How to Tie a Bow with Ribbon: 3 Easy Options

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A step-by-step guide on tying basic, looped, and puffy bows

Written by Amy Guerrero | Edited by Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 1, 2024 Fact Checked

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Basic Bow

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Looped Bow

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Puffy Bow

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Q&A

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Tips

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Fancy, decorative bows are a great way to add some pizzazz to any present or package, but they can get awfully expensive. Thankfully, making them at home with some ribbon is super easy to do! In this guide, we’ll teach you how to create a basic wrapping bow, a decorative looped bow, and an eye-catching puffy bow. With our help, you’ll be a professional bow-maker in no time.

This article is based on an interview with our arts and crafts specialist, Amy Guerrero, owner of Sunshine Craft Co. Check out the full interview here.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Basic Bow

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1
Tie a piece of ribbon or string around your box or package. You can use any type of string or ribbon to make a classic, basic bow. Simply slip your chosen ribbon under the item, pull it around the sides, and tie it in place on top with a single-handed knot. As long as the left and right end stem from the knot in the center, you’re golden.
- If you're tying a bow on the top of a package, loop the ribbon under the package, bring the ends together over the package, and knot them together so the ends are equal in length.
- Alternatively, try tying a bow from a piece of ribbon that isn't attached to a package or item. Tie a knot in the center of the ribbon so the left and right sides are equal in length.
Curl the left-side piece of ribbon over itself to form a “C” shaped loop. Pinch the loop between your thumb and forefinger to hold it in place. If you’re tying a ribbon, make sure the loop is smooth and not twisted for a finished look.^{[1]
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Hold the left loop between your left thumb and forefinger as you form a second loop with the right-side piece of ribbon. Curl the ribbon up to create that “C” shaped loop you did before.
Bring the right loop around and under the left loop. Pull the right loop through until the left loop is the same size. Think about how you tie your shoes and use the same technique.
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Tighten the bow to secure it in place. Pull on the loops to tighten the knot at their center. Ensure that both loops are the same size for that perfect bow look. If the ends of the ribbon aren’t the same size, use a pair of scissors to cut them to your preferred length.^{[2]
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- For extra stability, place a dot of hot glue under the bow’s knot to secure the ribbon to the box, package, or item.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Looped Bow

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For this style of bow, it’s best to start with a longer piece of ribbon. Make sure the ribbon is straight and unknotted before you cut it.
Start about 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the end of the bow, and fold the ribbon over itself to form a small loop. Hold the loop in place with your thumb and forefinger.^{[3]
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Take the section of ribbon next to the loop and fold it up next to the loop you made before to create an “S” shape. Use your thumb and forefinger to hold the first loop and your middle finger to separate the 2 loops.^{[4]
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Loop the remaining length of the ribbon accordion style (following the same pattern as before to create “S” shapes). Keep looping until the ribbon’s right end is the same length as the left end.
Use a small piece of florist wire or a thin string to tie the loops together at the center, dividing them in half. This creates a pile of loops on the right and left sides of the cinch.
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Fluff the loops with your hands. Separate the loops on either side and use your fingers to fan them out. Keep fluffing until the fanned-out ribbon hides the cinched middle. Use a pair of scissors to clip the ends of the ribbon, and your bow is ready to be stuck anywhere.
- Use a dab of hot glue or a piece of clear tape to attach your looped fan ribbon to a present or box.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Puffy Bow

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1
Wrap a piece of long ribbon around your hand. Hold the end of the ribbon against your palm with your thumb. Then, wrap the other end around your fingers to make a circle. Neatly overlap the ribbon with itself so each loop lays perfectly on top of the previous one.^{[5]
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- Aim to wrap the ribbon around your fingers at least 10 times. The more you wrap, the bigger your bow will be.
Carefully slide the layers of ribbon off your hand. Do your best to keep the loops in place. Then, fold the stacked ribbon in half.^{[6]
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Cut the corners off the folded end of the ribbon. Hold the folded loop in 1 hand so that the center folded part faces up. With the other hand, use scissors to cut the corner off either side of the cinch or folded middle part of the ribbon.^{[7]
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- Make sure to cut through all the ribbon layers; otherwise, your bow may be uneven.
- Do your best not to cut the 2 corners too close to the center. Leave a small gap between each cut.
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Use a second ribbon to tie the cinch. Unfold the looped ribbon, keeping the layers intact. Tie a second piece of ribbon between the notches you cut in the middle of the loops. If you don’t have another piece of ribbon, consider using florist wire or string.^{[8]
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- For a classic look, use the same color ribbon as before.
- For a more eclectic look, try tying a different ribbon around the middle.
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Fan out the loops with your fingers. Separate the loops 1 by 1 from the inside to the outside. Pull the loops gently from the center and twist them toward you to fluff them out. Arrange the loops so that they form a petal-like circular pattern. Now all that’s left to do is place your fluffy ribbon on a present.^{[9]
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- Use tape or hot glue to attach your large ribbon to a gift or package.

Community Q&A

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How do I tie a bow with a thin ribbon?

Community Answer

The same way. It should be easier to do with a thin ribbon, but obviously it won't look the same since the ribbon is different.

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How do you curl a ribbon?

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If this is a balloon/curling ribbon, hold the ribbon against a scissor blade with your thumb, then pull the ribbon across the blade. For a wired, floral ribbon, wrap it around a dowel, then slide the dowel out.

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What's the best way to attach the floral bow to the top of a present without showing a lot of tape?

Community Answer

The best way to attach the floral bow to the top without showing tape is to not use tape at all. Use bottled glue that dries clear.

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Tips

Make sure both ends of the ribbon are the same length before making your bow.

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Always use more ribbon than you think you’ll need. You can always cut off the excess with scissors once the ribbon is complete.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you ever wear bows in your hair, try using the bow knots and designs you use for your hair for any presents you're wrapping. The designs are interchangeable a lot of the time.
If your ribbon is on the smaller side, don't overtighten it. Small bows will collapse, tear, or become impossible to untie if you pull too tight as you secure them.

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