If you are a frequent follower of mine, you know that I am a ribbon addict! I can’t get enough of fabulous ribbon because ribbon just makes me so happy!! Therefore, I’ve been searching for a way to make a multiple ribbon bow using only a few yards of ribbon. I saw this technique once at a floral show but only now have I mastered it giving it my flair. You see I had a customer request multiple bows with her wreath order but I forgot to purchase enough ribbon to make full bows. So I started thinking of ways to use the ribbon matching her wreath but where I only needed a few yards and then remembered this technique.
Why I LOVE using this bow technique:
- Save money – If you want to make a bow using expensive ribbon use this technique to incorporate the ribbon into the bow and add less expensive ribbon as the other ribbon choices.
- Limited Supplies – If you only have a couple of yards of ribbon, you can still incorporate it into a bow.
- Whimsical Look – This bow technique is definitely a more modern look but you can use traditional colors or bow fabrics to freshen up any traditional décor to a more modern look.
Here is a Video on How To Make a Bow With Multiple Ribbons
Notes/Tips:
- If you have too much ribbon edge showing in the center after the bow is completed, you can trim it with scissors.
- I prefer my bows to have an odd number of loops; therefore, making the fourth ribbon tail short tricks the eye into thinking that there is another loop in the bow of that color but you can easily add another loop if you prefer.
- Feel free to change the loop sizes to make a smaller or larger bow to work with your craft or décor need.
- Feel free to add more ribbon making each ribbon layer 1” larger that the first.
Quick Reference to the above video:
Ribbon 1- 2.5” wide by 1 yd. 11” long (make 3 loops 5” long)
Ribbon 2- 1.5” wide by 1 yd. 28” long (make 4 loops 6” long)
Ribbon 3- 1.5” wide by 1 yd. 22” long (make 3 loops 7” long)
Ribbon 4- 2.5” wide by 1 yd. 17” long (make 3 loops 7” long)
Supplies used in the above video: 4 different ribbons, Scissors, Pipe cleaner
Written Steps to the above video:
Adding Ribbon #1
With the cut end of the ribbon facing towards the right, pinch the ribbon together one inch from the end and make a 5” loop. Move the tail of the ribbon down and fold it to the back to make a second 5” loop pushing the center of the ribbon behind your thumb. You should now have a bow tie with two 5” loops on either side. Form a third 5” loop as you did the first except twist the ribbon tail so that the decorative top of the ribbon faces you. The tail of this ribbon should fall to the right.
Adding Ribbon #2
With the cut end of the ribbon facing towards the left, pinch the ribbon together one inch from the end and make a 6” loop. Move the tail of the ribbon down and fold it to the back to make a second 6” loop pushing the center of the ribbon behind your thumb. Continue making loops this way until you have four 6” loops forming an X behind ribbon #1 loops. Remember to twist the tail of the ribbon so that the decorative top of the ribbon faces you. The tail of this ribbon should fall to the right.
Adding Ribbon #3
With the cut end of the ribbon facing towards the left, pinch the ribbon together one inch from the end and make a 7” loop. Move the tail of the ribbon down and fold it back to make a second 7” loop pushing the center of the ribbon behind your thumb. You should now have a bow tie with the loops of this ribbon falling between the X shaped ribbon #2. Form a third 7” loop as you did the first except twist the ribbon tail so that the front of the ribbon faces forward. The tail of this ribbon should fall to the left.
Adding Ribbon #4
With the cut end of the ribbon facing towards the left, pinch the ribbon together one inch from the end and make a 7” loop. Move the tail of the ribbon down and fold it back to make a second 7” loop pushing the center of the ribbon behind your thumb. You should now have a loop on each side behind ribbon #3 loops. Form a third 7” loop as you did the first except twist the ribbon tail so that the front of the ribbon faces forward. This tail should fall to the left and be short to give the illusion of another loop.
Secure with a pipe cleaner
Reposition the loops if needed and fluff
Dove tail the ribbon ends 
Vendors: I purchased this ribbon wholesale but I’ve seen it also at trendytree.com, craftoutlet.com and carolinapottery.com.
Where to Use This Bow: wreaths, garlands, Christmas Tree, home decor, gifts, etc.
This technique may take a little practice to get the hang of but once you do, I’m sure you will love it just as much as I do! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below and I will try to help.
Please feel free to share this blog post and video.
Happy Wreathing,
Julie
I’ve pinned this tutorial on my Pinterest Board “Wreathology – How to Make Wreaths”