How To Make Simple Ribbon Bows ^_^

by | Aug 9, 2010 | Craft, Hair-Accessory-Tutorials, Other-Tutorials, Tutorial

Continuing the series of tutorials on making basic bows today I’ll show you how you can make the perfect bow out of ribbon.

This is what the finished product will look like:

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

You need:

  • Ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Needle and thread
  • Lighter

Firstly decide how big you want your bow to be by mocking it up with you ribbon.

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Cut the length you decide on and make sure to add 2cm extra for seam allowance. Use your lighter to lightly melt the edges of the ribbon so they don’t fray. BE VERY CAREFUL YOU DON’T BURN YOURSELF.

Fold your ribbon like this with the edges overlapping in the middle…

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Use you needle and thread to running stitch from the bottom to top. Make sure to tie it in a knot in the beginning so it doesn’t pull through

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Now pull the thread and your bow will fold up on itself. Tie your thread off securely.

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Now to add the bottom tail, measure how long you want it by folding like this:

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Again knot the thread and running stitch up the folded tail like this:

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Pull the thread tight and tie it off:

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Sew the tail behind the bow part ^_^

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Cut another piece of ribbon that is long enough to wrap around the middle of the bow plus 1cm. Fold the sides of the ribbon like this and seal the edges with the lighter.

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Wrap the piece around the middle of your bow.

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Stitch it in place ^_^

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Cut the tails into what ever shape you like, I prefer them with “v”‘s cut out. Seal the ends with the lighter again and you’re finished! You can experiment with all different ribbons, I like to add a darker colour on top like this one:

Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Simple and very quick to make! You can add a bobby pin or brooch back or whatever to the back to attach it to hair/clothes or anything you like. Hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial!