Looking for an easy bow you can make in minutes. Here are the step-by-step (and a video) instructions on how to make a bow.

how to make a bow ribbon

Of all the bows I’ve loved before…

….this is the easiest one I’ve ever made.

And the best part? I figured out how to make it one day completely and utterly by accident.

I needed a bow and I didn’t have any wire.

And if you are a bow maker, you know how important wire is to the entire bow making process. Without the wire, I was about to give up hope. I was about to be unable to continue. I was about to go bowless and projectless.

And then?

I figured out how to make the bow WITHOUT THE WIRE.

That’s what makes it so easy.

It’s a five-minute (or less) you can make with just ribbon.

And here’s how you make it (I made a video for you, too).

how to make a bow fold the ribbon

How to Make a Bow (the easy way)

Step 1: Fold the ribbon

For this project, you’ll need two different types of ribbon.

I used a 1.5-inch ribbon with a wired edge for the main part of the bow and a small 1/4 inch unwired ribbon for the center.

Notch the end of the ribbon and start folding the ribbon in a six-inch layer.

how to make a bow

Step 2: how to make a bow by folding ribbon

Fold the ribbon 10 times (when you count the ends you should have 10 folds.

Make each fold slightly smaller than the one before it.

Keep folding until you have 10 folds and then notch the end of the ribbon.

how to make a bow cut ribbon

Step 3: Cut the smaller ribbon into strips

Next, cut the smaller 1/4″ ribbon into 5″ strips.

You’ll need about eight of these smaller ribbon pieces.

Step 4: Tie the smaller ribbons around the center

In groups of two or three, tie the smaller ribbon around the center of your folded larger ribbon.

Tie them as tight as you can.

You don’t need to double knot the ribbons.

Step 5: Trim the ends

After all eight of the smaller ribbons are tied, trim the ends.

You want to cut off about 1-2″ off each end.

Then fluff the center ribbon.

Step 6: Pull the ribbon folds apart

After the center is tied, pull the sides apart.

Twist the ribbons when you pull so they go to the top and bottom of the bow.

It should look like this when you are done.

Step 7: Fluff the bow

After you have the folds pulled apart, then fluff the folds.

It’s easy with the wire.

Just push the wire into place and fluff each of the folds.

That’s it.

And now you are ready to decorate.

how to make a bow on stocking

how to make a bow with tag

Look how cute the bow looks like on a stocking.

I attached it to the corner of the stocking and hung it with a tag.

I made a quick video in case you want to see the bow making process in person.

If you are going to make one bow this Christmas season, this one is so easy.

But just in case you are looking for a little more bow inspiration?

I have a few more ideas for you from some of my friends:

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Posted On: November 15, 2020

Written By: KariAnne Wood

Comments

    1. Image for Sassy Sassy

      The thing I noticed most is how much weight you’ve lost. Your face is so thin and beautiful. You have encouraged me to do the same. How long did it take you? PS. I liked the bow.

      Reply
  5. Image for Patricia Patricia

    The camera did not show your hands and the ribbon for most of the video. Did see a lot of your leopard print top though... cute top.

    Reply
  8. Image for Perry Perry

    Thank you. I make wonderful bows, but this was an introduction to a new way and I especially liked the contrasting narrow ribbon at the center of yours. Thanks again. New AND different!

    Reply
  11. Image for Linda Scott Linda Scott

    Great idea!! I've been making bows for over 35 years and will definitely try this. So easy, quick and super cute!! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  12. Image for Peg Peg

    Beautiful bow!! Beautiful lady!!! xoxo p.s. Was that twinkling blue eyes playing the guitar at the end of the video?!! : )

    Reply
  15. Image for Juliet Juliet

    Ok, I've read and watched over and over again. I'm a hopeless bow maker ... I didn't even know wire was needed. Oh gosh, like I said, I'm hopeless! But ... you've made it look doable ... and I'm going to try!!! xo

    Reply

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