How to Make Simple Bows for Gifts, Garland and Trees
Adding a simple bow to a gift, garland or tree adds an elevated look and is so easy to do! Let me show you how!
My Love of Ribbon
Here’s a little background on my love of ribbon and bows! Once upon a time, 8 year old entrepreneur Julie and her childhood best friend, Kelly, started a hair bow business. Kelly’s mom handled all of the paperwork (she was an accountant by trade) and J&K Bows was born! Get it- Julie and Kelly? We sold bows to a little children’s store in our neighborhood and to friends and family.
Fast forward to my early 30’s when I had 2 babies and wanted to have a little “fun money.” I thought about my talent in bow making and started the business again! This time with the name “julie’s bows”. Original right? 🤣🤣
I made thousands and thousands of bows. I sold to 6 stores in the dallas area and had a website. It was fun, but at some point it just didn’t make sense to keep making bows when people/factories over seas could make them at a fraction of the cost.
I got rid of a bunch of my ribbon during the last 3 moves, but still have a good bit and love making a pretty bow.
So, when Christmastime rolls around, I get so excited to add bows to wreaths, trees, mirrors and packages, of course.
I thought I’d do a little step by step to show you how to make a simple bow.
Items Needed
- Good quality ribbon. Satin ribbon (double or single sided) or wired ribbon work best.
- Thin floral wire. You can buy this on Amazon, Michale’s or Hobby Lobby
- Scissors to cut the wire. Any scissors or wire cutters will do.
- Scissors to cut the ribbon. You will want to use good quality sewing scissors.
- Lighter to singe the ribbon so it doesn’t fray.
This Christmas I bought all of my ribbon from Amazon and it has all been really good quality. I bought navy satin ribbon– 5o years spool and 1.5 inches wide. I’ve used almost all of it decorating our home and wrapping gifts! I bought the same ribbon in Green and Red.
I love a good classic plaid ribbon. This tartan plaid ribbon as well as this black watch plaid are both so pretty. They are not wired, but still work just as well as wired ribbon.
Then I bought 3 spools of this thick tartan plaid ribbon and it is wired. I used it for our large lighted wreath outside as well as on the pencil trees on our front porch.
How To Make an Easy Bow
Making a pretty bow is super easy!! Just follow these simple steps and your bows will end up perfect every time. The pictures below feature a thicker ribbon, but the method is the same whether your ribbon is 1/2 inch or 4 inches wide.
- Get your ribbon and unroll a bit. For my example here I was making a large bow with 2.5” wired ribbon to go on top of two pencil Christmas trees for our front porch.
- Cut 2 -75” pieces, and 2- 45” pieces.
- Make a loop
- Drape the ribbon over and make a second loop
- Do the exact same thing on the top.
- Pinch the center and wrap with wire. I usually use a 12” piece of wire.
- Make a bow to go on top. To do this you make 2 loops but have the extra ribbon facing down. See photo.
- Lay 2nd bow on top and wire them together with a piece of 18” wire. You will have extra that you will use to put the bow in the tree/garland.etc.
Once you get the hang of it it’s so easy!!
Another way to make pretty bows is as easy as using your shoe tying skills!
I think the only thing to remember here is
Left over right. Right over left. You literally tie the ribbon on the package just like you are tying your shoelaces. That’s how you end up with a pretty bow that lies just right.
On these packages I did double bows. Super easy to do and so pretty!! Of course a simple bow with 2 loops looks great as well.
I love all of the happy ribbon colors and Christmas cheer these bows bring! Please let me know if you have any questions! I’d love to help.
Grateful for You!!
Julie
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