Creating Wedding Bows: Ribbon Tying Techniques

Making a wedding bow out of ribbon is a simple task that can add a nice touch to your wedding decorations. The type of ribbon you choose is important, as some ribbons are too stiff to make into bows without additional help, such as wiring or stitching. Wired ribbon is a good option for beginners, as it makes shaping bows easier and helps the ribbon maintain the shape of the loops and tails. Satin is a standard type of ribbon used for bows, but it can be slippery for novices. Other options include grosgrain, velvet, Lurex, cotton, and sheers.

To make a basic bow, cut a length of ribbon and lay it out flat. Make loops on both ends of the ribbon and overlap them, similar to tying your shoes with bunny ears. Adjust the loops and tails to make them symmetrical and the desired size. Finally, take the left loop and fold it over the right loop, bringing it around the back and through the center hole, pulling tightly.

Choosing the right ribbon

The right ribbon can make or break your wedding bow. It's important to consider the purpose and aesthetic of your bow before selecting your ribbon. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the perfect ribbon for your wedding bow:

• Occasion: Consider the formality of the event. For weddings, opt for luxurious fabrics like satin or organza in classic colours such as white, gold, or silver. If it's a casual gathering, you might choose vibrant colours or playful prints.
• Width: Wider ribbons create more substantial bows and are ideal for large gift packages or decorations. Narrow ribbons are better suited for smaller projects like hair accessories or card details. The ribbon's width should always be proportional to the size of the item it complements.
• Texture and Weight: Heavier ribbons like grosgrain hold their shape better and are perfect for structured bows. Lighter materials like organza are more suitable for airy, delicate styles. Consider the ease of tying; some ribbons may slip or fray more easily than others.
• Colour Coordination: Ensure the ribbon complements the overall colour scheme. Using a colour wheel can help identify complementary colours for visually appealing combinations.

Types of Ribbon

Different types of ribbons will give your wedding bow a unique look and feel. Here are some popular options:

• Satin: Satin ribbon is smooth, luxurious, and comes in various widths and colours. It is a popular choice for wedding decorations, adding elegance to bouquets and centerpieces.
• Organza: Organza is a lightweight, sheer fabric often used in combination with other ribbons for a layered effect. It adds sophistication to party decorations or bridal accessories.
• Grosgrain: Grosgrain is known for its durability and ribbed texture, making it excellent for outdoor events and projects requiring sturdiness. It is versatile and can be used for gift wrapping, hair accessories, and more.
• Wired Ribbon: Wired ribbon is easy to shape and mould into dramatic sizes or shapes. It is perfect for large boxes or adding a voluminous touch to flower arrangements or wedding signage.
• Cotton and Burlap: These fabrics are popular for rustic-themed events, lending a homemade feel. Burlap ribbons, in particular, are a staple in farmhouse-style décor.

Tips for Choosing Ribbon

• Experiment with different types and widths of ribbons to find the perfect style for your wedding bow.
• Remember that you need a lot of ribbon to make a bow. The folding and tying consume a significant amount of ribbon.
• Consider the ease of working with the ribbon. Some ribbons may be too stiff to work with and may require additional help, such as wiring or stitching.
• If you're a beginner, grosgrain ribbon might be a good choice as it is easier to work with than slippery satin ribbon.

Making loops

To make loops, start by determining the size of the bow you want to make. Then, make a loop with the ribbon, and 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.

For a basic bow, cut a length of ribbon and lay it out flat. Make loops on both ends of the ribbon and overlap them, like when you tie your shoes the "bunny ears" way, so you have two loops and two tails. Adjust the loops and tails so they're symmetrical and the desired size.

For a floral bow, cut a length of ribbon and make a loop 2.5cm/1 inch from the end, pinching it with 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, keeping it secure between your thumb and forefinger. Make the same loop on the right side. Continue making loops, alternating sides with each new loop. Make about three to five pairs of loops.

For a wired-ribbon bow, cut a long piece of ribbon and create a loop. Wrap the length of ribbon in a continuous circle around that loop. Pinch the centre, then wrap a matching pipe cleaner around it. Twist, tighten, and trim the pipe cleaner. Cut vertically up the centre of the bow's tail to create two tails, then tie a standard knot with the tails around the centre of the folded ribbon to cover the pipe cleaner.

