Creating Wedding Bows With Wired Ribbon: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wired ribbon is a popular choice for crafting bows, as it holds its shape well and can be moulded into dramatic sizes or styles. Whether you're decorating a wedding venue or adding a flourish to a gift, here's a step-by-step guide to making a wedding bow with wired ribbon.

Choosing the right ribbon

When it comes to choosing the right ribbon for your wedding bow, several factors come into play. Here are some detailed tips to help you select the perfect ribbon:

Fabric Varieties

The type of ribbon fabric you choose will significantly impact the look and feel of your bow. Satin ribbon, for instance, is a popular choice due to its smooth texture and luxurious appearance. It comes in various widths and colours, making it suitable for both formal and casual weddings. Wired ribbon is another excellent option as it allows you to mould the bow into a dramatic size or shape, making it perfect for large boxes or decorations. Wired nylon, in particular, has an airiness that begs to be fluffed and puffed, allowing for a voluminous bow.

Width

The width of the ribbon is another critical factor. Wider ribbons tend to create more substantial bows and work well for large gift packages or decorations. If you're making bows for flower arrangements, large boxes, or chair decorations, opt for wider ribbons. On the other hand, if you're creating smaller bows for hair accessories or intricate details, go for narrower ribbons. Remember, the width of the ribbon should always be proportional to the size of the item it complements.

Colour

Colour is an essential aspect of choosing the right ribbon. Opt for colours that complement the overall colour scheme of your wedding. You can match the ribbon to your wedding colours or choose a contrasting shade for a pop of colour. If you're going for a classic, elegant look, consider colours like white, gold, or silver. For a more playful or vibrant feel, choose bold or bright colours.

Texture and Weight

Consider the texture and weight of the ribbon as well. Heavier ribbons, like grosgrain, can hold their shape better, making them ideal for structured bows. Lighter materials, such as organza, are better for creating airy and delicate styles. If you want a bow that's easy to shape and manipulate, go for a ribbon with some wire in it.

Practicality

While the aesthetic appeal is important, don't forget the practical aspects. Some ribbons may slip or fray more easily than others, so it's a good idea to test a few styles to find the one that works best for you. Also, consider the occasion and the purpose of the bow. For example, if you're making bows for outdoor wedding decorations, choose weather-resistant ribbons.

Creative Touches

Lastly, don't be afraid to add some creative touches. You can cut the ends of the ribbon diagonally or create a chevron pattern for a unique look. You can also incorporate charms or other baubles in the centre of the bow for an extra touch of personality. Play around with different styles and techniques to find what works best for your wedding theme and your personal taste.

Basic bow structure

To make a basic bow with wired ribbon, you'll need to follow these steps:

First, cut a length of ribbon, ensuring it is long enough to create the size of bow you desire. The wider the ribbon, the more you will need. This method will create a standard bow shape.

Next, find the centre of your ribbon and make two loops on either side, ensuring they are pointing upwards. Cross the loops over and under each other to create a knot, just as you would when tying your shoelaces. Gently tug on the loops to tighten the knot.

Now, adjust the loops and tails to your desired length. Pull on them individually and then together to tighten the knot. Don't worry if the tails are too long at this stage.

If your ribbon is very wide, the knot may become wrinkled. Straighten it out by slipping your forefingers under each side of the knot and adjusting as needed.

Finally, use your fingers to fluff and shape the loops. The wires inside the ribbon will help the loops hold their shape. Trim the tails to your desired length, cutting them straight or at an angle for a more elegant finish.

Looping techniques

Start by deciding on the size of your bow and the number of layers you want. For a more dramatic and full-looking bow, go for a larger size and add more layers. Cut a piece of wired ribbon that is long enough to create the desired number of loops. The length will depend on the size of the bow and the number of loops you want.

To create the base of your bow, make a loop with the ribbon and then loop it around the first loop again. The number of loops you create will determine the number of loops on each side of your final bow. So, if you want a bow with three loops on each side, you will need to loop the ribbon around three times. Remember to start and stop the ribbon circles a little before and after the centre to create a neat finish.

