How to Make a Bow

Co-authored by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: December 12, 2023

Looking to add a little something special to a present, bag, or skirt? Bows can make the perfect embellishment to almost any project. Most bows can be easily made using almost any type of ribbon. But, use wire-edged ribbon if you're looking for an elaborate bow that really holds it shape. Whether you're using ribbon made from plastic, cloth, satin, or silk, try making a decorative bow.

If you're looking for information on how to Make a Bow and Arrow, check out this article: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Bow-and-Arrow.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making a Classic Bow

Download Article

1
Cut your ribbon. Using scissors, cut the ribbon to your desired length.
- When starting out, leave your ribbon a little longer. It will be easier to practice with.
2
Form two loops in the ribbon. Hold the ends of the ribbon, one end in each hand. Keep the ribbon from twisting, and fold the ribbon back to front.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You should end up holding the ribbon with two loops towards the top and one larger loop at the bottom's center.
Advertisement
3
Cross the loops. Cross the top right loop over the top left loop.
- If you're making a bow to wrap a box, cross the top left loop over the right and do a half-knot. This will keep it in place on the box.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
4
Knot the loops. Fold the right loop behind and underneath the left loop. Pull it up through the hole.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Don't let the ribbon get twisted or bunched as you knot the loops.
5
Pull the knot. Hold the ends or tails of the bow and pull to tighten. This should make a smooth knot.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Make sure both your loops are the same size. If not, pull to adjust them. You can also trim the bow's tails by cutting a little chevron out of the ends.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a Big Bow

Download Article

1
Gather your supplies. You'll need floral stem wire to hold the bow together at its center. Make sure to bend it in half so it looks like a U. You'll also need wire-edged ribbon.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Get a spool and that way you can make the bow as big as you like.
Pull about 18 inches (46 cm) of ribbon away from the spool. Hold onto the ribbon with the fingers of your left hand.^{[6]
X
Research source}
Pull out another 12 inches (30.5 cm) of ribbon off the spool, using your right hand. Your left hand should still be holding and marking the ribbon you first pulled off.^{[7]
X
Research source}
Your right hand should be holding and marking the ribbon that you just pulled off the spool. Bring your right hand and left hand together to make a loop in the ribbon.^{[8]
X
Research source}
Now that you've made a loop, transfer it to your left hand and hold it firmly in between your fingers.^{[9]
X
Research source}
Pull out another 12 inches (30.5 cm) of ribbon off the spool, using your right hand. Your left hand should still be holding the loop you just made.
7
Add the extra ribbon to your loop. Fold this extra ribbon over your loop and hold it together with your left hand.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- You should see a loop on either side of your hand holding the ribbon. The loops will look like a figure 8 or infinity symbol.
Pull out another 12 inches (30.5 cm) of ribbon off the spool, using your right hand. Fold it over an existing loop.^{[11]
X
Research source}
9
Keep making loops. Continue pulling out ribbon and folding it into alternating loops, so that your bow will be even.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Make at least 4 loops on each side of your hand.
Measure out 6 more inches of ribbon and cut the end. Make the loop wrap over the top of your finger that's holding the center of the bow. Bring the ribbon under your finger so it's secure.^{[13]
X
Research source}
Use your bent floral stem wire to bring it through and underneath this top center loop. Bend the stem wire into a knot and pull it to tighten. Twist the wire around several times to keep it in place.^{[14]
X
Research source}
Gently pull out on the wire loops to fluff them out. If you used wire-edged ribbon, the loops should hold their puffy shapes.^{[15]
X
Expert Source

Amy Guerrero
Arts & Crafts Specialist

Expert Interview. 9 October 2020.} Trim the ends of the bow. Cut chevrons or simply cut a diagonal angle at the tails.^{[16]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making a Winged Bow

Download Article

1
Cut your ribbon. Using scissors, cut the ribbon to your desired length.
- Use caution when cutting with scissors.
Fold the left tail over the right tail. Make sure your ribbon isn't twisted or bunched.^{[17]
X
Research source}
Fold the left tail completely behind and underneath the right tail.
Bring the left tail up through the hole and pull the tails. You should have a smooth even knot.^{[18]
X
Research source}
At this point, your ribbon simply looks like tails and a knot in the center. Trim the tails close to the knot.^{[19]
X
Research source} Cut a chevron at each end or tail. The top of the chevron should be pointing towards the knot.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What ribbon should I use for bows?

Amy Guerrero
Arts & Crafts Specialist
Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement.

Amy Guerrero

Arts & Crafts Specialist

Expert Answer

Wired ribbons have a metal wire running through them so they'll hold the shape of your bow a lot easier.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

If you know how to crochet or would like to learn, crocheting a bow can be a great project for crocheters of all skill levels.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0