MATERIALS:

-2 Rolls of 2.5″ Christmas Ribbon

–Scissors

–EZ Bowmaker

-1 Chenille Stem/Pipe Cleaner

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

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STEP 1: PUT DOWN YOUR FIRST RIBBON

The first ribbon I put down is the Red/Black Buffalo check ribbon. I created a 12″ tail and placed the ribbon between the two sticks. Then I twist the ribbon so it’s wrong side up. It is easier to tell the wrong side up on the second ribbon than on the buffalo check. Some ribbons are the same on both side but you still want to twist it before you make your loop. You will then be creating a 6″ loop on each side twisting in the middle both times. After you have your loop on both sides you will be creating two more loops on each side of the same length, twisting each time, until you have 3 loops on each side. Then you leave another tail at the same length as the first tail-12″

STEP 2: PUT DOWN YOUR SECOND RIBBON

The next set of loops will be about 1/2″ 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 way makes the bow look fuller and creates a bow that is the perfect size for wreath making.

STEP 3: ALTERNATE BACK TO YOUR FIRST RIBBON

In this step we are going back to using our first ribbon but we will only be making two loops on each side. These loops will also be 1/2″ smaller than the previous loops.

STEP 4: ALTERNATE BACK TO YOUR SECOND RIBBON

In this step you are going back to your second ribbon to complete your bow. You will also be making two loops on each side with this one making them 1/2″ smaller than the previous ribbon. You can make these tails a little shorter than the previous ones. I like to cut these tails shorter than the rest but that is your preference.

STEP 5: TYING THE BOW TOGETHER

You will be using a chenille stem for this step. Wrap the tie starting between the two sticks on the top. Then bring it down and gently begin to start lifting your bow off of the EZ Bowmaker. You must be very careful with this step so as to not have your bow fall apart on you. Once the bow is completely off of the bowmaker gently pinch the middle and wrap your tie around it. It is easiest to hold the tie all the way to the bow center and twist the bow around to tighten the tie.

STEP 6: FINISHING TOUCHES

Once you have completed all the steps, all that is left is spreading out your loops and cutting your tails. On the first two sets of loops you will be spreading one up and one down. The last two sets of loops I spread them by doing one up, one down, and one in the center. This gives it a fuller look.

If you will be using your bow for anything other than a wreath I would cut your tails now using any length you like. I then cut the tails into a dovetail.

If you will be using this bow on a wreath, I recommend placing the bow on the wreath first before cutting your tails. This gives you a better idea of what length you should cut them.

Your bow is now complete!