how big you want your bow to be and adjust the size of the loop accordingly. Then, twist the ribbon around the centre loop again and create a matching loop on the other side. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of loops on each side. Make the bow as big and full as you like!

If you are using wired ribbon, cut a piece of wire and wrap it tightly around the centre of the bow to secure all the loops in place. You can also use pipe cleaners for this step. Fluff up the loops until you achieve your desired shape.

For the tail of the bow, cut a separate strip of ribbon. Fold it in half and attach it to the centre loop of the bow using glue, tape, or wire. You can then use the tail ends of the pipe cleaner or wire to secure the bow to your project, such as a wreath. If you are using something else to secure the bow, trim the excess pipe cleaner or wire.

Finally, cut the ends of the bow's tails to your desired style. You can create a V-shape by folding the ribbon in half and cutting it at an angle. Alternatively, cut the tails at a slant. If you are unsure, start with the V-shape, as you can always cut the slant from it later.

Frequently asked questions