I have a big basket chock full of all kinds of pretty ribbon I’ve been collecting over the years. To me, a pretty bow on the top of a gift is almost as important as what’s inside! But a bow is a bow is a bow, right? And it’s no different than tying a shoe, yes? Well. Yes and no. I’m going to show you three bow-tying techniques — each one achieving a slightly different look for different purposes. I’m also going to show you the trick to getting your ribbon to lay flat on the bottom of your gift box. Professional gift wrappers use this very same method. (Fancy!)
How to Get Your Ribbon Flat on the Bottom of Your Package
Let’s start with learning how to get the ribbon flat on the bottom of your package. This is a crucial step in creating a beautiful and professional-looking gift.
Choosing the Right Ribbon
For smaller boxes, I like to use narrower ribbon, but it can be fun to change it up and use wide ribbon on smaller boxes too. For this part of the tutorial, I chose an unwired, woven ribbon in classic plaid. Satin and grosgrain are my other favorites and make the loveliest bows.
Laying the Box Flat and Bringing the Ribbon Across
Lay the box flat on the table. Bring one end of the ribbon across the top of the box, leaving enough ribbon on the end for the bow, between 4-8″ depending on the width of your ribbon and how big you want the final bow to be.
Bringing the Ribbon Around the Box
Now bring the ribbon across the top, around the side, across the bottom, and back up the other side. Bring that side up to meet the top ribbon in the middle of the box.
Folding the Top Ribbon
Fold the top ribbon over as shown. Secret #1: If you are using a ribbon with a pattern only on one side, give the ribbon a double twist here so the pattern faces up as you wrap it around the other side.
Holding the Fold in Place
Hold the ribbon fold in place with your thumb as you gently lift the box up and bring the ribbon all the way back around to the top center of the box.
Crossing the End and Pulling Tight
Cross the end you just brought up from the bottom over the center. Bring it around underneath. Pull both ends in opposite directions to tighten. Now we’re ready for the bows!
How to Tie a Standard Bow
Starting with the right side, make a loop with the ribbon. Secret #2: I prefer to bring the ribbon up to make my loop rather than down. I think it makes a prettier bow.
Bringing the Other Side Around
Bring the other side around the loop you made, just as you would when tying your shoes, and up through to form the other loop.
Pulling the Loops Tight
Pull on the loops to tighten. Done.
How to Tie a Bunny Ear Bow
I’ve found that flimsier ribbon works better with either the bunny ear or standard bows. If I’m using a wider grosgrain ribbon, I prefer the flat bow below.
Making Two Loops
Start by making two loops of equal length on each side.
Crossing the Loops
Cross the left side over the right. Bring it through.
Pulling the Loops Tight
Pull the loops tight, adjust length, and snip ends. Secret #3: To snip the ends in a classic V, simply fold the ribbon in half and cut it at an angle from the edge towards the fold.
How to Tie a Flat Bow
A flat bow is not much different than the first bow I demonstrated. Secret #4: A flat bow looks good on a gift, but it’s especially perfect to use on greeting cards or crafts where a flat-lying bow is needed. This is also the bow I use to make hair barrettes for my daughters.
Following the Ribbon-Around-the-Box Directions
Follow the ribbon-around-the-box directions as above, pulling the ends tight in opposite directions.
Forming a Loop
Form a loop, this time with the ribbon coming down instead of up.
Bringing the Loop Over
Bring the loop over to the side, like a bowtie and bring the other end around from behind and over the front of the loop, and through.
Pulling the Loops Tight
Pull the loops tight and adjust length as needed by gently tugging on the ends.
Trimming the Ends
Trim the ends and you’ve got one gorgeous bow!
Here’s to a season of beautifully be-ribboned gifts! P.S. — Find all the secrets to living well here.
