Looking for the easiest tutorial of all time on how to tie a decorative bow? Well, you have stumbled upon it. The best thing about this bow is that it is very simple-to-follow instructions. Use this tutorial to make your very own handmade bow to use on your next wreath or swag.
Learn To Tie A Bow
When making a handmade bow, there are some important things you need to consider. What style, what season, what texture, what length, what holiday, and what look are you going for overall? That might seem like a lot to be worried about, but I promise you, it is not worrisome. But instead, it is really quite exciting, as you get to be as creative and crafty as you want. If you get stuck, don’t worry. I will have your back.
I have been lucky enough to have taught so many amazing people in the crafting world how to make their very own handmade bows. For years now, I have created wreaths, floral arrangements, and home decor that have been adorned with handmade bows of all shapes and sizes. So trust me when I say, I have your back when it comes to all things bow-making.
Friendly tip for my beginners: Be sure to use a smaller 1.5” ribbon when creating your first bows. That size ribbon allows for the easiest manipulation within your hands, as it is not too thick or thin. As you get more comfortable with your bow-making, try out bigger ribbons. Trust in yourself and remember to have some fun!
Print
Directions
- Decide how long you want your tail to be. (See questions below!)
Cut your tail at an angle so the longest side of your bow rests on the outside. Determine your center, and pinch and twist your ribbon. Always twist to bring the front of the ribbon so it is back forward facing. - Determine loop length. This is all dependent upon your preference and what you will be adding the bow to later on. Come back to the middle, scrunch the ribbon, and twist. Make your next loop. Keep in mind as long as you are making a loop, you will scrunch the ribbon.
- You could stop here and have a basic bow. Continue scrunching, pinching, and twisting to make as many loops as you want for your bow. Make a cut to have 2 long tails in the back, being sure to cut your tail end at the opposite angle.
- Create another layer in front. Repeat the above steps, determining shorter tails and loops for the next section of your handmade bow.
To complete, grab a cable tie and place it around the center of your bow. Pull tight to create some tension and hold in place, but not too tight. Cut your second tail. - Fluff your ribbon so it is nice, full, and in place. Be sure your 2 longer tails are divided by your shorter tails. Slide your second cable tie through and pull the first one nice and tight. Your second cable tie allows for easy addition to your wreaths, floral arrangements, and home decor later on.
- Trim 1st cable tie with wire cutters. To hide the mechanics of your bow, trim a small section of the ribbon. Fold into thirds, lengthwise. Keeping tight, cover your cable tie hiding it, giving you a more finished/polished look. Tie right in the back and cut off the center tails.
- To add some extra detail to your tails, you can cut at an angle or complete the Chevron look with a simple center fold and cut. You can even roll those tail ends if you prefer. It is up to you!
How do you keep from fighting the ribbon roll in your workspace?
This question makes me laugh because if you have worked with ribbon before, you have probably fought with it once or twice. My tip is simple. Drop that ribbon to the floor so you can easily manipulate your tails, loops, and all the beauty of the bow as you complete each step with ease. You don’t want it to roll away from you. Great question my friends.
How much shorter should your loops be as you add layers?
When I have multiple layers of my handmade bows, I decrease my loop size within each layer typically by ½”. This creates a subtle shrink, drawing your eye to the center of your gorgeous, eye-appealing bow.
Is there a right way for your loops to be placed?
Nope! Some people like to have a stacked look, with layers defined from their loops. Others prefer a super full bow, with loops big and fluffed. There is no wrong way as long as you keep them symmetrical from your center, y’all! You can go wider or more narrow. Full or slim. It is completely up to you. You’re in control.
Do you have to use cable ties to secure the bow in the center?
Great question. I prefer cable ties, but you can absolutely use pipe cleaners or wire if that is what you have on hand. I personally like cable ties, because they can hold that bow super tight and handle a lot more layers on larger and in-charge bows.
Are you searching for a unique DIY project this Halloween? Look no further than the Frankie Centerpiece Kit, perfect for adding a personalized and cute spooky touch to your Halloween decor. This DIY arrangement kit blends creativity with simplicity, making it an ideal craft for all skill levels.
DIY Frankie Centerpiece for Halloween Home Decor
Crafting your centerpiece is straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll need some basic tools like styrofoam, wire cutters, scissors, and hot glue. Begin by setting styrofoam inside the bucket, strategically place the twig sprays and, and use the eyeball picks for a finishing touch of flair.
Let me show you how to create your own DIY Frankenstein Halloween Centerpiece that is a cute not spooky decoration for Halloween. Mixing your spooky decorations with old and new gives you fun times spent crafting together now while reminiscing about the Halloweve of yester years. It’s a wonderful way to start a family tradition or simply enjoy some seasonal crafting magic.
Ingredients
Directions
- Start by finding cutting the styrofoam so it is nestled inside of the Green Frankenstein Bucket so that it sits nicely inside and glue down. I like to use both Gorilla Glue and Hot Glue to really secure it for both now and long term.
- Cut Black Garland Base into small sections and set your base, spreading for maximum coverage.
- Prep your picks by grabbing your Purple Green Orange Felt Ball Twig Sprays. Sseparating them into smaller picks. You can also twist the black chenille around your finger to create a fun effect.
- Trim your Glitter Eye Ball Picks and add to the stryofoam. Be sure to space them for the best visual display.
- Cut and prep the White Black Chenille Curly Stems add some dimension to them by curling with your fingers to really give them life.
- Stem back and look at your your centerpiece. Are thier bald or blank spaces? Fluff you black garland to fill and use the wires in your products from Keleas.com to really get the pieces where you want them.
- Grab one of your Glitter Curly Velvet Ball Picks and trim the stem down to a couple of inches. Fluff out your pick, and then place it to the left of your bow, tucking it behind the bow to have it peek out from behind it.
