How to Make a Ribbon Bow – EASIEST Bow Tutorial
Learn how to make a ribbon bow with this easy step-by-step tutorial. Ribbon bows are quick to make and perfect for decorating hair clips, headbands, gift bags, clothing, wreaths, Christmas decorations, and handmade gifts. This beginner-friendly tutorial shows you how to make a classic double ribbon bow using grosgrain ribbon, a needle and thread, or a hot glue gun. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, you can easily adjust the size and ribbon type to create bows for any occasion.
How to Make a Ribbon Bow (Quick Guide)
Making a ribbon bow only takes a few minutes.
- Cut two lengths of wide ribbon and one narrow center strip.
- Fold and overlap the ends of each ribbon loop.
- Gather the center with a running stitch.
- Repeat to make the second bow.
- Layer the two bows together.
- Wrap the center with a narrow ribbon strip and secure.
- Attach the finished bow to a hair clip, gift bag, clothing, or wreath.
Supplies
Supplies you will need:
- RIBBON – 1 1/2 inch (38mm) wide grosgrain ribbon (This is the ribbon with the textured lines across it). You can use regular satin ribbon or different types of ribbon but the grosgrain ribbon results in a bow with more fullness and body.
- Cut 2 pieces of ribbon 7 inches (17.7cm) each.
- 2 inches of 3/8 inch (10mm) wide ribbon for the center.
- OPTIONAL – Hot glue gun. If you are joining these bows to hairclips it is easier to make them with a hot glue gun. If you will be joining your bows to clothing that needs to be washed, you should skip the glue gun and do all hand sewing.
- NEEDLE – Hand sewing needle.
- THREAD – I always like to use upholstery thread as you can pull it really hard and it won’t snap.
- SCISSORS
How to Make a Ribbon Bow (Step by Step)
I always find it relaxing to sit in front of the tv in the evenings and make hair clips with my glue gun. In making these samples to show you, it took longer for my glue gun to heat up than to make the actual bows. Don’t worry if you don’t have a glue gun. A simple needle and thread are all you really need to learn how to make a ribbon bow.
How to Make a Ribbon Bow Video Tutorial
Step 1 – Overlap Ends
Take one of your wider 7 inch (38mm) pieces of ribbon and fold the ends in so they overlap in the middle by 1/4 inch (6mm). Pin it in place.
Step 2 – Stitch Through Center
Thread your needle and knot the end. Make small running stitches through the center of the ribbon, ensuring you catch in all layers. Don’t cut your thread. The ends of the ribbon will be encased in the center ribbon so you don’t need to worry if they fray slightly.
Step 3 – Pull Tight
Pull the thread tight and pinch and arrange the folds carefully with your fingers. Use the tail of the thread to wrap around the center of the bow loops a few times and pull really tight. Knot off the thread at the back.
Step 4 – Repeat
Repeat the above steps for the second piece of wide ribbon. You now have 2 lovely-looking bows!
tep 5 – Join the Bows
The next step in how to make a ribbon bow is to join the bows. Place one bow on top of the other bow, aligning their centers. Use your thread and wrap it around the center of the two bows. Knot it off at the back. Try to be accurate when winding the thread around the center, as you will end up with a more symmetrical bow.
If you are going to be joining your bow to clothing, don’t cut the thread yet. For hairclips or articles that don’t need washing, you can cut the thread.
Step 6 – Glue The Center
Place your thin strip of ribbon for the center down on the table. If the ribbon has a one-sided pattern, then place the pattern side down. Place your bow on top. Do a quick check and see if one side of your bow looks better than the other. Put the nicer side facing down.
Wrap the small ribbon tightly around the center of the bow. You want it to overlap by about 3/8 inch (1cm) at the back. Trim it a little shorter if necessary. Then, either stitch or glue the ends.
Turn your perfect bow over, and you are all ready to join it onto something like an alligator clip or a gift bag. You can use this same technique with wired ribbon or burplap ribbon to make a large bow for a wreath, garlands or Christmas trees.
DIY Ribbon Bow Projects
Check out this free gift bag tutorial, which includes a printable template. You can also glue your bow to lined alligator clips to make a hair bow.
Tips for Perfect Ribbon Bows
- Grosgrain ribbon creates fuller bows that hold their shape well.
- Pull the gathering thread firmly to create neat folds.
- Wrap the center ribbon tightly for a professional finish.
- Seal ribbon ends if they fray easily.
- Layer contrasting ribbon colors for extra dimension.
Ribbon Bow FAQs
Grosgrain ribbon is the easiest to work with because it is sturdy and holds its shape well. Satin ribbon creates a softer, more elegant bow.
Yes. This tutorial uses simple hand sewing, and the center ribbon can be stitched instead of glued.
Seal the cut ends with Fray Check or carefully melt synthetic ribbon with a lighter. You can also read my tutorial on how to stop ribbon from fraying.
Yes. Simply increase the ribbon length and width while following the same construction method.
In Conclusion
Now you know how to make a ribbon bow, you can create beautiful bows for hair accessories, gift wrapping, clothing, wreaths, and home décor. This simple technique is quick to learn and easy to customize with different ribbon widths, colors, and patterns. Once you’ve mastered the basic bow, experiment with layered ribbons and larger sizes to create bows for every occasion.
More Bows and Ribbons
- How to Stop Ribbon from Fraying
- Felt Bow Template
- How to Make Fabric Hair Accessories
- DIY How to Make Fabric Bows
- DIY Fabric Bow for Clothing (Large bow)
- DIY Hair Ties: Bow Hairbands
- DIY Felt Bow
- How to Sew Ribbon
How to Make a Ribbon Bow
Difficulty
Tools
- Hot Glue Gun
- Needle and Thread
Materials
- 1 ½ inch (38mm) wide grosgrain ribbon Cut 2 pieces of ribbon 7 inches (17.7cm) each. 2 inches of ⅜ inch (10mm) wide ribbon for the center.
Instructions
- This is what your finished bow will look like
- Take one of your wider 7 inch (38mm) pieces of ribbon and fold the ends in so they overlap in the middle by ¼ inch (6mm). Pin it in place. Thread your needle and knot the end. Make small running stitches through the center of the ribbon, ensuring you catch in all layers. Don't cut your thread.
- Pull the thread tight and arrange the folds carefully with your fingers. Use the tail of the thread to wrap around the center of the bow a few times and pull really tight. Knot off the thread at the back. Repeat the above steps for the second piece of wide ribbon.
- Place one bow on top of the other bow, aligning their centers. Use your thread and wrap it around the center of the two bows. Knot it off at the back.
- Wrap the small ribbon tightly around the center of the bow. Trim it a little shorter if necessary. Then, either stitch or glue the ends.
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
Thanks for the instructions, I can sit on my bed and work nd watch TV
Thank you for this. Am adding bows to base of straight maxi under dress. The base will show bows will appear to hold swags of material between.