How to Make Ribbon Bows Part I

!±8± How to Make Ribbon Bows Part I

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 ½" 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.