How to Make a Simple Multi-Ribbon Bow for Wreaths

When it comes to adding that perfect finishing touch to your wreaths, a well-made bow can make all the difference. Today, we’re sharing a tutorial on how to make one of the simplest, yet most versatile bows—The Lisa Bow. Whether you’re new to bow making or looking for a quick and easy option for your designs, this 3-ribbon bow is a must-learn!

DIY Multi-Ribbon Bow for Wreaths

Supplies You’ll Need:

• 3 Different Ribbons (various colors and patterns)
• Zip Ties
• Pipe Cleaner
• Scissors
• EZ Bow Maker (optional for carpal tunnel or extra ease)

Instructions for Multi-Ribbon Bow:

Step 1: Cut Your Ribbons

Start by cutting your ribbons. You will need three layers of ribbon for this bow:

• First Ribbon: 8-inch tails, 6-inch loops
• Second Ribbon: 7-inch tails, 5.5-inch loops
• Third Ribbon: 7-inch tails, 5-inch loops with an extra 4-inch center loop

Step 2: Create the First Layer

1. Measure out an 8-inch tail on your first ribbon.
2. Form a loop about 6 inches long and pinch the ribbon at the base of the loop.
3. Twist the ribbon so that the patterned side stays visible.
4. Create a second loop on the opposite side of your bow, pinching and twisting the ribbon again.
5. You will now have two loops on one side and two tails on the opposite side.
6. Place this layer in your Easy Bow Maker or hold it in your hand.

Step 3: Create the Second Layer

1. With the second ribbon, repeat the same process, but make the loops about 5.5 inches.
2. Pinch, twist, and loop until you have two loops on one side and two tails on the other, ensuring your loops alternate direction from the first layer.
3. Place this layer into the Easy Bow Maker or hold it in your hand on top of the first layer.

Step 4: Create the Third Layer with Center Loop

1. For the third ribbon, follow the same process but make your loops 5 inches.
2. Add an extra loop (about 4 inches) in the center for added detail.
3. Pinch, twist, and loop, keeping the two larger loops on opposite sides from the previous layers.
4. Place the third layer in the Easy Bow Maker or hold it in your hand.

Step 5: Secure the Bow with a Zip Tie

1. Carefully lift the bow out of the Easy Bow Maker or out of your hand, being careful to hold all the layers together.
2. Place a zip tie around the center of the bow and pull tight to secure it.
3. Add a pipe cleaner underneath the zip tie so you can use it to attach the bow to your wreath or any other décor.

Step 6: Trim the Tails

1. Fold each ribbon tail in half and cut upwards towards the fold to create a dovetail.
2. Repeat this for all tails.

Step 7: Fluff and Adjust Your Bow

1. Use your fingers to fluff each layer of the bow. Spread the loops apart and adjust the tails to your liking.
2. Make sure the center loop hides the zip tie and pipe cleaner from the top.

And voila! You have a beautiful, simple Lisa Bow that’s ready to be attached to any wreath or decoration.

Printable Supply and Instructions

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Multi-Ribbon Bow for Wreaths

A festive Christmas-themed ribbon bow featuring red, white, and beige colors with patterns of candy canes, peppermints, and gingerbread houses.

Equipment

• scissors
• EZ Bow Maker

Materials

• 2 2.5" wired ribbon different styles
• 1 1.5" wired ribbon
• zip ties
• pipe cleaners

Instructions

Cut Your Ribbons

• Start by cutting your ribbons. You will need three layers of ribbon for this bow:
• First Ribbon: 8-inch tails, 6-inch loops
• Second Ribbon: 7-inch tails, 5.5-inch loops
• Third Ribbon: 7-inch tails, 5-inch loops with an extra 4-inch center loop

Create the First Layer

• Measure out an 8-inch tail on your first ribbon.
• Form a loop about 6 inches long and pinch the ribbon at the base of the loop.
• Twist the ribbon so that the patterned side stays visible.
• Create a second loop on the opposite side of your bow, pinching and twisting the ribbon again.
• You will now have two loops on one side and two tails on the opposite side.
• Place this layer in your Easy Bow Maker or hold it in your hand.

Create the Second Layer

• With the second ribbon, repeat the same process, but make the loops about 5.5 inches.
• Pinch, twist, and loop until you have two loops on one side and two tails on the other, ensuring your loops alternate direction from the first layer.
• Place this layer into the Easy Bow Maker or hold it in your hand on top of the first layer.

Create the Third Layer with Center Loop

• For the third ribbon, follow the same process but make your loops 5 inches.
• Add an extra loop (about 4 inches) in the center for added detail.
• Pinch, twist, and loop, keeping the two larger loops on opposite sides from the previous layers.
• Place the third layer in the Easy Bow Maker or hold it in your hand.

Secure the Bow with a Zip Tie

• Carefully lift the bow out of the Easy Bow Maker or out of your hand, being careful to hold all the layers together.
• Place a zip tie around the center of the bow and pull tight to secure it.
• Add a pipe cleaner underneath the zip tie so you can use it to attach the bow to your wreath or any other décor.

Trim the Tails

• Fold each ribbon tail in half and cut upwards towards the fold to create a dovetail.
• Repeat this for all tails.

Fluff and Adjust Your Bow

• Use your fingers to fluff each layer of the bow. Spread the loops apart and adjust the tails to your liking.
• Make sure the center loop hides the zip tie and pipe cleaner from the top.

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