Saturday, December 6, 2008

Gift Wrapping -- How to Make Big Fluffy Round Bows

These big fluffy bows are great to use on packages, in centerpieces, or even as Christmas tree topper. You can make them as large or as small as you need by differing the length of the bow loops, and make it as full as you like by adding more loops. It's all up to you.

For a bow that really holds its shape, use wired edged ribbon (we did in the photo below). This bow will work with regular ribbon too, it will just give you a softer look.

You Will Need:

  • ribbon -- the amount you need will depend on the size bow you want
  • a wire tie like those used to close bread or produce bags
  • a piece of cardstock, double the length of a single bow loop
  • scissors
Gather your supplies. For a template, cut a length of cardstock that double the length you want a single loop on the bow to be.

Using your template, begin wrapping the ribbon around. The more times you wrap, the fuller your finished bow will be. For the bow in the photo at the top of this post, we wrapped about 8 times.

Holding the ends, carefully remove the wrapped ribbons from the cardstock template. Flatten out the wrapped ribbons, then take your scissors and cut a small notch in the middle of the ribbon, one notch cut from each side. This step is optional, you can often get away without it, but it will make finishing the bow a little easier.

Use the wire tie to cinch the ribbon together where you cut the notches.

Now it''s time to separate the loops. Grab the top loop and pull it away from the others, giving it a half-twist as you do so. Continue separating and twisting the loops until they're all separated.

Arrange and fluff out the loops to make a full bow like in the photo below.

More on this project -- Click here for our full feature on this bow, including how to use it for a Christmas Tree topper.

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