Ribbon Bows

Marie Overton

Dec 5, 20213 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Making a bow out of ribbon appears to be quite easy, but in fact, is quite difficult. We all know how to tie our shoes, but a decorative bow is much harder. I spent years struggling to make a beautiful bow with very little success. Since learning this technique, my ribbon bows now come out perfect nearly every time. These quick and easy ribbon bows work well for crafts, presents, and decorations. I thought this would be a great crafting skill to share with all of you.

Start by choosing your ribbon. The thickness of the ribbon has an impact on how you will hold your hands and the length you need to cut. I like to use a ribbon with wire in it because it is easier to shape.

2 1/2 inch – hold your 4 fingers very wide, cut 4 feet of ribbon
2 inch – hold your 4 fingers wide, cut 3.5 feet of ribbon
1 1/2 inch – hold your 2 fingers very wide, cut 3 feet of ribbon
1 inch – hold your 2 fingers wide, cut 2 feet of ribbon
1/2 inch – hold your 2 fingers close, cut 1 foot of ribbon for a single bow which looks better in this size

Directions for how to make a double ribbon bow:

Allow a 6-inch tail and place the ribbon, with the design facing you, between your 2nd and 3rd fingers.

Hands holding a striped ribbon with red edges on a dark wooden surface. The ribbon is being folded or examined closely.

between second/third fingers

At this point, you will want to twist the ribbon. This is especially important if your ribbon has a single-sided design.

Hands folding a red and beige striped ribbon on a dark wooden table. Focus on fingers arranging ribbon loops. No visible text.

twist ribbon

Wrap the ribbon around your first two fingers.

Hands weaving a red and beige striped ribbon on a dark wooden surface. The ribbon loops between fingers, indicating crafting or decorative work.

wrap around first 2 fingers

Place the ribbon between the 2nd and 3rd fingers and twist it again.

Hands tying a red and beige striped ribbon on a dark wooden surface. The mood is focused, highlighting the detail in crafting.

between second/third fingers and twist

Wrap the ribbon around your 3rd and 4th fingers. If you were doing a single bow you would finish it off at this step.

Hands holding red and white striped ribbon, forming a loop. Dark wooden background enhances the focus on the action and colors.

wrap third/fourth fingers

Tuck it between your 2nd and 3rd fingers and twist it again. The twisting of the ribbon not only keeps the design facing out but also helps the bow to hold its shape.

Hands tying a red and beige striped ribbon against a dark wooden background, focusing on the knot being formed.

twist again

Again wrap the ribbon around your first two fingers, tuck it between the 2nd/3rd fingers and twist it.

Hands tying a red and white striped ribbon into a bow on a dark wooden surface, focusing on the intricate loop arrangement.

Hands tying a red and beige striped ribbon against a dark wood background. The ribbon forms loops, suggesting a bow in progress.

Ribbon Bows – wrap first/second and twist

Wrap it around the 3rd/4th fingers. If you wanted to do a triple bow you would repeat the last step.

Hands folding a red and white striped ribbon into a bow on a dark wooden surface, creating a festive atmosphere.

Bows – wrap third/fourth

Take the long tail and tuck it under the ribbons between the 2nd and 3rd fingers.

Hands tying a bow with red and beige striped ribbon on a dark wooden surface, focused on the intricate loop being formed.

tuck between second/third fingers under the loops

Hands crafting a bow with red and white striped ribbon on a dark wooden surface. The setting is calm and focused.

As you push it under the ribbon loops, be sure the design is facing out. You are going to wrap it completely around the loops and tuck it between the 2nd/3rd fingers again. I like to place my thumb under the loop as I put it in so I have a gap for the next step.

Hands tying a red and cream striped ribbon with a wood surface background, focusing on the intricate folding pattern.

wrap around loops using thumb to make gap

Hands tying a red and beige striped ribbon against a dark wooden background. The focus is on the knot being formed.

tuck between second/third fingers again

Hands tying a red and white striped ribbon against a wooden background, creating a bow.

When you pull the tail through be sure it comes out on the same side as the other tail end of ribbon.

Hands folding red-striped ribbon on a dark wooden surface, creating a bow.

Next, you will want to tuck the long tail through the gap in the loop you just made so that there is a tail on each side of the bow.

Hands tying a striped red and beige ribbon into a bow on a dark wooden surface, focusing on the intricate knotting process.

Hands tying a red-striped ribbon on a wooden surface. The ribbon appears carefully handled, creating a simple, rustic setting.

feed through gap

Gently pull the loop tight adjusting it so it looks good.

Hands tying a brown and red striped ribbon into a bow on a wooden surface, showcasing a delicate and focused action.

pull snug

Hands tying a red and white striped ribbon into a bow, set against a dark wooden background. The focus is on the detailed ribbon work.

arrange ribbon

Adjust the ribbon as necessary to make it symmetrical and look good. This is when the wire is so helpful. It makes the bow so much more maneuverable.

Hands tying a striped red and white bow on a dark wooden surface, displaying careful craftsmanship.

play some more

Fold the tail ends in half and do a diagonal cut from the folded edge. This will create a dovetail and finishes it off so nicely.

Hands cutting a striped, red and beige ribbon with scissors on a dark wooden surface. The focus is on the crafting action and texture.

dovetail ends

I like to use it for many things. When I want to attach it I either use glue, jute twine, or some more of the ribbon placed through the back of the middle loop.