How to Tie a Gift Wrapping Bow

Co-authored by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: November 12, 2023

Gift wrapping can be tough, especially around the holidays, but when you do it correctly, it can be quite fun! Read this article to discover multiple ways to tie a bow for your gift.

Steps

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This will wrap around your gift and be where the bow sits on top of your gift. The longer your ribbon is, the bigger the bow will be. Make sure the top is long enough for you to tie a (probably) large knot and a bow.
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Pull the ribbon around the box and make sure both sides of the ribbon are of the same length. You can measure this by lifting them up and touching ends above the present. Next, pull one end of the ribbon under and over the other, so you have a "T" shape.
- Decorative elements like ribbons, tags, or foliage can add beauty to a wrapped present. Finishing off your wrapped gift with extra ribbon, a handmade tag, or tucked foraged plant foliage will ensure an attractive final result.
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You'll need to do this to create the crossed shape. After this, pull the entire ribbon around the box and meet in the middle with both ends. Now we can get into forming the bow.
Press the middle of your bow with your finger to keep it down, or you can have somebody else hold it. You might also just use a clear piece of tape if you're unable or cautious to do this on your own and nobody's around. Now, make a regular knot. Your safest bet is to make a double or even triple knot, if you have the correct amount of ribbon and it won't be too bulky. This will be the center of your bow.
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Tie a bow. Make it as large as you want, and be sure it's tight. You can pull out the edges a bit if you'd like, and make sure the "ears" of the bow and wide and as round as possible. The fluffier and more cartoon-ish look is what you're going for, not a flat or typical bow.
- This will be easier to accomplish with a wired ribbon, but possibly be messier looking, so be careful!
The ends should have quite a bit extra, so cut them at an angle in either diagonal direction. For an even more elegant and professional look, check the tips below for an alternative (but equally as easy) method.

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Tips

Don't measure your ribbon to be too long or short for your box. You can measure this by putting the open end of the ribbon in the middle of the top of your box with 2-5 inches extra to use to tie the bow (the bigger the box and the thinner the ribbon, the more inches extra you'll need). Wrap it under the box, and lead the roll to the top of where the other end of the ribbon is (that 2-5 inches above the box). Cut there.

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For a more elegant and professionally-wrapped look, fold the very bottoms of the ribbon ends and cut at an angle. It should look like the tip of an arrow facing inward to the present if done correctly.

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For more precise visuals, push against the ribbon on the creases of the box with a bit of pressure. Most ribbon will conform to the shape of the edge, making it seem tight and neat.

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Warnings

Make sure any and all folds or twists are out of the bow. You should follow the bow's path with your fingers when crossing the ribbon over to prevent this, as this is the time you'll be most likely to twist the ribbon around. If you don't stop this from happening, you'll have to redo the entire bow, which may leave creases and folds in your bow, making it useless for a presentable present.

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Don't expect to make a perfect bow the first time, or you might become disappointed or discouraged. The images used are experienced in tying that certain bow, so it may take many tries before you actually get a presentable one.

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Remember: The bigger the bow, the more fragile. If your bow is large, you'll have to put it in an especially safe spot and make sure it's on its own or on top of other gifts when you present it to the recipient.
- This applies even more to Christmas - leave a note on it if the gift is put under the tree before all of the presents are. You can remove it on Christmas morning so the recipient is still surprised with a flawless gift.
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