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)
-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.
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.
Alternate placing your loops one up, one down and one stays center on both sides until you have spread out all your loops.
Fold your ribbon tails in half to cut your dovetail.
Cut at a diagonal.
Cut all your tails into a dovetail to complete your look. You may want to adjust the size of your tails to get the look you want.
Your bow is now complete and ready to be added to your wreath or other decor of your choice!