Creating Lace Wedding Bows: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding bows can be made from a variety of materials, including lace, ribbon, and paper. They can be used to decorate gifts, pews, chairs, and even the wedding bouquet. Making a bow is a simple process that can add a creative touch to your wedding decorations. In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make a wedding bow out of lace, as well as offer some tips and tricks for creating the perfect bow.

How to make a lace messy bow

Materials:

• Lace (varying patterns)
• Zip tie
• Fabric scissors
• Embellishments (rhinestone daisy, etc.)
• Hot glue

Steps:

First, collect your lace. You can find lace at flea markets, thrift stores, garage sales, or online. You can use the lace as-is or tea/coffee stain it for a darker, more vintage look.

Cut the lace into strips of similar length and width. The length of the strips will determine the size of your bow, so keep this in mind. For a small bow, cut the strips to about 8 inches long. Cut approximately 16-20 strips of lace, or more if you want a fuller bow.

Lay the lace strips in a criss-cross fashion in a circular pattern until all the pieces are used. Alternate the type of lace as you go.

Once you have laid out all the pieces of lace, thread a zip tie underneath through the bottom and pull it tight.

Use fabric scissors to trim the bow and give it a "messy" look. Spread the bow out and pull the lace strips apart.

Finally, add any desired embellishments to the center of the bow with hot glue. You can use a rhinestone daisy, or any other decoration you prefer.

Ideas for Use:

• Add it to a wreath
• Hang it on a banner
• Use it in a bouquet
• Use it as part of a floral centerpiece for guest tables at the reception
• Attach it to a wreath, sign, or buffet table at a wedding

How to make a wedding bouquet bow

Making a wedding bouquet bow is a simple DIY project that can add a unique and creative touch to your wedding decorations. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a beautiful wedding bouquet bow using lace or ribbon:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need lace or ribbon, floral wire or pipe cleaners, scissors, and a wired stick (optional). Choose lace or ribbon in your desired colour and width. Crisp organza, romantic lace, or elegant satin are great options for a wedding bouquet bow.

Step 2: Cut the Lace or Ribbon

Cut a piece of lace or ribbon between 15 and 20 inches long. This length will create a nice-sized bow, and you can adjust the length depending on the thickness of your material. If you are using wired ribbon, take a long piece (at least 2 yards) and create a loop, wrapping the ribbon continuously around it.

Step 3: Create the First Loop

To form the first loop, make a "bunny ear" with the lace or ribbon. Twist the longer end two times so that the shiny side of the ribbon is still facing up. This will give it a rope-like texture.

Step 4: Create the Second Loop

Create a second "bunny ear" with your lace or ribbon, adjusting the loops to your desired size. Ensure that the tails are fairly even. You can also cut the lace or ribbon strips down the middle to create thinner strips if you prefer.

Step 5: Form the Bow

Take the left loop and fold it over the right loop, bringing it around and back through the centre hole, similar to tying a shoe. Pull it tight to create a knot, and then tug on the loops and tails to adjust the shape of your bow. Don't worry if it's not perfect on the first try!

Step 6: Secure the Centre

At the centre of the bow, wrap the floral wire or pipe cleaner tightly around the middle, twisting and tightening it. You can also use a wired stick by placing it next to the middle of the bow and wrapping the wire around the centre and the stick. Trim any excess wire.

Step 7: Trim and Adjust

Once you are happy with the shape of your bow, you can trim the ends as desired. Spread out the loops and pull the pieces apart to give it a fuller look. You can also add embellishments like a rhinestone or a small flower to the centre of the bow using hot glue.

And that's it! You now have a beautiful wedding bouquet bow that you can attach to your bouquet or use as a decoration for chairs, wreaths, or other wedding details. Feel free to experiment with different types of lace or ribbon and adjust the steps to create a unique and personalised bow.

How to make a bow for wedding gifts

Making bows for wedding gifts is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your presents. You can use lace, ribbon, or paper to craft beautiful bows that will impress the happy couple. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create elegant and unique bows for wedding gifts.

Materials

First, you will need to gather your materials. For a simple lace bow, you will need:

• Lace fabric
• Scissors
• A ruler
• A zip tie
• Embellishments (optional)

If you want to create a more structured bow, you can use wired ribbon. For this, you will need:

• Wired ribbon (at least 2 yards)
• Pipe cleaners
• Scissors

Cutting the Lace/Ribbon

Start by cutting your lace or ribbon to the desired length. The length will depend on the size of bow you want to create. For a lace bow, cut strips of lace about 8 inches long. If using ribbon, cut a piece between 15 and 20 inches long for a nice-sized bow. Remember, you can always trim the ends later if needed.

Forming the Loops

Now, it's time to form the loops of your bow. Take your lace or ribbon and create a "bunny-eared" loop. Twist the longer end two times to form a second loop, ensuring the shiny side of the ribbon is still facing up. Adjust the loops to your desired size and ensure the tails are even.

