DOUBLE RIBBON BOW USING BOWDABRA BOW-MAKER
MATERIALS:
Any 2.5″ or 1.5″ Ribbon
1 Chenille Stem or Wire (to secure your bow)
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.
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 if you do not own a self healing mat.
The Bowdabra comes with a wand that you can use to push your ribbon down. I prefer to keep it underneath my ribbon to help me push the ribbon up when I finish the bow.
The first thing you do is create your tail. For this example I am using a 20″ tail. Use both ribbons to create your tail.
Create your tails.
Place your tails onto the Bowdabra face side up, push it down from the center of the ribbon.
STEP 2: CREATE YOUR LOOPS
You start by placing your ribbon face side up onto the Bowdabra leaving about a 1″ tail. Then you twist the other side to make it face side down to begin your loop. You create the loop then twist it in the middle to get the ribbon face side up again on the other side before creating the loop on the other side. You repeat the process with the second ribbon. Create the loops on both sides of the Bowdabra by twisting the ribbon each time on the opposite side of the loop.
Push the ribbon down face up leaving a 1″ tail then twist your ribbon.
Create your 4″ loop. Twist ribbon on the opposite side to make the ribbon be face side down.
Then create your loop on the other side and cut ribbon.
Repeat process with your second ribbon.
Continue in this manner creating two 4″ loops on each side. The 3rd and 4th loops will be about 1/2″ smaller than the first two. 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.
Create 2 loops on each side.
Make each set of two loops about 1/2 inch smaller than the previous two.
You continue this until you have 8 loops on each side (4 of each color, alternating). Once you make the last twist you will cut your ribbon leaving a tail of about 1″. You will then use the wand underneath your bow to help you pull the bow up carefully.
After the final loop you will cut a tail on the opposite side about 1″ long. Use the wand to help you lift the bow.
Pinch the center firmly.
Twist the tie around two to three times for a secure hold.
STEP 3: FLUFF AND SHAPE THE BOW
Set your bow down and fluff out your loops. Spread your loops by alternating one up and one down to create your finished product. Then cut the ends of your tail into a dovetail. Your bow is now complete.
Place your bow down.
Fluff out your loops alternating moving one loop up and one loop down to create a full look.
Cut your tails into a dovetail.
Your bow is now complete.