One of the best ways to make nice, big bows is to use several layers of ribbon. Depending on the look you want, you can make the entire bow from the same color ribbon, or use several different colors to give the bow a contrasting or layered look. To make a big bow, you'll want to use ribbon that's about 1 inch wide or wider. Many types of ribbon work well for big bows. You can use shiny gift wrap ribbon or wired ribbon if you want a formal bow. Try wire-free satin, organza or satin ribbon for a softer big bow.
Instructions
1. Hold the ribbon where you want the bow to start. You may want to leave some extra ribbon at the end of the bow for a tail.
2. Make a loop in the ribbon that's about half the size that you want the finished bow. Pinch the loop with your fingers to hold it together.
3. Twist the ribbon and make another loop that's the same size as the first, but going the opposite direction.
4. Twist the ribbon and make another loop on top of the first loop, then twist the ribbon again and make another loop on top of the second loop.
5. Continue making loops, twisting the ribbon and alternating sides, until you have at least 8 loops, or enough to make a base for the big bow.
6. Hold the center of the bow between your thumb and index finger, with your thumb on top of the bow. Wrap the ribbon over your thumb, then carefully pull your thumb out without letting go of the loops.
7. Put a piece of bow wire through the small loop in the center of the bow, then wrap it around the bow and twist it together underneath. Cut off the excess wire.
8. Cut the ribbon so that the tails on both sides of the bow are the same length and fluff out the ribbon loops by gently twisting them away from each other to make a fuller bow
9. Make one or more additional bows the same way. These bows should be slightly smaller than the first bow and do not need any tails. Leave extra wire on the underside of these bows.
10. Stack the bows on top of each other. Twist the wires on the underside of the top bows around the bow that's underneath. Then cut off any extra wire.
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