Tying the Knot

This is where your bow starts to take shape. Take the left loop and fold it over the right loop, bringing it around and back through the center hole, just like tying a shoe. Pull it tight to create a knot, and then adjust the loops and tails to perfect your bow.

Adding Embellishments (Optional)

If you want to add some extra sparkle to your bow, you can include embellishments like rhinestones or other decorative pieces. Use hot glue to attach a rhinestone daisy or any other embellishment to the center of your bow.

Trimming the Ends

Finally, once you are happy with your bow, you can trim the ends if desired. Cut the ends at an angle to give them a finished look. You can also leave them long for a more dramatic effect.

Tips and Tricks

• Use more material than you think you need. It's easier to trim the ends than to start over if your bow tails are too short.
• Make sure the bow tails are even. If one tail is longer than the other, simply cut it to match the shorter tail.
• Get creative with your ribbon choices. You can use silk, grosgrain, velvet, or wired ribbon to create different looks for your bows.
• Don't be intimidated by the process. Making a bow is easier than it looks, and with a little practice, you'll be a pro in no time!

How to make a chair bow

Chair bows can add a beautiful touch of colour to your wedding reception. This guide will take you through the steps to make a four-loop chair bow, but you can add more loops for a fuller decoration.

Materials:

• Four yards of six-inch-wide tulle or organza ribbon
• 12-inch piece of wire
• Scissors
• A sample chair

Method:

• Cut the ribbon into two two-yard pieces.
• Loop one ribbon around the chair with the ends at the back. Tie the ends together so the chair is wrapped snugly.
• Starting two feet from the end of the other piece of ribbon, pinch the ribbon between your fingers to make a loop with a two-foot tail.
• Make another same-sized loop on the other side, pinching to hold that in place. You should now have two loops and one tail.
• Create another same-sized loop on each side. Wrap the wire piece around the spot you are pinching to hold the loops in place. Twist until you can't see the wire and the loops won't move.
• Use the wire ends to attach the bow to the ribbon you tied to the chair. Tuck the ends out of sight.
• Trim the four ribbon ends at an angle to your desired length.

Tips:

• If you want to make a basic bow, simply cut a piece of ribbon between 15 and 20 inches long. Make two loops, one on top of the other, and then thread the second loop through the centre of the first loop, pulling it tight to create a knot. Trim the ends if desired.
• You can also make a bow out of wired ribbon for a more dramatic effect. Take a long piece of ribbon (at least 2 yards) and create a loop. Wrap the length of your ribbon in a continuous circle around that loop. Then, follow the same steps as for the basic bow.

How to make a basic bow

Making a basic bow out of lace is a simple process that can add a decorative touch to your wedding. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful lace bow:

Gather Your Materials:

You will need lace ribbon, scissors, and floral wire or a pipe cleaner. Choose a lace ribbon that complements your wedding colour palette and theme. The width of the ribbon can vary depending on your preference and how big you want your bow to be. For a more dramatic and voluminous bow, select a wider ribbon.

Cut Your Ribbon:

Start by cutting a piece of lace ribbon. The length of the ribbon will depend on the size of the bow you want to create. For a small bow, you can cut a piece between 15 and 20 inches long. If you're unsure, it's better to start with a longer piece of ribbon, as you can always trim it down later.

Create the First Loop:

To begin forming the bow, create a loop with the ribbon. Hold the ribbon with the tail end facing down, and create a loop that measures about 7-8 inches from the tail to the top of the loop. This will be the first of two bunny ears that you will create.

Twist and Create the Second Loop:

Now, with the longer end of the ribbon, twist it so that the shiny or patterned side of the lace remains facing up. This will give it a rope-like texture. Then, create a second loop of the same size, forming the second bunny ear. Adjust the loops to be the desired size of your final bow loops. Ensure that the tails of the ribbon are relatively even.

Form the Centre Knot:

Take the left loop and fold it over the right loop. Bring it around and back through the centre hole, just like you're tying your shoelace. Pull it tight to create a secure knot. Don't worry if it's not perfect on the first try; you can always adjust it.

Trim and Finalize:

Once you're happy with the shape and size of your bow loops, you can trim the ends of the ribbon if desired. Cut the ends at an angle to give them a neat and finished look. Spread out the loops and tails to add some fullness to your bow.

Embellish (Optional):

If you want to add some extra sparkle or detail to your lace bow, you can attach an embellishment to the centre. This could be a rhinestone, a small flower, or any other decorative piece that suits your wedding theme. Use a small dot of glue or a hot glue gun to secure the embellishment in place.

And there you have it! A beautiful, basic lace bow that can be used to decorate various items at your wedding, from bouquets to chair backs to wedding favours. Get creative and add your own unique touches to make them truly special.

Frequently asked questions