If one is good, 2 is better! See how these 2 ribbons come together to make a Double Ribbon Bow For A Wreath. It’s easier than you think.
One of my favorite things to do is decorate my door for the holidays. Wreaths are always great to dress up a door, and sometimes simple wreaths are the best. A nice touch to a simple wreath is a big bow. It’s one of the things I love to attach to a wreath. I have been making these bows for a long time and thought I’d share with you how to make a big double bow for a wreath. Or really any place in your home.
The supplies you need are simple. 2 different sizes/designs of wire edged ribbon (I used about 12 ft. of each ribbon for this bow) and a pipe cleaner or two.
The first thing you do is lay the smaller ribbon on top of the larger ribbon. Make the center of your bow by creating a small loop. Keep your thumb inside the loop, holding down the end of your ribbon as you make the rest of the bow.
From that center loop, create a bigger loop on each side . Going back and forth while holding the center together.
Here’s the main thing to remember. Since we are using 2 ribbons, you will have to twist the ribbon at the center of the bow, as you begin to make the loops on each side. Making sure that the smaller ribbon is always on the top of the larger ribbon.
I make 4 loops on each side. I try to make them all the same size, but sometimes that doesn’t work and that is why we love the wire edge on the ribbon. To finish off the bow create one large loop that goes down and will loop back up to the bow.
Gather the middle of the bow together, insert the pipe cleaner into the center loop and pull it back gathering all the other loops. Tighten the center of the bow and twist the pipe cleaner together. Just trim off the end of the ribbon.
Then you can fluff the bow and spread out the loops to get a look that you like. You also want to decide how long you want your tails to hang and cut them to the desired length.
Then add it to your wreath! Or your mantel or your tree. You know, wherever you need a big beautiful bow. Perfect!
I’ve also got a video tutorial showing you all the steps on how to make a double ribbon bow.
What Ribbon To Use For A Double Ribbon Bow
I think that one of the hardest parts about making a double ribbon bow is deciding what ribbons to use. I say, use whatever ribbon you like or that matches your decor. As long as you like it, I think that’s what matters.
But in case you’re not sure which ribbons would look good together, I put together a couple ideas below of what ribbons you could choose when making your bow. I found all of these ribbons at Michaels in case you wanted to see if you could find the same. And they are all 2 different sizes. That is what I like for a double ribbon bow. But you could always choose 2 of the same size ribbon if you like that look too.
Even though I’ve been making these kinds of bows for years, they never turn out 100% perfect. My loops are rarely the same length, but a lot of the mistakes can be hidden if you use the right kind of ribbon. It also takes a lot of practice, so don’t give up if your first try isn’t perfect! 🙂 Thinner ribbon can be a little easier to handle too.
Only wanting to make a single ribbon bow? You can get the tutorial along with printable instructions on the post How to Make a Big Bow for a Wreath.
Now that you know how to make a big bow, where are you going to put it?
Happy Crafting!
Liz
Here are some of the bows I’ve made in the past and how I’ve used them.
How to Make a Large Double-Ribbon Wreath Bow (Easy DIY Tutorial)
Learn how to make a large, wired, double-ribbon wreath bow step-by-step with this free and easy DIY tutorial. Add the bow to a wreath, a mantel, or a tree. To make a single bow, check out this big bow tutorial.
Materials
Bow materials
- Large wire-edged ribbon design of your choice (12 feet)
- Small wire-edged ribbon design of your choice (12 feet)
Wreath
- Basic wreath of your choice
Tools
- Pipe cleaner
Instructions
- Decide what design combination to use for a double ribbon bow.*
- Lay the smaller ribbon on top of the larger ribbon.
- Make the center of your bow by creating a small loop.
- Keep your thumb inside the loop, holding down the end of your ribbon as you make the rest of the bow.
- From that center loop, create a bigger loop on each side, going back and forth while holding the center.**
- Make 4 loops on each side of equal size.
- Create one large loop that goes down and loops back up to finish tying the bow.
- Gather the middle of the bow together, and insert the pipe cleaner into the center loop. Pull it back to gather all the other loops.
- Tighten the center of the bow and twist the pipe cleaner together.
- Trim off the end of the ribbon.
- Fluff the bow and spread out the loops to get a look that you like.
- Decide how long you want your tails to hang and cut them to the desired length.***
Notes
*Use whatever ribbon you like or that matches your decor. As long as you like it, I think that’s what matters. In case you’re not sure which ribbons would look good together, I put together a couple ideas below of what ribbons you could choose when making your bow. I found all of these ribbons at Michaels in case you wanted to see if you could find the same. And they are all 2 different sizes. That is what I like for a double ribbon bow. But you could always choose 2 of the same size ribbon if you like that look too.
**Since we are using 2 ribbons, you will have to twist the ribbon at the center of the bow, as you begin to make the loops on each side to make sure the smaller ribbon is always on the top of the larger ribbon
***Even though I’ve been making these kinds of bows for years, they never turn out 100% perfect. My loops are rarely the same length, but a lot of the mistakes can be hidden if you use the right kind of ribbon. It also takes a lot of practice, so don’t give up if your first try isn’t perfect! Thinner ribbon can be a little easier to handle too.
Liz Call
Owner at Liz on Call
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Comments & Reviews
Hi Liz! I love this bow making technique! Thank you for sharing. However, neither of the two ribbons I chose for my wreath have wire. Can you recommend something to use to stiffen my ribbon? I was thinking Modgepodge?? Thank you,
Rhonda
I have never used mod podge on a bow before. I am not sure how it would go.
I have always struggled with making bows for anything. This video helped me out so much. Thank you for having it!!!!
I’m so glad you found it helpful.
This is by far the best and easiest tutorial for making a bow that I have seen! Thank you for making this!
Wow! Thank you so much. I was hoping people would find it helpful. 🙂