When it comes to creating stunning ribbon bows, one of the most frequently asked questions we get is how to pair ribbons.
Whether you’re crafting a bow for Christmas, Fall, or everyday décor, your choice of ribbons—patterns, textures, and widths—can take your bow design to the next level. In this post, we’ll walk you through Coach Meghan’s expert ribbon pairing techniques, helping you create beautiful, balanced bows for any occasion.
Christmas Bow Ribbon Pairing
Christmas bows are always full of color and cheer. For this look, Meghan focuses on the vibrant mix of red, white, and pink—perfect for adding a festive yet unique touch to your wreaths, gifts, or trees. Here’s her step-by-step process for pairing ribbons for a Christmas bow.
Step 1: Start with a Feature Ribbon
Meghan starts with a beautiful pink ribbon featuring candy canes, peppermints, and presents. This serves as the focal point of the design. When selecting a feature ribbon, choose one that sets the theme and color palette for your bow.
Step 2: Mix Different Ribbon Widths
Mixing ribbon widths creates dimension and depth in your bow. For this bow, Meghan uses a combination of:
- A 4-inch wide diagonal stripe ribbon
- A 1.5-inch vertical stripe ribbon
- A smaller 5/8-inch horizontal stripe ribbon
Step 3: Add a Solid or Subtle Pattern
To balance out bold patterns, introduce a solid ribbon or one with a subtle design. Meghan uses a white ribbon with glittery red polka dots to break up the stripes and create visual interest.
Step 4: Final Accent Ribbon
Finally, Meghan adds a delicate polka dot ribbon to tie in the pink from her feature ribbon. Polka dots are a fun and playful way to bring in lighter tones and finish off the bow with a soft touch.
Christmas Bow Tutorials
Everyday Bow Ribbon Pairing
Everyday bows are more understated but still need to look chic and sophisticated. For a classic, timeless bow, Meghan walks us through using neutrals like beige, black, and white.
Step 1: Anchor with a Burlap Ribbon
Burlap is a great way to add texture and bulk to your bow. Meghan uses a 4-inch burlap ribbon, which serves as the foundation of the design.
Step 2: Add Swiss Dot for a Solid Look
A Swiss dot ribbon works perfectly as a subtle solid. Meghan pairs a black-and-white Swiss dot ribbon to give the bow structure without overpowering the design.
Step 3: Introduce Texture with Open Weave Ribbon
Open weave ribbons add lightness and texture. Meghan recommends using ribbons with a scalloped edge or window pattern to create an airy effect, which elevates the design without weighing it down.
Step 4: Include Vertical Stripes for Visual Movement
To complete the everyday bow, Meghan uses a vertical stripe ribbon in black and beige. The combination of the neutral colors with the crisp lines adds movement to the bow, making it versatile enough for any project.
Everyday Bow Tutorials
Fall Bow Ribbon Pairing
Fall bows are rich in color and texture, often inspired by nature’s warm tones. For this look, Meghan creates a beautifully layered bow using earthy hues of rust orange, gold, and green.
Step 1: Choose a Feature Ribbon with a Seasonal Print
Meghan’s first ribbon is a fall-inspired design featuring pumpkins and leaves in green, gold, and orange. This sets the color tone for the rest of the bow.
Step 2: Add Burlap with a Hint of Gold
Burlap is a go-to for fall bows. Meghan incorporates a burlap ribbon with gold sequins to add a touch of glam while keeping the rustic fall feel.
Step 3: Break Up Solids with a Diagonal Pattern
To break up the solid tones, Meghan adds a diagonal-patterned ribbon with a double-sided design. This keeps the bow interesting without overwhelming it.
Step 4: Include Gold for a Luxurious Finish
A shiny gold ribbon is the perfect way to elevate a fall bow. Meghan introduces this metallic element to complement the shimmer in the feature ribbon and burlap.
Step 5: Add a Pop of Rust Orange
Finally, Meghan adds a rust orange ribbon to pull out the deeper tones in the pumpkins and leaves from the feature ribbon. This finishes the bow with a burst of rich autumnal color.
Fall Bow Tutorial
Tips for Building the Perfect Bow
- Mix Ribbon Widths: Use a variety of ribbon widths (4-inch, 2.5-inch, 1.5-inch, and 5/8-inch) to create layers and dimension.
- Play with Patterns and Solids: Balance bold patterns with solids or subtle designs to avoid an overly busy look.
- Use Different Textures: Burlap, open weave, and metallic ribbons add texture and depth to your bow design.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: The beauty of bow making is in the variety—feel free to experiment with different combinations and styles!
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Ribbon Pairing
Ribbon pairing is both an art and a science. Whether you’re making a bold Christmas bow, a neutral everyday bow, or a rich fall bow, the key is in the balance of color, pattern, texture, and width. Now that you have the tips and tricks from Coach Meghan, you can confidently create stunning, professional-quality bows for any occasion.
