Let’s be honest, a beautiful bow can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. It’s the cherry on top of a perfectly wrapped gift, the magical touch on a wedding centerpiece, or the charming detail that makes a simple dress unforgettable. But if your bow-tying skills start and end with a basic shoelace knot, you’re in for a treat. We’ve untangled the secrets and are serving up 19 make a bow with ribbon techniques that will turn you into a ribbon-tying virtuoso.
1. The Classic Gift Bow
This is the bow your grandma mastered and the one you see on countless presents. It’s the foundation for so many other styles. Start by creating two loops of equal size, one in each hand.
Cross the right loop over the left, tuck it through the back, and pull it tight, just like you’re starting to tie your shoes. The key is to adjust the loops and tails until they look symmetrical and full. This classic move is your first step to mastering all 19 make a bow with ribbon methods.
2. The Effortless “Figure-8” Bow
Looking for something elegant and incredibly simple? The Figure-8 bow is your new best friend. You don’t even need to know how to tie a knot. Simply pinch the center of a long ribbon and create a loop on one side, then form an identical loop on the other.
Secure the pinched center with a thin piece of wire or a smaller ribbon. Fluff the loops, and you have a sophisticated, symmetrical bow that looks far more complicated than it is.
3. The Florist’s Boutonniere Bow
This is the small, textured bow you often see on flower arrangements and boutonnieres. It adds a professional, finished look. Take a narrow ribbon and make a series of small, consecutive loops, pinching them all together at the base.
Five to seven loops usually creates the perfect fullness. Secure the center tightly with florist’s wire, and then gently separate and fluff each loop to give it that coveted 3D effect.
4. The Pom-Pom Bow
If you love a full, fluffy, and whimsical look, the pom-pom bow delivers. It works best with wired ribbon. Create multiple loops of the same size, just like the florist’s bow, but make them larger and use more of them.
Once you’ve secured the center, don’t just pull the loops apart. Reach into the center of each loop and pull the inner layer outward to create a bursting, pom-pom-like effect. It’s pure ribbon magic.
5. The Layered Multi-Ribbon Bow
Why use one ribbon when you can use two or three? This technique adds incredible depth and visual interest. Create separate bows using different ribbons—maybe a solid color and a pattern.
Then, simply stack them on top of each other and secure them together at the back with hot glue or wire. It’s an instant upgrade that makes your creation look custom-made and expensive.
6. The No-Tie “Faux” Bow
Okay, I hear you. What if you’re all thumbs? The faux bow is here to save the day. Cut two separate pieces of ribbon: one for the loops and one for the tails.
Form the loop piece into a figure-8 and glue it. Then, glue the tail piece crossways over the center. It’s a cheat code for a perfect bow every single time, and no one will ever know the difference.
7. The Elegant “Diamond” or “Butterfly” Bow
This bow looks intricate but follows a simple looping pattern. After tying your initial knot, you form two loops. Instead of leaving them as simple circles, you twist the ends inward before bringing them around to form the next set of loops.
This twisting action creates a beautiful diamond or butterfly shape in the center. It’s a stunning choice for decorative pillows or hair accessories.
8. The Quick & Easy “Loopty-Loop”
This is the ultimate speedy bow for when you’re wrapping a last-minute gift. Hold the ribbon against your package and make a long loop. Wrap the remaining ribbon around the middle of that loop a few times to create the “knot.”
Snip the end, and you’re done. It’s rustic, charming, and takes about ten seconds. Who said speed and style can’t coexist?
9. The Wired Ribbon Spiral Bow
Wired ribbon is a game-changer because it holds any shape you give it. For this bow, you don’t make crisp loops. Instead, gently curl and spiral the ribbon, allowing it to flow organically.
Pinch the center and secure it, then gently manipulate the wires to arrange the spirals artfully. This creates a modern, almost floral-looking bow that’s full of movement.
10. The Traditional “Shoelace” Bow
Don’t underestimate the power of the classic double-loop shoelace bow. It’s perfect for a casual, rustic, or masculine aesthetic. Just tie it exactly as you would your sneakers.
The trick is to use a wide, beautiful ribbon and to ensure the loops and tails are even. Sometimes, the most familiar techniques are the most effective on our list of 19 make a bow with ribbon ideas.
11. The Ornate “Jewel” Bow
This is where you become a true ribbon artist. Create a simple multi-loop bow as your base. Then, take it to the next level by hot-gluing a beautiful embellishment right over the center knot.
A faux pearl, a sparkly brooch, a small cluster of beads, or even a festive holiday ornament can transform a simple bow into a dazzling centerpiece.
12. The Fork Bow (Yes, a Fork!)
This hack is as genius as it is bizarre. Grab a standard dinner fork. Weave your ribbon through the tines in a specific pattern, wrap the center, and then carefully slide it off.
You’ll be left with a perfectly tiny, uniform bow that’s ideal for scrapbooking, card making, or decorating small favors. It’s the ultimate proof that you don’t need fancy tools.
13. The Cascading Curly Bow
Add some bounce and playfulness with curls. Create your bow as usual, but leave the tails very long. Then, take a pair of scissors and firmly drag one blade along the length of the ribbon tail (be careful!).
The ribbon will naturally curl up. You can also use the edge of the table. This is a fantastic effect for party decorations and gift toppers.
14. The Layered Loop Garland Bow
This technique is for when you need a big, bold statement, like on a Christmas tree or a mantelpiece. You’ll create not one bow, but a series of connected loops along a long piece of ribbon.
It forms a gorgeous, continuous garland of bows that looks incredibly professional and is surprisingly easy to assemble once you get the rhythm.
15. The “Kanzashi” Style Petal Bow
Dive into the beautiful Japanese art of Kanzashi, where folded fabric creates floral shapes. You can apply this to ribbon! By making precise folds, you can create pointed or rounded petal shapes.
Arrange several of these “petals” in a circle and secure them at the back. The result is a stunning, geometric bow that is truly a work of art.
16. The Simple “Dangle” Bow for Hanging Ornaments
This one is less about the loops and more about the elegant drape. Take a long piece of ribbon and simply thread it through the hanger of an ornament, a gift tag, or a charm.
Tie a simple knot at the top, leaving the ends long and graceful. Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, making this a crucial entry in our 19 make a bow with ribbon guide.
17. The Bow-Tie (For Actual Neckties)
Ready to class it up? Making a real, self-tie bow-tie from ribbon is a fantastic skill. It uses a similar method to the classic gift bow but with a specific folding and pulling technique to achieve that iconic shape.
It takes a little practice, but the payoff is a custom, dapper accessory that’s guaranteed to get compliments.
18. The “Frayed Edge” Modern Bow
For a cool, contemporary, and slightly rustic look, embrace the fray. Use a natural fiber ribbon like cotton or burlap. After you’ve made your bow, gently pull at the edges with your fingers to create a controlled fray.
This textured, soft-edged look is perfect for boho-chic weddings, rustic home decor, or packaging for artisanal goods.
19. The Massive “Wreath” Bow
We’re going out with a bang. This is the grand finale bow for your front door or a major event. You’ll need a whole roll of wide, wired ribbon. The technique combines the multi-loop pom-pom method with the layered garland approach.
Create gigantic loops, secure them tightly, and then don’t be afraid to really fluff and shape it with the wires until it’s a magnificent, voluminous statement piece.
So, there you have it—19 make a bow with ribbon techniques to elevate your crafting game. From the simple fork bow to the majestic wreath topper, there’s a style for every occasion and skill level. The best part? All you need is a little ribbon and a willingness to play. Your next gift, party, or project is waiting for that perfect finishing touch. Now go on, get looping!