How to tie the perfect bowLearning 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.

Step 1_how to tie a bow

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.

Step 2_how to tie a bow

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.

Step 3_how to tie a bow

4. Pull the loop to the left as you use your left hand to take the ribbon length around the loop.

Step 4_how to tie a bow

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.

Step 5_how to tie a bow

6. Pull the two loop ends to create an even bow.

Step 6_how to tie a bow

7. Tighten the bow to your desired length.

Step 7_how to tie a bow

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!

Step 8_how to tie a bow

Ta da!…the perfect bow. Now finish off with a decorative gift tag and note to make your gift special and unique.

Share:

9 Responses

  1. SHARON says:

    Great Bow! Oh, how I struggle with bows….this is most helpful.

    Thank you!

    sharon

  2. i totally suck at tying bows. thanks for the helpful tips ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Noreen says:

    This is so useful, thanks so much!!!!!!
    I have so much trouble with bows!!!

  4. Tina says:

    This is perfect! My daughter has ornaments to add a ribbon for hanging ๐Ÿ™‚ Great detailed steps.

  5. Mollie says:

    I was thrilled to see this entry, but I had trouble following the steps. I get hopelessly lost between 4 and 5 every time.

  6. I love beautiful bows! I do know how to make bows, but enjoy getting tips! Thanks for sharing!

  7. 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!

  8. sara says:

    THANK YOU for this… I have the hardest time making them look right!

  9. Daisy says:

    The silky ribbon look very classy ..
    Thanks a lot !

Comment: