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Make Your Own Beautiful Bows

Bow complete!
An inexpensive way to decorate for any holiday or gifts is to make your own bows. There are different methods for this project but this is my favorite, because it's easy! My 9 year old granddaughter helps me make these bows!
Here We Go!
  • You will need about 3 yards of ribbon for each bow. I use the wire-edged ribbon, it's easier to work with. You can choose any width but it's fun to use different sizes then your bows will be different sizes. I always buy my ribbon on sale and the large 90 feet rolls are a great value. You can find them at Hobby Lobby for 50% off, the cost is then $5.00 a roll. You can make about 10 bows from one roll.
  • Start by measuring 3 yards of ribbon and cut your ribbon off the roll.
  • Roll the ribbon (loosely) into a circle. The first end of the ribbon can be stapled or taped to the ribbon next to it so it will stay in place. Keep wrapping until your 3 yards of ribbon is in a circle. I like to roll mine in a 5 or 6 inch circle, but you can choose the size you want.
  • Once your ribbon is in a circle, flatten it with your hands and fold it in half.
  • Cut a small triangle of ribbon off the folded end of the ribbon, toward the middle. You will do the same to other side. At the bottom of the folded ribbon, it will sort of look like the letter "v".
  • There are 2 ways to do the next step, in the middle of the flattened ribbon, gently separate the 2 pieces and place a either a pipe cleaner or another piece of ribbon (about 12 inches long). This will be the middle of the two sides. Then tie this ribbon piece rather tightly or twist the pipe cleaner. I used ribbon for my bow.
  • You are now ready to start pulling the ribbon apart. I usually start with the pieces on the inside and work my way out. Gently grab a piece of the ribbon and pull it out and twist. Do this until all of the ribbon pieces are pulled out, then do the same thing on the other side. 
  • When all of the pieces are pulled out and twisted, put the finishing touches on your bow. This is when you will appreciate the wire-edged ribbon because you can reshape your bow to perfection!
I hope the steps in the pictures will help you make your beautiful bows. Good luck and happy bow making!
I used 2 inch wire-edged ribbon for this bow

measure 3 yards - roll it in a circle


staple the first edge of the ribbon to the piece next to it

after your circle, flatten your ribbon circle

fold the ribbon circle in half
cut the corners off the folded end
gently separate the folded ribbon and tie another piece of ribbon in the middle

start pulling each piece of folded ribbon out, then twist

I used bows to decorate my Christmas tree








 Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi
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