If you want to add more layers to your bow, take a thinner ribbon and create loops in the same way, but with one less loop than your base layer. Make this layer about an inch shorter than the base. Stack the layers on top of each other, with the base layer on the bottom.

Now, find the centre of your ribbon stack and make two small cuts on either side. Be careful not to cut all the way across the ribbon. This will help you create a fuller-looking bow later.

At this point, you can secure the layers together with a piece of twine or jute. Then, create the tails of your bow by cutting pieces of ribbon that are at least twice the length of the bow. For example, if you have an 8-inch bow, cut your ribbon to 16 inches.

Secure the tails to the back of your bow, starting with the skinniest ribbon so it is visible from the front. Pull the pieces in the same direction to create a neat finish. Repeat this step with the thicker ribbon, making sure to tie it securely.

Now, you can fluff and arrange your loops to create a full and beautiful bow. Spread out the loops on each side and twist them to give your bow a fuller look. Play with the loops until you are happy with how it looks.

Finally, cut the bottom of the ribbon tails to your desired style. You can try cutting them straight across, at an angle, or even try "dog ears" for a cute and unique look.

Securing the bow

After you have created the loops for your bow, you will need to secure the centre. You can use a zip tie, a chenille stem, or a pipe cleaner that matches the colour of your ribbon. Wrap it around the centre of the bow and tighten it securely. You can also use hot glue or floral wire to attach the bow.

If you are using a zip tie, pull it tight and then trim it with wire cutters. If you want to attach the bow to a wreath, you can place a chenille stem or wire at the back and zip-tie it together.

For an extra decorative touch, you can create a centre ribbon knot. Cut a small piece of ribbon and make a knot in the centre. Then, use the tails of the ribbon to tie it around the centre of the bow. You can use a different colour or type of ribbon for this centre knot if you wish.

Finally, adjust the loops and tails of your bow to your desired shape and size. Fluff the loops by gently pulling them apart and shaping them. You can also trim the ends of the tails for a neater appearance. Cut the ends at an angle or into notches for a more elegant finish.

Your wedding bow with wired ribbon is now secured and ready to be used as a decorative accent for your special day!

Final touches

Now that you've crafted your wedding bow with wired ribbon, it's time to add some final touches to make it truly special. Here are some ideas to elevate your creation:

• Trim the ends: Use sharp scissors to cut the ribbon tails at an angle or create notches for a decorative finish. You can also try a chevron cut by cutting an even triangle from the centre of the ribbon tail.
• Secure the bow: Depending on where you plan to place your bow, you might want to secure it with hot glue, floral wire, chenille stems, pipe cleaners, or zip ties. These will ensure your bow stays in place and can be attached to various surfaces.
• Add a centrepiece: Cover up the centre of the bow by wrapping a small piece of ribbon around it. You can use a different colour or pattern to make it stand out, or match it to the bow for a seamless look.
• Embellishments: Enhance your bow with beads, sequins, rhinestones, or other decorative elements. Sew or glue them onto the ribbon for a glamorous touch.
• Combine with other materials: Experiment with combining your wired ribbon bow with faux flowers, greenery, or different types of ribbons. This can add texture and visual interest to your creation.
• Experiment with different ribbon types: Wired ribbon is versatile and comes in various materials, such as velvet, burlap, satin, or organza. Each material will give your bow a unique look and feel, so don't be afraid to mix and match.
• Create multiple loops: For a fuller, more intricate bow, try making multiple loops on each side of the centre. Play with different sizes and shapes to achieve the desired effect.
• Add tails: Wired ribbon bows usually don't have tails, but you can add them for a unique touch. Cut a piece of ribbon twice the desired tail length, fold it in half, and secure it to the back of the bow.
• Fluff and shape: Use your fingers to gently fluff and adjust the loops of your bow. You can also shape the ribbons by bending or twisting them to create a more dynamic appearance.
• Colour and pattern choices: Choose colours and patterns that complement the wedding theme or the season. For example, warm, earthy tones for autumn and bright colours for summer.

Frequently asked questions