This step-by-step multi-purpose bow tutorial will walk you through how to make a simple, yet stunning, bow with tails in little to no time. You will feel extra confident the more you make, but proud of yourself even after the first. The best part is this multi-purpose bow looks great on so many things.
A Multi-Purpose Bow Tutorial
This specific bow will be placed on a pretty little picnic-inspired wreath that makes my heart happy every time I see it. The red and white checked on a neutral background will tie in so nicely with the pops of red found in the berries and flying butterflies, all amongst bright florals that scream summer. Check out how to make that wreath here. After you learn how to make the actual bow of course!
When selecting your ribbons of choice, for whatever floral arrangement or DIY craft you are doing, be sure to make sure your ribbons have the same finish. Keeping the textures consistent helps keep the overall beauty of the bow. Pairing a designed ribbon with a solid color also is an important tip when creating your own handmade bow. You don’t want to do all that work to have it look terrible just because of poor ribbon choices! Be smart and select well.
Ok, ok. I am ready to teach you how to learn all the tips and tricks to make this simple 2:1 Recipe Multi-Purpose Bow. The question is, are you ready to learn? Oh heck yeah, you are! Let’s do this, y’all!
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Ingredients
Directions
- Grab your 2.5” ribbon and cut your ribbon tail. Determine if you want an angled cut or a dovetail. Measure out your first tail, about 20”, and bring it to the center of your EZ Bow Maker. Moving your right hand forward, twist your ribbon. Your left hand will go back.
- Create your first loop, measuring about 6”. Twist the ribbon in the center pulling through on the other side. Repeat making your next loop of 6”. Remember always to twist every time you want to make a loop.
This bow will have 4 loops on the base.* You decide how many loops and layers you want. This is just an example of how to make a Multi-purpose bow. - Pull your ribbon through on the other side creating your matching tail.
Grab your next ribbon, 1.5”, and repeat the process. Make your tails for this layer a bit shorter. Make your loops a bit smaller as well, at 5”. This layer of ribbons will only have 2 total loops. - The recipe for this bow is 2:1. (That means the first layer on the bottom has 2 loops on each side and the next layer has 1 loop on each side. Hence 2:1 recipe.) Pull your tail through and match the same tail length as before. Dovetail those ends.
- To remove from the EZ Bow Maker, grab your cable tie. Run it right beside your dowels. Place your finger on top as you slowly remove your bow, adding a bit of pressure before complete removal. Do not tighten all the way.
- Rotate the ribbon. Fluff, fancy, and manipulate your ribbon loops and tails to be in position. Create space and cohesiveness on both sides.
Next, add your second cable tie to the first in the center to create an easy way to add your bow later on to your craft projects. Pull the first one tight and cut the excess. - To hide your mechanics, determine a ribbon you want to place over the center. Cut a piece of ribbon and fold it in 3rds lengthwise to cover right in the middle. You can choose to have a chunky center or more skinny. You decide and have fun with it.
- Tie it onto your bow right down the center with a strong tie in the back. Cut the excess so it is not too big back there.
Want to learn more?
Join the free Facebook group Keleas Bloomarino Buds Wreath Making Community
