Sometimes we look with
envy at beautifully wrapped presents and that perfect
bow that perches on top. The bows look so professional
that we don't realize that we could make them ourselves.
With the right methods and a little practice, you can
make all sorts of bows. You can create bows for your
Christmas tree, hair bows, floral bows and packaging or
gift bows.
Materials:
There are four types of ribbon made; satin faced ribbon,
double faced satin taffeta, and grosgrain weave. Any
type will do for these bows.
Scissors
Thread
Basic Method:
Rosette Bow:
Wind 7/8" satin ribbon around a card of proper width to
give desired size of loops. The size of the bow will
depend on the number of times the ribbon is wrapped
around the card. Gently slip loops off card. Wind thread
around center of loops and pull up tight. Tie thread
ends and form rosette by spreading out loops to desired
shape.
Dahlia Bow:
Take a 28" piece of ˝" satin ribbon and crease every 4
1/2" inches until full length of ribbon is used. Put a
pin through center of ribbon to hold in position. Using
an 8" end of ribbon, tie around folded ribbon at center
and remove pin. Cut all the ends diagonally. Now spread
in a fan shape. If desired, cut some of the ends at
slightly varying lengths to make irregular petals.
Jumbo Bow:
This bow can be made in holiday colors and used to
decorate wreaths, front doors and large gifts.
The bow should be around 10" in diameter. 1 3/4" yards
of 3" satin ribbon required for large under bow.
Five inches from the
end pinch in gathers and hold with left thumb and
finger. Make a 5"loop and pinch in gathers and continue
to hold loops in left fingers. Loop ribbon back and
forth until you have three loops on each side. Now wind
thread around center and tie to hold.
Adjust loops in circle. Make a smaller bow in the same
manner with 4" loops and ends. About 11/2 yards 3"ribbon
will be required for smaller bow, which will have four
loops and two ends.
Place small bow exactly on center of large bow and tie
both together with a narrow matching ribbon.