Securing the bow

Securing a Basic Bow:

• After forming your loops and tails, adjust their proportions to achieve symmetry.
• Take the left loop and fold it over the right loop, bringing it around the back and through the center hole.
• Pull the ribbon tightly at the center to create a secure knot.
• Fine-tune your bow by tugging on the loops and tails until you are satisfied with its appearance.

Securing a Grosgrain Ribbon Bow:

• Cut a length of grosgrain ribbon, approximately 6.5 feet (2 meters), and wrap it lengthwise around the box you are decorating.
• Secure the ribbon to the box using glue or tape, ensuring you leave the ribbon uncut.
• Form a loop with the ribbon and bring it back to the center, holding it in place with your finger.
• Crease the ribbon at the loop fold and then fold it back to create another loop, securing it with glue or tape if desired.
• Repeat this process to create a total of three loops on one side.
• Shift to the other side of the center and create three more loops in the same manner.

Securing a Wire-Bound Ribbon Bow:

• Cut a piece of ribbon and lay it on a flat surface.
• Bring both halves of the ribbon to the middle, overlapping them to create two loops and two tails.
• Secure the center of the bow by wrapping a fine piece of wire tightly around it.
• Conceal the wire by wrapping ribbon or tape of a matching or complementary color around it.
• Secure the wrapped piece in place using glue or by stitching it down.
• Adjust the loops and tails as needed to ensure symmetry, and cut the tails to prevent fraying.

Securing a Floral Ribbon Bow:

• Cut a length of ribbon, approximately 45 inches, to create a bow that resembles a large flower in bloom.
• Measure and form your first loop, pinching it between your thumb and forefinger to hold it in place.
• Bring the long end of the ribbon up and to the left, creating another loop of approximately 1 inch in size. Secure it with your thumb and forefinger.
• Continue making loops, alternating sides with each new loop, until you have completed three to five pairs of loops.
• Secure the center of the bow by wrapping thin-gauge wire around it and twisting tightly. Trim off any excess wire.
• Conceal the wire by wrapping ribbon over it and securing it with glue or stitching.
• Fan out the loops to create a rounded, flower-like shape.

These instructions should provide a comprehensive guide to securing different types of wedding bows using ribbon. With these techniques, you can create beautiful and secure bows for your wedding decorations.

Cutting the ribbon

For a basic bow, cut a length of ribbon that is long enough to make the bow with some extra for easing it into shape and leaving a long enough tail. The exact length will depend on the type of ribbon you are using. For example, a basic bow made with 1-inch thick ribbon will require a length of 15 to 20 inches. If you are using wired ribbon, you will need a longer piece of ribbon, at least 2 yards, to create a large bow.

For a floral ribbon bow, cut a length of ribbon that is 45 inches long. This will give you enough ribbon to create a large flower-shaped bow with multiple loops.

When cutting the ribbon, use sharp scissors suitable for cutting fabric to ensure a clean cut. You can also use a ruler and scissors to measure and cut the ribbon to the desired length.

Once you have cut the ribbon to the desired length, you can start forming the loops to create your bow.

Adding finishing touches

Now that you've mastered the art of bow-making, it's time to add some final flourishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your wedding bows and make them truly special:

Embellishments

Add a little extra sparkle to your bow with a few carefully chosen embellishments. You could tie a charm or bauble in the centre of the ribbon for an elegant touch. Alternatively, try wrapping the centre of the bow with a complementary colour of ribbon or wire and finish with a simple knot. This will help to conceal any glue or tape you've used and add a stylish detail.

Trims

Get creative with your trims! Instead of a straight cut, try cutting the ends of your ribbon tails diagonally to give them a classy, refined look. For something a little different, try a chevron cut. Simply choose a centre point at the end of the ribbon's tail and cut diagonally towards this point from both the left and right sides.

Fluffing

Fluffing your bow loops is a great way to add volume and create a full, elegant shape. Gently pull each loop away from the centre to create a rounded, flower-like appearance. This works especially well with wired ribbons, which can be moulded into shape.

Size and shape

Don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes and shapes of loops and tails. Remember, you can always cut long tails shorter, but you can't easily make them longer without ruining the loops of the bow. So, when in doubt, go for longer tails that you can adjust later.

Colour and texture

When selecting your ribbon, consider the colour and texture to ensure it complements your wedding theme. Match the ribbon to your colour scheme or choose a contrasting shade for a bold statement. You can also mix and match different types of ribbons to create a unique, textured look. Play around with different widths and materials to find the perfect combination.

Frequently asked questions