In this post: Easy DIY tutorial that explains in detail how to make a bow for a wreath! Instructions include how to make a burlap bow with no sewing.
How to make a perfect bow…sometimes the simplest things in life are the most rewarding. Who would have thought a person could get such total enjoyment from a bow? Seriously…I promise you will be absolutely delighted if you whip one of these up.
*This post contains affiliate links. Click HERE for my full disclosure statement.
How to Make a Bow
What you need:
- 2 yards ribbon that is at least 3 inches wide. Wider (4 or 5 inches) is better.
- A heavy duty stapler
Step 1: Cut your ribbon into the following lengths:
36 inches
24 inches
6 inches
You will have 3 pieces of ribbon.
Step 2: Mark the center of the 24 inch piece with a pin.
Step 3: Bring the ends of the 24 inch piece to the center, overlapping about an inch. Staple and set aside.
Step 4: Take the 6 inch piece and fold the sides so they meet in the center.
Step 5: Staple both ends and set aside.
Step 6: Take the 36 inch piece and accordion pleat it in the center.
Step 7: Place one staple to hold the pleat together.
How to Make a Burlap Bow: Assembly
Step 8: Lay the 6 inch piece wrong side up on a flat surface. Place the 36 inch piece like pictured below.
Step 9: Lay the 24 inch piece wrong side up so it is next to the 24 inch piece.
Step 10: Now for the fun part! Pull the ends of the 6 inch piece together and straighten the other two pieces so everything is centered.
Step 11: Place two staples in the 6 inch piece to hold the entire bow together. Trim the excess if desired.
Step 12: Fold the end of each tail in half and trim to make a notched end.
Step 13: Stand back and admire your new bow!
How to Make a Bow for a Wreath
When I make a bow for a wreath with heavier fabric, like grain sack, I am not able to use the stapler for the last step. The layers of fabric are too thick and they jam the stapler. A bit of hand stitching is required to hold the pieces of the bow together. Below are links to my tutorials for making ribbon from an antique grain sack and also for making a grain sack bow.
DIY Antique Grain Sack Ribbon Tutorial
How to Make a Perfect Grain Sack Ribbon Bow
Obviously, you don’t have to use burlap ribbon but it does make a great bow for a wreath. Any kind of ribbon will work, but I recommend ribbon at least 4 inches wide so the bow has some presence. Also, my measurements for the 2 longer pieces are totally random. You can make your bow any size under the sun.
Affiliate links included. Click HERE for my disclosure statement.
To see more bows made with this tutorial just click these links:
Now that you know how to make a bow,
please send me a picture if you create one.
I would love to see what you created!
Really cool way to make a bow, was never really good at bows!!!
Great directions, I cannot wait to make this bow for Christmas.
Such great instructions, Ann! Love your site so much!
From hereon in, my bows will forever be flawless works of art thanks to your tutorial……….. I will be eternally grateful
Thank you so much this was so helpful and my bow came out beautifully ❤️
The high temperature here today was “only” 88, so naturally my thoughts turned to a fall wreath for the front door. I saved off the directions for a burlap bow, just like these instructions, years ago but never followed through. I have house guests due in about half an hour but when they’re gone next week, I’m starting my Deco-Mesh withdrawal therapy and making that burlap/pine cone/grapevine/silk mum wreath I’ve been thinking about.
Seriously genius :) Finally, my bows won’t suck! Thanks girly!
Have always wanted to know how to make one of these bows … and with your exceptionally clear instructions I’m all set to go now! Love your step-by-step pictures … not an easy thing to do and you’ve done it very well!
I am SO right brained this tutorial was PERFECT for me!! I finally can make a great looking bow… LOVED IT – – THANK YOU!!!
This was wonderful information. Now I won’t go crazy trying to make bows anymore.
Thanks for the tute! ♥
I found this on Pinterest and tracked it back to you. I used the picture today on my blog with the link back to you, hope that’s okay.
Thanks,
Mary
You are awesome. I’m so excited.. I’m going to try the bowmaking for a Halloween Wreath
I used your tutorial for a cute wreath I made. It turned out cute! Check it out at: http://www.cravingchocolateandlazydays.com/2013/05/15/diy-drink-umbrella-wreath/
I love that style of bow! Thank you so much for the tutorial! I can think of so many uses, but on the wreath like you pictured is my favorite.
