A CLASSIC VELVET BOW
LEARN TO CREATE THIS WREATH BY VISITING PROJECTS. Click Picture To Create!
Making a bow takes practice. Most beginners have great success with wire ribbon, but few attempt to work with silk or velvet ribbon. A "puffed center" red velvet bow is my favorite (pictured above). Once the technique is accomplished, you'll be making bows to your heart's content. Forget buying those pre-assembled things from Walmart or Lowes- your homemade bows will make any commercial product pale in comparison. Practice by making a bow using the same ribbon over and over until you have mastered the craft. Keep in mind that a little practice goes a long way when learning a skill. Try making one this evening while watching a Christmas movie. Instructions are as follows
THE BOW MAKING COURSE
Materials
Velvet Ribbon (For a Medium-Sized Bow: I use 3 yards of 3 inch-wide ribbon per bow)
Scissors
22 Gage Florist Wire (15 inches)
Wire Cutters
Begin by cutting a piece of 15 inch wire and 3 yards of ribbon. Take the ribbon in hand. Leave about 18 inches
of ribbon for one tail then begin to make the center puff by scrunching the ribbon.
of ribbon for one tail then begin to make the center puff by scrunching the ribbon.
Next, take another 4 inches of ribbon and scrunch again to make a puffy loop. Twist ribbon to keep the velvet
side on top (This requires a slight turn and some experimentation to make the ribbon lay so the wire will be able to
hold the puff in place).
side on top (This requires a slight turn and some experimentation to make the ribbon lay so the wire will be able to
hold the puff in place).
When puff is achieved, hold ribbon together with thumb and index finger so one hand is free to begin making loops
(see photos below).
Fold ribbon to make a large loop and place to left and right of the center puff clasping each layer between
the thumb and fingers. Make 3 loops on either side of center puff while keeping the velvet side on top.
the thumb and fingers. Make 3 loops on either side of center puff while keeping the velvet side on top.
Take the piece of cut wire and run it through the center puff making sure to go under all layers of ribbon.
Carefully turn bow to the back side and twist wire tightly. It is important to scrunch ribbon tightly when twisting
wire to help create puffy loops.
Carefully turn bow to the back side and twist wire tightly. It is important to scrunch ribbon tightly when twisting
wire to help create puffy loops.
To finished, pull and fluff the loops to look the same on both sides of the center puff.
This takes a little extra time but makes a big difference in the bow appearance.
This takes a little extra time but makes a big difference in the bow appearance.
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