Bows are super important in wreath-making. They alone have a large part in taking your creations to the next level. Today, Coach Mel is showing you how to make multi-ribbon wreath bows by hand, and the results are beautiful!
Hey, y’all! Today I want to talk about bow-making. Bows make ALL the difference in wreath making.
Bows can take a simple grapevine wreath and make it spectacular. They are essential for tying together all the colors and patterns in your deco mesh wreaths. Adding bows to your swags and other door hangers gives that little something extra that makes them fabulous.
It’s worth learning how to make multi-ribbon wreath bows by hand because you’ll be able to do all of these things! And today, we’re lucky to have Coach Mel here to show us how it’s done.
If you’re interested in taking your bow-making skills up to another level, check out our tutorials for making wreath bows (that can also be used on all your projects). I think the Everyday Bow Tutorial and How To Make A Terri Bow By Hand are especially helpful.
How To Make Multi-Ribbon Wreath Bows By Hand
Y’all, I know that a lot of you are intimidated by 4″ ribbon, but I’m here to tell you that there is no need to be! Coach Mel shows you just how easy it is to use and why it works so well. The 4″ ribbon gives you a larger surface area to work with, and it makes bows that look nice and full!
If you want to learn more, we have a whole post dedicated to tips and tricks about using 4″ ribbon!
Supplies Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make a multi-ribbon bow. I’ve included a few handy links to help you find certain items faster and easier.
- 4″ wired ribbon
- 2.5″ wired ribbon
- (2) 1.5″ wired ribbons
- Pipe cleaners
- Scissors
Video Tutorial
The bow that Coach Mel makes in this video is an everyday bow. It’s perfect for adding to your wreaths or displaying on your mailbox or lanterns.
Although she uses some natural tones that make this bow perfect for everyday decor, you don’t have to stop there! This bow can be made to fit every season and every decor style. Its size makes it perfect for your Christmas tree, gifts, wreaths, door hangers, centerpieces, or anywhere else you want to add a bit of pretty!
Instructions To Make Wreath Bows By Hand
Y’all know that I love my EZ Bow Maker because it holds the layers of my bow in place while I work on the next layer. Did you know that you don’t need a bow-making tool to do that? Coach Mel shows you how you can use a pipe cleaner as a holder. It’s easy, and it’s a lot cheaper than purchasing a bow maker.
That makes it perfect for those who are just starting out in the wreath biz! If you think you’d like to try out a bow maker but don’t know where to start, you can check out our post about the top 3 bow-making tools available!
Follow these step-by-step instructions for making wreath bows by hand.
Step 1
Start with your 4″ ribbon and measure (2) 8″ tails and (2) 6.5″ loops.
Step 2
Take a pipe cleaner and twist it around the center of your bow layer to hold it in place while you make your next layer.
Step 3
Next, take your 2.5″ ribbon and measure (2) 7″ tails and (2) 6″ loops.
Remove the pipe cleaner and add this layer on top of your last layer, and re-secure it with the pipe cleaner.
Step 4
Now take your first 1.5″ ribbon and make (2) 6″ tails and (2) 5.5″ loops. Add on top of your previous layers in the pipe cleaner.
Step 5
Grab your second 1.5″ ribbon and make (2) 4.5″ tails and (2) 4.75″ loops. This is your last layer, so twist your pipe cleaner nice and tight after adding this layer on top of your others.
Step 6
Finally, dovetail the ends of your tails and fluff out your ribbons by separating the loops and tails.
That’s it! Your wreath bow by hand is complete.
Handmade Wreath Bows FAQs
If you have any questions about making this project, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some questions I frequently see readers ask about making bows by hand. Leave your question in the comments if you don’t see it already answered below.
Can I change the colors and patterns to match my project?
1,000% yes! Remember, this is just a basic concept. You can customize your colors, patterns, and ribbon size to coordinate perfectly with whatever you’re creating.
All you have to do is use the same basic bow-making method that Coach Mel outlines here. The rest is up to you to have fun changing around!
Can I use zip ties instead of pipe cleaners?
If you know Coach Mel, you know that she often does like to use zip ties in her projects. Although they are quick and easy to use and have a great, stronghold, they are not a good fit for this bow-making method.
In order to be able to add additional layers to your bow, you need to use something that you can remove. Unfortunately, once you secure zip ties, you can’t remove and reuse them.
Make Muti-Ribbon Wreath Bows For Your Creations
Bow-making doesn’t have to be complicated y’all! You can still make amazing bows with just four types of ribbon and a pipe cleaner.
If you love wreath bows and want to improve your skills, even more, make sure to check out some of our other popular tutorials:
- How To Use ‘Pro Bow The Hand’ To Make A Terri Bow
- Handmade Bow Tutorial: The Damon Bow
- How To Make An Everyday DIY Wreath Bow
- How To Make A 3-2-1 Layered Bow
- A Simple Bow Tutorial By Parker
Need some help with any part of the wreath-making process? We’d love to lend a hand. This includes answering any questions about bow-making, wreath-making, or crafting in general! Look for what you need at How to Make Wreaths.
Don’t forget to check out more of our tutorials on How to Make Wreaths. Plus, come share with us over at the How To Make Wreaths Facebook Group.
If you are interested in more info on learning how to make wreaths, where to buy supplies, and being in a community of like-minded crafters, check out our Creative Coaching Subscription Group.
Multi-Ribbon Bow by Hand
Instructions
- Start with your 4" ribbon and measure an 8" tail. Pinch, twist, and then make 2 6.5" loops. Measure another 8" tail and trim from the ribbon spool.
- Take a pipe cleaner and twist it around the center of your bow layer to hold it in place while you make your next layer.
- Next, take your 2.5" ribbon and repeat the process in step 1. This time measure 7" tails and 6" loops. Remove the pipe cleaner and add this layer on top of your last layer and re-secure it with the pipe cleaner.
- Next, use your first 1.5" ribbon and repeat the process in step one. Make 6" tails and 5.5" loops. Add it to your previous layers.
- Now repeat with your second 1.5" ribbon but make 4.5" tails and 4.75" loops. This is your last layer so when you add it be sure to twist your pipe cleaner nice and tight.
- Finally, dovetail the ends of your tails and separate your loops and tails to fluff your bows.
Video
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