How to Make the Perfect Bow

Adorning your holidays with picture-perfect bows

What do garlands, tree toppers, gifts, and wreaths all have in common? Each of them need that special touch brought by beautiful bows – and not just any bows, but giant, oversize bows.

It’s true. And, not only am I a big fan of them, but they seem to multiply around the holidays. We top our tree with a giant bow (actually, two bows fastened together if we’re being precise). Our garland swags are each secured with a bow. Gifts are tied up with ribbon and a bow. Our wreath sports a blossoming one with two tails on the lower right-hand corner. There are bows everywhere.

Being able to master bow-tying is a skill that will really take you far – at least when it comes to adding a finishing touch on your decor and gifts!

I’m focusing on wired ribbon bows today since we’re looking at bigger bows that will adorn wreaths, garlands, tree tops, and other canvases. You’ll want to begin with a wired ribbon (2.5-3 inches) for bigger bows like the one I’m making here. Finding ribbon is easy at your local craft store.

Depending on what size bow you decide to make, you will need an appropriate length of the ribbon to eventually make loops. When in doubt, use more ribbon than you think you need. Don’t be afraid to use several feet of ribbon.

Next, layer your ribbon one on top of the next in stacked loops that look like a zigzag pattern. I layered about five stacked loops. This process is what will create your bow’s loops. The longer your stack length, the bigger your bow. If you are trying to make a smaller bow, shorten your back-and-forth sequence of your stacked loops. If you’re making a smaller bow, you may only need to layer 2-3 layers for your loops.

Once you have your stacked loops of ribbon, it’s time to make your bow tails. If you haven’t cut your ribbon from your roll yet, now is the time to do it. Cut the ribbon from the roll at a diagonal leaving about a foot of extra ribbon attached to your loops (this extra foot will eventually become your bow’s tails).

Cut a second, longer strip (yep – on the diagonal) about the same length as your tails. This is usually the strip I use to fasten the bow onto something, so make sure your tails are long enough to wrap around your wreath, tree top, or banisters to secure it in place.

Position your longer strip of ribbon in the middle of your layered bows and tie in a tight knot. There you have it! Your bow is beginning to take form!

Now, for the fun part. Take each loop and fluff them out. I like to pinch each loop, creating a sort of cinched effect. The wire in the ribbon helps the bow keep its shape.

Continue pulling each loop out and pinching it into place until all of your loops are fluffed out. Voila! The perfect bow.