How to Make a Beautiful Bow Out of Ribbon: Step-by-Step Tutorial
, by MarketingLaRibbons, 5 min reading time
Hey craft friends! Today we're diving into a classic DIY project that's equal parts simple and stunning: making a bow from ribbon. Specifically, we'll use our gorgeous 1" unwired velvet ribbon—no extra tools needed, just your hands, scissors, and a little patience. Even if you're a total beginner, you'll be tying professional-looking bows in no time. Let's get started!
Materials You'll Need
Before we begin, let's gather what you'll need (it's a short list!):
• 1 long piece of 1" unwired velvet ribbon (I recommend cutting a 30-36 inch length to start—you can always trim later)
• Sharp scissors
• Optional for tree hanging: Thin craft wire (we'll cover this at the end!)
Step 1: Start with a Long Ribbon & Find Your Center
Lay your ribbon flat and gently fold it in half to find the center point. Pinch this center with your non-dominant hand—this will be the anchor for your bow. The beauty of using one long ribbon is how fluid the process feels, especially with our soft velvet that holds shape nicely without being stiff.
Step 2: Create the First Loop (Left Side)
With your right hand, take the left end of the ribbon and bring it up and over to create a loop on the upper left side of your pinched center. The loop should be about 4-5 inches in length—imagine forming a teardrop shape. Press the base of this loop firmly against your center pinch to hold it in place. Don't worry about perfection here; we'll fluff it later!
Step 3: Make the Center Ring & Twist
Now take the same ribbon (remember, we're using one continuous piece!) and bring the right end across the front of your pinched center, creating a small horizontal "ring" in the middle. As you pass the ribbon through, give it a gentle twist (about 180 degrees) before pulling it towards the back. This twist helps the ribbon hold its shape and gives the bow that classic layered look.
Step 4: Form the Second Loop (Right Side)
Using the same ribbon end that you twisted and brought to the back, bring it back around to the front to create a mirror loop on the upper right side, matching the size of the first loop. Pinch this new loop together with the center and the first loop—now you should have two symmetrical loops on either side, connected by that twisted middle section.
Step 5: Trim Excess
Trim the tails at an angle with your scissors to give them a neat, finished look—you can leave them long for a flowing effect or cut them short for a stubby bow, depending on how you'll use it.
Step 6: Fluff & Shape Your Bow (the Fun Part!)
Gently pull on each loop to expand them, using your fingers to curl the velvet into soft, rounded curves. The unwired nature of our ribbon makes this so easy—you can really mold it into whatever shape you like. For a fuller bow, create bigger loops; for a dainty one, keep them smaller. Play around until it looks just right!
Bonus: Add a Hanger for Your Christmas Tree
If you're using these bows as tree decorations (they look gorgeous on evergreens!), here's a quick trick: cut a 6-8 inch piece of thin wire and slide it through the top center of your bow, right where the loops meet the knot. Twist the wire ends together to form a small loop, then use that loop to tie the bow to tree branches. The wire is practically invisible against the rich velvet, so your bow will look like it's floating! Of course, you can also use Christmas-themed ribbons to decorate your tree, they look even more gorgeous!
Pro Tips for Ribbon Bow Success
1. Start with quality ribbon: Our 1" unwired velvet is ideal because it's thick enough to hold loops but soft enough to manipulate easily. Avoid flimsy ribbons that sag—texture matters!
2. Practice the twist: That middle twist in Step 3 is key for keeping loops symmetrical. If your first bow looks lopsided, just undo it and try again—the ribbon won't mind!
3. Customize the size: Shorten the ribbon for gift tags or go extra-long for wreaths. I love using 36 inches for tree bows and 24 inches for gift wrapping.
Watch Our Video Tutorial for Visual Guidance
Still feeling unsure? Hop over to our video tutorial where I walk through each step in real time, using the exact 1" unwired velvet ribbon we sell. You'll see how the single-ribbon method flows smoothly, and I'll share extra tips for getting those loops just right. Plus, seeing the twist and pinch in action makes it so much easier to master!
Wrap It Up
Making bows from ribbon is such a versatile skill—use them to dress up presents, adorn hair accessories, or spruce up your holiday decor. The single-ribbon technique we've covered today is all about simplicity and creativity, and our velvet ribbon adds that touch of luxury without any fuss.
Remember, crafting is about having fun, not perfection. Even if your first bow is a little wonky, each one gets better. So grab your ribbon, hit play on the video, and let's turn a simple strip of fabric into something beautiful. I can't wait to see the bows you create! Happy crafting!