Satin ribbon comes in just about every color imaginable and is available in a variety of sizes. This means that the possibilities are endless! Especially, if you’re wondering how to make a bow out of satin ribbon.
In today’s article, we’re sharing a simple step-by-step guide to help you create beautiful satin ribbon bows to add a touch of magic to your projects. Let’s get started!
1. Choose the Size and Color of the Bow
The first step in making a satin ribbon bow is to determine how big you want the bow and what color you want it to be. This way, you can estimate the amount of satin ribbon you need to cut from the spool.
For an average-sized bow that’s not too big or too small, you’d use about 15 to 20 inches (28 to 51 cm) of ribbon. Add about 3 to 4 inches to make the tails for a bow of this size and you’ll end up needing approximately a total of 21 to 25 inches of satin ribbon.
You may want to cut a few extra inches of the ribbon than what you estimate, just in case you need more. You can always trim the excess length after you’re done.
2. Decide the Type of Bow You Want to Make
Next, you need to decide the purpose of the bow so you can choose a suitable type accordingly. This will also help you choose the appropriate texture and color of the satin ribbon. For example, the bow may be a decorative touch on a garment you’re sewing or part of an accessory piece.
To help you get started, we’ll be showing you how to make number of different types of bows out of satin ribbon:
1. Simple Satin Ribbon Bow
- Measure and cut as much ribbon as you need. Don’t forget to make it long enough for the loops and the tail.
- Put the ribbon on a flat surface with the shiny side up and the dull side down. If you’re using a double-sided ribbon, both sides will be shiny so it doesn’t matter which side faces which direction.
- Take one end and fold it in, then repeat this action with the other end so you get an ‘X’ in the middle. Now, you should have 2 loops and 2 tails.
- Adjust the loops and tails so they’re just about the same size and length.
- Next, fold the left loop over the right loop.
- Take it around to the back and pass it through the center hole to make the knot.
- Gently pull tight at the center to secure the knot.
- Pull and fluff the loops until you’re satisfied with your bow.
2. Giftbox Satin Ribbon Bow
- Choose the size and length of the ribbon, but don’t cut it.
- Grab the box you want to decorate and wrap the ribbon lengthwise around the box.
- Hold the ribbon in place with a bit of glue or a piece of tape.
- Wrap the ribbon around the box width-wise without cutting still, then hold it down with a dab of glue or a piece of tape.
- Make two large loops in an ‘8’ shape, then use a piece of tape at the center of the ‘8’ to secure it in place.
- Make more ‘8’ patterns at different angles so that no loops lie on top of each other, but fan out instead. Ideally, you want five ‘8’s where each layer is a little smaller than the one below.
- Glue the tails to the center of your bow and voila!
3. Wire-Bound Satin Ribbon Bow
- Measure and cut as much ribbon as you need. Don’t forget to make it long enough for the loops and the tail.
- Put the ribbon on a flat surface with the shiny side up and the dull side down. If you’re using a double-sided ribbon, both sides will be shiny so it doesn’t matter which side faces which direction.
- Take both ends and make 2 loops and 2 tails, forming an ‘X’ in the center. Make sure the loops and tails are symmetrical.
- Hold down this shape with one finger then use your other hand to scrunch the center of the bow.
- Wrap a piece of fine wire around the scrunched neck of the bow and make it’s tight enough.
- Hide the wire using a piece of ribbon, gluing its back on the back of the bow.
- Trim the tails as desired.
4. Floral Satin Ribbon Bow
- Choose the color and width of your ribbon but don’t cut it yet.
- Determine the length you want the tail to be and twist the ribbon at this point while keeping the shiny side facing up. This will be the center of the floral bow.
- Next, make a loop and twist the ribbon in the middle.
- Hold the twisted section and make another loop on the opposite side.
- Twist the loops towards you and adjust them to be symmetrical.
- Make only one twist, but it should be tight enough to secure the shape of the bow. If you make too many twists, the center will be too big. Keep in mind that you’ll be making several loops, so the center area can quickly get thick.
- Be sure you’re working with the end that’s still connected to the spool, not the end you used for the tail.
- Continue to make loops until you reach your desired fullness, alternating from one side to the other. Somewhere between 8 to 10 loops should look good enough.
- Use a narrow piece of ribbon to tie all the loops together at the center. Leave enough length of the narrow ribbon on either side of the knot in case you want to tie the bow onto something.
- The tails should be at the back of the bow. Now, you can cut the ribbon from the spool.
- Adjust the tails so they have the same length then cut the ends at an angle to prevent fraying.
- Arrange the loops into a nice shape and smooth out any creases.
3. Practice
As a material, satin is known to be a bit slippery. This can be problematic for beginners as they try to handle it.
So, if you are new to tying bows, you might be in for a bit of a challenge at first. Don’t worry though, keep practicing and you’ll master it in no time!.
Wrap Up
There you have it, a simple step-by-step guide on how to make a bow out of satin ribbon. Don’t limit yourself to the types we mentioned and experiment with other shapes to polish your skills.