3 RIBBON BOW USING THE BOWDABRA BOWMAKER

19 de febrero de 2023

3 RIBBON BOW USING THE BOWDABRA BOWMAKER

MATERIALS:

-3 Rolls of ribbon in any size (For this example I used 1.5″ for all 3)

–Scissors

–Bowdabra Bowmaker

-1 Chenille Stem/Pipe Cleaner

–Self Healing Cutting Mat or Ruler (to measure out your ribbon)

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STEP 1: CREATE YOUR TAIL

There are many ways you can make a bow using the bowdabra. I will be showing you the method I prefer in wreath making to make the bow really stand out.

It is best to use a self healing mat when making these bows. It has measurements on it which will allow you to keep your loops and tails even on both sides. You can use measuring tape or a ruler if you do not own a self healing mat.

The first thing you do is create your tail. For this example I am using a 20″ tail. Use all 3 ribbons to create your tail. After you cut your tails you will be pushing them down on to the Bowdabra face side up.

Cut all 3 ribbons at 20″ to create your tails.

Place them down onto the Bowdabra face side up.

STEP 2: CREATE YOUR LOOPS

You start by placing your ribbon face side up onto the Bowdabra leaving a tail about 1″ smaller than your original 3 tails.. Then you twist it in the middle so it is face side down on the other side and create your loop of about 4″ past the Bowdabra. Push the ribbon down after making your first loop and twist it to begin your loop on the other side. Make that loop the same size. Leave a tail on both sides of about 1″ smaller than the originals.

Twist the ribbon in the center to make it face side down on the other side.

Create your first loop making it about 4″ past the Bowdabra and push it down in the center.

Twist your ribbon again in the center to create your loop on the other side.

Leave this tail face side up and cut about 1″ smaller than the originals again.

Continue in this manner with all three ribbons.

You will do the exact same thing with the other two ribbons.

The next set of loops will be about 1″ smaller than the first three but the tails I leave the same size. Some prefer to make all the loops the same size but I feel this makes the bow look fuller and creates a bow that is the perfect size for wreath making.

For the second set of loops, create the tail the same size but make the loops about 1″ smaller than the first 3.

The next 3 loops will begin at about another inch smaller than the previous ones, but this time each of the three ribbons will be about 1/2″ smaller than the previous one. This gives the bow a fuller look.

Your last 3 loops will start at 1″ smaller than the second set.

In this set, each ribbons loop will be 1/2″ smaller than the previous loop.

This method leaves your last ribbon loops significantly smaller. This helps create a well rounded look for your bow.

Once you finish these last steps your bow is ready to be pulled up off the Bowdabra and tied with the chenille stem/pipe cleaner.

Carefully and gently pull your ribbon up off the Bowdabra to tie.

Gently hold it in place.

Wrap your chenille stem around from front to the back.

Bring your tie around to the back.

Twist your tie tightly about three to four times to secure ribbon.

STEP 3: FLUFF AND SHAPE THE BOW

Set your bow down and fluff out your loops. Spread your loops by alternating one up, one down and one stays center. Do this to all three sets to create your finished product. Then cut the ends of your tails into a dovetail. You may adjust the sizes of your tails to create the look you want.