Ribbon Bow Designs for Gift + Floral Arrangements

Our time-tested method for hand-tied bows is simple and gives your floral designs a professional, high-quality finish.

How to Make Professional, Hand-Tied Bows with Ribbon

An elegant, purple bow

  1. Make a small loop and leave a tail.
  2. With a double-face ribbon, twist it so that the correct side is up.
  3. Make another loop that is slightly larger than the first.
  4. Squeeze the ribbon together to create a small center.
  5. Make loops a little larger each time and try not to line up the ribbon.
  6. Repeat until you have 8 loops on each side; this will make about a 4-yard bow.
  7. After loops are created, take floral wire and lay it over the top, securing with your thumb. (21 – 22 gauge floral wire works the best.)
  8. Bring both ends of the wire to the back of the bow and twist lightly.
  9. Place it in the other hand and fluff the bow.
  10. Turn upside down and twist the bow, not the wire.
  11. Turn upright and bow is complete. 

Note: For a round bow, make loops the same size each time.

For our visual learners, check out the video below on how to make professional ribbon bows for gift + floral arrangements. When you've got the basics down, please create an account with us and start shopping for ribbon in bulk to get started on your ribbon bow projects today. Or, if you prefer, skip the manual bow-making process and shop our selection of pre-made ribbon bows for your convenience.

FAQs Related to Gift + Floral Bows:

Is wired ribbon or regular ribbon better for making bows?

Wired ribbon is better for making bows than non-wired ribbon. Wired ribbon allows for easy shaping and ensures the bow maintains its form and fluffiness. Non-wired ribbons tend to droop or flatten more easily, making it harder to achieve a well-defined, voluminous bow.

What gauge of wire ribbon is best for making bows?

22-gauge floral wire is recommended for making bows. It's a versatile gauge that provides good support for most ribbon sizes without being too difficult to manipulate.

Can ribbon bows be used on floral and gift designs?

Yes, bows are a classic and versatile element that can be used in both floral and gift arrangements.