Making a perfect bow can seem intimidating, but it’s actually SO EASY! Follow our helpful step by step photo and video tutorials to make a beautiful bow that can be used for decorating crafts, a wreath, a gift box, the Christmas tree, and more.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission which helps us run this website. Looking for some fun ways to use these bows? Here’s a few of our favourite craft ideas: Pasta Christmas Tree Jingle Bell Ornaments Paper Napkin Bunny Favors

Helpful Tips:

What size of ribbon is needed to make a bow?

You can make bows from all kinds of sizes of ribbon depending on their purpose. Bows made from thinner ribbon (1 inch and under) are great for attaching to crafts or using as hair bows. Thicker ribbon makes larger bows that are useful for attaching to wreaths or used as a gift bow. For example, our red, layered bow is made with ribbon 3 inches wide.

What type of ribbon is needed to make a bow?

You can make a bow from almost any type of ribbon or fabric you’d like. We used satin ribbon to make our bows because we liked the shiny finish. You can also make bows using grosgrain, burlap, organza, velvet, twine, lace, wired ribbon, etc. Different styles of bows may work better with a certain type of ribbon. Have fun experimenting to create the look you’re going for!

How can I finish off the tails on ribbon bows?

We like to cut straight up towards the bow, creating an angled tail. You can also create a double pointed tail (aka fish tail). To make the fish tail even, fold the ribbon in half and then cut up towards the center. Satin ribbon has a tendency to fray. The angled cuts help prevent this, but you can also carefully and quickly pass a lighter over the edge to melt it. Test melt a scrap of ribbon safely over the kitchen sink before melting the edge of your actual bow to make sure it doesn’t burn or damage the ribbon.

Learn how to make a bow with our helpful step by step tutorials! Make a mini bow, a classic bow, a double looped bow, or a triple layered bow. They’re all so pretty!

Here’s some fun ways to use DIY bows:

DIY Beaded Christmas Ornaments

Mini Easter Basket Craft

Halloween Wooden Spoons

Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!

Where to buy:

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