Learning how to tie a bow is easy with a little practice, and is a wonderful skill to have for gift wrapping, card making, and more. We love our double-faced satin ribbon for tying a bow – it’s silky and flexible, and always looks amazing…but you can use almost any ribbon type with these instructions. For clean, perfect edges, always use a pair of sharp scissors for cutting and trimming.
–Annie
PS colors: gravel & beet
Latest fave: Tree Trunk Tea Light and Japanese 8 1/4″ Scissors
1. Measure out your ribbon by wrapping the ribbon around your box twice – cut your ribbon length. Leave enough extra ribbon so you can trim the edges again, if necessary, after your bow is tied.
2. Wrap ribbon around the box from the bottom to the top. Hold ribbon taut around the top of the box, and with your right hand pull the length of ribbon on the left over and under to create a single tie, as you would when tying your shoe.
3. Place your left thumb onto the ribbon to hold the tension and pull the ribbon length of the right side up to create a loop.
4. Pull the loop to the left as you use your left hand to take the ribbon length around the loop.
5. Using your left thumb you can push the ribbon length under the first loop, then through the opening. Use your right hand to pull up to create a second loop.
6. Pull the two loop ends to create an even bow.
7. Tighten the bow to your desired length.
8. To create even edges, pull together both ribbon tails and cut at the same location. Cut at any angle you please. Sharp scissors are a must!
Ta da!…the perfect bow. Now finish off with a decorative gift tag and note to make your gift special and unique.
Great Bow! Oh, how I struggle with bows….this is most helpful.
Thank you!
sharon
i totally suck at tying bows. thanks for the helpful tips 🙂
This is so useful, thanks so much!!!!!!
I have so much trouble with bows!!!
This is perfect! My daughter has ornaments to add a ribbon for hanging 🙂 Great detailed steps.
I was thrilled to see this entry, but I had trouble following the steps. I get hopelessly lost between 4 and 5 every time.
I love beautiful bows! I do know how to make bows, but enjoy getting tips! Thanks for sharing!
I love that you showed how to do this. I always have problems with the ribbon getting twisted but with this I can now have the perfect bow!
THANK YOU for this… I have the hardest time making them look right!
The silky ribbon look very classy ..
Thanks a lot !