Hello, I used your blog post in my post here: http://thisblackbirdsnest.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/tuesdays-top-10-1-01-2013.html
I hope it’s alright!
Have a nice day.
Hello, I featured this post in my blog post
http://thisblackbirdsnest.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/tuesdays-top-10-1-01-2013.html
I hope it’s alright, if it’s not, please tell me and I’ll remove it.
It’s a great tutorial.
Have a good day!
Hello, I featured this post in my blog post
I hope it’s alright, if it’s not, please tell me and I’ll remove it.
Have a good day!
PS-Had to Pin and Tweet it!! ;)
I love, love this tutorial! I pinned and will absolutely be revisiting this pin many times over for years to come!
:) Linda
it looks great! Where did you get that ribbon on the first bow? I want some!
Genius – and I am pinning so my bows can be perfect, not crumpled messes like they usually are!
Kelly
A stapler = GENIUS. Your bow is perfectly floppy, a lovely combination of casual and elegant. Adore.
Thank you so much for a great tutorial! This came at exactly the right time :)
Visitng from the Nesting Place. Great tutorial! I will be using this tip for sure, thanks!
Thank you!!!! Lol! I’ve struggled so with getting “perfect” bows. Now I know. ;)
Aha! That’s how you do it! Thanks for sharing the how to.
Sarah
Love it, Ann! Not only am I going to make a couple of these, I’m pinning it! : ) Does it matter if the ribbon has wire in it or not?
Wow! Beautiful bows that I can’t wait to try! Thanks for sharing this tutorial at such a timely season.
Thank you! I do believe I could do this. I admired the bow on yesterday’s post and wished for one of my own – and now I can have one!
Easy to follow tutorial! Thanks!!
I hadn’t realized you didn’t actually tie your bows – they are fake bows. I’ll forgive you for the deception since they look so beautiful. Thanks for the tutorial, by the way, as I may want to make my own fake bows.
Stunning, simple, perfection!!! Incredible tutorial!! :)
Awesome tutorial, Ann. You are so clever! xxoo
Ann, this is genius using a stapler to make a bow! I just bought some new ribbon for a kitchen wreath so I may give this a try. Pinning this for future reference!
Thank you so much, its just what I was looking for. Great tutorial and looks like even I can do it.
Staples! Why didn’t I think of that? I want to make a bow right now!!
Ann…what a beautiful bow…i am definitely using this post as a constant reference…love your wreath and the white and red bow is magnificent!!! Thanks so much for the tutorial….Have a great weekend!
I have been waiting for this tutorial! It IS easy… and the bow is perfect!!! This has changed my bow decor forever!!! Thanks!
Simple and I love It !!! Thank you so much !
Beautiful, thank you for that, I have pinned it to two of my boards. Thanks so much for your sweet comment on my last post. I appreciate your friendship.
Hugs, Cindy
YOU ROCK! That’s amazing! Thank you…I have about 36,000 places that I need to do this. :)
You are awesome! Thanks so much for sharing.
xo,
RJ
Great Job Ann!! Totally shows how easy this is!!! To pretty simple loosely and beautifully tied bows!! Cheers!!
Awesome advice.
I just made one with wired ribbon which is a bit stiff so I think I’ll try one with ragged edged muslin later. :)
Beautiful and simple. Perfect.
Wow, I love this easy way to make a bow. They are the most frustrating thing to make aren’t they?? Thanks for the tips Ann.
Thank you for the awesome tutorial! I can never make bows and when I have seen tutorials, they never make sense. Yours is very easy to understand so I will be trying your method. Thanks and have a great weekend!
-Shelley
Thanks so much for this great tutorial! VERY useful, and VERY practical! Love it!
Even challenged Olive can do that. Thanks bunches Ann.
Perfect, I need to make a bow today and will try your method. Yours looks perfect so I expect mine will too:)
Stunning and simple … perfect.
Fondly,
Glenda
Well of course you would use thread to sew your bow together at the end! What else is a seamstress to do???? Love it! Thanks for sharing the tutorial. Maybe, just maybe I can replicate it. LOL!
Thank you for sharing this, Ann! I am so excited to give it a try…
Fantastic. I’m pretty sloppy with my bows… This should set me on the straight and narrow!!!
So that’s how it’s done! Thanks for the great tutorial!