How to Make an Easy Double-Ribbon Bow
I am going to start out this post with a disclaimer. I am not a professional bow-maker. I do not have any degrees in bow-making. I don’t even have any little letters behind my name such as PBMA (Professional Bow Makers of America). But, I’ve been making bows for as long as I can remember. It takes practice. Even a non-professional bow-maker like myself has some difficult times when working with larger ribbons. That said… I decided to share with you a little technique to create the look of large, double-ribbon bows. It’s so easy – you, too, may one day become a member of PBMA.
I am taking part in another No-Sew Decorating Showcase with some of my “favoritest” Bloggers. I will share their Projects and links below, so please make sure you visit each one for some amazing No-Sew Projects.
Before we get started…let me apologize for the overload of pics. But, I wanted to make sure I presented you with a thorough tutorial. So sit back and relax…this may take a while.
My wreath was inspired by these cute, wood plaques. They were regularly $2.49 on sale half price. I found some ribbon which coordinated, but wasn’t so Valentine-specific. Let’s start making a bow…
— Step One —
For a larger bow, I like to use about 3 yards of ribbon. At one end, I create a small loop and hold it with my thumb. This will create the center loop of the bow.
— Step Two —
Twist the tail of the ribbon, and again, hold it secure with your thumb.
— Step Three —
Now, it’s just a matter of creating a loop and twisting the tail behind it – creating a loop and twisting the tail behind it… etc.
— Step Four —
When you create a loop and twist, this allows you to create a loop on the opposite side.
— Step Five —
Try to mirror the loops on each side…i.e. 4 and 4 – or 5 and 5, etc. Also, try to keep the first row (or layer) of loops the same length.
— Step Six —
Continue to make loops and then twist, but lengthen your loops to create a “second” row or layer. You can add as many loops as you desire to get the fullness and size of bow you need. Keep in mind, you will be adding another layer with the coordinating ribbon. Your bow should look something like this…
At this stage, I will attach it to the wreath before adding the second layer of ribbon.
— Step Seven —
For the second ribbon, the plaid, I am not going to make a traditional “bow” to add to the polka dot bow. Rather, I am going to show you how to make loops and add them so it appears that you’ve intertwined two ribbons into one, large luscious bow. Cut about six 12″ lengths of ribbon and double them…
I have shared with you before one of my floral secrets… wood skewers from the Dollar Store. Skewers are a good way to insert and attach objects to wreaths so they do not have to be permanently attached. It’s the “recycler” in me. Cut a length of skewer and a small length of floral wire. Place the piece of skewer around the tips of the ribbon, and wrap with the wire – as seen above. I used six plaid loops for my bow.
— Step Eight —
Now you simply start adding the loops to the original bow. The skewers make it easy to poke the loops right in. Once you have added all the secondary loops you want, your bow should look like this.
But, we’re not thru. Oh no, oh no.
— Step Nine —
Create about three “mini” loops. Use the same method as I showed for creating the secondary loops, but instead of a 12″ length of ribbon use about 6″.
— Step Nine —
Tuck the mini loops into the center of the bow. Now it truly looks like you combined two separate ribbons when creating your bow.
— Step Ten —
I create “tails” for my bows separately by using the same skewer and wire method. This allows you more control over the placement, versus when its attached to the bow. I added a few silks that coordinated with the ribbons and the little wood hearts. I also glued wire onto the back of the wood hearts so again, they could be easily removed.
This project took about 45 minutes all together. That included adding a few touches to the Valentine Vignette in the foyer.
Remember the Mason Jar filled with pink and white roses?
Here’s my little secret for extending out the life and use of roses when they start to fade away…
Pull off as many browned or wilted petals as possible. Cut the stems really short (about 3-4″), and bundle them in a tight bouquet. Then, place them in a container with a smaller opening which keeps the tight bundle held together.
Finally, a candle is added to a white teacup full of Valentine Candy hearts.
And it all ties together for a cute Sweet{heart} Vignette.
Thank you for letting me share my Bow-Making Project with you.
Before you go, please make sure you visit my friends…
Amy at Atta Girl Says
Ribbon Heart Cocktail Napkins
Ann at On Sutton Place
DIY Anthroplogie-Inspired Heart Collector Pillow
Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict
No-Sew Faux Cross Stitch Valentine Tea Towels
Yvonne at Stone Gable
No-Sew Burlap Posy Pillow
Suzy at Worthing Court
No-Sew/No-Knit Cup Cozies
I would LOVE you if you would pin this to your favorite
Pinterest Board…
Join me this week for:
Tuesday: The Scoop Linky Party
(goes live Monday night at 6pm)
Wednesday: “Ideas for a Bridal Shower”
with Pinterest and Hometalk
Friday: Farmhouse Friday
“Great Farmhouse Porches”
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Confessions of a Plate Addict says
Such a pretty wreath, Barb! I love those giant candy hearts! Hugs…Debbie
View CommentJanet Bartee says
but how do you hold the first bow together to attach it to the wreath without it all falling apart??
View CommentYvonne @ StoneGable says
Barb, What a great tutorial. I make my bows like you did the first one… but I never thought of adding more loops. What a fabulous idea! I’m so glad your shared this secret with us! My bows will certainly be better looking from now on! Wonderful and easy to understand instructions! Thanks so much!
View CommentAnn says
I never knew how to add the second set of loops! Brilliant. Great photos and directions.
View CommentZenda says
Your bow looks amazing! Thanks for the great tutorial!
View CommentJenna says
Nice tutorial Barb! Your wreath turned out so cute!
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
Such a beautiful bow that could be used for many occasions . . Valentines, Easter, Birthdays…beautiful wreath!
View CommentAtta Girl Amy says
I struggle to make bows, so I am definitely pinning and bookmarking this tutorial. I usually just run next door and ask my neighbor to do it for me, but now I think I can do it myself. (Girl, I even own a Bowdabara and haven’t been able to create a bow that I truly love. But now I know your secrets. Thanks for sharing.)
View CommentHeather says
I just wanted to add that you can make a two tone bow by putting the two ribbons together and making the bow just like you did the first part of your bow. No extra time or equipment necessary. 🙂 Thanks for sharing all of your ideas. Love your site!
View CommentBarb says
Yes, you can make a bow with two ribbons, but if you’ve never made many bows this is a much simpler technique. Thanks for stopping by.
View CommentNana Diana says
I missed this post, Barb. What a great tutorial. I have never been very good at making bows but I am going to give your way a try. You make GREAT ones! xo Diana
View CommentPat Cobb says
Thank you so much, this is a much easier way. Great tip! Thanks for shaRING
View Commentetiquetas y ribbons mexico says
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View CommentIt looks like some of the written text on your posts are
running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback
and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
This may be a issue with my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
Cheers