I only know how to make fabric ribbon bows... Not too sure how well I can explain it on here.. but I"ll try. If it's not what you were wanting, well at least maybe it will come in handy for Christmas for some people!
Okay... here' goes...
It works really well with wider ribbon that has wired edges - this allows you to shape the bow the way you want... so even if it ends up a little lopsided or wonky, you can fix it up by shaping it nice. I used some Christmas ribbon that I had - it's not ideal for making these types of bows, but it worked out ok.
1. (Dont cut your ribbon - just start working at one end) Pinch the end of the ribbon and roll it over to form a small loop - pinch the ribbon while holding it with your thumb and forefinger. Make sure you leave enough overlap - this loop will become the center of your bow - if you don't overlap enough, the middle loop will come apart.
2. TWIST the ribbon underneath the loop so that it is nice and tight. Form another loop (however big you want) on one side of the center loop, then twist again when you bring it back under the center loop. Twisting the ribbon is important to keep control of the ribbon but also if your ribbon has a 'front' and 'back' - twisting will ensure that you're seeing the 'front' of the ribbon with each loop.
Still with me?
3. Create another loop on the opposite side and twist it again under the starting loop.
4. Continue making as many loops as you wish... I usually only do two or three per side... it starts getting tricky to hold with many more.
5. Once you've made all your loops (still not having cut the ribbon) take a piece of wire (I used a twist tie - can't find my floral wire) and thread it through that original center loop - fold it around and twist it TIGHT at the back of the bow. It's important to get it tight - this is all that is holding your bow together.
6. Once you have your bow secured, you can cut your ribbon - this will be one of the 'tails' - cut it as long or as short as you like. Cut another piece of ribbon about 2 inches longer than the first tail and pinch one end and add it to your wire - wrap the wire around it tightly.
If you want a BIG, full bow, you can create several small bows and wire them all together - creates the effect of a BIG bow without having 10 hands. |