How to Make a Gift Bow

Co-authored by Diane Henkler

Last Updated: November 19, 2024

A gift bow turns an ordinary gift into something extra special. There are many ways to make a gift bow, but it's best to start with simple ones and learn more complicated ones as you gain in confidence.When cutting ribbon to create a decorative bow, it's helpful to cut a bit more than needed so you can form a full, attractive bow. For larger bows, use a long length of wide ribbon, while smaller bows look best with a shorter or narrower ribbon.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Classic gift bow

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This is a very basic bow for attaching to the gift; although simple, it's elegant when placed on a gift.

1
Cut a length of ribbon.
- For a large ribbon, use a long length of wide ribbon.
- For a small ribbon, use a shorter length or narrow ribbon.
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Fold it to form two loops at each side. Bring these two loops together to form one loop in between the two side loops.
Then pull it through the bottom loop.
This will form a knot at the center of the bow.
Cut either a diagonal or a V-shape to prevent fraying.
Either loop it through ribbon attached to the gift or tape in place using doubled-up or double-sided tape.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Top bow for a gift box (square or rectangle)

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This method has a ribbon going all the way around the box, topping the box with a bow.

1
Cut a long length of wide ribbon. To get the desired ribbon length, wrap the ribbon loosely around the length of the box, then its width. This is the basic length, then add another 60cm (24 inches) to the length, for making the bow with. (This additional measurement may need adjusting for a much larger box.)
- Choose a color of ribbon to suit the gift box.
Wrap the ribbon around the length of the box first, and hold it at the base of the box.
Twist the ribbons around each other by 90 degrees to pull each end of the ribbon horizontally.
Twist the ends to keep the wrong side of the ribbon facing the box, then pull the ends up and over the center of the box. Pull tightly to keep the ribbon firm.
Tie a bow by folding the right loop over the left and folding it underneath the left loop. Pull towards you, then pull tightly.
This forms the knot. Pull tightly.
Cut either a diagonal or a V-shape to prevent fraying.
the gift now has a complete gift bow made from ribbon.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Side bow for a rectangular gift box

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This is a lovely bow that is relatively easy to make but looks amazing.

Place the gift inside, wrapped as appropriate. Place the lid on.
2
Cut a long length of wide ribbon. See the measurement approach in Method 2 above.
- Choose a color of ribbon that suits the gift box.
Hold in place.
Keep them apart from each other.
Pull tight.
Take the longer end and bring it right around the side of the box, underneath and back up to meet the shorter end.
Done.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Flat bow

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Cut it twice the length of the desired finished bow length.
Glue the join of both ends together.
Flatten it over the join, then glue the flattened section in place.
Wrap it around the center of the ribbon over the flattened section. Glue the join of this fold at the back.
The flat bow is neat and professional looking. It looks ideal attached on its own to a gift or added to a length of already wrapped ribbon.